Transportation

Transportation in Mexico

Getting around Mexico varies significantly by location and your lifestyle needs.

Public Transit

Mexico City:

• Metro: 12 lines, $5 MXN per ride (~$0.28 USD), efficient but crowded
• Metrobus: Rapid transit buses, $6 MXN
• Regular buses: Extensive network, very cheap
• Can live car-free easily

Guadalajara:

• Modern light rail system (Tren Ligero)
• Macrobus (BRT system)
• Improving but car helpful

Other Cities:

• Public transit limited or unreliable
• Local buses exist but confusing for newcomers
• Uber/DiDi usually available

Ride-Sharing

Available Services:

• Uber: Most cities, generally safe and reliable
• DiDi: Growing competitor, sometimes cheaper
• InDrive: Negotiate fares

Costs:

• Very affordable compared to US
• Mexico City: $3-5 USD for typical trip
• Other cities: Often cheaper

Tips:

• Apps work with foreign credit cards
• Tip drivers for good service
• Check driver ratings
• Uber sometimes blocked at airports (use official taxis)

Taxis

• Yellow taxis on street (negotiate or agree on price first)
• Sitio (taxi stand) taxis are safer
• Airport taxis are overpriced but convenient
• Taxi apps like Libre and Easy Taxi also available

Driving in Mexico

License Requirements:

• International Driving Permit valid for tourists
• Residents should get Mexican license
• Process varies by state, some accept foreign license directly
• Some states require written and driving test

Buying a Car:

• Mexican cars (placas nacionales) preferred
• Importing US car is complicated and expensive
• Used cars available but inspect carefully
• Prices similar to or higher than US due to import duties
• Insurance required: ~$500-1,000 USD/year

Driving Culture:

• Rules are suggestions to many drivers
• Lane markings often ignored
• Motorcycles split lanes
• Topes (speed bumps) are aggressive and frequent
• Left turn often means pull right and cross
• Bribes from police still occur but decreasing

Inter-City Travel

Buses:

• Excellent intercity bus system
• First-class buses (ETN, ADO, Primera Plus) very comfortable
• Comparable to flying for medium distances
• Mexico City to Guadalajara: ~$40-60 USD, 6 hours

Domestic Flights:

• Volaris and VivaAerobus (budget carriers) very affordable
• Aeromexico for full service
• Book in advance for best prices
• Mexico City to Cancun: often $50-100 round trip if flexible

Tips for Getting Around

1. In Mexico City: Use metro and Uber, skip owning a car
2. Beach towns: Rent a car for exploration, Uber for daily
3. Get a Mexican phone plan: Essential for ride-sharing
4. Download offline maps: Coverage can be spotty
5. Learn basic Spanish directions: Helps immensely