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joaquinx

Aug 18, 2012, 6:25 PM

Post #1 of 12 (10400 views)

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Metrobús - Ruta 4

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Has anyone used the Ruta 4 Metrobuses? From reading the site and their map, it says that the buses run in both directions. Yet looking at a map, the streets on which they travel are one way. To me, it seems that the buses on the southern route head toward the airport, while those on the northern route head away.
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My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.

esperanza

Aug 18, 2012, 9:35 PM

Post #2 of 12 (10375 views)

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Re: [joaquinx] Metrobús - Ruta 4

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We do indeed use Line 4--in fact, we just used it today. Joaquinx, your take on how it runs is incorrect. It's the NORTH route that goes to San Lázaro and the airport and back, and the SOUTH route that wends its way through the Centro Histórico and back.

And yes, both lines go both directions. A couple of weeks ago I thought I would take the SOUTH route to Mercado la Merced and then the NORTH route from there back to the part of the city where I was going next, but I ended up taking the SOUTH route both ways. It's hard to envision how it's set up until you actually ride the Metrobús, but it is very ingenious.

From our home in la Condesa, we get on Line 1 going north, get off at Buenavista, and transfer to Line 4 to go wherever we want to go that it goes. Today we went on Line 4 from Buenavista to Isabel la Católica, walked three blocks up Isabel la Católica and met friends at a Centro Histórico restaurant for comida. It's easy, and transferring from line to line is free. We took a taxi home.

Cost difference: Metrobús to our destination, 5 pesos each. Taxi home, 50 pesos total.

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joaquinx

Aug 19, 2012, 11:17 AM

Post #3 of 12 (10344 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Metrobús - Ruta 4

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Ok, I'll have to try the route myself. Reading the Metrobús map and Google map is confusing. I have a feeling that the Metrobús map is dated.

Thanks!
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My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.

Anonimo

Aug 19, 2012, 12:28 PM

Post #4 of 12 (10328 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Metrobús - Ruta 4

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What is the approximate travel time, Condesa to Aeropuerto?

Saludos,
Anonimo

esperanza

Aug 19, 2012, 1:35 PM

Post #5 of 12 (10322 views)

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Re: [Anonimo] Metrobús - Ruta 4

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La Condesa on Metrobús Linea 1 leaving from Campeche or Chilpancingo, going to Buenavista: half an hour.
Buenavista to the airport on Line 4 NORTH: half an hour.

One caveat: yesterday the lines of people waiting for EACH of the two Linea 4 routes (NORTH and SOUTH) leaving Buenavista was probably 200 people long. If you were at the back of the line, your wait time was probably another 45 minutes, just to get on the Metrobús. Half an hour on the NORTH route from there to either T1 or T2.

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Anonimo

Aug 19, 2012, 3:26 PM

Post #6 of 12 (10303 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Metrobús - Ruta 4

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Sounds like the Metrobus is a success story, but needs more vehicles to handle the demand.

Saludos,
Anonimo

esperanza

Aug 19, 2012, 9:31 PM

Post #7 of 12 (10286 views)

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Re: [Anonimo] Metrobús - Ruta 4

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Oh--and PS: the cost of the Metrobús from la Condesa to Buenavista: 5 pesos.
From Buenavista to the airport (either terminal): 30 pesos. Metrobús Linea 4 has luggage racks on board.

Taxi fare from la Condesa to the airport is about 180 pesos and takes about half an hour, depending on traffic. However, a taxi from the airport (ticket purchased from authorized vendors) TO la Condesa costs about 280 pesos.

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(This post was edited by esperanza on Aug 19, 2012, 9:33 PM)

Elizabeth63

Sep 18, 2012, 9:41 AM

Post #8 of 12 (9898 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Metrobús - Ruta 4

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Would it be easier and faster to take the metro to the airport? I'm currently visiting La Contesa area and hope to try the subway back to the airport, instead of the expensive taxi. Plus with my INAPAM card I understand it's free.

La Isla

Sep 18, 2012, 10:06 AM

Post #9 of 12 (9888 views)

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Re: [Elizabeth63] Metrobús - Ruta 4

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I wouldn't take the Metro to the airport if I had any kind of bulky luggage, though a small carry-on bad probably wouldn't be a problem if you didn't plan to travel during rush hour.

joaquinx

Sep 18, 2012, 11:29 AM

Post #10 of 12 (9875 views)

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Re: [Elizabeth63] Metrobús - Ruta 4

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Not knowing where in Condesa you are visiting, but just looking at the Metro map, it is either 1 or 2 change of routes to the airport. The possibility of lugging baggage up and down stairs (who can depend on the escalators working) is not my idea of saving money.
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My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.

esperanza

Sep 18, 2012, 11:49 AM

Post #11 of 12 (9870 views)

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Re: [Elizabeth63] Metrobús - Ruta 4

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You do not want to take the Metro to the airport. In the first place, luggage is not usually allowed on the Metro, unless it is a simple backpack.

Your best bet is to take the Metrobús Line 1 from la Condesa (note spelling) north to the Buenavista stop (cost: 5 pesos). From there, transfer to the Metrobús Line 4 (northern route) to either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 at the airport, depending on which terminal your plane will depart from. Cost: 30 pesos. Time to get there: about an hour.

On the other hand, a taxi that will come pick you up at your place in la Condesa and take you to the airport is easiest and from la Condesa will cost well under 200 pesos and take about half an hour.

Which is more important, saving a little money or saving a lot of time and hassle? Only you can decide.

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Elizabeth63

Sep 18, 2012, 2:09 PM

Post #12 of 12 (9853 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Metrobús - Ruta 4

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Thanks for all the quick replies! I will be visiting here for 7 weeks, (I live in Chapala) and it's reassuring to me to have support when I need it. I only travel with a smallish backpack, so I feel confident I can take the metro. Also, I will not be going to the airport near rush-hour times...as I have heard that is not advisable. I'll probably be posting here again for more information as the need arises...great to have these websites to read for such valuable information and insights. Muchas gracias.