FlyerTalk Forums

FlyerTalk Forums (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/index.php)
-   Mexico (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mexico-480/)
-   -   Bus travel in Mexico, the definitive thread. (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mexico/1363374-bus-travel-mexico-definitive-thread.html)

KM123 Feb 8, 2013 11:15 pm

Another tip - if you're riding second class or lower bus there is no reason to book before hand. Frankly, there will be seats - and if not you'll only be on for a few minutes before some of the locals get off. Thanks for the post!

Teresita Mar 11, 2013 10:18 pm

Robberies on MEX/Queretaro bus
 
Sorry to mention this in this wonderfully extensive and informative bus thread---but there have been several robberies on the PrimeraPlus coaches between Mex Airport and the Queretaro bus station (in both directions). This is in spite of extensive security at the Airport, and more casual bag inspection in Queretaro. I live in Mexico and used to take these buses back and forth to the airport. I now use ETN into Mexico City and cab it to the airport.

JDiver Mar 12, 2013 6:00 am

That is a good tip. The exception might be holidays, religious or patriotic, when things can get very, very crowded.


Originally Posted by KM123 (Post 20213907)
Another tip - if you're riding second class or lower bus there is no reason to book before hand. Frankly, there will be seats - and if not you'll only be on for a few minutes before some of the locals get off. Thanks for the post!

Sorry to hear that, but it is good information to share so others don't get ripped off. Thanks for alerting us.


Originally Posted by Teresita (Post 20404047)
Sorry to mention this in this wonderfully extensive and informative bus thread---but there have been several robberies on the PrimeraPlus coaches between Mex Airport and the Queretaro bus station (in both directions). This is in spite of extensive security at the Airport, and more casual bag inspection in Queretaro. I live in Mexico and used to take these buses back and forth to the airport. I now use ETN into Mexico City and cab it to the airport.


NC_Girl Mar 19, 2013 7:46 pm

MEX to Puerto Vallarta
 
I was considering going on ETN until I saw that it would be a 12 hour overnight trip. Volaris has a couple of flights each day for the same amount of money. I LIKE bus travel in Mexico and have really wanted to give ETN a try, do you know which bus ETN uses on this route?

12 hour overnight bus or 2 hour flight on Volaris?

Teresita Mar 19, 2013 10:14 pm

Bus or plane
 

Originally Posted by NC_Girl (Post 20449185)
I was considering going on ETN until I saw that it would be a 12 hour overnight trip. Volaris has a couple of flights each day for the same amount of money. I LIKE bus travel in Mexico and have really wanted to give ETN a try, do you know which bus ETN uses on this route?

12 hour overnight bus or 2 hour flight on Volaris?

Well I would take the plane, or break up the ETN trip with a stop in Guadalajara or somewhere else enroute. Every ETN bus I've been on has video screens, lean back seats with foot rests, 2 bathrooms, luggage bay, etc. A bag lunch and soft drink is included ---but best to buy something you like before you get on the bus.

JDiver Mar 20, 2013 2:25 pm

IMO regardless of what bus they use for the 12 hour trip, Volaris is a decent airline and will be less hassle IMO. ˇVámonos! (ETN turiStár Lujo is what is currently running, from the schedules - and it will save you a night's hotel if you are looking at that aspect, plus they have reserved seats for women).

Link.


Originally Posted by NC_Girl (Post 20449185)
I was considering going on ETN until I saw that it would be a 12 hour overnight trip. Volaris has a couple of flights each day for the same amount of money. I LIKE bus travel in Mexico and have really wanted to give ETN a try, do you know which bus ETN uses on this route?

12 hour overnight bus or 2 hour flight on Volaris?


gomexico Mar 25, 2013 1:09 pm


Originally Posted by Teresita (Post 20404047)
Sorry to mention this in this wonderfully extensive and informative bus thread---but there have been several robberies on the PrimeraPlus coaches between Mex Airport and the Queretaro bus station (in both directions). This is in spite of extensive security at the Airport, and more casual bag inspection in Queretaro. I live in Mexico and used to take these buses back and forth to the airport. I now use ETN into Mexico City and cab it to the airport.

Robberies of busses seems commonplace, in some parts of the country. That's one of the reasons I confine my travel by bus to daylight hours ... to minimize the risk.

badatz Apr 2, 2013 11:35 pm

Mexico city airport to Toluca airport
 
I am looking to get from MEX to Toluca airport by bus. I know that there is service from Caminante but as their site is in Spanish I am not sure if the service is to the airport or somewhere in Toluca and then you need another type of transport to the airport

Any help from past travelers would be appreciated

JDiver Apr 5, 2013 12:35 pm

Caminante's Toluca bus station is TOLUCA (Calle Fidel Velazquez, esq. Av. Morelos - Fidel Velázquez St/ corner with Morelos Avenue), downtown Toluca.

Link to Google maps location.

For the Toluca airport, take a taxi from the Caminante station in Toluca (16 km / 10 miles); alternately, take a bus from MEX to the Observatorio / Terminal Central de Autobuses del Poniente in Mexico City, which offers a direct bus to the Toluca airport.


Hint, You can use Google Chrome and it will translate most websites on the wing.


Originally Posted by badatz (Post 20527267)
I am looking to get from MEX to Toluca airport by bus. I know that there is service from Caminante but as their site is in Spanish I am not sure if the service is to the airport or somewhere in Toluca and then you need another type of transport to the airport

Any help from past travelers would be appreciated


badatz Apr 7, 2013 6:10 am


Originally Posted by JDiver (Post 20542444)
Caminante's Toluca bus station is TOLUCA (Calle Fidel Velazquez, esq. Av. Morelos - Fidel Velázquez St/ corner with Morelos Avenue), downtown Toluca.


For the Toluca airport, take a taxi from the Caminante station in Toluca (16 km / 10 miles); alternately, take a bus from MEX to the Observatorio / Terminal Central de Autobuses del Poniente in Mexico City, which offers a direct bus to the Toluca airport.

Is the bus that you mentioned as an alternative also from Camiante as I did not see that option on their website. Can you provide a link to the webpage for this bus

JDiver Apr 7, 2013 11:58 am

The Toluca - Observatorio service does seem to be a Caminante offering <link>- described as a "shuttle" without the ability to purchase tickets online.

Toluca International's website (English version - link) "From the airport to get to Toluca there are two 'official' taxi companies. To Mexico City, there is a direct coach service to the 'Central de Autobuses del Poniente' of the city, also known as Observatorio.

To get to the airport, from Mexico City the direct coach service mentioned above is available."

Doesn't mention which company, but IMO it's likely to be the Caminante shuttle - a passenger van (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 16 pax). On the Caminante airport website, select TIPOS DE VEHICULOS and then SHUTTLE.



Originally Posted by badatz (Post 20550272)
Is the bus that you mentioned as an alternative also from Camiante as I did not see that option on their website. Can you provide a link to the webpage for this bus


NC_Girl May 3, 2013 11:09 pm

How to Book?
 
We fly into GDL on a Tuesday, and plan on heading straight to Ajijic. Saturday we will go back to Guadalajara via taxi then catch a bus to Puerto Vallarta.

My Aunt wants to take the nicest bus possible from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta. Which is the best? ETN or Primera Plus? And will we need to buy in advance? There will be 3 of us traveling together and would like to sit together. If we buy in advance where can we purchase the tickets?

Teresita May 4, 2013 4:01 pm

ETN vs Primera Plus
 

Originally Posted by NC_Girl (Post 20695934)
We fly into GDL on a Tuesday, and plan on heading straight to Ajijic. Saturday we will go back to Guadalajara via taxi then catch a bus to Puerto Vallarta.

My Aunt wants to take the nicest bus possible from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta. Which is the best? ETN or Primera Plus? And will we need to buy in advance? There will be 3 of us traveling together and would like to sit together. If we buy in advance where can we purchase the tickets?

I live in Guanajuato state, and in this area, ETN is better than Primera Plus. ETN only makes scheduled stops. ETN is a tad more expensive which is reflected in service. Best to check online for total travel time of the ETN service vs Primera Plus. ETN to date has a better security reputation. But things can change. Are you visiting someone in Ajijic who can advise you? I bought ETN tix online, but was double billed and it was a nuisance to fix. Tix are sold locally at the bus stations, and at OXXO convenience marts. If you are going during a holiday time then it is important to book in advance. Again, you can ask your hosts or lodging in Ajijic to help with this.

JDiver May 4, 2013 9:59 pm

I think Teresita has said it all - but at the station, you can usually select your seats from a seat chart at the ticket window - unless it is a high demand time. ETN / Turistar de Lujo show 5 - 6 hours of travel time Guadalajara to Pto. Vallarta, MXN 495 (USD $41.00) per person. Primera Plús is MXN 414 / USD 34.20, about the same times (in both cases dependent on non-, 1 or 2 stops).

ˇGracias!, Teresita.

NC_Girl May 5, 2013 12:19 am

I would think we could find someone in Aijic who could help us, I was just wondering if we is even possible to purchase them in Ajijic maybe at an OXXO?? or will we need to wait until we get to the bus station. My aunt has very limited experience traveling and I want to make this as stress free as possible.

We will be traveling from Guadalajara to PV Saturday in August.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:02 pm.


This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.