The Ultimate Guide to Transport in Mexico 2018
Mexico is surprisingly easy to travel around by public transport and there are many different options depending on where you are and where you're going.
Coaches
ADO is the main coach company in Mexico and is perfect for medium to long journeys. Usually reasonably priced and always extremely comfortable, if you're feeling extravagant you can even splash out on their premium 'platino' service for extra luxury! Other coach companies serve different destinations. You can buy your tickets at the bus station or book in advance on their website or using clickbus. Even in tropical climates it's advisable to bring a sweater as the air conditioning is usually on full blast!
Colectivo Taxis
Colectivo taxis were a strange concept to me when I first arrived in Mexico but they're actually a cheap and quick way to travel short to medium distances. They are basically minivans for about 10 - 15 passengers. Often the destinations they serve will be written on the windscreen or sometimes someone will be waiting outside, shouting the destinations and eagerly ushering you inside. They can be a little cramped but are usually excellent value for money.
Transport In Mexico City
The transport in Mexico city was one of the things that most surprised me when I first arrived, actually because of how developed it is. Not only is there usually at least one type of transport to get you to wherever you want to go but it's also dirt cheap!
Uber
Uber is an excellent option for first time visitors to Mexico city as it's cheap, safe and reliable. Especially recommended for getting from the airport into the city when you first arrive and are feeling a little disoriented...
Metro
Once you start to get your bearings you can tackle the Mexico city metro. Although a lot of the trains are definitely showing their age, it's usually very reliable and for $5 a journey it's unbeatable value for money. However, it's best to avoid using it at peak times (7am - 9am and 6pm - 8pm) as it gets extremely crowded and a lot of people seem to believe that there's always room for one more in the carriage. Also, be very careful with your belongings as pickpockets are rife and looking for easy targets. Women can ride in a separate carriage at the front of the train.
Metrobus
An alternative to the metro is the metrobus. Not quite as quick but useful, especially if you need to get somewhere close to the city's main avenues 'Insurgentes' or 'Paseo de la Reforma'. A new line was recently launched so you can travel British-style in double-decker red buses! You can buy a metro - metrobus card at almost any station, top it up and you're good to go.
Bus
If your destination is not served by the metro or metrobus networks then there's probably a regular bus you can take. It's not always easy to know where the buses go or stop - your best bet is asking around until you find the right one. And bring the right change!
Microbus
Microbuses have long been an iconic symbol of Mexico City, although the government is trying to get rid of them in favour of more reliable systems like the metrobus. However, travelling in one is a quintessential Chilango experience - expect erratic driving, unexpected stops and music blasting at full volume.
Pesero
Travelling in a pesero is not your typical public transport experience. Unlike in regular buses, passengers do not pay as they get on but instead, wait until an indeterminate time during the journey when they will shout to the driver where they got on, where they are going and then pass the fare to the driver via the other passengers, who will then in turn pass back the change. This process is repeated for the duration of the journey. Slightly unorthodox for me, but it's certainly a more sociable way to travel and everyone usually greets the other passengers with a cordial "buenos dias/tardes" and "hasta luego" when they get off.
Coaches
ADO is the main coach company in Mexico and is perfect for medium to long journeys. Usually reasonably priced and always extremely comfortable, if you're feeling extravagant you can even splash out on their premium 'platino' service for extra luxury! Other coach companies serve different destinations. You can buy your tickets at the bus station or book in advance on their website or using clickbus. Even in tropical climates it's advisable to bring a sweater as the air conditioning is usually on full blast!
Colectivo Taxis
Colectivo taxis were a strange concept to me when I first arrived in Mexico but they're actually a cheap and quick way to travel short to medium distances. They are basically minivans for about 10 - 15 passengers. Often the destinations they serve will be written on the windscreen or sometimes someone will be waiting outside, shouting the destinations and eagerly ushering you inside. They can be a little cramped but are usually excellent value for money.
Transport In Mexico City
The transport in Mexico city was one of the things that most surprised me when I first arrived, actually because of how developed it is. Not only is there usually at least one type of transport to get you to wherever you want to go but it's also dirt cheap!Uber
Uber is an excellent option for first time visitors to Mexico city as it's cheap, safe and reliable. Especially recommended for getting from the airport into the city when you first arrive and are feeling a little disoriented...
Metro
Once you start to get your bearings you can tackle the Mexico city metro. Although a lot of the trains are definitely showing their age, it's usually very reliable and for $5 a journey it's unbeatable value for money. However, it's best to avoid using it at peak times (7am - 9am and 6pm - 8pm) as it gets extremely crowded and a lot of people seem to believe that there's always room for one more in the carriage. Also, be very careful with your belongings as pickpockets are rife and looking for easy targets. Women can ride in a separate carriage at the front of the train.
Metrobus
An alternative to the metro is the metrobus. Not quite as quick but useful, especially if you need to get somewhere close to the city's main avenues 'Insurgentes' or 'Paseo de la Reforma'. A new line was recently launched so you can travel British-style in double-decker red buses! You can buy a metro - metrobus card at almost any station, top it up and you're good to go.
Bus
If your destination is not served by the metro or metrobus networks then there's probably a regular bus you can take. It's not always easy to know where the buses go or stop - your best bet is asking around until you find the right one. And bring the right change!
Microbus
Microbuses have long been an iconic symbol of Mexico City, although the government is trying to get rid of them in favour of more reliable systems like the metrobus. However, travelling in one is a quintessential Chilango experience - expect erratic driving, unexpected stops and music blasting at full volume.
Pesero
Travelling in a pesero is not your typical public transport experience. Unlike in regular buses, passengers do not pay as they get on but instead, wait until an indeterminate time during the journey when they will shout to the driver where they got on, where they are going and then pass the fare to the driver via the other passengers, who will then in turn pass back the change. This process is repeated for the duration of the journey. Slightly unorthodox for me, but it's certainly a more sociable way to travel and everyone usually greets the other passengers with a cordial "buenos dias/tardes" and "hasta luego" when they get off.
Comments
Post a Comment