Bus Travel in Mexico

Mexican Highways

Mexico is a huge country. Mexico’s highways cover roughly 357,000 kilometers. Approximately 2,700 million people utilize these highways annually. The national network of highways has multiplied 5 times from 1960 to date, with a current growth rate of about 9%. Always use Mexico's toll roads, better known as “cuota.” The other roads, referred to as “libre,” may be more accident-prone.

Mexican Bus System

Here are links to some of the premier bus lines that service the Mexican Republic:

Security Tips for Traveling by Bus in Mexico

Traveling by bus in Mexico is highly enjoyable, economical and efficient. However, remember to always use your common sense.

Please take note that most bus terminals are located in the cheapest areas of towns, although there are some exceptions. Most are surrounded by poor districts where crime exists. To reach the terminal, make sure you use a “safe” taxi, especially if in Mexico City. Your neighborhood “sitio” taxi is the best choice, or get a taxi by calling 5516-6020. Backpackers use the metro, which is also an option.

Avoid traveling at night, if possible. Get the best service (normally it is a little more expensive, but still reasonable) your bus line offers: you will be safer, be able to enjoy a cup of coffee on board, and can watch movies while on the bus. Be sure to buy the best bus service if you are traveling to places like Acapulco, Ixtapa, Huatulco or the southern coast. Because Sinaloa is a drug producing state, extra caution should be exercised. Also take note of a few recommendations:

Before you leave your home or hotel, pack your valuables, the larger amount of your on-hand cash and credit cards in the bag you intend to keep under the bus, in the locked compartment. This bag you will either check at a counter within the bus station (make sure you receive your baggage claim ticket!) or at the bus itself, just before boarding.

When packing your valuables, hide them within your luggage. Should there be an inspection by soldiers or police, although it will be performed in your presence, you should eliminate any temptation.

When you check your bag, make sure it stays on the bus until the compartment is closed.

On your person and in the bag you intend to carry on board, along with your cell phone, bring cash that will be divided in two parts. Most of this money will be in your bag and the rest in your pocket. Most hold-ups take place rapidly, as time is a factor to the robbers. They plan to act fast and leave. What you have on you is what they will normally take. Should a robbery occur, you will be prepared to give them something, but not everything.

Ill-trained security guards will hand-search you or scan you with a metal detector before you board. Foreigners are not allowed to possess or carry a firearm in Mexico. Do not take the risk of trying to carry one. Federal fines for this crime are stiff. It’s just not worth it.

Not all stations have clean, attractive food service. I recommend you prepare a box lunch, drinks included. Smoking is not permitted on board, though do not be surprised to see the occasional passenger smoking. Most buses currently have a built-in device in the engine that will not allow drivers to speed.

A nice, warm blanket and a pillow for long trips are nice to bring along. Temperatures can fluctuate on the bus. Bring an MP3 player. A nice book or your favorite magazine would be great if you enjoy reading. A mini flashlight is very useful.

By all means carry toilet paper with you. When traveling, always carry a mini bag with medicine, such as Lomotil, aspirin, Maalox pills for digestive disorders or Pepto Bismol, painkillers, bandages and also some bottled water.

In closing, Mexico is a great country to travel in by bus. Highway crime is rare. Use these recommendations to make your bus trips in Mexico as enjoyable as possible.

By Mario Gonzalez-Roman (a retired Foreign Service National Security Advisor to the United States Embassy)

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