Worldwide Bus Travel Tips

Who are the major bus companies in Mexico & how they compare?

This article was updated in July 2023

Traveling by bus in Mexico will give you the most bang for your buck as long as you know exactly how to get around. Depending on your travel needs and budget, whether you’re looking for a reasonably-priced alternative or a more luxurious experience, there is a bus line out there that has vowed to cater to those needs. With so many options to choose from, we have decided to conveniently break it down for you by comparing the major bus providers in Mexico based on coverage, booking options and amenities.

ADO

Known for its extensive coverage, ADO operates a vast network of routes that connects major cities, tourist destinations, and smaller towns. The company has several different classes, each offering different amenities. The ADO Primera Clase (First Class) provides basic amenities such as reclining seats and air conditioning, while ADO GL (Executive) offers more comfort with better seats, entertainment options, and onboard WiFi. For ultimate luxury, ADO Platino provides leather seats, individual entertainment systems, complimentary drinks, and snacks, along with exclusive access to the VIP Platino Lounge. ADO also operates ADO Aeropuerto for airport transfers and ADO Conecta for short routes. 

  • Known for: being one of the largest bus companies in the world and Mexico’s leader in the bus industry.
  • Coverage: 17 Mexican states, including Campeche, Ciudad de México, Chiapas, Estado de México, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Oaxaca, Puebla, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosí, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz and Yucatán.
  • Amenities: WiFi*, on-board restrooms*, A/C*, power outlets*, TV*, individual TV screens*, extra legroom*, reclinable seats*
  • Refundable tickets: No, they can only be exchanged at the station up to 1 hour before departure.
  • Boarding requirements: printed or digital ticket + photo ID

ADO also owns different brands, including Cuenca, Diamante, Estrella de Oro, OCC and AU.

Compare and book ADO tickets

 

ADO autobuses

OCC

  • Known for: Part of ADO group, OCC (Ómnibus Cristóbal Colón) is a renowned bus company in Mexico, known for their comfortable and very well-maintained buses. 
  • Coverage: 10 Mexican states, primarily in the central, western and southern regions. With a strong presence in cities such as Mexico City, Oaxaca, Merida and Cancun, OCC offers extensive coverage for travelers.
  • Amenities: reclining seats, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, power outlets, TV monitor, reading lights.
  • Refundable tickets: No, they can only be exchanged at the station up to 1 hour before departure.
  • Boarding requirements: printed or digital ticket + photo ID

Compare and book OCC tickets

AU

  • Known for: Another bus company that is part of ADO group, AU (Autobuses Unidos) is a prominent player in Mexico’s bus transportation sector. AU is known for providing affordable trips in economy buses.
  • Coverage: 11 states in southern Mexico, including Chiapas, Ciudad de Mexico, Estado de Mexico, Oaxaca, Puebla, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, Veracruz and Campeche. 
  • Amenities: spacious seats, ample legroom, and air conditioning and power outlets (on some buses)
  • Refundable tickets: No, they can only be exchanged at the station up to 1 hour before departure.
  • Boarding requirements: printed or digital ticket + photo ID

Compare and book AU tickets

Senda

  • Known for: Grupo Senda is a large bus transportation company based in Monterrey, operating with three different brands: Senda, Turimex, and Del Norte. Grupo Senda offers services across the northern and northeastern regions and also has connections with the USA.
  • Coverage: In Mexico, the group travels to the states of Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Ciudad de México, Durango, Jalisco, Nuevo León, Querétaro, Sinaloa, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, y Zacatecas.
  • Amenities: modern fleet of buses, featuring comfortable seating, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Most buses also offer free Wi-Fi.
  • Refundable tickets: tickets can only be exchanged at the station up to 1 hour before departure.
  • Boarding requirements: printed ticket OR online ticket + photo ID

Compare and book Senda tickets

Del Norte

  • Known for: being a well-established bus company in northern Mexico, serving destinations in the northern regions of the country.
  • Amenities: modern fleet of buses, featuring comfortable seating, air conditioning, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Most buses also offer free Wi-Fi.
  • Refundable tickets: tickets can only be exchanged at the station up to 1 hour before departure.
  • Boarding requirements: printed ticket OR online ticket + photo ID

Compare and book Del Norte tickets

 

Turimex

  • Known for: Turimex is a well-known bus company in Mexico that offers reliable transportation services primarily focused on international routes connecting the country to the United States, especially to Texas cities. 
  • Coverage: national destinations, like Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas and more, and international routes to cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin and other US destinations. 
  • Amenities: Turimex provides air conditioning, reclining seats, onboard restrooms, Wi-Fi, and power sockets. 
  • Refundable tickets: tickets can only be exchanged at the station up to 1 hour before departure.
  • Boarding requirements: printed ticket OR online ticket + photo ID

Find Turimex tickets for your next trip

Turimex autobus

Estrella Blanca

Estrella Blanca is a prominent bus company operating in various regions of Mexico. The company operates with different brands, each offering specific classes of services and travel experiences. The most notable brands are Anahuác, Aguascalientes, Poblanos del Centro, Chauffers de Calidad de Puebla, Chihuahuenses, Crucero International de Transporte, Futura, La Flecha, Linea Verde, Norte de Sonora, Rapidos Cuauhtemoc, Frontera and Elite de Mexico. 

  • Known for: their extensive itineraries covering a great part of MX territory.
  • Coverage: 25 Mexican states, including central, western, and northern areas.
  • Amenities: they vary depending on the bus company, but all buses have air conditioning, reclining seats, and onboard restrooms. Some have additional features such as Wi-Fi and power outlets*.
  • Refundable tickets: The cancellation policy depends on the type of ticket purchased and the brand of bus chosen. You can check the rescheduling and refund policy after selecting your ticket, in the “review ticket options” page on Busbud, before checkout.
  • Boarding requirements: printed ticket OR online ticket + photo ID

Find Estrella Blanca tickets for your next trip

Futura is one of the brands from Grupo Estrella Blanca
Futura is one of Estrella Blanca’s brands 

ACN Autobuses

  • Known for: their services in the Mexican Pacific region as well as in various cities in the central and northern parts of Mexico. 
  • Coverage ACN connects cities like Tijuana, Mazatlán, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Culiacán, Puebla, Mexico City, Tepic, Mexicali, Ciudad Obregón, Ensenada, and Tecate, among others. ACN Autobuses also provides routes to international destinations, including cities in the United States, especially in the state of California. 
  • Amenities: you’ll find air conditioning, reclining seats, and bathrooms. Some buses also have power outlets, Wi-Fi and individual screens*.
  • Refundable tickets: tickets are non-refundable, but you can exchange the date and time of your ticket in person at the station, up to 6 hours before departure. Fees may apply.
  • Boarding requirements: printed ticket  + photo ID

Find ACN tickets for your next trip

*Availability of amenities depends on the bus class.

Traveling by bus in Mexico usually means finding buses that offer more comfort and convenience than those found in the US, Canada and even Europe. The seats are wide and comfy and you’ll often need to choose between the most affordable and the most comfortable options, as different bus classes tend to be available on most routes. 

So you can start exploring the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of the country safely on a bus. Whether you’re planning a regional trip or a cross-country adventure, these reputable bus companies will ensure a pleasant and memorable journey throughout Mexico.

Search and book your bus tickets to and from Mexico directly on Busbud.com in your own language and your own currency. It’s an easy, fast and safe way to get around.