Getting Around Mexico: Metro, Buses, Trains and Ride Apps

Getting around Mexico

Mexico is huge, and how you travel depends on the distance. Cities run on metros, buses and ride apps, while long hauls are best by comfortable coach or a quick domestic flight.

Metro and city transit

The Mexico City Metro is one of the cheapest in the world at 5 pesos a ride, but it gets packed at rush hour. Buy a rechargeable Tarjeta CDMX, which also works on the Metrobús (bright red bus rapid transit) and the Cablebús cable cars. Guadalajara and Monterrey have their own light-rail and metro systems. Avoid the Metro between 7-9am and 6-8pm if you can, and keep an eye on your bag in crowds.

Intercity buses

Buses are Mexico's backbone for travel between cities. ADO dominates the south and east (Cancún, Mérida, Oaxaca), while ETN and Primera Plus cover central and western routes with reclining seats. Book ahead online or at the central de autobuses (CAPU/TAPO). A first-class Mexico City-Puebla trip runs about 200-250 pesos; Cancún-Tulum is around 250 pesos. First-class coaches are air-conditioned, safe and reliable.

Trains

Mexico has little passenger rail, but two routes stand out. El Chepe crosses the spectacular Copper Canyon between Los Mochis and Creel. The new Tren Maya now links Cancún, Mérida, Palenque and Campeche, a scenic way to tour the Yucatán. Reserve seats in advance, especially in high season.

Ride apps and taxis

Uber and DiDi work in most large cities and are cheaper and safer than hailing street taxis. Cabify also operates in Mexico City. In tourist zones like Cancún and Los Cabos, apps may be restricted, so use authorized taxi stands and agree on the fare first.

Car rental and driving

Renting a car is great for Yucatán beaches or Baja road trips. You must buy Mexican liability insurance, which is legally required regardless of your home policy. Toll roads (cuotas) are faster and safer than free roads (libres); keep pesos for booths. Avoid driving at night on rural highways.

Domestic flights

For long distances, budget carriers Volaris, VivaAerobus and Aeroméxico beat 12-hour bus rides. Mexico City to Cancún or Tijuana is a couple of hours and often under 1,500 pesos if booked early. Watch strict carry-on limits on the low-cost airlines.

Stay connected in Mexico

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land, so you can pull up maps, translate signs, book buses and call a ride without hunting for Wi-Fi or paying roaming fees.