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By Richard Ferguson
Boulder Colorado
His E-mail
His Bio
Buses in Mexico are an excellent alternative to expensive rental cars, and are one of the best bargains around. You will see the country, and get an opportunity to chat with some nice people. Mexican buses are generally frequent, efficient, and inexpensive. They go almost everywhere. Contrary to what some people may think, you don't need to ride with the chickens. When you can combine the excellent bus system with cheap local taxis for short hops, why would you spend 50 or 75 dollars a day for a rental car?
The Mexican bus system is far superior to the US bus system. Since fewer people in Mexico have cars, the buses are much more heavily used. This means that many buses are available to most destinations, from third class to luxury.
There are several classes of buses in Mexico and many bus lines. Remember that not all bus lines are equal, and first class on one line may not be identical to first class on a different line. A quick look at the buses should help you figure out which line has the newer, better luxury buses, which buses look like Greyhound, and which line is running old school buses. Some bus lines offer more than one class of service. After careful study, I have concluded that the company's own ratings may not match my definitions, so ask for local advice or look at the vehicles with your own eyes. Another way to choose buses is by cost, as you do generally get what you pay for. If one bus line has a higher ticket price, it probably has better buses and better service.
First and higher class buses stop infrequently, usually less than once per hour. They connect cities, and do not generally stop in villages. In some cases, the higher class bus may use the expensive and faster toll road, while lower classes may use the slower free road.
The price is generally very reasonable, usually around $5 US per hour. The price difference between classes is typically less than the cost of a beer, so I look for comfort and convenience. I use both First and Plus class buses, and avoid second class buses except for short distances or if there is no other alternative.
ADO, Omnibuses de Mexico, and Primera Plus are some of the major first class bus lines. In most cases, more than one line operates on the same route, so if you don't like the schedule, try another line. Most buses in Mexico are run by large companies, rather than by individuals or by the government.
Local buses are similar to city buses in the USA. These may be a "Colectivo" (VW microbus), a "minibus", an old school bus, or a conventional city bus. You generally pay when you get on, usually a few pesos. Ask a local which bus goes to your destination - most buses have the route and major stops on the front windshield. To stop a passing bus, wave your hand up and down, with palm down. To get off, tell the driver "La esquina, por favor". (The corner, please), or "Aqui, por favor," (here please). This article is primarily about intercity buses, not local buses.
These vary from school buses to old over-the-road buses. They tend to stop in each village or when flagged down. I do not recommend them for long distances, but they work fine for short hops. In many cases, these buses are the only service available to smaller towns.
Example of Primera Clase (First) Bus
These are equivalent to Greyhound, probably a bit nicer, with reserved seats and baggage check available. They may have toilets and television.Example of Plus Class Bus
These usually have TVs and toilets, and the seats are reserved. The movies on Mexican buses are usually action flicks dubbed in Spanish. Baggage check is available. They may provide a drink and a sandwich when you board.
The fanciest buses may be called - "Clase Lujo" or "Clase Executivo."
I have ridden ETN luxury buses, they are excellent. These have only three seats across, instead of the usual four seats, so they are very comfortable and spacious. They often will provide a drink and a sandwich when you board.
Remember that your first class bus ticket is generally for a particular seat on a particular bus, leaving at a specified time. They may put your name on the ticket. Buses usually leave on time. Most ticket agents probably do not speak English, so look up the correct phrase or write it down before you get to the window. I usually buy my ticket at the station, but sometimes it is more convenient to buy a ticket from a travel agent. However, a travel agent will only represent a few of the first or higher class lines. The choices will be wider at the bus station. Some bus lines will allow you to buy tickets over the phone with a credit card, but be sure to get a confirmation number. You cannot pick up your ticket without it.
I generally buy my tickets for First or higher class buses a day or two before, and request seats near the front, preferably the first row on the right hand side, which are the best seats for sightseeing. Most Mexicans do not buy tickets in advance; advance ticket purchases are not generally necessary, but are a good idea during holidays, on less frequently traveled routes or if you want a particular seat. Unless the ticket system is computerized at the bus station you are using, the only tickets available will be for buses leaving from that station. If the bus station is in the middle of the bus route, specific seats will probably not be available.
Holidays: Remember that Mexicans travel during the holidays, like Americans. All buses leaving Mexico City will be full at the start of the holiday, and all buses returning to Mexico City will be full at the end of the holiday. Similarly, many Mexicans in the USA come home to Mexico for the holidays. During the Easter and Christmas holidays, it feels like the whole country is on the move. The busy period could last for several days, so don't assume that you can get the bus you want at holiday time. This applies primarily to long-distance buses.
Larger cities generally have centralized bus stations used by many bus lines, sort of like an airport terminal. In some smaller cities, each bus line has a storefront, usually in the same area. Mexico City has four bus terminals, North, South, East, and West, depending on the destination.
The larger bus terminals generally have an official taxi service. You buy a ticket for a taxi ride at a booth, and then take the ticket to the taxi stand. If you have a lot of luggage you may pay the taxi driver extra. This is generally the best and safest alternative, especially in Mexico City.
The second class buses generally use a different bus station than the first class buses. If you do not see a bus to a nearby town at the first class station, ask. You may need to go to the second class station or to a nearby bus stop.
Richard Ferguson has much more to say about bus travel in Mexico. For schedules, bus line websites and some helpful miscellaneous tips, we invite you to join our family of subscribers... it isn't expensive. A monthly subscription is just $5.00 USD - that's $1.15 per week. An annual subscription costs $30.00 USD - only $2.50 per month or 58 cents per week. We think you'll find it's money well spent.
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