Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Mexico.

Limited but scenic routes — Mexico has limited passenger rail compared to buses. The Tren Chepe (Chihuahua Pacífico) through the Copper Canyon and the tourist train from Mexico City to Puebla are popular. Book in advance through official websites or travel agencies.
Most long-distance travel uses buses, not trains. Rail infrastructure is aging and schedules are unreliable for general transportation.
First-class comfort — On available routes, purchase primera clase (first class) for meals, better seating, and fewer stops. Tickets are comparable to bus fares.

Mexico City Metro is fast and cheap — The Mexico City Metro (Sistema de Transporte Colectivo) is the cheapest way to move—single rides cost ~6 pesos. Buy a rechargeable Tarjeta de Movilidad card at stations or use NFC-enabled phones with the official app.
Metro Line A (southern branch) is notorious for overcrowding and occasional safety concerns. Avoid peak hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) if possible, and keep valuables secure.
Other cities have modern systems — Guadalajara (Siteur), Monterrey (Metrorrey), and Querétaro have modern light rail and bus networks. Apps and passes vary by city—ask your hotel or use Google Maps.
Pesero and combi minibuses — Small shared minibuses (peseros, combis) are everywhere and ultra-cheap but crowded and unscheduled. They're useful for short trips once you know the route.
Women-only cars on Metro — Mexico City Metro reserves the first and last cars for women and children during peak hours. Men may be fined if they board.

Use ride-sharing apps instead — Uber and Beat are safer and cheaper than street taxis in major cities. Prices are transparent and drivers are rated. Download both—service varies by area.
Street taxis can overcharge tourists or take roundabout routes. If using one, only enter white taxis with government license plates and insist on the meter (taxímetro).
Negotiate shared minibus taxis — In smaller towns, shared taxis (colectivos) run fixed routes and cost less than Uber. Prices are negotiable for groups or long distances.
Avoid hailing taxis at airports or tourist areas—use official airport taxi booths or pre-book via app. Unmarked taxis near attractions are common scam targets.
Share rides to save money — In Mexico City and large cities, Uber Pool and Beat carpool options cut costs by half. Slightly longer wait but major savings.

Best way to travel between cities — Companies like ADO, Greyhound México, Volvo, and Autobuses Unidos run safe, modern coaches nationwide. Book online at ADO.com.mx or through travel apps.
Buy first-class when possible — Primera clase (first class) includes meals, movies, wider seats, and fewer stops. Segunda clase (second class) is cheaper but stops frequently and is more crowded.
Bus terminals can be chaotic and attract pickpockets. Keep bags zipped and close, especially in Mexico City and Guadalajara terminals. Avoid traveling alone at night.
Overnight buses are common — Long routes (8+ hours) often run at night to save time. Book direct, higher-tier services if traveling overnight.

Driving in Mexico requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus your home license. Rental cars must have proof of insurance—use the rental company's or buy separate coverage (mandatory by law).
Carreteras (toll highways) are well-maintained but expensive (often 200–400 pesos per 100 km). Free roads are slower and less safe at night. Always use toll highways after dark.
Police corruption is real: officers may demand bribes for minor violations or manufactured infractions. Stay calm, polite, and ask for a written ticket (multa) if pulled over. Do not hand over cash directly.
Avoid driving in certain states (Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa outside tourist zones) due to organized crime and highway robbery. Check current travel advisories before planning a route.
Rent from major companies — Use Hertz, Europcar, or Avis rather than local agencies. Major companies have roadside assistance and clearer insurance.

Major hubs and budget carriers — Mexico City (MEX) is the largest hub; Cancún (CUN), Monterrey (MTY), and Guadalajara (GDL) are major alternatives. Volotea, Viva Aerobus, and Frontier offer budget flights; Aeromexico and LATAM are full-service.
Get to the airport early — Arrive 3 hours before domestic flights and 4 hours for international. Security lines can be long and unpredictable.
Airport taxis and food are expensive. Use airport taxi booths (casetas de taxi) or pre-book Uber/Beat. Bring snacks or eat before arriving.
Airport buses and shuttles — Many airports have authorized shuttle buses (autobuses) to city centers for 50–150 pesos. Cheaper than taxis, though slower.
Domestic flight changes — Baggage policies vary widely; check with your airline. Budget carriers often charge for checked bags (300–400 pesos), while full-service carriers include them.

Island ferries in tourist areas — Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Playa del Carmen are connected by ferries (Ultramar, Xcaret Ferries). Book online or at terminals; trips take 30 min to 1 hour.
Sea of Cortez ferries — Baja California has ferries linking La Paz to Mazatlán and Cabo. Baja Ferries operates these longer routes; book well ahead in high season.
Ferry schedules change seasonally and weather can cause delays or cancellations. Confirm schedules the day before travel.

Book buses online — ADO.com.mx, Vuelve.com, and Busbud let you compare prices and book long-distance buses in advance. Advance booking often saves 10–20%.
Metro and transit passes — In Mexico City, load a Tarjeta de Movilidad (mobility card) with credit at metro stations or convenience stores; it works on Metro, buses, and light rail. Day passes (Pasaje Ilimitado) cost ~50 pesos.
Tourist passes in big cities — Mexico City offers the Tarjeta Turista (tourist card) with unlimited Metro and bus rides for 1–3 days (120–400 pesos). Useful if you'll transit heavily.
Always buy tickets from official sources (station counters, authorized apps, official websites). Street vendors selling 'cheap tickets' are often scams or counterfeit.
Keep your ticket until exit — On Metro and buses, don't discard your ticket until you've fully exited. Inspectors conduct spot checks and fine fare evaders.

Buy a local SIM card — Movistar, Telcel, AT&T México, and Virgin Mobile sell prepaid SIM cards at airports and convenience stores for 50–150 pesos. Activate instantly with ID. Data plans are cheap (200 pesos for 2–3 GB).
Use WhatsApp and Maps offline — Download offline maps in Google Maps and rely on WhatsApp for messaging to save on data. Most cafes and hotels have free Wi-Fi.
4G/LTE coverage is good in cities but spotty in rural areas. Backup a downloaded offline map and consider a power bank for long trips.
Telcel is most reliable — Telcel has the widest network coverage, especially outside cities. Movistar is cheaper but has less coverage in remote areas.
Roaming is expensive — International roaming charges are steep (often $2–5 per MB). Always buy a local SIM or activate a travel plan with your home provider before arrival.