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TBo

Nov 2, 2010, 6:40 PM

Post #1 of 7 (7258 views)

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How to reserve/buy ETN bus tickets from the States?

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Unable to find a link on their website to buy or reserve tickets from Puerto Vallarta to Guanajuato capital on Dec 17th, I've tried calling the ETN1-800 reservation number from the States and been unable to connect--always busy. Any advice on how to complete this transaction will be appreciated. Thanks.

tashby

Nov 2, 2010, 8:41 PM

Post #2 of 7 (7234 views)

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Re: [TBo] How to reserve/buy ETN bus tickets from the States?

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Don't know why you're having trouble with their site as it looks good to me. I plugged in some fake date and it automatically took me to the next step (names, etc.) and then would automatically take me to a payment page. There's even an English version, if that helps.

http://www.etn.com.mx/english/

But here's my recommendation re buying your ticket in advance: Don't.

If I recall you're flying into Vallarta, then heading to the PV bus station (about 10 minutes from the airport). Then going onto Guadalajara and then onto Guanajuato.

What if your flight is delayed or it takes extra time clearing immigration or customs? There's very little reason to pay for a ticket in advance unless your traveling on a super-busy day. There are TONS of busses connecting Vallarta to Guadalajara.

If it was me, I'd get out of the airport and to the bus station as efficiently as possible, and then take the very next bus to Guadalajara, whether it's Primera Plus, or ETN. (I'd personally consider other lines, too, but I don't want to complicate things.)

Then once you've arrived more quickly at the bus station in GDL, connect to whatever next bus gets you to Guanajuato more efficiently.

You have options. If you stay flexible you can use them to your advantage. Everyone pimps ETN and I love them too, but Primera Plus is just fine. Really. And if I'm not mistaken, Primera Plus and ETN are owned by the same company. They cooperate, if you ask them too. I remember not wanting to wait a couple hours for one or the other, and they checked the "other" line and had one leaving in 10 minutes. They escorted me quickly to another terminal and onto the bus.

Have a great trip.

tashby

Nov 2, 2010, 8:52 PM

Post #3 of 7 (7229 views)

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Re: [TBo] How to reserve/buy ETN bus tickets from the States?

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Doh.

Maybe I've lived in Mexico just long enough.

I think maybe you were asking why you can't buy a ticket from Puerto Vallarta to Guanajuato on their website? It's because there is no such bus.

You need to do a point to point search, buying two tickets, essentially.

1. Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara

then....second ticket....

2. Guadalajara to Guanajuato

Another reason I still recommend what I wrote previously.

TBo

Nov 6, 2010, 3:16 PM

Post #4 of 7 (7111 views)

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Re: [tashby] How to reserve/buy ETN bus tickets from the States?

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Thanks tashby for taking the time to offer your advice. I'm trying to reserve the bus to Leon, still unsuccessfully.

Since we're getting into PV about 4:30PM, there aren't that many de lujo buses scheduled to Guadalajara the rest of the evening, and I'm figuring seats might be a little tight on the Friday before Christmas holidays. Since we'll be traveling overnight to Leon we'd like to know we've got the transportation taken care of so we won't have to transfer or try to catch another bus in the middle of the night, especially after flying all the previous day getting to PV from Seattle. We hope to check into our GTO hotel late morning, taking one of several buses from Leon.

I've called my credit card company and the problem isn't at this end. I've tried calling ETN's phone number as given on their website, but the call won't go through, even with the phone code to Mexico from US in front of that number.

Monday, I'm going try a travel agent unless someone has a better idea.

Thanks.

(This post was edited by TBo on Nov 6, 2010, 5:53 PM)

gpkgto

Nov 7, 2010, 10:00 AM

Post #5 of 7 (7066 views)

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Re: [TBo] How to reserve/buy ETN bus tickets from the States?

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You're not trying to call ETN's Mexican 800 number are you? I don't think that works from outside Mexico. Have you tried their DF number: (55) 50 89 92 00, or the online chat they offer: http://servidor1chatetn.h4u.com.mx/...line.php?LANGUAGE=es (No guarantee either will work). The Vallarta office numbers are also listed on the website: (322) 2 90 09 96 and (322) 2 90 09 97.
Good luck!

tashby

Nov 7, 2010, 1:10 PM

Post #6 of 7 (7044 views)

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Re: [TBo] How to reserve/buy ETN bus tickets from the States?

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I've noticed some Mexican websites (airlines, busses, etc.) can be a bit fickle. You might try using a different browser.

Personally, I think it's crazy to lock yourself into ETN when Primera Plus (and others) have so many more departures, but whatever.

TBo

Nov 7, 2010, 1:57 PM

Post #7 of 7 (7032 views)

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Re: [gpkgto] How to reserve/buy ETN bus tickets from the States?

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Thanks, gpkgto. Tried the PV number and they referred me to the 800 that is unavailable from here. No answer in DF. It looks like we go to a travel agent.