Buses
This is a country that runs
by bus. They are everywhere and very inexpensive to ride. You can
get literally anywhere by bus in Mexico, and if you travel the back
country (which is most of Mexico) this way, you will have a truly enriching
experience. And perhaps an adventure!
|
|
There are three classes of buses:
luxury, first-class and second-class. The luxury buses are
a joy to ride; they come with bathrooms, assigned seats and
air-conditioning. These buses run between cities and make infrequent
stops. First-class buses make more frequent stops but also often
offer air-conditioning and assigned seats. Second-class buses are
the buses that you have heard about whenever anyone talks about
Mexico. They sometimes look the same as first-class buses, but more
often than not they look like someone's idea of Bus Hell. These buses stop
for anyone, anywhere and all the time. They are crowded (you will
stand if you don't fight for a seat) and, yes, you may end up next to a
chicken (presumably with its owner). |
The ride can be wild, but this
is how most Mexicans get around. Even if the idea of riding in a
crowded, brightly colored vehicle with poultry is not your
idea of fun, everyone should ride on one of these buses at least once.
Trains
Mexico's train system is somewhat antiquated and
not particularly efficient or dependable, but the trains are a must for anyone nostalgic
about railroading. Trains come in two classes: first and
second. First-class trains offer assigned seats and bathrooms.
Second-class trains offer hard wooden benches, open windows and no heating or
air-conditioning. First-class tickets cost about the same as first-class bus service.
Air Service
The air
transportation system is good; six major airlines operate in Mexico,
including Aeromexico, American, Continental, Delta, Mexicana and United.
Taxis and Rental Cars
Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced. Rental cars are
available but are expensive (depending on the area, $100 USD per day is
not out of the question, and insurance deductibles can reach 5% of the
rental car's value). Gas prices are usually higher than in
the United States. Taxis are a better alternative. When
traveling in Mexico City it is best not to hail taxis on the
street. Instead, ask your hotel concierge to order a
radio-dispatched taxi. When out and about, only board taxis at
established taxi stands marked "Sitio."
Automobile Travel
Your U.S. or
Canadian driver's license is valid in Mexico. Never drive at night
because you never know what will pop up on the road and many roads are
not lit (except sometimes with pots of burning oil). Toll roads are
best for making time and maintaining speed; tolls vary ($10 U.S. a pop
is average) but are worth every penny if your goal is to get from point A
to point B in a reasonable amount of time. If your car breaks down, a
Green Angel will usually be along at some point. These green repair
trucks are sponsored by the Mexican government, operate between sun-up
and sundown and are free of charge except for parts. If you want
to explore the real Mexico, then by all means take the back roads.
You will have an enlightening experience and see an amazing country. You
do need to be prepared for slow drivers, fast drivers, potholes and all
kinds of things on the road, but if you are not in a hurry and just want
to explore, this is the best way to go! Click
here for information about auto insurance (it is mandatory).
And whatever else you do, don't drink and drive!
Road Trips
- Nogales, AZ to Mazatlan
is 14 hours, about 1200 kms and approximately $50 U.S. in tolls.
- Mexico City to
Acapulco
is 3 and 1/2 hours, about 385 kms and approximately $40 U.S. in
tolls.
- Mexico City to Oaxaca
is four hours, about 450 kms and approximately $25 U.S. in tolls.
- Guadalajara to
Puerto Vallarta
is 3 and 1/2 hours, about 310 kms and approximately $23 U.S. in tolls.
