Bus & Public Transport

Mexico offers an excellent public transportation system that caters to both locals and tourists. Car ownership is low, so public transportation is a necessity for many. Thankfully, the options and network is extensive even down to the smallest remote places.

Buses:

Buses are the prevalent mode of transportation throughout Mexico, connecting cities, towns, and rural areas. There are over 200 bus companies in Mexico, so the list below are the most common. We fly into Mexico City and travel around with backpacks on buses often. All major bus stations are listed on the GEM map: Google Maps - Web-based map with details. How to use the map.

  • Luxury coach buses (1st class / Primero & Luxury / Lujo / Ejecutivo) provide the most comfortable and safe journeys between popular city destinations. These buses offer the most amenities (luxury seats, A/C, TV, bottled water, nice bathrooms). Limited stops or direct routes are expected. These buses utilize the faster toll road when available. The more you pay, the nicer the bus as competition is high. I will choose ETN or ADO buses, if I have a choice. A front-row top-floor seat on a double-decker ETN bus is a unique travel experience! Buy that ticket online ahead of time.

  • Some bus companies have their own dedicated terminal vs the main bus station. You are purchasing tickets online ahead of time or at the companies dedicated sales window. These lines have comfortable waiting areas and customer restrooms. Porters will load/unload luggage & give you a claim ticket.

  • Bus lines : ADO (OCC) - Autovias - CostaLine - Estrella Blanca - Estrella de Oro - ETN - Futura - Omnibus - Primera Plus - Pulman - TAP Plus - Vallarta Plus

  • More info: Mexperience - Mexperience Luxury - Janine In The World ADO - Janine In The World

  • How do I find my bus line? Rome 2 Rio is a great place to start and has a nice search to figure out your bus company for your route. Not all bus companies are listed, so some online research is needed.

  • Do I need to buy tickets ahead of time? No, you can purchase tickets at the terminal, but for guaranteed seats Bus Bud allows you to easily purchase tickets online (in English) for most routes. You can always purchase direct from the companies website, if you’re comfortable navigating Spanish. If you purchase a ticket online and miss your bus, most agents will put you on the next bus. Unlike airline flights, you can arrive for your bus shortly before it departs.

  • Mexico City (MEX) airport has a bus station in both airport terminals for ease of travel. Destinations are the surrounding cities. Show up and purchase your ticket. Destinations include - Cuernavaca (Pullman), Puchuca (Futura), Puebla (ADO), Querétaro (Primera Plus), San Juan del Rio (Primera Plus), Toluca (Aero Caminante). However, you can connect onward to other stops. For example, ADO has connecting buses to Oaxaca, from Puebla.

  • 2nd class (Segunda / Economico) buses are the next step below. These are often older 1st class busses. There are many regional bus lines and routes. They often serve smaller cities and towns with shorter routes and more stops. If you can not find your route, ask at the bus station. Someone will point you to the correct ticket window. Confirm there is a bathroom on the bus, if you need one. Sometimes there is no ticket window and you purchase your ticket at the bus. You often need to load/unload your own luggage and there is no claim ticket so watch your bags.

  • 3rd class buses are the most affordable option. Expect slow going with many stops, no bathrooms and crowded…but it gets you there. Pay the bus driver and tell them where you are going. Usually there is no place to store your luggage, so travel backpacks only.

  • City buses. These are all over the country with set routes. Pay as you get on. You will be handed a receipt. Get off where you need too. I will have Google Maps open on my phone tracking my travel, so I know when to get off.

Tourist Vans:

Regional tourist (turística) vans exists all over the country. These are typically 12-15 person transport vans to connect your destinations. For example, there are several van companies to connect Oaxaca city to the Oaxaca coast. The GEM map has some locations listed, inquire locally at your lodging or on Facebook groups to locate them…as many don’t have websites. Purchase ticket at company office or with the driver.

Taxis:

Taxis are readily available in urban and rural areas across Mexico, offering a convenient way to navigate cities and towns. While traditional street-hailed taxis are prevalent, ride-hailing services (Uber & DiDi) have also gained popularity in major cities, providing an additional option for travelers.

  • Taxis are plentiful, regulated, and well marked in Mexico. The center square of any town has a Taxi stand (sitio). Supermarkets and mercados all have taxis stands or hail one from the street. Always state where you are going and confirm the price before you get in. Most all taxis do not use vehicle meter systems, but most all areas have regulated rates for the taxis. Read more below so you don’t over pay. Ask your hotel or locals what the rate should be. There is always some bargaining room for longer drives.

  • More information and Mexico City taxis: Feather and the Wind - The Mija Chronicles

  • DiDi has a larger share of the ride-hailing market than Uber. Have both apps for your phone.

  • Please read Taxi + Uber section for more information.

Colectivo:

Colectivos are hop on / hop off passenger vans (12-15 passengers, but sometimes smaller buses) that run on set routes. Local use colectivos to get around. These are by far the cheapest local transportation. The route will be written on the windshield. It’s the end to end points of their driving route. Ask a driver, if you are unsure and they will point to the correct colectivo.

The side door opens and you get in. Pay the driver at some point (10 to 30 pesos). Ask another rider, not the driver, if you are unsure of the cost or check ahead of time with your hotel. You can exit anywhere along the route by letting the driver know. They are in a hurry, so have your coins ready to pay and move quickly. In some rural areas, the only colectivos are in the back of trucks…I’ve done it. The Gem Map has many popular colectivo pickup areas listed or ask a local for colectivo stand (sitio). One of the best experiences in Mexico!

More info: Mexico Relocation Guide - Akumal Now

Metro and Light Rail Systems:

Mexico City boasts one of the largest and busiest metro systems in the world, making it an integral part of daily life for its residents. With 12 lines covering a vast area of the city, the metro provides a cost-effective and efficient way to traverse the capital. Additionally, the city is also serviced by a light rail system, further enhancing accessibility within Mexico City. I use the metro all the time to explore the city. It’s the fastest way to travel with all the street traffic and very safe these days. There are dedicated women-only access points and trains cars now.

  • Google Maps, with public transit option selected, is one of the best ways to view and use the network.

  • The GEM map features the most useful metro stops and then you can switch over to Google Maps to navigate.

  • The cost is 5 pesos per ride. Purchase a small ticket at the entrance and feed that ticket into the entrance machine.

  • The metro works like any metro in the world with line #s and colors. End stops for each line points you to the correct track to board. Some stations are confusing with very long walks. Police and others are around to help. The metro gets very busy during commuter hours & the trains do NOT operate 24/7 - México Destinos

  • We travel to and from the Mexico City airport using the metro. We use travel backpacks and thus can use the metro. If you have larger roller bags, this could be challenging. Consider a taxi from the airport to your lodging & then use the metro.

  • Transfer to light rail (Tren Ligero - 3 pesos) at Tasqueña for Xochimilco end point.

  • Please consult these guide for more info: Gringa Guide - Northern Laura - Nomadic Backpacker

These cities also have modern metro systems:

  • Guadalajara: 10 pesos per ride. Purchase ticket at kiosk machine. Map here.

  • Monterrey: 15 peso per ride. Purchase ticket at kiosk machine. Map here.

Passenger Trains:

Gondola:

Water Taxi / Ferry:

In coastal regions and resort areas such as the Yucatán Peninsula, the West Coast, and countless inland lakes and bodies of water, ferries play a significant role in transporting locals and visitors. The GEM map has the major ferry docks listed.

  • Approach any water taxi / ferry and there will be a ticket office or a ticket seller at the dock.

  • If there is no one selling tickets, get on and at some point they will ask for payment.

  • If you are on a tourist ferry, there are often people selling things and sometimes a band playing for tips.

  • UltraMar is one of the most famous fast ferries in the country found in Cancun.

  • A day trip or overnight to Yelapa via the ferry from Playa Muertos Puerto Vallarta is must do.

  • A day trip to the island of Janitzio is a unique experience when in Pátzcuaro - Pueblo Magico.

  • Sumidero Canyon via a ferry is a one of kind water experience.

  • When visiting Mexico City, a water tour/party on historic Xochimilco will complete your trip.

  • Heading to Belize (San Pedro and Caye Caulker) thru Cancun or Tulum? San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi