Bus Across Mexico Preview

BUS ACROSS MEXICO

Copyright © 2010 R6bert Berryhill

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Map of Colonial Cities

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Nuevo Laredo’s busy bus station.

Chapter 1 - Ready for Adventure!

Chapter 1 Ready for Adventure! ^&Chapter 1 - Ready for Adventure!

We couldn’t help but smile at the stunned looks the other couple gave us. They had approached us in the sunny Morelia plaza because we were reading an English language newspaper. Clearly they were exasperated.

“We paid $250 for our flight from Mexico City to Morelia,” t he man sputtered. His wife shook her head. “And the plane,” she added, “was two hours late in taking off.”

They asked if we had arrived by plane or rental car.

That’s when we smiled and put the other travelers in shock. “Neither,” we replied in unison. Then I explained. “We made the four hour trip by bus.

It cost just $32.”

They gulped in surprise and looked at each other. The wife told her husband, “I’ve got to get my potassium fix.” Then they hurried off.

It’s a shame they didn’t linger awhile and share our pic nic lunch of roasted chicken from a nearby cafe. We would have told them that busing

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BUS ACROSS MEXICO across Mexico has more benefits than just dollars and cents.

We didn’t join the cookie-cut ter crowd of tourists at airport s, or cocoon ourselves in a rental car. We headed for Mexico’s clean bus stations buzzing with Mexicans from all walks of life. On plush, videoequipped first class buses, we met well-dressed business executives on their way to business conferences. Other times we bounced on third class mini-vans with friendly farmers carrying basket s of produce to the next highway junction.

And scenery. Instead of blips from a high-flying plane, from bus

First International Bus Terminal

First International Bus Terminal Makes It Easier for Travelers Travelers wanting to bus across Mexico from the United States have had t o c ont end with a t ime-consuming, and somet imes bewildering process.

But now that’s in the past, thanks to a new $4.9 million bus station that is the first to serve buses from both countries.

“I can’t believe how much more convenient this is,” said Mercedes Fuentes, 66. “We’ve always come and gone to Mexico, but now it’s going to be so much easier.”

The new terminal at McAllen, Texas, is expected to handle a million bus passengers a year. B uses from both the United States and Mexico have ticket booths in the new brick-and-stone terminal.

The t hree-year construction project ends the has sle of people changing to as many as three buses at the border.

Previously, tourists using the bus in the U.S. had to get off the Greyhound bus at the Mexican border, change to a local shuttle bus or taxi, or walk across the short international bridge, then go to the Mexican bus station to continue their trips.

Because Mexico’s bus system is the largest and most efficient in the world, savvy travelers don’t even think about expensive air flights or car rentals to explore the vast country. Since most Mexicans do not own cars, there are over 800 bus companies to serve the country.

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windows we saw unmapped lakes, 18th Century architecture, and oxen pulling plows across fertile volcanic fields.

But we would have stressed the most important benefit. We met people who helped us practice our fractured Spanish, a small boy who silently led us t hrough a burro pasture to an untouristed ceramics plant, a radiant clot hing designer and her hus band celebrating t he news of her first pregnancy, and proud craftsmen who showed us how to pound heavy slabs of copper into works of art.

By becoming a part of Mexico’s vast bus system, the largest and most efficient in the world, we were able to scratch beneath the surface of a wonderful culture.

But because of the lack of information on Mexico’s bus schedules and fares, it was scary at first. With Laredo, Texas, at our backs, we walked across the international bridge into Mexico with uncertainty. Our guidebooks only gave slight mention of the world’s largest bus system. Did the country’s more than 800 bus companies mesh together well enough to work?

What we found was a well-working, inexpensive way of traveling that is largely overlooked by tourists.

Our first step into one of Nuevo Laredo’s local buses put us in another world of sounds and colors.

Mariachi music blared from t he driver’s personal boom box in the swayed-back vehicle resuscitated from a school bus junk yard. The gaudily decorated windshield was bordered with garlands of plastic flowers and Christmas tree lights. A large crucifix in the center was next to a nude photo from an old Playboy magazine. S oon we were laughing wit h the other passengers as the driver took us on a jackrabbit sprint though the narrow streets.

Competing with other buses for 14-cent fares, the driver would slam on noisy brakes when he saw a potential passenger in the middle of a block. Then he would brush aside a dangling variety of good luck charms and trinkets crowding his windshield, and jerk through the gears again.

Every passenger, inc luding us , departed that dust y bus wit h an exhilarated expression.

Nuevo Laredo’s main terminal was typical of Mexico’s bus system.

Every few minutes custodians pushed large brooms across the clean floors.

There were gift shops, food stands, long distance phone and fax facilities, even a religious altar for the faithful. Bus companies had individual ticket counters in front of large boards listing their schedules and fares.

For three weeks we roamed Mexico’s countryside by bus, from the Texas border to the colonial city of Guanajuat o with several st ops in between.

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between. Now that we knew the system worked, we planned another trip.

This time we flew from New York to Mexico City and then used buses to totally immerse ourselves in the local culture.

We decided to set up base in Morelia and bus to outlying areas. Every day was different. We ate the fabled Tarascan Indian soup in Patzcuaro, watched copper artisans in Santa Clara del Cobre, hiked to the monarch butt erfly sanctuary near Angangueo, enjoy ed several days in the silver capital of Taxco. As we met local people, we jumped on buses to make surprise visits to places unaccustomed to tourists. Maybe the tiny mountain village with its marble-paved streets, home of the last Aztec emperor, wasn’t the end of the earth, but we could see it from there.

After our two trips to Mexico, friends expressed interest in visiting this fascinating country, but were not aware that bus travel was that extensive, dependable, safe, and inexpensive. After all, the United States is geared for jet planes and interstate highways. The only cross-country bus system, Greyhound, no longer goes into every nook and cranny, and some long-distance routes are almost “Traveling by as expensive as the airlines. Travelers from Europe bus is a great way are more familiar with train travel by Eurail. Ditto to see Mexico.” for tourists from Japan, which has an excellent rail - from the internet system.

The need for this book arose when we tried to provide friends with detailed information about Mexico’s bus system. To our surprise, we realized there is very little readily at hand. Mexican bus companies are geared for t heir resident s, mos t of whom do not own automobiles. Therefore bus companies don’t readily provide printed schedules for you to peruse.

The internet can be a frustrating tool for getting a grasp of Mexico’s bus system. There are over 800 bus companies, but only a handful provide web sites. Some of these bus web sites are virtually useless for the tourist.

For example, the s ite might offer a map of its bus routes , but no schedules. Instead, you are directed to a phone number for reservations.

This means you must be able to converse in Spanish and already know where you’re going and the day you want to go.

Some bus company web sites are a little more helpful. They offer two search boxes, one for the city of origin and the other for your destination.

This is adequate if you have already made these decisions. But suppose you want to know all possibilities. Then you must start at the top of the “origin” list and go through the whole “destination” list. Now go to the next

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city on the origin list and continue. If this bus company serves a lot of cities, plan to spend a day at the computer for just one bus company.

To avoid wasting time, you turn to the numerous web sites on Mexico.

The best ones provide message boards, so you pose your questions on bus travel. Almost ins tantly you start getting feedback, some of it from people who have not even used the bus system.

“W e got a rent al car from ABC Agency (at $60 a day),” was one response. They didn’t point out that the trip only took two hours and the rental car was parked for 12 hours while they explored on foot and then slept in a hotel room. One person even suggested getting a taxi for about $50 to travel 60 miles to another city, although inexpensive buses covered that route every 10 minutes for less than $10.

Some message board responses seem right on. A woman, who a year ago made the trip you want to take, offers the name of the bus company and the schedule she used. But no, she does not know what other bus companies offer. You “ Overni ght b uses keep at it. are a handy wa y to Sooner or later, you hit the biggest myth get the most time out about Mexico’s bus system. “Bus schedules o f t ravel ing . F o r c hange c onst antly. There are no print ed example, if you leave schedules anywhere.”

M aza t la n at 1 0:3 0 Wrong. Bus schedule c hanges require p m, yo u’l l g et i nt o government approval. A terminal in a major Guadalajara at 6:30 c it y handles over 3,000 bus arrivals and am, hopeful ly full of depart ures every day. Their sc hedules are sleep a nd rea d y t o coordinated to make Mexico’s bus system the explore the city.” most efficient in the world.

- from the internet The tourist guide books almost ignore bus travel altogether, mentioning only that “several buses a day” go from here to there. One guide book admits that bus travel is quicker, cheaper and more dependable than Mexico’s train system, but then devotes two pages and a map about the practically non-existent train system and only a half-page to buses.

So the idea for Bus Across Mexico was born. It has taken several months to track down the information, including over 40,000 bus schedules.

Now, for the first time, you have the only compilation of bus information for tourists. Enjoy. If you spot any errors or have suggestions, drop me a note, either on-line or by mail.

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Where Can I Store My Luggage?

Many tourists ask this question. They jet to Mexico City or Guadalajara and want to bus to other cities before their return flight home. Or they bus to another city that will serve as their base for side trips. How can they avoid carting all that extra baggage around?

There are two easy solutions.

Ask your hotel staff if they will s tore your luggage until you return.

Most hotels are used to providing this service if you are returning later. But if you don’t want to commit to returning to that hotel, then use the other solution. Most bus stations offer secure storage rooms for luggage, charging a small hourly or daily fee. Be sure to check the hours a luggage room attendant is on duty.

“The trip to Tequila is wonderful and inexpensive. Take the Can Women Travel Alone Safely? bus. It is a great experience. It is safe, it At every bus station in Mexico, you’ll find i s cl ea n, a nd t he many women of all ages traveling alone. Male stops to pick up paspassengers will be courteous and the other sengers allow you to women will be friendly and curious about you. get on and off and You’ll find y our fellow pas sengers will offer check out the area .” assistance if you’re having a language problem with the bus driver or at the ticket counter.

- from the internet Sara encountered no sec urity problems when she struck out on her own during our first bus trip to Mexico. She went to the Saltillo bus station on her own, found the right ticket counter, bussed to Zacatecas on the recommendation of a cafe owner, and found a suitable hotel. For the next few day s she met friendly people who told her about a local school festival just a few blocks away, guided her to the local historical sites, and pointed out their favorite shops and restaurants.

On our second trip to Mexico by bus, we set up base for a few days in untouristed Ciudad Hidalgo en route to the but terfly sanctuary. While I stood watch over the luggage on a street corner, Sara went off in search of a hotel. Another bus passenger sensed her mission and guided her a few block s t o a area with several hotels. That pas senger, a grandmother traveling alone, negotiated with the hotel clerk to make sure that Sara was getting the best rate. The next day, Sara walked a couple of blocks in quest of a cafe. As she stopped and studied a map, a Mexican teacher and two merchants crossed the street and offered their help.

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These are the kinds of wonderful experiences you will have when you travel wit h t he locals. For the nex t four days , we were a part of that community as residents kept watch over their new visitors.

So relax. Just use the normal precautions you use traveling in your home country.

What You Need Common sense. That’s the first and most important thing you need. If you know the bus is air conditioned, and most are, take a jacket or sweater.

If the bus has a toilet, and all first class buses do, then take your own supply of toilet paper. If the weather is hot, pack some bottled water or soft drinks.

You get the idea.

Here’s a short list of the things that’ll come in handy.

Jacket or sweater. If you’re not cold, use them as small pillows.

Toilet paper. The bus should have it, but then it might be out.

Bottled water or soft drinks.

Snack food. Offer to share with fellow travelers, especially the friendly children.

A note pad and pen to jot down directions, impressions and the names of the people you meet.

A Spanish language guide, especially one that gives the pronunciation of the words.

A small umbrella.

A small flashlight. Some towns are skimpy on street lights, and even cities can have a blackout during a thunderstorm.

Bandaids for the unexpected.

Camera to record those special moments.

Postcards of your home state. Mexicans will be just as curious about you as you are about them.

A detailed map of the country. If you and the ticket agent have trouble communicating, point to your destination on the map.

Add to this what you would normally take on trips for personal grooming, etc.

If you want to make a short day trip, travel light. Then you can enjoy the sights unburdened by heavy bags.

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BUS ACROSS MEXICO Entering Mexico

Everyt hing is ready to go. You’re all revved up to begin your adventure. All that’s left is the big decision: where to enter Mexico. You have a plenty of choices. A lot of tourists, especially from Europe and the Pacific, begin with flights into Mexico City, Cancun on the Caribbean coast, or resorts on Baja California, such as Enseneda or La Paz, or the Pacific coast resorts, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. The border between Mexico and the United States offers over 20 entry points.

If you’re crossing the border from the USA, be sure to get a tourist card at Mexico immigration and pay the US $24 fee at the border. If you’re flying into Mexico, you will get a free tourist card on the plane.

Check the latest passport requirements in plenty of time to get one if needed.

National Holidays All banks, post offices, government offices, and most businesses close on these national holidays. Buses run every day and advance reservations are suggested for busy holiday periods.

Jan. 1 Feb. 5

New Year’s Day (Ano Nuevo) Constitution Day (Dia de la Constitucion) celebrates the Constitutions of 1857 and 1917.

Mar 21 Birthday of Benito Juarez, national hero.

May 1 Labor Day (Dia del Trabajo). Workers hold parades.

May 5 Battle of Puebla. Mexican victory over French in 1862.

Sept. 1 State of the Nation Address by president of Mexico.

Sept. 16 Independence Day. Celebrations in each state begin the night before. President presides at the Grito de Dolores ceremony in Mexico City’s zocalo or at the parish church in Dolores Hidalgo where Father Hidalgo issued the call for independence in 1810.

Oct. 12 Day of the Race (Dia de la Raza). Discovery of America

by Columbus.

Nov. 20 Revolution Day. Anniversary of Revolution of 1910.

Dec. 25 Christmas Day. (Navidad). Religious events, plays.

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Border Crossings Laredo, Texas / Nuevo Laredo - This is one of the busiest crossing points because of its proximity to the U.S. midwest, southeast and eastern seaboard. Once you cross the international bridge, which only takes a few minutes to walk across, you can head anywhere in Mexico.

The first major Mexican city will be Monterrey, only three hours away by bus. If this will be your first bus foray, you might consider taking a bus that bypasses this metropolis, Mexico’s third largest. Only an hour from Monterrey is Saltillo, which is mostly overlooked by tourists. This is a perfect place for your first night or two. This college town enjoys a mild, dry climate, and has a unique bird museum, Museo de las Aves.

The government palace, Palacio de Gobierno, is a surprise treat. Inside the forbidding looking building are giant murals that have been overlooked by the guide books.

El Paso, Texas / Ciudad Juarez - At the southwestern edge of Texas, this crossing is a favorite jumping off place to Chihuahua. Then you can head west to the Copper Canyon. Or from Chihuahua you can head for Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific coast, or to the colonial cities in Mexico’s heartland.

Del Rio, Texas / Ciudad Acuna - Buses from here head toward Saltillo, just west of Monterrey.

Other Texas crossings include Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras, Progreso/ Nuevo Progreso, Rio Grande City/ Camargo, B rownsville/ Matamoros, Presidio/Ojinaga, Los Saenz/Ciudad Aleman, Fabens/Guadalupe de Bravo, Fort Hancock/Praxedis Guerrero.

New Mexico - Columbus/Palomas, open 24 hours.

Arizona - Douglas/Agua Prieta, San Luis/San Luis Rio Colorado, Nogales/ Nogales, Lukeville/Sonoita, Sasabe/El Sasabe, Naco/Naco.

California - San Ysidro/Tijuana, Otay Mesa/Mesa de Otay, Calexico/ Mexicali, Tecate/Tecat e, Andrade/ Algodones.

Border Towns Border Towns Laredo, Texas / Nuevo Laredo – Because it’s the gateway to the USA midwest and the East Coast, the Laredo, TX, crossing to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, is the most popular entry point for tourists. On the Texas side, Interstate 35 funnels traffic from San Antonio. In Mexico, a good highway leads south to Monterrey and connections to central Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Gulf of California.

There are two internat ional bridges, but most vis itors use Puente Internacional No. 1 to avoid the heavy truck traffic on Puente Internacional No. 2. From Laredo, Texas, the street Convent Avenue goes across the

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bridge and becomes Guerrero, the main street in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

Stop at the Mexican customs office, at the end of the bridge on the right, for your tourist card. After the customs office, walk down the main street (Guerrero) where there are s everal currenc y ex changes. The plaza is on the left, seven blocks past the bridge. Local buses to the bus station (Central) are on the opposite side of the plaza. Fare for the local bus will be about US 60 cents in Mexican coins. The ride to the bus station will take about 15 minutes.

The Nuevo Laredo bus stat ion is small, but c lean and orderly.

Facilities include a small cafe, but it will be cheaper to get food and drinks at small cafes in front of the bus station.

Brownsville, Texas / Matamoros (open 24 hours) - After crossing the internat ional bridge, stop at t he Mexican customs office for your tourist card. Take a minibus marked “Central” to the bus station for 3 pesos (US 45 cents).

There are currency exchanges at these crossings and at the bus station.

McAllen, Texas / Reynosa (open 24 hours) Del Rio, Texas / Ciudad Acuna (open 24 hours) El Paso, Texas / Ciudad Juarez (open 24 hours) Eagle Pass, Texas / Piedras Negras (open Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 8 pm; Sat. 10 am - 2 pm) Presidio, Texas / Ojinaga Columbus, New Mexico / Palomas (open 24 hrs) Douglas, Arizona / Agua Prieta (open 24 hrs) Lukeville, Arizona / Sonoita (open 24 hrs) Nogales, Arizona / Nogales (open 24 hrs) San Luis, Arizona / San Luis Rio Colorado (open 24 hrs) Naco, Arizona / Naco Sasabe, Arizona / El Sasabe San Ysidro, California / Tijuana (open 24 hrs) Calexico. California / Mexicali (open 24 hrs) - Mexicali's Central Camionera is 4 km from the border on Independencia at Anahuac, close to the new Centro Civico development and not far off López Mateos. To get there, take a "Calle 6" bus from the local bus stand off Mateos. Don’t get off at the Centro Civico, since this is still far from the Central de Autobuses (autoBOOSes). Over fifty buses a day head south toward México City, and there's at least one local service everyhour to Tijuana.

Otay Mesa, California / Mesa Otay (open 6 am to 10 pm) Tecate, California / Tecate (open 6 am to midnight)

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Setting Up A Base Mexico’s extensive bus network, which extends into every nook and cranny of the country, offers several possibilities for you to set up a base in one city, using it to stage short or overnight trips to the surrounding areas.

Bus Across Mexico divides the country into sections. Then you can travel as far afield as you like, depending on your schedule.

For example, if you’re entering Mexico’s northern border on a oneweek schedule, you can set up base near Monterrey to tour the northeast and upper Gulf coast, in Chihuahua for the north central area, or in Tijuana or Mexicali for Baja California.

If you fly into Mexico City or Guadalajara for a one week stay, you could base yourself in those cities and bus to the nearby colonial heartland.

A two-week itinerary allows you more options.

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High Flying Daredevils These daredevils put on a popular show as they fly around a high pole.

Only a rope keeps the high fliers from plummeting to the earth.

It’s up the man on the left to make sure the ropes are ready for the act.

The rope flying ac t is performed at local festivals and special events.

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Buses are Mexico’s favorite form of transportation.

^&Chapter 2 - The Right Bus for You

Chapter 2 The Right Bus for You Chapter 2 - The right bus for you Over 840 bus companies operate about 44,000 buses in Mexico, giving it the world’s largest bus system. The bus lines offer five classes of service ranging from luxurious vehicles complete with video movies and on-board hostesses serving snacks, to aging VW vans with narrow steel benches welded inside.

Unlike the United States and other countries that only offer one class

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of bus service, Mexico has three official classes of bus service: deluxe, first and second class. But in reality, there are five classifications. Here’s a guide to help you select a bus.

Executive Class - Top of the line with reclining seats and leg rests like the airlines’ business class. Stewardesses will offer you free refreshments as you watch videos on several monitors. These buses have fewer seats and usually separate toilets for men and women. Pick this class for speed and comfort. Save on hotel costs by taking an overnight bus between major cities. Reserved seats. Fare is about $10 more than deluxe class.

Deluxe Class - These buses have videos, a toilet, and air conditioning.

Seats with reclining backs are comfortable enough for overnight trips. Reserved seats. Fare is about $5 to $10 more than first class.

First Class - Clean buses with a rest room, air conditioning and cassette music. Some buses might have one video screen at the front. Can be used for overnight t rips, although t hes e bus es make more frequent st ops.

Reserved seats. Fare is about $2 to $5 more than second class.

Second Class - This class is popular for short trips to smaller towns.

No rest room and might not have air conditioning. These buses will stop for anyone on the side of the road. Mus icians or vendors selling food and trinkets sometimes come aboard. Seats not reserved. Fare is cheap.

Minibus or Combi - Usually old school buses or VW vans, these are the “chicken” buses that take you off the beaten path. No rest room, no air conditioning, but great fun. Seats are not reserved. Fare usually only $1 to $5. Sometimes this is the only way to get to remote villages.

Top 4 Bus Groups When you go to a bus station in a large city, you will often find more than one bus company represented at a tick et counter. That’s because some companies have banded together to share common duties, such as ticket sales. Don’t worry about it. The ticket agent will know which bus you need. There are nine bus groups serving various sections of the country, in addition to smaller independent bus lines.

Dominating the market are: Grupo Estrella Bla nca - Wit h over 30 bus lines in 27 s tates, the company offers the following classes of service: - Executive Class: Turistar Ejecutivo.

- First Class: Estrella Blanca, Futura, Americanos, Crucero, Transportes Chihuahuenses, Transportes del Norte, Transportes Cuauhtemoc, Expresso Iguala Chilpancingo, Cuernavac a Ecologico, Autobus es Aguila,

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Angangueo is a gateway to the monarch butterfly sanctuary.

Autobuses Blancos Saltillo Torreon, Elite, Autotrans port es de la Baja California, Omnibus de Oriente, Transportes Guadalajara Tepatitlan, Linea Azul, Transportes Huastecos.

- Second Class: Autobuses Blancos Coordinados, Camiones de los A lt os, Front era, PerZona, Trans port es de Guadalupe, Trans portes Chihuahua Madera, Flecha Roja del Sur, Transportes Gacela, Estrella Roja del Sur, Transportes Norte del Sonora, Transpacifico, Transportes Caballero Azteca, Autotransportes Aguila.

Grupo ADO - This company’s 25 lines serve a narrow corridor on the Gulf of Mexico, the Yucatan, and south from Mexico City to the Guatamala border.

- Executive class: UNO servicomfort.

- Deluxe Class: ADO GL, Cristobal Colon Plus, Maya de Oro. - First Class: Autobuses de Oriente (ADO), Super Expresso, Premier, Expresso, Transportes de Lujo Linea Dorado, Cristobal Colon, Altos.

- Second Class: Autobuses Unidos (AU), Transportes Regionales de Veracruz (TRV), Linea Via, Autotransportes de la Cuenca del Papaloapan, Valles, Transport es Regionales de Tabasco (TRT), Transportes Region P enins ular (TRP), A utot ransport es del S ur (ATS), A utot rans portes Peninsulares (ATP), Autotransportes de Oriente (AO), Mayab, Autobuses del Sur, Rapidos del Sur, Volcanes.

Grupo Flecha Amarilla - Central and northern Mexico are served by this company’s 36 lines.

- Executive Class: Enlaces Terrestres Nacionales (ETN).

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- Deluxe Class: Primera Plus, Primera AeroPlus, Destinos Parhikuni Plus.

- First Class: Servicios Coordinados, Destinos Parhikuni, Omnibus de Mexico.

Second Class: Autobuses Centrales de Mexico Flecha Amarilla, Omnibus del Bajio, Omnibus del Jorullo, Omnibus San Luis Leon, Autobuses de la Piedad, Autotransportes la Altena, Transportes Cueramaro, Autobuses Flecha de Oro, Autotransportes Cortazar, Autotransportes La Piedad Cabadas, Union de P ermisionarios A zules y Triangulo, Omnibus Libertadores del Bajio, Transportes A mealc ences , Aut obuses Puruandiro-Irapuato, Transportes Turisticos Azleca de Oro, Lineas Azteca de Oro, Autobuses Unidos de Jalisco Cost alegre, A ut obuses del Sur de Jalisco, Autotrans port es Tapalpa, Autobuses de Atoyac, Cienega de Chapala, Transportes Colimenses, Nuevo Horizonte, Autobuses de la Costa, Sociedad Cooperative Colima - Tecoman - Cerro de Ort ega, Omnibus Flecha B lanca, Autobuses Regionales de Queretaro, Autotransportes Paracho, Sociedad Cooperative de Carga y Pasaje Ciudad Guzman - Tuxpan - Teclaitian, S.C.L. Grupo Toluca - These 24 lines serve central and northern Mexico.

- Executive Class: Enlaces Terrestres Nacionales (ETN).

- Deluxe Class: Omnibus Cuauhtemoc Via Plus, Autobuses de Jalisco La Linea Plus, Destinos Parhikuni Plus.

- First Clas s: Pegass o P lus, Sat elit e, Viajero P lus, Omnibus Cuauhtemoc Via 2000, Autobuses de Jalisco La Linea, Destinos Parhikuni, Omnibus de Mexico.

- Second Clas s: Autotrans portes Herradura de P lat a, Horizont e, Mensajero, Viajero, Autobuses de Occidente, Autotransportes de Pasajeros Mexico - Toluca - San Luis Mextepec -Queretaro y anexas Flecha Roja, A ut ot rans port es Nauc alpan-Toluc a, A utot rans port es Toluc a-Cuatro Caminos , Turis mos y A ut obus es Mex ico-Toluca Triangulo Flec ha, Caminant e, Aut otransport es Tres Est rellas del Cent ro, A utotransportes Aguila, Autotransportes Azteca Toluca - Ixtlahuaca.

Other major companies include Grupo Senda, Grupo Transpais, Grupo Estrella de Oro, Grupo Estrella Roja, and Grupo Pullman de Morelos.

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Bus Class System NOTE: In the following list of different class buses, not all buses operate in all areas of Mexico. Most of the bus lines serve regional routes. If the route you want to travel is served by more than one bus line, this list will help you sort out the bus class.

Executive Class (Lujo) E TN Turist ar UNO Deluxe Class ADO GL Cristobal Colon Plus Cuauhtemoc Via Plus Jalisco La Linea Plus Mayo de Oro Parhikuni Plus Pegasso Plus Primera Plus Primera Aero Plus First Cl ass ABC ADO Aguila Altos Americanos Autobuses Biancos Saltillo Torreon Chihuahuens es Cristobal Colon Crucero Cuernavaca E cologico Elite Estrella Blanca Expresso Expresso Iguala Chilpancingo Futura

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BUS ACROSS MEXICO Guadalajara Tepatit lan Huastecos Jalisco La Linea Linea Azul Lujo Linea Dorado Omnibus Cuauhtemoc Omnibus de Mexico Omnibus de Oriente Pegasso Plus Premier Satelite Servicios Coordinados Super Expresso Transportes del Norte Via2000 Viajero Plus Second Class Aguila (Autotransportes Aguila) Altena (Autotransportes la Altena) AO (Autotransportes de Oriente) ATP (Autotransportes Peninsulares) ATS (Autotransportes del Sur) AU (Autobuses Unidos) Autobuses Blancos Coordinados Autobuses Centrales de Mexico Autobuses de Atoyac Autobuses de la Costa Autobuses de la Piedad Autobuses de Occidente Autobuses del Sur Autobuses del Sur de Jalisco Caballero Azteca Caminante Camiones de los Altos Cienega de Chapala Cortazar (Autotransportes Cortazar) Cueramaro (Transportes Cueramaro) Estrella Roja del Sur Flecha Amarilla (FA) Flecha de Oro (Autobuses Flecha de Oro)

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You can sharpen language skills at bus stations.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3 - Bus traveler’s Spanish Bus Traveler’s Spanish You Can’t Get To “kah-POOL-yah” If You’re Pronouncing It “KAP-u-lah” The man sitting across the aisle on the executive class bus was knowledgeable. After all, he was a successful plant manager heading to his weekly business conference. He knew his way around the gigantic Mexico City bus terminal, one of the busiest in the world. The good and bad points of the major bus companies were no secret to him. But after the bus hostess served drinks, my question completely stumped him.

“Where do I catch a second-class bus to Capula?” I asked.

He gave me a quizzical look, so I repeated my question.

“Never heard of it,” he finally responded.

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Luckily I had a road map with me. I unfolded it and pointed to a small spot in western Mexico.

“Kah-POOL-yah,” he s aid with a smile. “You’ve been pronouncing it KAP-u-lah.” Then he told me where to find that area’s second class bus station and even named the bus company. “You can’t get there if you can’t say it,” he pointed out.

That was a valuable lesson on my journey across Mexico using the world’s largest bus system. I had been brushing up on just enough basic Spanis h phrases s o I c ould order s imple meals without too muc h embarrassment. But the language tapes neglected the colorful town names that had roots in Spanish, Mayan, and even obscure tribal dialects.

Since then I’ve followed two plans: either have my destination written on a slip of paper or a map to show the ticket agent if necessary, and compile a pronunciation list of Mexican cities. These plans have proved useful since the farther away you get off the tourist path, there are fewer ticket agents and bus drivers who speak English.

You’ll need these Spanish words to help you navigate the bus system.

Executive Class - Lujo (top bus class) First Class - Primera Second Class - Segunda Ticket Window - Caja, or Taquilla Reserved Seat - Asiento reservado Arrivals - Llegadas Departures (or exits) - Salidas Every Hour - Cada hora Every Half Hour - Cada media hora Daily - Diario Seat - Asiento Aisle Seat - Asiento Pasillo (PAS) Window Seat - Asiento Vent Passenger - Pasajero Drive r- Chofer Get Aboard - Subir Get In - Sube Get Off - Bajar Bus - Autobus, or Camion Bus Station - Central de Autobuses, or Central de Camionera Central - Refers to the bus station. Don’t confuse with Centro.

Centro - The center of town. Don’t confuse with Central.

Ticket - Boleto Bus Stop - Parada

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How To Pronounce City Names How To Pronounce City Names Here is my partial list of Mexican cities, beginning with Baja California, to help you pronounce names of cities.

Baja California City Names Baja California Aguascal ientes ah-guahs-ka-lee-EHN-t ehs Bahia Concepcion bah-HEE -ah kohn-sep-see-OHN Bahia de Los Angeles bah-HEE-ah day loes ahn-HAIL-ace Cabo San Lucas KAH-boh sahn LOO-kahs Catavina cat-ah-VEE-nya Ciudad Constitucion see-ooh-DAHD kohn-stih-too-SE E-ohn El Rosario el roe-SA HR-eeyoh Ensenada ehn-seh-NAH-dah Guerrero Negro geh-REH-roh NEH-groh La Ventana lah vehn-TAH-nah La Paz lah PAHS Loreto loh-REH-toh Los Barriles loes bar-EEL-ace Mexicali meh-hee-CAH-lih Mulege moo-leh-HEH Puerto Penasco PWEHR-toe pen-YAHS-koe Puerto San Carlos PWEHR-toe sahn KAR-lohs Rosarito roh-sah-REE-toh San Felipe sahn-feh-LEE-peh San Ignacio sahn eeg-NAH-see-oh San Jose del Cabo sah hoh-SEH dehl KAH-boh San Quintin sahn keen-TEEN Santa Rosalia SAHN-tah roh-sah-LEE-ah Tecate teh-KAH-teh Tijuana tee-HW AH-nah Todos Santos TOH-dos SAHN-tos Mexico Mainland City Names Mexico Mainland Acatepec ah-kah-teh-PEHK Ajijic ah-hee-HEEKM Angangueo ahn-gahn-GEH-oh Bacalar bah-cah-LAHR Bonampak bow-nam-pawk Cacaxtla kah-KASH-tlah Calixtlahuaca kah-leesh-t lah-WAH-kah

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Campeche kahm-PEH-cheh Chapala chah-PAH-lah Chemuyil cheh-yahsh-CHEH Chetumal cheh-t oo-MAHL Chichen Itza chee-CHEHN eet-SAH Chihuahua chee-WAH-wah Chilpancingo cheel-pahn-SEEN-goh Cholula choh-LOO-lah Ciudad Juarez ciudad HWAH-res Coba coh-BAH Colima koh-LEE-mah Cozumel koh-soo-MEHL Creel creh-EHL Cuautla coo-WOW-tlah Cuernavaca kwehr-nah-VA H-cah Culiacan coo-lee-ah-CAN Dolores Hidalgo doh-LOH-rehs ee-DAHL-goh Durango doo-RA HN-goh Dzibilchaltun see-bee-eel-chahlt-t oon El Tajin el tah-HEEN Guadala jara gwah-dah-lah-HA H-rah Guanaj uato gwah-nah-HWA H-toh Guaymas GWAY-mahs Hermosillo ehr-moh-SE E-yo Huatulco wah-TOOL-co Isla Mujeres EES-lah moo-HEH-rehs Ixmiguilpan eesh-mee-KEEL-pawn Ixtapa eeks-TAH-pa Izmal ee-sah-MAHL Jalapa hah-LAH-pah Jocotepec hoh-koh-teh-PEHK Los Mochis los MO-chees Manzanillo mahn-sah-NEE-yoh Matam oros mah-tah-MOH-rohs Mayapan my-ah-pahn Mazatlan mah-saht-LAHN Merida MEH-ree-dah Mitla MEE-tlah Monterrey mohn-teh-REY Morelia moh-REH-lee-ah Nogales noh-GAH-lehs Nuevo Laredo noo-EH-voh lah-RE H-dohs

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Grupo Senda ticket agents are knowledgeable and courteous.

Chapter 4 Buying Your Bus Ticket Chapter 4 - Buying Your Bus Ticket You’ve chec k ed your maps and the guide book s for a neat destination. Bus Across Mexico shows the available schedules. Now, how do you purchase the bus ticket?

It’s easy enough to just say: “Go to the bus station about an hour before you want to leave.” The problem is that some cities have more than one bus station. Mexico City has four terminals, all of them as large as international airport s. Guadalajara has two: a second-class station for nearby towns, and a long-distance station of seven connected buildings. Taxco has two first class stations, while tiny Palenque has seven.

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Hostesses greet passengers for Parhikuni’s deluxe bus.

So the first step to buying your ticket is to go to the right station if the city has more than one. Find the right ticket counter. That’s a simple task in the smaller cities. Various bus companies might have their counters lined across one wall.

But large bus terminals can appear intimidating at first. For example, one end of the terminal might be devoted to arrivals, and the other to departures. Counters for the top bus classes, first, deluxe and executive class could be lined up on one side, and second class bus companies on the other.

You can quickly sort all of this out by looking for the company sign for your bus.

You will find the tick et counter pers onnel very professional and helpful. If your language skills are poor, have your destination written on note paper so you can show the agent. If there are several buses that day,

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indicate the schedule you want.

A computerized ticketing system is used for first, deluxe and executive classes of service. That’s because all seats are assigned. If your bus originated in another city, the computer may indicate that all seats are reserved.

That’s just what happened when I wanted the only executive class bus of the day. The ticket agent said don’t worry, I should wait around DRIVER anyway. Sometimes business executives make several reservations, but only show up for one. There just might be some empty seats when the bus pulls in.

1 2 enough, the 3 bus had 4 been overbooked. The ticket agent waved Sure me back to the counter and soon I was on my way. If the agent believes the bus might really 7be full,8then he’ll suggest another schedule.

5 Do 6 you have a preference where your seat is located? This will be the time to indicate this. The agent will probably have a diagram similar to the one on the left indicating which seats are available 9 10 the agent 11 12 a ticket, collect your money in pesos, and Then will issue you’re on your way.

If you’re traveling on a first 13 14 15 16 class, deluxe or executive class bus, your ticket will show the bus seat you’ve been assigned. Usually this works out fine. But sometimes you find another person in20 your assigned seat. If the bus doesn’t appear 17might18 19 crowded, you can just take another seat. But if the bus is going to be full, then show your ticket to the driver and let him straighten things out.

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Bus Seating Diagram

Ladies’ Room

Men’s Room

Baggage Storage

To Bus

Snacks

TAP

Elite

Pacifico

Telephones

Taxi Tickets

TICKET COUNTERS

Futura

ETN

Travel Agent

Plus FA

PUERTO VALLARTA BUS STATION

Gifts

To Bus

Food Court

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Bus Station Diagram This floor plan is typical of small bus stations across Mexico.

Bus stations in large cities resemble international airports.

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Be wary of being assigned the first row in the bus. It sounds great because that would put you at the windshield for a great view. But in practice, the bus driver often claims that first seat for his briefcase, helper, or girlfriend. Since the driver is the captain of his ship in Mexico, he will send you to another seat.

If you’re on a top-of-the-line executive class bus, sometimes a curtain blocks the windshield from the passenger cabin. So front seat passengers will be looking at a curtain during the trip.

When you’re going second class and have to change buses, you’ll pay for each segment as you go. Sometimes the timetables at the bus station might list a bus for your destination, even if it’s a nearby town. That’s because the connecting bus might be coming from a different station.Your first bus driver will let you off at the highway junction where the second bus will pick you up. Trust me, this system works.

Your Bus Ticket A computer will print out your bus ticket for executive, deluxe and most first class lines. The ticket will have the information you need for your trip.

Your point of origin will be printed beside “De: (origin) and your destination will be printed beside “A:” (to). Your assigned seat number will be listed in the box “Asiento” which is Spanish for “seat.” “Vent” means window, and “PAS ” s tands for “pasillo,” which means aisle. If your ticket indicates “vent 7,” then you have seat 7 next to the window. In the box beside “Hora de Salida” will be printed the time of your departure.

The t ick et will be is s ued for a specific bus at a specific departure time.

If you miss the bus, you might have trouble getting another ticket issued. So don’t buy y our t ic ket unt il you’re certain whic h schedule you want. You cannot get off the bus enroute and hop on a later bus to your final destination. If you want to stop over, you’ll need another ticket for the second segment.

A Sample Bus Ticket

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For second class travel, you’ll probably get a ticket stub and simply pay the driver when you board. Second class buses do not assign seats, so just take what’s available. If the bus is already full, you’ll have to stand in the aisle.On the bus, seat numbers are us ually on the overhead luggage rack.

Signs at the Bus Station

SALIDAS

ENTRADA

SALIDA

DEPARTURES

ENTRANCE

EXIT

LLEGADAS

EMPUJE

HALE

ARRIVALS

PUSH

PULL

How Savvy Business Professionals Save Hotel Money By Using Buses Why are there so many executive class (lujo) buses zipping along the toll roads between major cities?

Business professionals in Mexico plan out-of-town business conferences with their eyes on the bus schedules. At night they park their cars at home, then board a top-of-the line bus. A hostess on the bus provides light refreshments, a small pillow and blanket.

Window curtains block out t he outs ide lights . The business profes sional uses the almost fully reclining seat to get a good sleep before arriving for the next day’s conference.

That’s why you’ll notice executive class buses leaving every 10 minutes between the major cities at night.

You can take a tip from them and trim your hotel costs, too. If you’re planning to hop to another city at least six hours away, use a comfortable night bus for your bed. Executive class (lujo) and deluxe class buses provide plent y of comfort for a good night’s

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Chapter 6 Chapter 6 - Use Hub Cities for More Schedules

Hub Cities for More Schedules It took awhile to discover this technique of using hub cities for Mexico bus travel. But it will be the most important tool in planning your trips.

Let’s take a couple of examples.

A popular route from the U.S West Coast is the run from the border town of Tijuana to Puerto Vallarta. However, you find only a handful of buses that connect the two cities. But if you check a road map, you’ll see that a bus from Tijuana goes east to Santa Ana, below Nogales.

Then the bus heads straight south to Guayman on the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) and follows the coastal highway.

This coastal highway is a major route to Guadalajara and Mexico City. But as the highway nears Guadalajara, it meets the Tepic junction.

Most of the traffic goes southeast to Guadalajara and Mexico City. But the Puerto Vallarta bus turns left onto another highway.

So take a closer look at the bus schedules, this time checking the schedules from Tijuana to Tepic. Now you’re picking up the frequent

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Tijuana - Guadalajara schedules. Plan to get off at Tepic. Now you can pick up several buses from Tepic to Puerto Vallarta.

Use this same example if you’re starting from Nogales, across the Arizona border. Remember that bus es st arting from Tijuana stop at Santa Ana. So you can use Santa Ana as the hub for the Puerto Vallarta trip. If the Nogales - P uerto Vallarta schedules seem poor pick ings, head to Santa Ana and connect with buses from Tijuana. And remember the Tepic hub, too.

Let’s use another example, this time from the Texas border.

San Miguel de Allende is a popular colonial city, practically straight south of Laredo, TX. But there aren’t very many buses from the border town of Nuevo Laredo to San Miguel.

But just three hours from Nuevo Laredo is Monterrey, the major transportat ion hub for northeast Mexico. There are many buses from Nuevo Laredo to Monterrey, practically a bus every 20 minutes. From Monterrey you can choose between several buses going to San Miguel.

Let’s back up to Puerto Vallarta for another example. A tourist wanted to go from Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast to San Miguel. There was only one bus schedule.

I pointed out that the bus stopped at Guadalajara. There are a lot of buses from Puerto Vallarta. And a lot of buses from Guadalajara to San Miguel.

Finding a hub city for your trip is important because Mexico doesn’t rely on one bus company, like Greyhound in the USA. Mexico has over 800 bus c ompanies. Only certain bus lines go from Guadalajara to Tijuana. Only certain bus lines go from Guadalajara to S an Miguel.

Thus Guadalajara is a major hub, the same as Mexico City, Monterrey, etc.

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Laredo Nuevo Laredo

McAllen Reynosa

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Brownsville Matamoros

Monterrey

Guadalajara

Mexico City

There are bus schedules from Laredo/Nuevo Laredo, McAllen/Reynosa, and Brownsville/Matamoros to Mexico City or Guadalajara, and cities in between.

But there are more frequent bus schedules to the hub city Monterrey.

From Monterrey there are more frequent buses onward to Mexico City or Guadalajara.

If t here aren’t many buses from your depart ure point t o your destination, try to find a hub city between those two points.

Monterrey Aguascalientes

Guadalajara Puerto Vallarta

San Miguel de Allende Irapuato Morelia Mexico City

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^&Examples of Hub Cities

Butterfly Sanctuary

Guadalajara

Morelia Mexico City

Patzcuaro Santa Clara del Cobra Leon

Guanajuato San Miguel de Allende

Guadalajara

Puerto Vallarta

Mexico City

Veracruz Mexico City

Villahermosa

Puebla

Cancun Yucatan

Guadalajara

Guanajuato San Miguel de Allende

Mexico City Taxco Oaxaca

Veracruz

Cancun Yucatan

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Mexico City TAPO Bus Station is huge.

Chapter 7 - Mexico City Bus Stations

Chapter 7 Mexico City’s Bus Stations Resemble Airport Terminals The world’s largest bus stations are also the busiest, handling over 3,000 buses a day in just one station in Mexico City.

The vibrant capital city has not one, but four massive bus terminals to handle the large volume of traffic. As large as many airport t erminals, these bus stations offer passenger services ranging from currency exchange and post offices, to restaurants, drug stores, ATM machines, long-distance phone booths, fax machines, and even hotel reservations.

For the religious travelers, the stations even provide small shrines.

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Aerial view of Terminal Norte, Mexico City’s largest bus station.

Visitors marvel at how clean the stations are, despite the heavy 24hour traffic.

Mexico City’s bus stations are named for the four points of the compass: Norte (north), Sur (south), Oriente (east) which is also known as TAPO, and Poniente (west). But you can’t assume which part of the country each station serves.

For example, Oaxaca is south of Mexico City, but most buses to Oaxaca leave from Terminal Oriente (TAPO) because they go through Puebla, which is to the east.

In another example, Morelia is to the northwest, and therefore served by buses from Terminal Norte (north) and Terminal Poniente (west). Check the schedules listed in this guide to see which service suits you. Poniente (west) offers the most buses to that city, including top-of-the-line deluxe and executive (lujo) classes.

All of the terminals can be reached by metro, bus, trolly bus, minibus (pesero), or taxi. Although the fastest and cheapest way is by metro, large baggage is prohibited. You can use small carry-on luggage or backpacks, but be aware that s ome s tat ions have long passageways and steep stairways.

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Terminal Norte This is the world’s largest terminal, handling traffic for all of the U.S. border, the Gulf Coast as far south as Veracruz, the Pacific Coast as far south as Manzanillo, and cities including Guadalajara, Zacatecas, Morelia, Colima, and Monterrey. This terminal also has buses to the pyramids north of Mexico City and ruins of Teotihuacan and Tula.

There are over 30 bus companies here, with first clas s and deluxe class counters on the right (southern) side of the terminal, and second class counters on the left (northern) side.

The station is three miles north of the zocalo at Avenida de los Cien Metros (Metro stop Autobuses del Norte). You can get downtown by taking a taxi, the metro or a trollybus.

The metro station is down the steps outside the center front door of the terminal. Inside t he metro station (served by Linea 5), follow the s igns “Direc cion Pantitlan.” To get downtown, change trains at La Raza or Consulado. Changing at La Raza is more difficult due to a long walk that includes stairs.

The t rollybus stops in front of t he bus terminal and goes down the central artery (Eje Central), Lazaro Cardenas.

You can not get on the metro or trollybus with large baggage, but small carry-on bags and small backpacks are allowed.

Terminal Sur This terminal is often c alled Terminal Tasquena, even by the bus companies , because it is at Avenide Tasquena 1320 and nex t t o t he Tasquena metro stop. Buses for cities in the southwest areas of Taxco, Acapulco, Cuernavaca, and Zihuatanejo use this terminal.

To go downtown, use the metro following Direccion Cuaatro Caminos, or hop on a trollybus on Avenida Lazaro Cardenas.

Terminal Poniente The s malles t t erminal, Poniente on the west side, serves Taxc o, Zihuatanejo, Cuernavaca, Morelia, Acapulco, Toluca, Ixtapan de la Sal, Uruapan, and Guadalajara. If you want to go to a city such as Guadalajara that is served by both Terminal Poniente and Terminal Norte, then Norte might be the better choice since it has more and better buses.

Terminal Poniente is next to the Observatorio metro station at Sur 122 and Rio Tacubaya.

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Aerial view of Terminal TAPO for buses to Yucatan and the south.

Terminal Oriente (TAPO) This is t he plac e for buses going to Puebla and points east and southeast , including Oaxac a, Pachuca, Jalapa, Veracruz, Yuc atan, and San Cristobal de las Casas. The terminal is at Calz. Ignacio Zaragoza 200 at the metro San Lazario station (line 1).

You can get downtown on the metro, or use a pesero or city bus by following the signs to Avenida Eduardo Molina and walking to the bus stop on the right. Peseros to the c ity center will be marked either “Zocalo,” “M(etro) Allende,” or “M(metro) Bellas Artes.”

Airport Becomes 5th ‘Bus Station’ If you’re flying into the Mexico City airport and want to immediately begin your bus journey, you might not have to go across town to a bus terminal.

Want to go to San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca, the Yucatan, Taxco, or Veracruz?

Then a bus from the airport will take you to the hub cities of Queretaro,

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Puebla, or Cuernavaca where you can make connections to continue your journey.

Pullman de Morelos has non-stop executive class (lujo) buses to Cuernavaca where you can connect to Taxc o or Acapulco. A fter you clear airport immigration and customs, go to the Pullman ticket booth on the second floor near the food court.

The bus takes a little less than two hours to take you to the Terminal Casino de la Selva Bus Station in Cuernavaca. You can taxi to another Cuernavaca station to reach Taxco or Acapulco.

Examples of Pullman s chedules from the airport to Cuernavaca are: 00:30, 06:40, 07:15, 08:00, 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:40, 11:20, 12:00, 12:40, 13:20, 13:40, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:40, 16:10, 16:40, 17:10, 17:40, 18:00, 18:20, 18:40, 19:20, 19:40, 20:00, 20:40, 21:10, 21:40, 22:50, 23:30.

To Queretaro, where you can connect to San Miguel de Allende, service from the Mexico City airport is provided by Primera Plus. Fare is approximately US $24, payable in pesos.

From the airport, Primera Plus buses leave at 07:00, 08:30, 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:15, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, 17:45, 18:30, 19:15, 20:00, 20:45, 21:30, 22:15.

For P uebla, where you c an connect t o Veracruz, Jalapa, t he Yucatan, Oaxaca, and southern Mexico, bus service from the airport is provided by first class Estrella Roja. If you want to make a connection, be sure you get a bus going to Puebla’s main bus station, CAPU. There Bus from airport gives you a head start.

San Miguel deAllende Queretaro

Mexico City Airport Puebla to Yucatan and Cancun

Cuernavaca

to Taxco and Acapulco

Oaxaca

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Mexico City Cathedral impressive at night.

Chapter 8 Finding the Right Station Chapter 8 - Finding the Right Station Since Mexico City has four bus stations, how will you know which station to use? The stations are supposedly laid out on a compass template. But that doesn’t mean you need the Terminal Sur (south) if you want to go to Oaxaca. Of course, Oaxaca is south of Mexico City, but becaus e of the highway sys tem, Oaxaca buses leave from Terminal Oriente (TAPO) on the east side.

Another good example would be Guadalajara, whic h is west of Mexico City. But again because of the highway system, most buses to Guadalajara originate at Terminal Norte on the nort h side. There are some Guadalajara buses from the western station, Terminal Poniente (Obseratorio), but your best bet could be Terminal Norte.

If you’re confused by now, the following pages list the destinations served by each station. And remember the airport bus options.

BUS ACROSS MEXICO MEXICO CITY TAPO (Oriente) is located at Calzada Ignacio Zaragoza y (and) Avenida Eduardo Molina, Colonia 10 de Mayo, Delegación

Mexico TAPO Destinations - Acajete - Acatlán - Acayucan - Agua Dulce - Altotonga - Alvarado - Amecameca - Amozoc - Ángel R. Cabada - Apa - Apipilhuasco - Apizaco - Aquixtla - Arriaga - Atempan - Atotonilco - Axochiapan - Bordo Laguna - Cacahuatepec - Calpulalpan - Campeche - Cancún - Cárdenas - Carmen - Carrillo Puerto - Caseta Chalco - Catemaco - Caz umba - Chetumal - Chiautla - Chila - Chinantla - Cholula - Cintalapa - Ciudad Cardela - Ciudad Del Carmen - Ciudad Ixtepe

- Ciudad Lerdo - Ciudad Mendoza - Ciudad Sahagún - Ciudad Serdán - Coahula - Coapantzingo - Coatepec - Coatzacoalcos - Coixt lahuaca - Comalcalco - Comitlán - Córdoba - Cosamaloapan - Coscomatepec - Cosoleacaque - Crucero de Amayuca - Crucero de Yecapixtla - Crucero I. Matamoros - Crucero Matamoros - Cuapiaxtla - Cuautla - Cuetzalan - Cuyuaco - Desviación Tlaxiaca - El Batán - El Carmen - Emiliano Zapata - Emilio Carranza - Escarpega - Escuintla - Estación Chontalpa - Fortín - Fronteras - González Ortega - Grajales - Guadalupe Victoria

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Huahutla de J. Jalapa - Huajuapan de León - Huamantla - Huamuxtitlán - Huatulco - Huatuzco - Huehuetlán - Huejotzingo - Hueyotlipan - Huixtla - Ignahuapan - Ixcapa - Ixtaltepec - Ixtepec - Izúcar de Matamoros - Jalapa - Jaltipan - Juan Díaz - Juárez - Juchitán - Juxtlahuaca - Kalquini - Km. 88 - La Calera - La Capilla - La Gloria - Lagunas - La Herradura - Las Chiapas - La Tinaja - La Venta - Libres - Loma Bonita - López Mateos - Macuzpana - Madero - Mapaltepec - Martínez - Martínez de la Torre - Matías Romero - Mérida - Mezones

- Miltalapa - Minatitlán - Mizantla - Motozintla - Nacaltepec - Nanac amilpa - Nanchital - Nautla - Niltepec - Nochixtlán - Oaxaca - Ocozocoautla - Olinalá - Oriental - Orizaba - Palenque - Palma Sola - Palomas - Papantla - Paraíso - Paso de Ovejas - Perote - Petlalzingo - Pinotepa Nacional - Playa del Carmen - Pochutla - Progreso - Puebla - Puerto Ceiba - Puerto Escondido - Putla - Quebrantadero - Quechulac - Raudales Malpaso - Recoba - Reforma - Rinc onada - Rodríguez Clara - Sacatepec - Salina Cruz - San Andrés - San Andrés Chicahuaxtla

BUS ACROSS MEXICO - San Andrés Tux - San A. Tacotepec - San Cristóbal de las Casas - Sanctorum - San Felipe Hidalgo - San José Chiapa - San Martín - San Miguel - San Miguel El Grande - San Miguel Tenistantiloya - San Miguel Tlacotepec - San Rafael - San Simeón - Santa Ana - Santa Cruz - Santa Lucía - Santa María - Santa María Zacatepec - San T. Amuzgos - Santiago - Santiago Tuxtla - Santo Domingo - Silacayoapan - Suchixtlahuaca - Talismán - Tamazulapan - Tapachula - Tapanatepec - Tecamachalco - Tecolutla - Tecomatlán - Tecomavaca - Tec omaxtlahuaca - Tehuacán - Tehuantepec - Tehuitzingo - Tejupan - Telix hahuaca - Tenosique - Teotitlán del C. - Tepalcingo - Tepatlaxco

- Tepeaca - Tepelmeme - Tepetlixpa - Tepoz colula - Tetela - Teteles - Texcoco - Teziutlán - Tierra Blanca - Tilpalapa - Tlacotalpan - Tlac otepec - Tlalmanalco - Tlalpan - Tlamanalco - Tlampoton - Tlapa - Tlapacoyan - Tlaquitepec - Tlatlauqui - Tlaxcala - Tlaxco - Tlaxiaco - Tonalá - Tonalapa - Tres Valles - Tulcingo - Tulum - Tuxtepec - Tuxtla Gutiérrez - Ulmanguillo - Vega de Alatorre - Veracruz - Villa Azueta - Villahermosa - Villa Isla - Xaltocan - Xochihuehuet lán - Xpujil - Xultepec - Y Griega - Yolomécatl

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- Zacapoax tla - Zac atlán - Zanatepec

- Zaragoza - Zempoala

Bus Companies at TAPO - ADO Autobuses Oriente - ATAH Expresso - Autobuses Unidos AU - Autotransportes MéxicoTexc oco - Cristóbal Colon - Estrella Roja

- Maya de Oro - Primera Más - Primera Plus - Superestrella - Sur - UNO - Volcanes

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Vendors use creative transportation.

Chapter 9 - Cheap Sleeps In Mexico City

Chapter 9 Mexico City’s Cheap Sleeps Mexico City might be the largest city in the world, but you don't have to blow your budget on expensive hotels. Mexico also offers clean budget hotels in the central area. Here are some suggestions. Prices are listed in U.S. dollars, but of course you pay in pesos. Check these listings: Hotel Juarez - On a side street north off Cinco de Mayo about two blocks from the Zocalo. $17 Hotel Toledo - Lopez 22 (c orner of Independencia), one block from Bellas Artes and Alameda Cent ral. Centro Historico. Tel: 55-2150-79 / 55-18-56-31 (fax). One or two persons in a full-sized bed: $14; two people in two full-sized beds: $19. Hotel is less than two blocks from Line 8. Metro st op San Juan Letran. Television, t elephone, hot wat er.

Hotel Miguel Angel - Dr. Valenzuela 8, Colonia Doctores.

Across from Metro Station Salto del Agua near the corner of Acros de

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Aztec dancers are popular at Mexico City Zocalo.

Belem. Tel: 55-78-30-22. One or two people in a full-sized bed: $14; two people in two full-sized beds: $17. Carpeted rooms, cable tv, telephone.

Hotel Compostela - Sullivan 35 across from Jardin del Arte in historical neighborhood. Colonia San Rafael. Tel: 55-66-07-33. $30.

Hotel Normandie - Virginia Fabregas 14, Colonia San Rafael. Tel: 55-66-40-88. One or two persons in king-s ized bed: $16. Restaurant and bar, jacuzzi suites, parking, and is three blocks from Metro Station San Cosme and near intersection with Circuito Interior and across street from U.S. National Cemetery.

Hotel Managua - Plaza San Fernando 11, Colonia Guerrero. Tel: 55-12-13-12, 55-21-49-61. Fax: 56-21-30-62. $20. Hotel overlooks both the park and the Panteon San Fernando cemetery in a quiet spot. One bloc k north of Met ro Stat ion Hidalgo and a bloc k from the Alameda Central and the 24- hour microbus line along Reforma.

Casa Gonzalez - Rio Sena 69 at Rio Lerma near Zona Rosa area. $30-$60 with optional family s tyle meals. Approximately 20 rooms, different sizes and styles, all with private bath, in 2 haciendas in a garden type setting. Ideal for families, women traveling alone. Tel: 5-514-3302.

Fax: 5-511-0702 Hotel Conde - Pes caditos 15 (corner of Revillagigedo), Colonia Centro. Tel: 5521-1084. 1 or 2 people in 1 bed: $14; 2 to 4 people in 2

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Mexico City has inexpensive Metro system.

Chapter 10 Mexico City Transportation Extensive Chapter 10 - Mexico City Transportation Extensive I consider Mexico City a great tourist city. It has the world’s top museum of anthropology, a zocalo that is the world’s second largest public square (Bejing has the largest), giant murals that knock your eyes out, and is only an hour away from two pyramids.

The city also offers an overwhelming weekend street market, an ongoing excavation of an Aztec temple in the heart of the city, and colonial buildings next to modern skycrapers.

Mexico City puts these sites within easy reach with the world's largest cluster of transportation facilities. These public transportation options will help you explore the city easily and cheaply.

48 The Metro BUS ACROSS subway MEXICO is reliable and runs underground, and the city government operates the RTP bus system and electric trolley buses. There are also plenty of franchised private buses and thousands of green painted VW taxis.

My favorite way to get around is the Metro, one of t he larges t and busiest subway systems in the world. It has 11 lines that carry 4.4 million people every day. It's quick, efficient and extremely cheap. Trains are crowded at rush hours, so beware of pickpockets.

The Metro uses pictorial signs and colors to help you navigat e the system. Free maps of the system are available at ticket booths.

If you’re hanging out late at night, have some alternate transportation in mind. The Metro does not run after midnight.

Metro Lines for Tourists Metro Lines for Tourists Some lines run through more tourist-related spots than others.

- Line 5 connects the airport (Terminal Aerea station) with the rest of the Metro system.

- Line 7 runs through many popular spots such as the Chapultepec Forest (Auditorio St at ion) where y ou’ll find t he Nat ional Museum of Anthropology (Museu Nac ional de Antropologia).

- Line 9 runs near the Condesa neighborhood (Chilpancingo).

- Line number 2 runs through the Centro Historico (Allende, Zocalo and Bellas Artes stations) and reaches the Sur Bus Station (Tasquena).

- Line 3 runs near Coyoacan (Coyoacan and Miguel Angel de Quevedo stations) and near the University City (Copilc o and Ciudad Univers itaria stations).

- Line number 1 runs through Centro Historico (Salto del Agua station), t he Chapult epec Forest (Chapult epec St at ion), Condesa and Roma neighborhoods (Insurgentes and Sevilla stations ) and the Ponient e Bus Station (Observatorio stat ion).

Bus Lines Are Cheap Bus Lines Are Cheap There are two kinds of buses. The first, are full-sized buses operated by the City Government known as RTP and cost two pesos (about US 20 cents) anywhere you go. Make sure to pay with exact change; drivers don't make change. The second kind of buses are known as "Microbuses" or "Peseros". These buses are private-run and come in small and bigger sizes.

Peseros cost 2.5 pesos (about US 25 cents) pesos for shorter trips, 3 pesos (30 cents) for 6 to 12 km trips and 4 pesos (40 cents) for trips over 12 km.

Full-sized private buses are 3.5 pesos (35 cents) for short trips, and 4.5

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Mexicans display their produce in local markets.

Chapter 11 - Mexico’s Colorful Markets

Chapter 11 Mexico’s Colorful Markets Offer Handicrafts and Produce Mexico is noted for its markets, called mercados, because of the variety of handicrafts, local produce, and general merchandise offered at prices that make shoppers drool. Even the largest mark et in the Americ as is located in Mexico City.

Mercados are c olorful and a great way to experience Mexican life.

Bargaining is expected, but you’ll find most prices already inexpensive.

Here is a list of some of Mexico’s mercados, listed by state.

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Aguascalientes State Aguascalientes - Located at 5 de Mayo and Union.

Baja California Sur San Jose del Cabo - Small Mercado Municipal behind bus station off Calle Doblado.

Campeche State Campeche - Mercado Municipal at east end of Calle 53 Chiapas State Chalchihuitlan - Large Indian market about 20 miles north of S an Cristobal de Las Casas. Thursdays and Sundays.

Chenalho - Indian market about 17 miles north of San Cristobal de las Casas. Sundays.

Palenque - Market at Manuel Velasc o S uarez and 1 P onient e in northwest corner of town.

San Cristobal de las Casas - Large market for a diversity of Indian groups at northern end of Avenida General Utrilla. Especially active on Saturdays.

Tenejapa - Indian market about 10 miles northeast of San Cristobal de las Casas. Sundays.

Guanajuato State Dolores Hidalgo - Market near Chiapas and Jalisco about two blocks south of the Jardin.

Guanajuato - Mercado Hidalgo on Ave. Juarez one block northwest of Jardin Reforma.Special feature: ceramics with pale green and blue designs.

San Miguel de Allende - Mercado Ignacio Ramirez at Calle Juarez and Calle Mesones. Special features: tinwork and colonial furniture. Most active on Sundays.

Guerrero State Acapulco - Mercado Municipal just north of Pro. D. H. de Mendoza and Ave. Const ituyentes.

Taxco - Market on Luis Montes de Oca, uphill from the first class bus terminal. Busiest on Sundays.

Tequisquiapan - Sunday market in this opal and diary center.

Hidalgo State Ixmiquilpan - Monday market day.

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Retired teacher S ara Haruyama hitches a ride to a bus stop.

Chapter 13 Covering the Country Chapter 13 - Covering the Country This is how one couple used Mexico’s extensive bus system to tour several sites from the Pacific coast resort area of Mazatlan to the Mayan ruins of Palenque near Guatemala.

A morning bus took them from Mazatlan through a spectacular canyon to Durango. They checked into a nearby hotel, then took a city bus into town for dinner.

The second morning they bussed to Zacatecas and found a hotel with a French-window overlooking the street. The next two days were enjoyed wandering the narrow streets with old buildings made of local pink stones, touring museums, and relaxing in a park where a friendly Mexican related some historical events.

Zacatecas, the center of silver mining, is a scenic colonial city built in t he s lopes of mount ainous ravine. Within a 12-bloc k area are museums

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displaying art by Picasso, Dali, Miro, and Chagall, and Mexico’s best example of the elaborate Churrigueresque cathedral architecture.

Nearby are the Swiss-built cable car system between the two hills, the town of Jerez de Garcia Salinas (Jerez) which has an exact replica of Ford’s Theater where Lincoln was assassinated, and the ruins at La Quemada (Chicomostoc), the northernmost remains of Mesoamerican cult ure.

To Guanajuato The bus odyssey continued to Guanajuato, the jewel of Mexico’s colonial cities. They first went to nearby Leon where they got a second bus for the final short segment.

Because it is built in a steep canyon, Guanajuato is a compact city with narrow twisting streets that are best navigated on foot. One side street is so narrow that buildings on opposite sides of the street have upper floor balconies that almost touch each other. The local legend is that a young man on one balcony could kiss his girlfriend on the other balcony simply by leaning over the road. The road is nicknamed Callejon del Beso (the kissing alley). Neighbors can actually lean out their windows

Parking at the Border If you’re in the U.S. and planning to drive to the border and board a Mexican bus, what will you do with the car?

Well, here are some options you might not have considered.

One couple used a park ing lot on a c ollege c ampus at Brownsville, TX, and walked across the border to Matamoras. The cost was $5 a day.

A long-term parking lot at a border airport was the solution for another couple. They left their car at the El Paso, TX, airport while they bused across Mexico for a couple of weeks.

Another driver said the El Paso municipal garage was safe and clean. This garage is downt own, about six blocks from the Stanton Street border bridge. He has also used a parking lot at the base of the bridge. Since this is operated by Yellow Cab, there is a dispatcher at the lot 24 hours a day.

The bull ring parking lot across the border in Juarez, however, is not secure and drivers are advised not to leave their cars there.

Other border towns in the U.S. also offer long-term parking lots. And buses to Mex ico are available in Los Angeles, S an Antonio, and other cities as far away as Denver and Chicago.

Parking at the Border

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Wander into Saltillo’s government building anddiscover murals overlooked by guide books.

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Wander into a Santa Clara del Cobra backyard and meet copper craftsmen hard at work.

and kiss each other.

Guanajuato is so beautiful that residents of nearby San Miguel de Allende come over for the day.

The oldest Christian artifact in Mexico, a 7th Century statue of the Virgin Mary on a silver base, was presented to the city in 1557 by the King of Spain. It is a focal point of the Basilica of Guanajuato.

Near the basilica is the Jardin, a large plaza in the center of the city.

Day 5 - Guanajuat o. Toured t he Granary where Mex ic an revolutionary heroes were defeated, and the Juarez Theatre that includes a men’s smoking room decorated in red velvet and gold. In the afternoon toured the unusual Cervantes Museum filled with art of the story of Don Quixote and Sanchez.

Day 6 - Guanajuato. More walks to explore the city’s streets and many hidden plazas.

Day 7 - Guanajuato, hillt op st at ue of La P iplia for great view overlooking city. Saw children dressed as flowers, birds and bees in a spring parade. Viewed Basilica of Guanajuato.

Day 8 - Early bus to Queretaro, then bus to Tula, a small untouristed town. Enjoyed evening in the plaza with the locals whose children hung out at the gazebo.

Day 9 - Tula. Ex plored Toltec ruins that were discovered in the 1940s just north of town. In the evening a band set up in the town plaza for a free concert.

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Mazunte beach in the state of Oaxaca.

Chapter 15 Plenty of Laid Back Beaches Chapter 15 - Plenty of Laid Back Beaches A thousand miles of coastline beckon travelers to Mexico’s western coast, especially the Pacific beaches from Mazatlan southward.

There’s plenty to draw the visitors. Sand ranges from the hot black mica to the smooth, and cool, white coral. There are smooth beaches safe for swimming and surfing, or steep drop-offs for stronger currents. Although resorts abound to cater to your every need, there are hidden beaches and plenty of spots for beachcoming after a summer storm.

Mexico’s ex tensive bus sy stem opens the Pacific coast to visitors coming from the USA. Major ent ry points inc lude Tijuana and Nogales served by executive class Turistar, and first class Elite, Transportes Norte de Sonora, and Transportes del Pacifico. Travel choices include to Mazatlan, or further south to Puerto Vallarta. You might have to transfer at Tepic for frequent Puerto Vallarta buses.

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Tijuana Nogales

Ciudad Juarez

Nuevo Laredo

Chihuahua

Reynosa

Monterrey Torreon

Mazatlan

Tampico Tepic Guadalajara

Puerto Vallarta Mexico City Manzanillo Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Acapulco

Oaxaca

Puerto Angel

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Quick Guide To Guadalajara Bus Station Quick Guide To Guadalajara Bus Station Guadalajara’s modern bus station is huge w ith seven connecting buildings called modules (modulo). The terminal has several shops and cafes. There is an information booth in the center if you get confused. Here is a quick guide listing the locations of the bus companies.

MODULO 1 Clenega de Chapala Autobuses de la Piedad Autotransportes la Altena Servicios Coordinados FletchaAmarilla Omnibus del Bajio Autobuses Unidos del Jalis co Costalegre Autotransportes Unidos Arandas-Guadalajara MODULO 2 Autotransportes Mazamitla Autotransportes del Sur de Jalis co Autobuses de Occidente Autobuses de Jalisco Transportes Via 2000 Enlaces Terrestres Nacionales MODULO 3 Transportes del Pacifico Autotransportes Guadalajara-Talpa-Mascota Transportes Norte de Sonora Autocamiones del Pacifico Transportes Cihuatlan MODULO 4 Autotransportes Etzatlan Autobuses Interestatales de Mexico Transportes del Pacifico MODULO 5 Transportes Guadalajara-Tepatitlan Omnibus de Oriente Autonaves Potosinas Camiones de los Altos MODULO 6 Omnibus de Mexico MODULO 7 Autobuses Estrella Blanca Transportes Frontera Autobus Expreso Futura Turistar Cinco Estrellas Transportes del Norte Mexico-Laredo y Anexo Transportes Chihuahuenses Autobuses Blancos Autobuses El Agula

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Guadalajara Metro System

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Map of Cancun Map of Cancun

Chapter 18 Cancun On the Yucatan Doorstep Chapter 18 - Cancun On the Yucatan Doorstep Cancun was developed from scratch by Mexico to become a world-class tourist spot. It has succeded to the tune of millions of tourists each year.

But if you go to the resort and only stay on beach in the daytime, and in the wild nightclubs at night, you could be missing a lot.

As a National Geographic editor put it: Most of the Cancun

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Map of Yucatan Map of Yucatan tourists don’t even know what country they’re in.

That’s a shame. Because the Yucatan bus system puts you within reach of:

• Mayan pyramids dating back hundreds of years • Cenotes, limestone sinkholes filled with rainwater, where you can swim amid stunning landscapes

• A biosphere reserve of 5,000 sq. km. named by the United Nations as a World Heritage site.

• Flamingo reserves at the northern tip of the Yucatan, and on the west coast near Merida Bus travel in the Yucatan, especially off the beaten path, can be iffy, however. That’s because there are only four major highways which get most of the bus traffic - between Cancun and Merida in the north, between Cancun and Chetumal on the east (Caribbean) coast, between Merida and V illahermos a on t he west (Gulf of Mex ico) c oast , and between Chetumal and Villahermosa in the south.

The other secondary roads which can get you to small archaeological sites, Mayan villages and untouristed beaches, are served mostly by second class buses.

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Merida Has 4 Bus Stations Terminal CAME 1st Class Calle 70 #555x71 Lines: Super Expresso, ADO, Expresso, Uno, ADO-GL, and Elite.

Destinations: Cancun, Campeche, Ciudad Del Carmen, Veracruz, Minatitlan, E. Zapata, Palenque, Puebla, Mexico City, Valladolid, Ocosingo, Tuxtla Gtz, Playa Del Carmen, Chichen Itza, San Cristobal de las Casas, Tulum, Cordoba.

Terminal CAME 2nd Class Calle 69 #544 x 68 y 70 Lines: ATS, TPR, Oriente, Mayab.

Destinations: Calkini, Campeche, Ciudad del Carmen, Champoton, Escarcega, Villahermosa, Uman, Halacho, Pomuch, Izamal, Valladolid, Tizimin, Coba, Tulum, Muna, Ticul, Oxkutzcab, Tekax, Peto, Carrillo Puerto, Cancun, Becal, Playa de Catazaha, Hecelchakan, Chichin Itza, Playa del Carmen, Palenque, Ocosingo, San Cristobal, Tuxtla Gtz, Acayucan, Puebla, Mexico City.

Terminal de Autobuses 2nd Class Calle 50 #531 x 65 y 67 Destinations: Celestun, Cancun, Izamal, Seye, Sotuta, Hoctun, Yaxcaba, San Cristobal, Acanceh, Cantamayec, Cuzama, Chapab, Cholul, Chumayel, Eknakan, Homun, Mayapan, Tepich, Teabo, Ticul, Mana, Mani, Huhi, Tekit, Oxkutzcab, Baca, Calotmul, Canshacab, Chicxulub Puerto, Colonia Yucatan, Conkal, Buctzotz, Dzemul, El Cuyo, Dzidzantun, Las Colorados, Ria Lagartos, Telchac, Chiquila, Holbox.

Hotel Fiesta Americana Bus Stop Calle 60 x Colon Lines: Super Expresso, first class. ADO-GL, deluxe class. UNO, executive class (lujo).

Destination: Cancun Progreso Bus Terminal Calle 62 #524 x 65 y 67 Destination: Progreso.

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Palenque In the morning mist.

Photo Copyright © Galen Frysinger

Chapter 19 Archaeological Sites A Bus Ride Away Chapter 19 - Archaeological Sites a Bus Ride Away Whether you’re on a packaged Cancun vacation, shopping for native crafts, or leisurely exploring on your own, you can easily squeeze in enough time for the Mexico bus system to put you near the doorsteps of some of the world’s most famous archaeological sites.

Some remote sites, however, are harder to reach. You might have to be dropped off at a dirt road and walk a couple of miles.

A tour of five Maya ruins is offered in Merida by the ATS bus company.

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Leaving the second class Merida station at 8 am, the bus goes to Uxmal to let off some local passengers. It goes to Labna for a 30-minute stop, to Xlapak for 20 minutes, Sayil for 30 minutes, and Kabah for 30 minutes. If you want to explore just the Uxmal site, you can get off there and catch the bus back to Merida at 2:30 pm.

Several bus companies in Cancun, Merida, Campeche, Chetumal, Villahermosa, Palenue, and San Cristobal de las Casas have schedules to nearby major sites.

Mexico also has archaeological sites that can be reached from Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Toluca, Colima, Morelos, Tula, and Zacatecas.

Most sites charge an entry fee of about $3 to $10. Admission is free on Sundays and holidays.

Chichen Itza Photo Copyright © Galen Frysinger

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Model of Chichen Itza

Sample Bus Schedules To Yucatan sites Sample Bus Schedules To Yucatan Sites Merida to Chichen Itza Super Expresso - 6:30 am, 8:45 am, 9:30am, 1 pm. Fare US $6 Merida to Palenque ADO - 08:30, 22:00, 23:30. Fare US $24 Altos - 7:15 pm. Fare US $23 Maya de Oro - 9:30pm. Fare US $26 Palenque to Campeche ADO - 8 am, 9 pm. Fare US $16 Altos - 2:10 pm. Fare US $14 Palenque to Cancun ADO - 8 pm. Fare US $36 Altos - 5:30 pm. Fare US $34 Cristobal Colon - 7:15 pm. Fare US $36 Maya de Oro - 9:10 pm. Fare US $49

BUS ACROSS MEXICO Map of Merida area ruins Map of Merida area ruins

Bus in Merida displays destination on windshield.

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Chapter 21 Chapter 21 - Bus Routes In Mexico Futura Bus Routes

Bus Routes in M exico What follows is a partial collection of the extensive bus routes in Mexico.

You will notice that the routes of some bus companies overlap. Use these routes, and a good road map, to help plan your trips.

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Herradura de Plata Bus Routes

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Tufesa Route Map

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Elite Route Map

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Transportes del Norte Route Map