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Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza, Mexico

© 123rf.com / Bruno Medley

Getting around in Mexico

Air: 

There is an excellent network of daily scheduled flights in Mexico between principal commercial centres operated by longstanding airline: Aeroméxico (www.aeromexico.com). (Mexicana, the country's second major airline, has suspended flights indefinitely but is expected to return soon with a reduced network of domestic flights.) Many of the smaller airports also have capacity for large planes and some international flights.

A plethora of small domestic carriers offer low-cost flights to a range of destinations. These include VivaAerobus (www.vivaaerobus.com), serving Monterrey, Guadalajara, Cancún and 23 other destinations in Mexico; Volaris (www.volaris.mx) with 25 destinations throughout the country; and Interjet (www.interjet.com.mx).

Departure tax: 

US$30-60, usually included in the air fare, otherwise payable at the airport.

Road: 

It is advisable to keep car doors and windows closed and locked, especially at traffic lights.

Side of road: 
N/A
Road classification: 

Confusingly, toll (CUOTA) and free (LIBRE) roads to the same destination often have the same highway ID number.

Drivers in a hurry should follow the CUOTA signs.

A third sign, LIBRAMIENTO, indicates a toll-paying bypass road.

Cash is preferred at toll-booths.

Car hire: 

Self-drive cars are available at airports, city centres and resorts. All the established international agencies operate in Mexico. Reputable Internet-only agencies are worth a look for cheap deals. Beware of hidden extras, and poor breakdown services, particularly with local firms.

Coach: 

Coaches and buses link almost all towns and cities. Central bus terminals in major cities provide service and information on fares and schedules. Major operators include ETN (tel: 01 800 800 0386; www.etn.com.mx), covering the Pacific coast, western and northern Mexico; ADO (tel: 01 800 702 8000; www.ado.com.mx), serving the Gulf coast and Mexican southeast; Primera Plus (tel: 01 800 375 7587; www.primeraplus.com.mx), serving central and northern Mexico; and Estrella Blanca (tel: 01 800 507 5500; www.estrellablanca.com.mx), with service throughout the country.

Regulations: 

Speed limits are 30-50kph (19-31mph) in towns and 80-120kmph (50-75mph) on motorways. All auto passengers are required to wear safety belts. Car use in Mexico City is restricted so as to reduce pollution. The last digit of the car number plate determines when that car cannot be driven.

Breakdown service: 

Rest areas at toll-booths provide ambulance and breakdown services. The Angeles Verdes (Green Angels) (tel: 078), run by the tourist ministry, provide breakdown assistance to tourists between the hours of 0800 and 1800 daily, with free labour and parts at cost. If you do need to call them out, it should go without saying that you should tip generously.

Documentation: 

An International Driving Permit or a valid driving licence from your country of residence is required. The minimum driving age is for car hire is usually 21. Mexican vehicle insurance is compulsory (see Getting There); check insurance is included in hire agreements.

Getting around towns and cities: 

Mexican cities and towns generally have good public transportation networks, with frequent bus and taxi service around town and to/from inter-city bus stations. Buses are cheap, with signs affixed to their windshields announcing their destinations. Taxis are easy to find; usually they charge by distance (it's best to agree on the fare beforehand) but in larger cities are metered.

The country's three largest cities, Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, all feature metro systems. Mexico City's is the most extensive, with frequent, efficient service and a flat fare of 3 pesos payable by single tickets or chargeable prepaid cards. Another component of the capital's transit network is its expanding Metrobus system, with double-length buses stopping at enclosed stations that are accessible by prepaid card. Various kinds of taxis ply the streets of Mexico City: cruising street taxis are metered and cheap; radio taxis operating from sitios (taxi stands) charge more but are considered a more secure option. In the city centre, bicycle taxis offer a non-polluting alternative.

Rail: 

All long-distance passenger train services were discontinued in 2000, with one spectacular exception: the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway, commonly known as El Chepe (tel: 01 800 122 4373; www.chepe.com.mx). The tourist-oriented line from the city of Chihuahua to Los Mochis traverses the Sierra Tarahumara range and includes a stop in the Copper Canyon region.

By water: 

Steamer ferries operate regularly between Mazatlán and La Paz (Baja California) daily; between Guaymas and Santa Rosalia, across the Gulf of California; between La Paz and Topolobampo three or four times weekly; and from Puerto Vallarta to Cabo San Lucas twice-weekly. Some west coast cruises include Pacific ports such as Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. There are also regular ferries from the mainland to the Caribbean Islands of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. Ferry operators, their names, websites and schedules are in a constant state of flux. Advance bookings are very rarely needed or available.

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