By Bus
Buses are the backbone of Mexican travel. Long-distance services split into two tiers: first class (primera clase) and luxury (ejecutivo or premium). Companies like ADO, ETN, and Primera Plus run comfortable coaches with reclining seats, air conditioning, onboard movies, and occasional snacks. First class buses go directly between cities; second-class buses make stops along the way and are cheaper but slower. For overnight journeys of six hours or more, a luxury seat is worth the extra cost.
Within cities, local buses are extremely cheap but routes can be confusing. Locals navigate by landmarks and avenue names rather than route numbers. In major tourist cities, ride-hailing apps (Uber, InDriver, DiDi) are often easier and safer than street taxis.
By Air
Flying makes sense for long distances — Mexico City to the Yucatan, for instance, takes two hours rather than a full day by bus. Aeromexico covers most major routes. Budget carriers Volaris and VivaAerobus are cheaper but operate point-to-point and often use secondary airports. Book at least two weeks ahead for the best domestic fares.
By Train
Passenger rail is very limited, but the Chihuahua al Pacífico (Chepe) is worth a trip in its own right. This spectacular railway runs through the Copper Canyon — deeper than the Grand Canyon in places — connecting Los Mochis on the Pacific coast with Chihuahua in the north. The Chepe Express runs between Los Mochis and Creel (the main jumping-off point for canyon exploration). Book in advance; it is popular.
By Car
Driving opens up areas poorly served by buses, particularly Baja California and rural Oaxaca. Mexico has two road systems: toll highways (cuotas) and free roads (libres). Tolls add up quickly but the highways are well-maintained and patrolled. Free highways are slower and best avoided at night in less-visited regions. You will need Mexican auto insurance; US and Canadian policies generally do not cover Mexico. Buy it before crossing the border.
Getting Around Mexico City
Mexico City's metro is extensive (12 lines, 163 stations) and very cheap — one of the best transit systems in Latin America. During rush hours it is extremely crowded. The Metrobús rapid transit system runs on dedicated lanes along major avenues and is usually faster during peak hours. Uber and DiDi are widely used and generally reliable. Street taxis (sitio taxis from established stands) are safer than flagging cabs off the street.