Worldwide Bus Travel Tips

The Top 10 Commandments for Bus Travel in Mexico

Unexpected events are usually what make a trip memorable. However, they can also potentially ruin your entire journey. Here are ten commandments for bus travel in Mexico to make the most out of your trip and have as hassle-free of a journey as possible.

1.Thou Shall Use Busbud to Book Your Tickets

Buying bus tickets in Mexico can be a bit tricky. Booking in person with ground staff can quickly get complicated if you’re not familiar with the Spanish language. For this reason, online reservations are your go-to solutions. Busbud makes it easy and convenient to plan your trip by simplifying bus booking and saving you both time and trouble. You have a worldwide bus station within reach, why not take advantage of it?

Book your bus tickets

Cancun Mexico
Cancun, Mexico

2. Thou Shall Choose the Right Bus Class for Your Needs

Contrarily to popular belief, buses in Mexico can be quite pleasant and even surpass initial expectations. To avoid unwanted surprises, find out which bus type is more suited for your needs. There are 3 classes of bus in Mexico depending on what you’re looking for in terms of amenities and pricing.

Executive Class (De Lujo or Ejecutivo Clase)

The Executive class represents the most luxurious range of buses. They’re equipped with the latest technology like individual LCD TV screens to keep you entertained during your journey. For the ever-connected traveler, there’s also WiFi onboard which is great if you need to catch up with friends and family or work on the go.

If comfort is what you ultimately seek, the Executive class will surely satisfy. On top of A/C, you’ll be able to nestle yourself into wide reclining seats with leg supports while enjoying a complimentary sandwich and cold drink.

This is also the fastest and most efficient option as Executive class buses run nonstop (sin escalas/directo) until they’ve reached their destination unlike lower fare alternatives.

First Class (Primera Clase)

Like the Executive class, First class offers A/C, professional and courteous staff, onboard restrooms and entertainment. However, you will have to sacrifice a bit of leg room to benefit from the lower price point. These buses are also more likely to make one or two pit stops at major cities en route (semi-directo) than its upscale counterpart.

If you happen to luck out and board one of their double-decker buses, try to get upstairs to get a glimpse of some of the best views of Mexico.

Second Class (Segunda Clase)

Otherwise, if forgoing A/C, leg room and food is not an issue for you, choose Second class and its basic yet budget-friendly offerings. Take note that the bus might stop anywhere (think, middle of the road) to pick up passengers hailing the bus from the street (ordinario). However, what you might lose in terms of travel time, you will gain in terms of cost saving.

3.Thou Shall Know Your Way Around Bus Stations

Mexico City has four main bus stations – four for each cardinal compass points (North, South, East and West).

  • Terminal de Autobuses del Sur – The Southern bus terminal
  • Terminal de Autobuses del Norte – The Northern bus terminal
  • Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros Oriente (TAPO) – The Eastern bus terminal
  • Terminal de Autobuses del Poniente – The Western bus terminal

Each terminal serves differents routes all over Mexico (with some overlap) so be sure you know which one you are to be traveling from.

For bus stations in general, layouts are relatively standardized. Essential information such as list of destinations operated by the company, class of service, service times and bus schedules can be found behind the counter.

As for amenities, keep some change handy as entry to restrooms comes with a fee of $3 – $5. Also, while Mexican bus stations don’t offer WiFi, they do have ATM services as provided by one of Mexico’s major banks (Banamex, Bancomer, HSBC).

Some bus stations have exclusive rooms reserved for Executive class ticketholders. These lounges offer a few additional features such as TV entertainment, sodas, coffee and biscuits.

Akumal, Mexico
Akumal, Mexico

4. Thou Shall Keep An Eye on Your Personal Belongings

Bus travel in Mexico is generally safe as security staff continuously patrol bus stations. But, of course, as with everything else, a bit of precaution is worth being taken. As it is the case with airports and train stations too, it is always good to stay alert and watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers.

A way to prevent theft would be to keep your valuables secured and out of sight. Also, keep your nifty Sunday attire for another occasion. Instead, dress simply and casually to avoid drawing unwanted attention.

5. Thou Shall Arrive Early

If you arrive late and miss your bus, no refunds will be given. So, we suggest setting aside at least half an hour to allow for unforeseen circumstances.

This is especially true if you’re boarding an Executive class or First class bus that offers baggage checking. Most companies accept stowed bags 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time so be sure to be there ahead of time to beat the crowd.

6. Thou Shall Leave the Superfluous At Home

Speaking of luggage, bus companies have different baggage policies. Most often, they only allow you to bring one checked bag and one or two personal items onboard so pack light.

7. Thou Shall Be Mindful and Friendly With Thy Driver 

A smile and a thank you can go a long way – especially for someone who is driving during long hours so you don’t have to. Besides, wouldn’t you want someone who knows all the ins and outs of the country on your side?

Tulum, Mexico
Tulum, Mexico

8. Thou Shall Bring A Sweater to Keep Warm

A warm sweater or cozy blanket definitely ranks among top bus necessities. Despite the sweltering weather outside, buses can get chilly fast with their A/C in full-blown action.

9. Thou Shall Keep Gravol and Toilet Paper on Hand

Some of us don’t agree too well with bumpy roads. Buses in Mexico travel quickly and the roads can be windy so bring something along to keep that motion sickness at bay. As for toilet paper, well… it’s a classic case of better be safe than sorry.

10. Thou Shall Bring Along Your Own Food

Pack a few snacks and a water bottle with you. Not only for the time that you’ll be spending on the bus but to munch on while resting at pit stops as well. Even if most bus stations have small coffee shops and locally-run convenience stores, the extra food might be useful if the offerings aren’t quite appetizing. Plus, it’ll save you some money.

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!


16 thoughts on “The Top 10 Commandments for Bus Travel in Mexico

  1. I actually take the cheaper buses to avoid the TV. TV plays for everyone during the entire ride on the more expensive classes. If you do not enjoy noise, pay less and listen to your own music or read without that loud TV between you and your thoughts.

  2. Busbud website doesn’t offer any services in Mexico.. I am searching for anything to and from Mexico City…

  3. Good tips! I’ve actually never used Budbud, and I’ve had good luck booking my tickets at the ticket counter (usually the day-of). Maybe I’m just lucky, but I usually also only travel to big towns, which makes things easy.

    I totally concur with taking a sweater – the AC can be downright arctic!

    I’m also totally with you on the TP situation. Having my own has come in handy more than once…

    Over the bus is a great way to get across Mexico, I’ve never had any problems.

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  6. Hi Raquel!

    Busbud has recently expanded its coverage in Mexico by integrating ADO, the largest bus operator in Mexico. Busbud is the first international bus booking platform to offer this on the market. Tourists and travellers are now able, for the first time, to buy their ADO bus tickets online in their local currency and language. This adds to our pre-existing Mexican coverage including Grupo Senda, Estrella Blanca, ACN, Pacifico and many more, all bookable online in multiple currencies, languages and payment methods.

    Don’t hesitate if you have any more questions. 🙂

    Roxanne from Busbud

  7. How do i know if the bus is a deluxe or first class bus, or with or non stop? is it possible to choose the seat? Sorry if the queastions are already asked.

  8. With the ADO app, you can book and purchase tickets for any route and advance purchase discounts that may not show at the counter. Best option to pay is PayPal.

  9. Hello,

    Best bus travel in Mexico looking nice and enjoyful and helping information. Thank you for share this blog
    Thank you for share us

  10. I’ve been on several bus trips now, from Mexico City, to local, to one hour away and to the border, it helps to tip the person loading your bag, apprx 10 pesos +, I watched locals doing this constantly. The plus/comfort plus or elite lines , like Tufesa plus, will get you from Puerto Vallarta to Nogapes Az, super fast, pending check points n holiday travel. will get you there faster, and yes it is freezing with the air conditioning on constantly, even in cooler weather, layer, dress warm, travel at night on the express trips is much faster. Bring your own sandwiches n such, as you do usually receive a complimentary sandwich n drink, but I’ve gotten sick twice, and yes bring toilet paper. Comfort plus is the way to go.

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  12. impressively helpful site. considering a 2 week vacation in mexico no more than 2 day bus ride from mexicali. are there group tours available (singles?)? I am hoping for: a. SAFE two week vacation. b. economical. c. antiquities. d. pleasant, comfortable but economical costs I am interested in walking tours of towns, museums, antiquities. I presume that group tours are more economical and probably safer. My conditions are flexible, with exception of economical, safety, antiquities and probably group. i DO NOT want a pressured, time critical venue: something more relaxed and pleasant. I would like to get to know the group members as well as the staff. i speak some spanish. does busbud offer a bus from palm springs, ca?

  13. I am catching a bus from Mexico City to Guadalajara.
    1. On which bus service can I book in two suitcases and still have my carry on.
    2. Which service leaves from Mexico city airport

  14. Pingback: 5 Most Beautiful Cities Near Mexico City | Busbud blog

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