Apr 17, 2013, 2:53 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
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The BUS? Really?
Yes, really. Mexico has a very modern bus system (with some not so modern ones) with European busses with highly trained drivers, GPS positioning and reporting, cradle and even angled lie-flat seats WiFi, refreshment service, at-seat entertainment, etc. at reasonable prices (sometimes the pricing is lower than paying for gasoline and freeway tolls, never mind renting a car). Read this thread for more information on economical, safe intercity travel.
Signed in members with 90 days / 90 posts can edit this Wikipost; wiki contents may be printed by using the
(lower right wiki corner)The BUS? Really?
Yes, really. Mexico has a very modern bus system (with some not so modern ones) with European busses with highly trained drivers, GPS positioning and reporting, cradle and even angled lie-flat seats WiFi, refreshment service, at-seat entertainment, etc. at reasonable prices (sometimes the pricing is lower than paying for gasoline and freeway tolls, never mind renting a car). Read this thread for more information on economical, safe intercity travel.
Bus travel in Mexico, the definitive thread.
Feb 8, 2013, 11:15 pm
#16
Join Date: May 2012
Location: DEN
Posts: 177
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!
Mar 11, 2013, 10:18 pm
#17
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: Aadvantage
Posts: 77
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.
Mar 12, 2013, 6:00 am
#18
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
That is a good tip. The exception might be holidays, religious or patriotic, when things can get very, very crowded.
Sorry to hear that, but it is good information to share so others don't get ripped off. Thanks for alerting us.
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.
Mar 19, 2013, 7:46 pm
#19
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: GDL
Programs: DL-Plat, Plat Ambassador, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 935
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?
12 hour overnight bus or 2 hour flight on Volaris?
Mar 19, 2013, 10:14 pm
#20
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: Aadvantage
Posts: 77
Bus or plane
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?
12 hour overnight bus or 2 hour flight on Volaris?
Mar 20, 2013, 2:25 pm
#21
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
IMO regardless of what bus they use for the 12 hour trip, Volaris is a decent airline and will be less hassle IMO. ¡Vámonos! (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.
Link.
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?
12 hour overnight bus or 2 hour flight on Volaris?
Mar 25, 2013, 1:09 pm
#22
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Chicago
Programs: American, United, Mexicana, Continental
Posts: 142
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.
Apr 2, 2013, 11:35 pm
#23
Join Date: May 2005
Location: tlv
Programs: AA Platinum, LY Matmid
Posts: 804
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
Any help from past travelers would be appreciated
Apr 5, 2013, 12:35 pm
#24
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
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.
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.
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
Any help from past travelers would be appreciated
Last edited by JDiver; Apr 5, 2013 at 12:43 pm
Apr 7, 2013, 6:10 am
#25
Join Date: May 2005
Location: tlv
Programs: AA Platinum, LY Matmid
Posts: 804
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.
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.
Apr 7, 2013, 11:58 am
#26
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
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.
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.
May 3, 2013, 11:09 pm
#27
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: GDL
Programs: DL-Plat, Plat Ambassador, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 935
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?
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?
May 4, 2013, 4:01 pm
#28
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: Aadvantage
Posts: 77
ETN vs Primera Plus
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?
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?
May 4, 2013, 9:59 pm
#29
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
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).
¡Gracias!, Teresita.
¡Gracias!, Teresita.
Last edited by JDiver; May 4, 2013 at 10:07 pm
May 5, 2013, 12:19 am
#30
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: GDL
Programs: DL-Plat, Plat Ambassador, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 935
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.
We will be traveling from Guadalajara to PV Saturday in August.