Mexico's transport is a case of the Good (excellent bus system and inexpensive internal flights), the Bad (the trains don't run anymore), and the Ugly (the roads can be dangerous after dark). Ultimately you shouldn't have any problems getting and around and you may enjoy the experience immensely.
by Air
Check here for flights to the main airports of Mexico from USA , Canada, UK France South America and The Netherlands.
Air travel is the natural way of getting around such an inhospitable and varied landscape as Mexico.
There are over 1800 airports in the country. Flights from North America and Canada may arrive at any of a couple of dozen destinations; however, only Mexico City, Acapulco, Cancun, Cozumel, Guadalajara, La Paz, Mazatlan, Merida, Oaxaca, and Puerto Vallarta handle international flights from elsewhere.
The major hubs are Cancun and Mexico City. While both are efficient and modern, due to the strict immigration guidelines long lines at customs and immigration are normal.
Aeroméxico and Mexicana are the country's two major airlines. Flying locally and internally is highly recommended if you want to visit several sites on a trip but prices have increased over recent years and costs can be high. You can also obtain connections to other countries in Central and South America, the USA and the Carribbean.
There is a departure tax of USD20 for international flights and USD17-21 (depending on the route) for domestic flights. These taxes are usually included in the price of your airline ticket, but sometimes need to be paid at the airport. Tickets issued in Mexico generally do not include the departure tax.
by Train
Sadly, Mexico's railway system has fallen into disuse and is no longer a viable means of getting around the country.
The few remaining routes have erratic schedules with second class trains that are uncomfortable and unsafe. Robberies are a continuing problem with thefts from sleeping tourists not an uncommon occurrence onboard trains.
Only scenic tourist routes such as the Copper Canyon are recommended and should be booked in advance from reputable travel agencies or at hotels in major cities.
by Bus
Mexico can make a reasonable claim to possessing the best bus system in the Americas bar none, at least in terms of connectivity. No matter how bad the road or how small the village or distant the location, a bus goes there. The downside is that not all buses in the country are created equal. Each region has its own major bus line with schedules changing daily so it is often hard to plan too rigidly in advance, although you can safely assume that there will be a bus sometime during the day. Bus stations in towns and cities are normally centrally located and provide information on schedules and ticketing.
First class buses have air conditioning, video movies, advanced tickets sales with assigned cushy seats, clean bathrooms, excellent routes and reasonable departure times. Routes between larger cities may offer a slightly more expensive "executive class" with the additional amenities of non-stop service, free beverages and better videos. Second class buses, affectionately referred to as "chicken buses", vary from slightly dilapidated vehicles to those held together with wire, bubble gum and glue. A good second class bus has windows that open, intact upholstery and a bathroom (clean is a bonus). Locals usually travel second class so it's often "standing room only".
Second class travel takes much longer since the bus follows secondary routes littered with potholes and stops at every village along the way or for anyone standing by the side of the road waving. You should find your first ride on a chicken bus a colourful experience though one ride will usually suffice as the charm quickly wears thin. Do plan on spending most of your time on second class buses if you decide to explore off the beaten track. When available, choose first class since the price difference between first and second is often minimal.
by Car
If you arrive by plane and you want to hire a car there are good possibilities at the several airports. Click here to check or book cars at every airport.
Driving can be an extremely pleasant way of getting around Mexico, and allows you the freedom to explore much of the country you wouldn't otherwise see.
Foreign cars are allowed into Mexico with the purchase of a bond and import sticker at any of the border crossings. You can drive without a bond but only to a distance of 22km from the border. Breaking this restriction will result in extremely heavy penalties if you are caught.
The minimum driving age is 17, and although national driving licences are not always necessary, having an international driver's licence will make it easier to rent cars and may save time if you are required to produce a driving licence by anyone. A speed limit of 100km per hour (62mph) applies on open roads, unless signs indicate otherwise. In cities a speed limit of 50km per hour (31mph) is in force unless signs indicate otherwise. Locals see speed limits as purely optional however and you may be abused for sticking to them. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory, although many drivers ignore the restriction.
Check your rental contract for loopholes and always buy insurance. If you are driving without car insurance and become involved in an accident you will go to jail even if you are not at fault - you are heavily advised not to risk driving without appropriate insurance. Drive defensively - there are many impatient and poorly trained drivers on the road. Note that Highway patrols also impose spot-checks on cars and that you should co-operate with the authorities if stopped. The check is normally pretty cursory but you should have your licence and insurance documents to hand at all times.
Major highways are in excellent condition. Mexico's toll-roads (Cuota) reduce journey time greatly and despite being expensive you are advised to use them if possible - they also carry the least risk of becoming the victim of highway robbery at the hands of bandits. Although not exactly an endemic problem, hijacks have been known to occur on Mexican roads. Tourist routes have the government sponsored roadside assistance programme Angeles Verdes (Green Angels) which provides assistance in case of vehicle breakdown. Normal motorways are called libres.
Petrol is sold only at government owned PEMEX stations and prices are high when compared with the income of the locals. Visitors from Europe will find prices extremely reasonable however. There are no self-service stations so always check that the attendant has reset the pump back to zero before serving you. To avoid being overcharged ask for a specific amount of gas, such as MXN200, rather than for the tank to be filled. Attendants will also often check your oil, clean your windscreen and perform various other tasks - a small tip is normally appreciated.
Driving at night on isolated secondary roads should be undertaken cautiously, the employment of headlights (if they work) by other road users can be sporadic, road conditions can vary away from main roads and car hijacks have been known to occur on rare occasions. You are also advised to check carefully as to the safety of the region you are travelling within if you are heading away from main routes, bandits have been known to operate in certain parts of the country.
In cities taxis are an advisable alternative to self-drive as they are cheap and plentiful - though don't hail taxis in the streets of Mexico City. Ask a hotel or business to call one for you. Note that if you do have your own transport in Mexico City you, like every other car user, are required to leave your car at home for one day a week. Check with your rental firm or hotel if planning to drive in Mexico City. Some modern cars with low emissions are exempt.
by Boat
There are ferries from the Baja California Peninsula to mainland Mexico. Sematur runs the La Paz (on Baja California) to Mazatlan route. The twice-weekly Santa Rosalia to Guaymas route also connects the Peninsula. Phone the ferry company on Tel: +52 (01)612-125-4440.
Ferries on the Caribbean Coast are small local operations that cross over from the mainland to Isla Holbox, or Isla Mujeres from Cancun.
Ferries to Cozumel run from Playa del Carmen (further down the coast from Cancun) daily, usually departing once per hour for the 45min journey. Tel: +52 (01)984-872-1508.
