Type of Service

Buses are divided into categories from first class deluxe coaches to colectivos - the famous squeaky and photogenic minivans used for local transport where you can even end up sharing your seat with some "not necessarily human" being, like a chicken.

Deluxe services are available on many routes: they are fully air-conditioned, offer reclining seats with plenty of space and foot support, TV flat screens, toilets, and luggage storage with receipt, so that you will be the only one able to collect your items upon arrival.

If you want to avoid catching a cold in the middle of your holiday bring a jumper - 1st class buses are the only places in Mexico where we have experienced polar temperatures.

Second class services do not usually have toilets and space is considerably more restricted.
They can be comfortable enough, but forget all the above-listed 1st class services. The cost on the 2nd class service is less, but are the relatively small savings worth the lack of comfort? Our answer is no, especially if you are traveling for many hours. Please note that on some 2nd class buses smoking is allowed.

Local transport like camiones, combis, colectivos, peseros… are definitely not the maximum in comfort but they are worth the experience. Forget timetables and official stops: some colectivos leave only when they have reached a minimum number of passengers that makes the journey worth while for the driver. You usually pay the few pesos for your trip directly to him. The driver will often stop along the way to collect more passengers.

These trips are often a good opportunity to chat with some locals… don't be too surprised if some people's kids end up sitting on your lap!

The only potential downside to traveling on this type of local transport is security. If possible try to avoid carrying valuables or travelling at night as on-the-road robbery is still a risk in Mexico especially on some isolated routes.

Tickets

Booking your bus ticket in advance is strongly recommended for long distance routes and first class services. Most of the companies offering luxury services have online information and reservation systems that even allow you to choose your seat (asiento).

On the same routes you can find both direct and multiple stop services. Remember that the second option can make your journey considerably longer and that timetables can vary by up to two hours.

For all other journeys you can book your ticket directly at the bus terminal before your departure. If you are leaving from a big city just make sure you know exactly which one: Mexico City has 4 different terminals located at the North, South, East, and West areas of the city.

The three main bus companies serving the East and South East and also offering excellent first class services are ADO (GL), UNO, and Cristobal Colon. Tickets can be booked on Ticketbus, a well organized and user-friendly online reservation system.
Other companies include Estrella de Oro (serving the South West), Estrella Roja (Mexico City - Puebla), Primera Plus (serving the Central Highlands and Central Pacific Coast), Omnibus de Mexico (serving the Central Highlands and Northern Mexico), ABC (serving Baja California), and Transpais (serving the North Eastern region).