How to Find the Best Bus Deals in Mexico

Planning on traveling to Mexico soon? You might be wondering how to get around once you arrive. A popular mode of transportation, both among the locals and visitors, is to travel by bus. With bus routes covering all corners of Mexico, bus traveling is as convenient as it is inexpensive. Indeed, bus tickets are one of the best options for the economically savvy traveler as prices are already quite affordable. But who doesn’t like the idea of an added bargain? So, here are a few additional tips to uncover and take advantage of the best bus deals and special offers in Mexico.

1. Being Prepared Pays Off (Literally)

The early bird gets the worm. When planning your trip, booking early will most likely get you a better deal. Depending on supply and demand, some bus companies will let you earn a 10% discount when you buy your tickets in advance. To help you get a head start, Busbud lets you plan your trip, book early and save.

2. Travel On-board a Luxury Bus for Cheaper

Luxury and cheap don’t usually go hand-in-hand, but when traveling by bus, you can get both.

Fortunately, if you like to ride in comfort and luxe but still save a few bucks, tickets for Luxury class buses, like those offered by ETN, can be bought at a 10% discount when reservations are made online.

3. Elders Travel for Less

For passengers over 60 years old who have an INSEN or INAPAM (a government-issued identification for seniors), the discount goes up to 50% whether you book online or in-person. However, keep in mind as well that INAPAM seats are limited so it is best to book in advance to secure those coveted seats.

4. Babies (0-4 years old), Children (4-11 years old), Students, Teachers and Military Personnel Also Travel For Less

Most bus companies, like Grupo Senda, Omnibus de México and Autovía, offer serious discounts to these particular groups. If you happen to fall into one of these categories, you’re eligible for up to 25-50% off your bus tickets so long as you provide valid identification when boarding your bus. However, take note that for students, these rates only apply during holiday seasons. And, of course, babies travel for free.

5. Take Advantage of the Interstate Bus Lines’ Loyalty Program

For the travel enthusiast, there is a frequent riders program for all interstate bus lines that gives additional discounts on bus tickets. This way, commuters who double as power bus users get rewarded as well.

However, these tickets must be bought on a one-way fare basis as there is no discount if you buy a round-trip journey. To enjoy this discount nonetheless, you should pre-purchase return tickets at the same time to guarantee your seat.

6. Recycle to Help Save the Environment… And A Few Dollars

As if saving the environment wasn’t enough incentive, a new partnership between the UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico) Foundation and Heng Plastic Enterprises (a solid waste recovery and recycling company) is attempting to drive more eco-friendly initiatives among commuters by installing recycling machines in bus stations. These machines accept plastic bottles and aluminum cans in exchange for points that can be used towards local bus transportation.

Be sure to check out our Quick Guide to Bus Travel in Mexico for more bus travel tips.

Search and book your bus tickets to and from Mexico directly on Busbud.com

Have you taken the bus in Mexico and have some tips you would like to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Pictures by Kaisa Martiskainen