Getting Around in Mexico

Domestic Flights In Mexico

Mexico has an extensive network of modern airports throughout the country, and flying from place to place is efficient and safe.

The two main airlines are Aeromexico and Mexicana. Until recently, they were both owned by a government company which was created to rescue them following the 1995 financial crisis. As a result, domestic flights can be relatively expensive in Mexico, because there is little or no competition on certain routes.

In 2006, the government put the two airlines back up for sale. Following a tendering process, Mexicana was purchased by Grupo Posadas, a hotel and leisure group, although AeroMexico did not attract a high enough price and remains in government control.

Mexico's airline industry is being de-regulated and this is causing the market to become more competitive, both domestically (internal flights) and the opening of additional international gateways into Mexico from the USA.

There are some smaller, independent airlines starting to operate in Mexico: the equivalent of Ryan Air / EasyJet in Europe or America West in the USA. Their routes and schedules tend to be limited though, and you may be forced to take Aeromexico or Mexicana to get where you want to go, especially if your itinerary is short or you must attend meetings for business.

You can find a list of Mexican and International Airlines, including low-cost carriers, on the Mexperience Travel Center:

• Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines

Internal Point-to-Point Flights in Mexico

Because of the way Mexico's airline industry is currently structured, Mexico City is THE hub serving the country's provincial airports, and point-to-point travel is not always possible on the main commercial airlines: you have to fly back to Mexico City and then out to the provinces again.

With the advent of market de-regulation, point-to-point flights are increasing rapidly, providing better access to Mexico's smaller airports without having to fly via the capital.

Toluca Airport, just outside the capital and within a 45-60 minute drive of the city center is becoming an important hub for low-cost carriers especially. For passenger's convenience, the low-cost airlines provide comfortable buses between Toluca Airport from Benito Juarez Airport (Mexico City's main airport) as well as other strategic points around the capital city: check their web site for details -- you can find a list of low-cost carriers in Mexico on our Mexico Flights page.

A recently-signed 'open skies' type agreement between the USA and Mexico has opened up the possibility of low-cost carriers operating more point-to-point routes from the USA to popular tourist destinations and important business locations in Mexico. These routes will help to continue de-centralizing Mexico City as the 'hub' for flights in Mexico and make air travel more efficient.

Mexico City's airport authority has an extensive plan to continue decentralizing flights in/out of Mexico City by making significant investments in strategic regional airports within a couple of hour's drive of the capital.

Toluca airport is already handing many more flights than it did a couple of years ago airports in the cities of Queretaro, Puebla and Cuernavaca will also have major investment upgrades in the coming years which will add more choice, more routes, better value and reduce air-traffic congestion in Mexico City's already congested skies.

Tip: Although traveling through Mexico City airport to get to your final destination can be time-consuming, the airport is modern and has all the amenities you would expect; a stay-over may be alleviated with food and drink stops, craft and curio shops as well as duty-free items (if you are heading home). Flight transfers are efficient and there is no need to leave the airport if you don't want to.

Considerations for planning your flights to and through Mexico:

First - Check to see if the journey you want to take may be covered by a local point-to-point low-cost carrier, within Mexico or from the USA. We publish and update a list of low-cost airlines in Mexico on our Mexico Flights page.

You may also enquire locally about small independent airline operators (e.g. small charters). These are independent companies that fill up a flight or two a day between main regional towns and cities otherwise not served by the main airlines on a point-to-point basis. For example, there are small prop-planes that fly between Oaxaca City and the Pacific resort of Huatulco. However, the companies which run these services tend to come and go depending on the local business environment and season, so we don't list them and their schedules are not available through major booking systems. You must enquire locally about them if you are interested in this option.

Mexicana and AeroMexico also operate small regional flights, and the schedules for these are usually coded in to their main systems, so you can find them using their web site's online reservation systems. These services are limited and prices may be higher than you expect. Compare prices with point-to-point alternative low cost carriers.

Second - Consider renting a car and drive the regional leg of your journey; you can find extensive advice about renting a car and driving in Mexico later on this page. Mexico is a big country and driving can take longer than you may expect -- so if you choose this option, ensure you build-in plenty of time.

Third - You may want to take a bus (see below). Mexico's bus system and bus network is a world away from, for example, the USA's Greyhound UK's National Express buses and service image.

For a fraction of the equivalent flight cost you can often ride a luxury bus with just 24 seats on board: much like business class on an airline. Some companies and routes even have a crew on board serving light snacks and soft drinks. See our information about Mexico's National Buses (below) for further details.

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National Buses In Mexico

In parallel with Mexico's investment in its road network (see also Traveling by Road), Mexico's bus companies invested heavily in new, executive-style buses that cover virtually the entire country (Baja California Peninsula is a notable exception) and transport their customers in comfort and safety, on high-specification, quiet, modern air-conditioned buses.  First-class buses only travel on the toll-roads, making the journey fast and efficient..

These first-class/executive buses have wide seats (like business class seats on an airplane) and are configured for as few as 24 passengers, so there's plenty of room to stretch your legs, lean back and rest. In fact, bus schedules can run all night on some routes, so you can often catch say, a 10pm bus, and arrive rested at your destination early the following morning!

The bus companies that operate these first class services are extremely professional and the staff are always immaculately dressed in uniform and very courteous. The buses run on time, and are direct - they do not stop en-route like many of the lower fare alternatives.

Different companies operate different routes (usually by region), although competition does exist and therefore prices are kept competitive.

If you have pre-conceptions about the comfort levels of bus travel, ride a first class or executive bus in Mexico these days. 6-7 hours is the optimal comfort time for these luxury buses; if your destination is further away than this and you enjoy creature comforts, fly instead. Full details, distances and travel times, and notes about bus travel are available on the Mexperience Travel Center

Buses from/to Mexico City: Mexico's bus system is run professionally and regarded as safe and economical way to travel. Read this article on the Safety in Mexico page for a few sensible tips if you are traveling by bus from or to Mexico City.

You also have a choice of 2nd class buses if you are on a budget, some of which provide a relatively good level of comfort, but standards vary. They may also take longer to get you to your destination as they are often "indirect" - in other words - they stop at all the towns and villages en route.

You can get full information about classes of bus service and routes from the bus information here in the Mexperience Travel Center

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Local Buses and Microbuses in Mexico

Local Buses

Local buses exist in every city and town. They are not regulated from a safety point of view, so don't expect to see any signs restricting passenger numbers on them. Buses carry as many people as can be packed in - especially at rush hour. Don't be shocked to see people hanging out of the doors during peak times - both front and back - this is a normal sight in Mexico!

They are very, very inexpensive to ride (take change with you) - pay when you board. If you want to get around during the day (off peak is after 10am and before 4pm in the bigger towns and cities) they are a way of experiencing of tasting a piece of the 'real' Mexico.

Not for the feint hearted, but independent travelers who are street-wise and know how to get themselves around a place will find the buses OK. Don't step aboard dripping with your jewelry and wedges of cash! If you're planning to use public transport of any kind to see a place, wear something casual, like jeans and a t-shirt, and try to blend in a bit. As with any busy populated environment, watch out for pick-pockets!

Micro Buses in Mexico

"Micros", as they are known in Spanish, started life as VW Combis seating 9 people a few years ago, at a time when they were called Peseros (deriving from the word "peso", in days when they used to cost just one peso to go from A to B on any given route). Today they have evolved into mini-buses, due to the volume of people relying on their services. You can still see the old style Peseros in a few smaller towns and cities.

These green and white mini-buses no longer cost just one peso; the price varies on how far you'll travel from MX$2.50 to MX$4 in the Federal District with extra charge after 10 p.m. Like buses, you pay when you get on.

The advice for traveling on Micros is the same as that for local buses.

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Taxi Cabs in Mexico

Getting about by taxi cab is relatively inexpensive in Mexico. Taxis are either metered, not metered or charged by zones. In the latter, your price will vary depending on which zone you're in and which zone you're traveling to.

Meters are checked/calibrated annually as part of the taxi's license and you can be sure that, in virtually all cases, the fare you see metered is the correct one for your journey. Cabs in some provincial cities do not have meters and there is no official zone charging system either. In these cases, agree your journey price beforehand.

Also See: Taxi Types and Fares on the Prices in Mexico Page

Taxi Cab Safety in Mexico City

In recent years, there has been a spate of taxi-related crimes in Mexico City. As a result, foreign tourists are advised to only ride in taxis that are associated with a "Sitio" (meaning 'Taxi Rank') in the capital.

At the beginning of 2008, Mexico City's government re-licenced all of the capital's cabs, issuing new-style plates and new forms of ID for licensed cab drivers. Read this blog entry for details: Taxis in Mexico

Taxi Rank cabs are more expensive but continue to be relatively inexpensive in comparison to cab fares in other big cities such New York, Los Angeles and London.

Note that taxis in Mexico's provinces (i.e. outside of Mexico City) are generally regarded as safe to hail off the street, but you will need to speak some Spanish.

Foreigners, especially those familiar with Mexico City and who speak some Spanish do hail cabs off the street in the capital, although it is as well to understand the risks and take a few sensible precautions:

You need to know Mexico City and speak Spanish: Don't take street cabs in Mexico City if you are unfamiliar with the capital and/or don't speak much Spanish: if you are visiting the city, get your hotel to phone a cab co-operative (see below) or use a taxi rank cab.

If you decide to take a street cab in Mexico City, it is advisable to opt only for the new style white cabs (all with 4 doors) that have a bright red stripe around them and the new-style license plates which are predominantly white and begin with an "A".

Flag down properly licenced cabs: From 2008, Mexico City's government re-licenced all taxi cabs in the capital as part of a safety and quality campaign. All newly-licenced cabs have a distinctive white colored licence plate beginning with the letter A. Any street cab you flag down should show this new plate.

If you are carrying any valuable equipment (e.g. laptop or expensive cameras) it's best to get a cab from a taxi rank, call a taxi-cooperative, or get your hotel to phone a local taxi co-operative for you.

Dress and act sensibly, following the general Safety Guidelines as set out on the Health and Safety pages.

If you are not familiar with Mexico City and the place you are going, and/or if you don't speak some Spanish, then do yourself a favor and call to arrange a taxi via the hotel where you're staying or phone a taxi firm/co-operative.  They cost more, but are still good value in comparison to a similar distance taxi fare in other major capitals, e.g. New York, London or Paris.

Ensure Your Taxi is Properly Licenced

Be sure, whatever taxi you get into, that the license card is clearly visible. The license is a white, laminated card with official stamps, a hologram and a photograph of the taxi driver on it. The card should be presented in full color and not be a photocopy.

Types of Taxi in Mexico

See Also: Taxi Types and Fares on the Prices in Mexico Page

Independent Taxis in Mexico City

In Mexico City, these are white, painted with a bright red stripe around them. The new white and red taxis are all 4-door cars. There still exist some of the old-style VW Beetle taxis (green color), but eventually all taxis will be red and white.

Independent Taxis Outside of Mexico City

Outside of Mexico City, the paint color of taxis varies widely. Street cabs are the least expensive and, outside of Mexico City, they are generally regarded as safe to flag down.

If you don't speak some Spanish then you may find independent taxis a bit of a handful - some may try to overcharge you.

Sitio Taxis (Taxi Ranks / Taxi Co-operatives)

Taxi Ranks are most common in Mexico City (marked "Sitio"), although you'll find cab ranks in all towns and cities across Mexico. Many cab drivers, especially those working in the capital, are now affiliating themselves with local taxi co-operatives, or companies that service fares from a base, and pick people up when they telephone to book a ride.

There are many good companies that will quote you a fare over the 'phone for the journey you request, and tell you the details of the car type/plate that will pick you up. Most hotels are affiliated to a local taxi firm, and some even have a taxi rank outside, waiting for you to travel, although this could be the most expensive type - see Taxi Types and Fares on the Mexico Prices Page

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Traveling by Road (Driving in Mexico)

Also See: Getting Around: Toll Roads in Mexico

The Development of Mexico's Road Network

During the last decade and a half, Mexico has invested huge amounts of money to upgrade its interstate road network - working with the private sector to build and maintain high-quality interstate highways that connect Mexico's major towns and cities.

All of Mexico's new interstate roads are tolled. The tolls are relatively expensive too, in comparison to toll roads in the USA, for example. However, they are well maintained, dual carriageway (except in very rugged mountainous stretches where it is was impossible to build a wide road), and provide a fast, safe and effective way to travel by road from A to B.

You can travel on Mexico's old interstates for free, but some are slower to travel on and may have single carriages only, meaning that you can get stuck behind an old lorry/truck and end up in a queue!

See the section about Toll Roads in Mexico on Mexperience, for more information and advice.

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Car Rental in Mexico

In Mexico City, car rental is probably not a very good idea, unless you're familiar with the city and plan to do a lot of traveling about from place to place inside the city area.

A rental car will provide the freedom and flexibility that public transport cannot when you're traveling longer distances, especially outside Mexico City. If you want to see some of the outlying towns and villages "off the beaten track", then taking a car is the only way you're going to achieve that.

You'll need to be at least 25 - As well as own a credit card, and have a valid driver's license to rent a car in Mexico.  Your own country's license is perfectly acceptable - no need to fork-out more cash for an "international driver's license" permit unless you want to.

Car Rental Charges - These are high in comparison with the US, and about on par with those in Europe. Rates vary depending on the location, time of rental and how many miles you'll clock up. Quotes usually exclude sales tax (IVA) - which is currently 15% in Mexico - so check when you're buying.

Ensure You're Insured! - Your quote may not include fully comprehensive insurance. Ask for it, buy it and check it's there to make sure you're covered.

Damage Premiums - the amount you pay for any damage regardless of your insurance cover or whether or not it was your fault - vary a lot from company to company - by as much as 150%! Some companies levy big premiums, so shop around and ask what the premium is before you rent.

Check Your Car - Inspect your rental car carefully when you take possession of it, and document all damage - no matter how small or 'insignificant' you think it may be.  Also, check underneath the car; this is because Mexico's speed bumps can do major damage to a car's underside and rental companies regularly check for this upon return of the vehicle. A special form is provided at the start of your rental to note all pre-rental damages.

Drop-off Charges - If you will not be taking the car back to the same place where you rented it, expect hefty "drop-off" charges to be added to the account... These are usually between 20-40% of the actual cost of renting the car - and possibly much more if you only need it for a couple of days, as the fee is fixed. Car rental in Mexico is expensive in comparison to the USA and one-way car rental in Mexico is especially expensive.

See the Mexperience Travel Center for Car Rental Quotes

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Bringing In Your Own Car

Foreigners driving into Mexico are allowed to bring their cars (also boats and motor homes) into the country after meeting certain documentary requirements including the payment of a “temporary import” permit.

Foreign retirees (“inmigrantes rentistas”) or those in Mexico on working permits (“no-inmigrante”) may bring in one car (their own) for the duration of their visas and subsequent extensions. Tourists may also bring in one car, even if it’s not their own. For more information about different visas see the Mexperience page on immigration.

Foreigners will need to show proof of nationality, their Mexican visa or tourist card, as well as proof of ownership of the vehicle. In the event the vehicle isn’t paid for, a letter of credit or invoice from the corresponding financial institution will be needed. If the vehicle is rented, the hire contract in the driver’s name and a description of the vehicle. If it’s a company car, the importer will need to show documental proof of a working relationship with the company, as well as company proof of ownership. Also required is a letter stating the driver’s intention to return the vehicle after the authorized period.

The first steps for obtaining a permit can be taken online at the site of Banco del Ejercito The home page has a blue square banner indicating where to go with instructions and requirements in English as well as Spanish. Permits can also be processed at the following Mexican consulates: Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Sacramento, Phoenix, and Albuquerque, as well as at the Banco del Ejercito booths at Mexican customs on the border or at seaports. The online cost of the permit is $22 plus value-added tax, while the cost at consulates is $35.20.

If the permit is paid for in cash, a deposit must be made against failure to take the vehicle out of Mexico at the right time. The deposit, which is returned to the owner when the vehicle leaves Mexico, is $400 for 1999 or later models, $300 for models 1994 to 1998, and $200 for earlier models. Detailed information is available in Spanish at the Mexican customs web site.

The border state of Sonora has a special arrangement, waiving the fees, deposits and other requirements for visitors who intend to stay in the state. The agreement was recently extended to the end of 2007.

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Driving In Mexico

Important! - Have your documentation to hand - If you are used to driving in your home country where immediate documentation production is not required (e.g. UK), you may not always carry your license or car documents with you; if you get stopped, you can present it to the police later, or they will look up your record electronically. It's not so in Mexico. Traffic police are allowed to ask to see your license and your car registration card, or "tarjeta de circulación." It's also practical to keep your car insurance papers with you.

If you're renting a car, besides personal documentation listed above, the rental company will provide the rest.

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Getting Pulled over by the Police

You'll need to present your paperwork (as described above) to the officer who pulled you over. If you don't speak Spanish, they may well just leave you alone, unless your offence was serious or you are involved in a nasty accident. In such circumstances, get your country's Consulate involved.

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General Guidance

If you live in the UK, Ireland, Australia or other country where people drive on the left, remember that you will be driving on the right hand side - so when you turn the corner, just remember - "Tight Right - Long, Broad Left".

Driving in Mexico City is no different to driving in any other large town or city.  Be careful, use your mirrors, and be additionally vigilant for the unexpected.  

Drivers in Mexico don't often use indicators, and won't be that amenable when it comes to letting other drivers into a line of traffic from a side road - even if the line isn't going anywhere!

Cars may be in a higher state of disrepair than you might be used to at home, especially in rural areas. Bald tires, no head lights or tail lights, malfunctioning break lights are not uncommon. Take extra care in bad weather conditions.

"Topes", Mexican Spanish for speed bumps, are a common feature on all Mexican roads in urban areas. Some are worn out and are small "tortoise shell" like bumps in the road that you don't notice anymore - some are like brick walls that will do real damage to your vehicle if you go over them at speed.   If you are renting a car be especially aware for speed bumps - rental companies regularly check under the car for speed bump damage. Slow down at all bumps - and keep your speed down in urban areas - not all topes are sign-posted or marked out. Unless otherwise indicated, the speed limit in urban areas is 60 kph.

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Night Driving in Mexico

Road Conditions - Smaller and fringe roads can be under-developed or in disrepair. Watch out for pot-holes - some are bad enough that they will wreck your suspension and possibly leave you needing a new tire or wheel! Sometimes they are marked with a cone (or a rock painted white is also common) - but sometimes they are just there - slow down on roads in disrepair!

Markings and Lighting - Road markings may not be present.  This is especially tricky on dark highways or in unlit provincial towns when you can't see where the road edge ends - and road signs may not be lit up. If you're traveling by car at night it's best to stay on a main highway or be in an area you know.

Cyclists and Pedestrians - Be vigilant at night for cyclists who may not have lights fitted to their bikes; they are invisible until you are very close to them. The same goes for pedestrians; they may not be walking towards you and probably won't be wearing anything bright and far less likely to be wearing something reflective.

Beware of the Animals! - Another important consideration when driving, especially at night, is the presence of cattle and animals wandering into the roads. Many roads in Mexico do not have fences fitted either side of them where they cross ranches, farms or areas where animals are allowed to graze. It's not uncommon for cows, sheep, dogs and other animals to wander aimlessly into the middle of the road - regardless of what may be traveling towards them! Not only does this present a danger to your own car (if it's a rental car, you may have to pay excess charges for any damage - see Car Rental above) the event could be a catalyst for a bigger accident involving several cars. Be wary for animals on Mexico's rural and provincial roads - especially at night.

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Drive Defensively

If you drive defensively in Mexico, chances are you'll have no problems at all.   You can't realistically go to Mexico expecting the same kinds of roads and road conditions you get where you live back home. This doesn't mean that driving in Mexico isn't safe - it is. You'll just need to exercise extra care, and be prepared for things to be a little different to what you are used to.

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Breakdowns

If you rented a car, your car rental company should have breakdown recovery services in place - check with them to find out what the procedure is before your start your journey.

On the interstate highways, "Angeles Verdes" (Green Angels) patrol the roads, looking for broken down vehicles, and helping out with minor repairs and surprisingly frequently, selling fuel. They ride green trucks, sometimes its a tow truck, and will provide free help, although they will charge for fuel if you need it, and parts. They'll tow you to the nearest town if your car is in need. It's appropriate to Tip the mechanic if they help you out.

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Accidents on the Road

Mexicans will tend to walk away from minor accidents. Insurance is not compulsory and many people do not buy it. For more serious accidents, if the police get involved, it is possible to be arrested and held until blame is assessed and dues paid. Mexican Law is based on the French legal system of 'guilty until proven innocent'. If you don't speak Spanish, you could be taken advantage of by the other party when it comes to telling the tale.

It's strongly advisable to have personal travel insurance when driving in Mexico - in addition to the car insurance. Some services even offer travel assistance so in the event of a car accident, for example, you would have access to English-speaking advisors via 24/7 help line. They can get doctors, lawyers and other professionals to contact you directly and even send emergency messages home on your behalf.

See: Travel Insurance in Mexico: Brokers

Have your insurance documents at the ready, and if your car is rented, contact the rental company immediately, following procedures they will have given to you. In the unlikely case of a serious accident, you will need to get the police involved and contact your Consulate.

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Buying Fuel for your Car in Mexico

Filling stations in Mexico are all PEMEX franchises. PEMEX - or Petroleos Mexicanos - is the state-owned oil company which has a national monopoly on the supply of fuel in Mexico. To find a filling station, look out for the green and white PEMEX signs, located everywhere.

The price will be the same, whatever station you go to, in whatever part of the country you find yourself, except on the border with the USA, where prices are indexed to prices across the U.S. border for local commercial reasons. Sometimes those prices are below those of the rest of the country, and at other times they are higher, since U.S. prices vary considerably. See the Mexperience Price Index for the latest fuel prices in Mexico.

All stations are FULL SERVICE. However, it's a good idea to get out of your car (stretch your legs) and check that the counter on the pump is set to zero. Ask the attendant to fill the tank, (lleno -"YAY-noh") or to a specified monetary amount. Additionally, if you ask, the attendant will also clean the windscreen, check/fill your oil if required (check this with him), replace your windscreen wipers (these are sold), fill your radiator with water, check your tire pressure and adjust as necessary, and any other minor job that may need doing that won't take more than a few minutes at most. Some kids may come along and clean your windscreen for you, unsolicited. It's optional to pay, but you should give them 2 or 3 pesos each in return for their efforts if you let them clean your screen. Attendants should be Tipped, commensurate with the amount of work they do for you.   3-5% of the cost of your fuel is normal for fuel-only, 5-10% of same for additional services.

Note about credit cards at filling stations! - Generally speaking, it's a waste of time flashing your plastic card at most PEMEX stations - most of them don't take plastic. Although some stations are now starting to take major credit cards, buying fuel is largely a cash business in Mexico. When you fill up, make sure you have cash with you in case the one you stop at doesn't accept cards.

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Hiring a Chauffeur / Guide

For specific trips or activities, you may want to consider hiring a chauffeur / guide for your visit.

The Chauffeur Company will provide a car, even a "people mover" (car that will carry up to 7 passengers) if there are enough people in your party to warrant it, and a driver/guide who will take you where you want to go, or just be there if you need to go somewhere at a moment's notice.

Prices vary and can be between US$120-150 a day (8 hours), or a price for a round trip journey to a specific destination can be agreed beforehand.

For example, if you're in Mexico City and want to take a trip out to the Pyramids at Teotihuacan, north of the city, this kind of arrangement may be ideal for you.

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