Getting Around Mexico City

Mexico City’s Metro is one of the world’s largest and cheapest systems, with 12 lines covering most of the city for just MXN 5 per ride. Buy a rechargeable card at any station. The Metrobus BRT system runs on dedicated lanes and is less crowded than the Metro. Avoid both during rush hour (7-9am and 5-8pm) when they become extremely packed. Uber and DiDi are widely used and are the safest way to get around at night. Walking is pleasant in neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Coyoacan, and the Centro Historico, but the city is enormous so you will need transport between areas.

Intercity Travel

Mexico has one of the best long-distance bus networks in the Americas. First-class ADO and ETN buses are comfortable, punctual, and affordable. The ADO network dominates southeastern Mexico (Oaxaca, Veracruz, Yucatan), while ETN and Primera Plus cover the west and Bajio region. For budget travelers, second-class buses cost roughly half but make more stops. Low-cost airlines Volaris and VivaAerobus connect major cities cheaply if you book early, but watch out for baggage fees that can double the ticket price. On the Yucatan peninsula, colectivo minivans run frequently between towns and are very affordable.

Practical Tips

• Street food in Mexico is generally safe and incredibly delicious — look for busy stalls with high turnover as a quality indicator
• Carry small bills; many vendors, taxis, and small shops cannot break large MXN 500 notes
• Tap water is not safe to drink; buy bottled or use purified water stations (purificadoras) found in every neighborhood
• In Mexico City, download the CDMX app for earthquake alerts, air quality updates, and city services
• Tipping is expected: 10-15% in restaurants, MXN 10-20 for bag handlers, and a few pesos for parking attendants (franeleros)