Driving in Mexico

Driving in Mexico may be an extreme experience.For example, if you must travel from a city to another, we recommend you to go along paid highways, although tolls are not always cheap, they are safe, fast, without heavy traffic and they are always in good condition.On the other hand, state or free highways are generally in bad condition, they are narrow, with many curves and a heavy traffic, in special trucks.

In relation to driving in the city, it will always be an adventure.Traffic in Mexico is ussually messy; driving rules are not respected, and it is better to drive defensively, because the size of the car really matters.

In general, it is easy to get lost, because the tracing of the streets was not very well planned, and it is usually difficult to come back to the starting point.On the other hand, the name of the streets is not always visible, due to its small size or because it does not exist.Always try to carry a map, because asking is useless, unless you ask taxi drivers.

When driving in Mexico City, be very careful, because drivers, in general, are very aggressive and rude.

Taxis

As they are cheap, it is a very popular means of transportation in Mexico.In several cities, the price of the trip is dealt with the driver before traveling, so it is always convenient asking ‘how much is it to go to …’However, in big cities, such as Monterrey and Mexico City, they have been installing taximeters.

Airport and hotel taxis have fixes fee rates, which, most of the times, are a lot higher that usual, so don’t be alarmed by the price.Nevertheless, they are much safer than normal taxis.

In the last time, robberies and kidnappings in taxis have become common, especially in Mexico City.Try to take hotel taxis, or from a taxi station.When getting into the vehicle, take a look at the driver’s credentials, be attentive to the route and self-reliant.
Taxis in Mexico are yellow or green.

Urban Buses ( Microbuses )

Urban buses or trucks (camiones), as Mexicans call them are the most popular means of transportation in cities.They have numbers and a classification according to the trip they do.The fare is very low compared to other countries in Latin America, and though they are not very comfortable, they are an effective transportation means when you are short of money.
For destinations such as beaches, trucks are very used by tourists.

Collectives, Combis or Peseros

This means of transportation only exists in some cities.It is the case of Tijuana and its called ‘route taxis’, which are big vehicles with a great passenger capacity, doing a fixed route, as urban buses do.

Besides, in some places we find combis or peseros, vehicles transporting from 10 to 12 people through a determined route.

Interurban Buses

Mexico has a good interurban network of roads and buses, which have different schedules and go everywhere.You can also choose among different types, according to your necessities and budget.The most luxurious ones have ample reclining seats (beds), air conditioning or heating system, television / video, and a service of snacks and brunches included in the price, apart from bathroom and telephone.

Buses, as they are known in Mexico, are taken in the ‘Central Camionera’ (main bus station) of every city.Be careful, because in cities such as Mexico City there are several stations, depending on the destination.If the trip you are planning to do will last a few hours, you may purchase your ticket in the same station some minutes before the bus leaves, but in the case of longer trips, it is recommendable to get the ticket with a day of anticipation, at least. In the cities, there are offices of the bus companies, where you will be able to buy your ticket.

Robberies at the highways have increased lately in Mexico, and buses are not free from it, so try to avoid carrying valuable objects; besides, try not to travel at night along highways known to be dangerous.

Subway

Only Mexico City has this type of transportation.In this city there are ten lines, able to take you to a great number of destinations, among them, the main tourist attractions.By subway, you can go from the main square of Mexico City to the airport itself.However, be careful, pick pocketing and robberies are usual.Avoid peak hours, when thronging is big and thieves find things easier.

In Guadalajara there is a kind of subway called Tren Ligero (fast train); the energy is conveyed to the vehicle through cables located on the roof.This has two lines, and it is pretty comfortable and safe, though not very tourist.

Trains

‘Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México’ (FNM) is the state company handling the Mexican railway system, nowadays going through a privatization process, so the service offers a low quality and it is not very recommendable.
The timetables offered by this network are: Mexico City – Veracruz, Mexico City – Nuevo Laredo, Mexico City – Oaxaca, and the route Chihuahua – Pacífico.
There are five types of classes when traveling: preferential first class, second class, sleeping coach class (available only in some tracks), dressing room class and alcove class.
It is necessary to point out that the route Chihuahua – Pacífico offers a completely different service from the rest of the Mexican trains. The route is a trip of an incredible scenic beauty, and the trains and rails are in good condition, offering a first class service.