Traveling by public transportation in Mexico is well-organized. Of course, Mexico is a huge country, so the distances you’ll cover can be large, but thankfully, the buses are quite comfortable. There’s an onboard restroom, movies are played, air conditioning is provided, and the seats are very comfortable. The bus stations are clean, and it’s clearly indicated where and when to catch your bus. Additionally, the buses generally run right on schedule. Staff at the ticket counters speak English, and your name and ticket are checked before boarding the bus. In this article, we’ve put together five tips you should know before stepping onto a bus.
#1 Check the bus connections
When you’ve decided to take a bus trip through Mexico, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, plan out your route and check if there’s a dependable bus service between your starting and ending locations. While you can usually reach your destination, multiple transfers can make the journey longer, so consider adjusting your route to reduce them as much as possible. The cost of a bus ride in Mexico can vary depending on the length of the journey. A short trip of a couple of hours costs less, compared to the longer ride of 5 to 6 hours.
Extra tip: If you’re unsure if traveling by bus is the best and most affordable option for you, check prices for rides directly on Bookaway.com. If you have a higher budget and want more freedom, consider renting a car. In that case, check out our tips for renting a car in Mexico.
#2 Booking tickets in advance
Personally, we always book our bus tickets through Bookaway.com and it’s incredibly convenient, even when traveling in Mexico. While it is possible to book directly through local bus companies’ websites, these can often be entirely in Spanish, making it difficult to compare different providers. If you book the bus tickets online then you’ll need to pay with a credit card.
#3 Bring plenty of warm clothing on the bus
Tips like these may seem a bit redundant, but trust us: it can get really, really cold on the bus. When it’s 30 degrees and you’ve been lugging your heavy backpack, you’ll initially enjoy the cold air conditioning blowing down your neck. After half an hour, you’ll appreciate it a bit less, and after four hours, you’ll be shivering on the bus. So always bring warm clothes with you in your carry-on luggage. And if you’re wearing flip-flops, wear socks with them for added comfort.
#4 Valuables in your carry-on luggage
At ADO’s bus terminals, Mexico’s largest bus company displays posters with instructions for the safest way to travel by bus. It might sound pretty obvious, but when you’re traveling, you often have to pay attention to so many things at once, that simple things can easily slip your mind for a moment. Remember to place all your valuables in your carry-on luggage and bring it with you to your seat on the bus. The rest of your luggage should go in the baggage compartment, which you won’t be able to see once you’re on the bus. This way, if something happens to your luggage, you won’t lose your most important and valuable items.
