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In Mexico City

If you arrive in Mexico City by air, you will need to take an authorized taxi from the airport. Don’t take eager folks up on the taxi offers, as these are unauthorized cabs and not safe. Go straight to a clearly marked “transporte terrestre” counter inside the terminal, on the left-hand side after you exit the arrivals area. The charge is according to region, and there’s a huge map. Chances are you won’t find your hotel, so just state the name of your hotel to the attendant. You will pay at the counter and be handed a ticket. Follow the signs outside to “taxis autorizados” where there is a long line of yellow-and-white taxis. Hand your ticket to the driver. While tipping isn’t expected for cab drivers, you should tip 10 percent for help with your luggage.

Many taxis in the capital are bochitos (the endearing local name for the Volkswagen beetle), and are mostly green and white or yellow and white. Taxis are readily available outside hotels, but those are in general unmarked taxis (turismos). While this might be disconcerting, as the cars definitely don’t look like cabs, they are perfectly safe. Turismos are also for hire for longer rides, such as to the pyramids at Teotihuacán or the floating gardens of Xochimilco. The rates are quite reasonable, and it’s a great way to take an excursion to the outskirts of town.

The other safest option is taking sitio taxis (taxis stationed at a stand). You can call ahead for these or ask your hotel concierge or waiter at a restaurant to do so for you. These cars usually have meters, and you can give your destination over the phone. When the car does not have a meter (taxímetro), be sure to negotiate the price before your ride. Sitio taxis are allowed to charge a small premium above the meter, and can charge up to 10 percent extra at night.

Street taxis abound, but resist the temptation of hailing one right off the street. These taxis are not a safe option for tourists, and assaults are frequently reported.

Make sure you fasten your seatbelt (if there is one), as taxi drivers exhibit fairly aggressive driving behavior. However, they know the best ways around, and are generally very courteous.

In the rest of the country

In the rest of the country, it’s mostly safe to hail a taxi right off the street, especially in all beach communities. At night and when in doubt, have someone call you a sitio taxi, which are readily available throughout the nation. Taxis are also always parked at hotels, restaurants, and most tourist areas. If the taxi does not have a meter, be sure to negotiate the price ahead of time. At the airports, look for authorized taxis, which you pay for inside the terminal. At some smaller airports, they are not available, so just hop in a taxi outside the terminal.

-- By Dayana Razmilic and Judy Jenner

If you are a confident driver, it’s fine to drive in most beach communities and larger cities, but skip the rental car in Mexico City and stick to cabs. Trust us on this one. In many beach communities (Ixtapa, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo), you won’t even need a car, as it will be easy to get around with cabs or public transportation. On the Yucatán peninsula, renting a car is an easy way to explore pyramids and historical sites on your own rather than going on an organized tour. The Los Cabos area is also a good place to rent a car so you can explore part of the peninsula.

While driving is pretty chaotic in the entire country (rule number one: the bigger or faster car goes first), it is manageable almost everywhere. We can’t emphasize it enough: You don’t want to drive in Mexico City. For all other destinations, all major car rental companies have rental counters at the airports. Before you take delivery of your car, document any dents or other problems the vehicle might have on the appropriate forms. We suggest you opt for the most comprehensive insurance option that’s available to you, even if it’s overpriced.

-- By Judy Jenner

Subway in Mexico City

Mexico City’s subway system has undergone lots of clean-up in the last few decades, and it’s a safe and cheap transportation option. However, pickpockets are common, so keep a close eye on your valuables. In general, the metro is clean and the modern system covers almost the entire city with more than 175 stations on eleven routes.

You can purchase your (very inexpensive) ticket and find maps with the routes at every metro station. Some stations are worth the visit even if you don’t ride the subway, specifically the station at Zócalo. During certain times of the day, there are cars that are especially reserved for children and women. These cars are clearly marked “exclusivo para mujeres y niños.” Late at night, we recommend you use a sitio taxi instead of taking the metro, as some of the metro stations’ surrounding areas aren’t safe after dark. While there is a subway station close to the airport, there’s no connection between the airport and the station, and the area surrounding the airport is not the best in town. In addition, travelers are only allowed to bring light luggage during rush hour, making the subway a poor option for airport transportation.

Light train in Guadalajara

Guadalajara, the country’s second-largest city, also has a good underground tren ligero (light train) system, which is safe and very inexpensive. There are two lines, and trains run approximately every 15 minutes.

-- By Dayana Razmilic and Judy Jenner

Inner-city buses

Countrywide, buses are an economical way to travel. Usually, these buses have their destinations printed on signs at the front. You will enter from the front and exit from the back. Tell the driver where you are going, you’ll be quoted a price, and will pay the driver directly (bring small change). In some cases, you can buy a rechargeable bus card. Some bus stops are clearly marked, especially in the bigger cities, but many can simply be found by looking for waiting groups of people. Timetables are generally not posted.  When you want to stop the bus, ring the bell, or pull the cord inside the bus. As is typical for all forms of public transportation, buses get crowded during rush hour, so watch your purse and wallet. Also, be sure to grab a seat or at least get good footing when you are standing, as rides can be bumpy. At night, it’s best to stick to taxis.

Inter-city buses

Mexico’s vast bus network makes buses a good alternative to air travel, especially for nearby destinations. Buses are divided by class: deluxe, first and second. Both deluxe and first class offer air conditioning, movies, bathrooms, and snacks onboard. These buses use modern toll highways to quickly get you to your destination. The second or economy class buses use non-toll highways, have more frequent stops and are crowded. They are significantly less expensive, but if you are planning a longer trip, we strongly recommend you travel first class or deluxe class.

-- By Dayana Razmilic and Judy Jenner

Mexico’s conveniently located airports are easily reached from all over the world. We offer flights to top destinations in Mexico from cities throughout the U.S. Check our flight and hotel page to start booking your vacation.

-- By Dayana Razmilic and Judy Jenner

Tipping the cab driver
Mexicans do not tip taxi drivers. However, if you feel you want to tip, it will be much welcomed. If the driver assists with your luggage, tip 10 percent.

Know the cost
Before you step into a taxi that does not have a meter, ask approximately how much the ride will cost. Have pesos and small change ready when paying, as it’s very likely that the driver won’t have the appropriate change.

Ask how long the ride will take
All roads lead to Mexico City. However, make sure you know your best option, so you won’t end up going to Mexico City via the longest and most expensive road.

Rules will be skipped, especially at night
At night, be aware of people running red lights, driving in the wrong direction, and stopping or making turns without warning.

Parking
If you are driving, eventually you will need to park. It may look disturbing to you, but people will park anywhere, anytime. However, you should stick to parking in designated spots only. If someone offers to watch you car, a small tip is greatly appreciated.

Taking taxi at night
Be sure you call a sitio taxi. Resist the temptation to hail a cab off the street.

Pedestrians
If you are driving, watch for pedestrians as they will cross just about anywhere. The concept of jaywalking is pretty much unknown.

Toll versus la libre highways
When you travel outside Mexico City, you have the option to travel on the toll (cuota) or the non-toll highway (la libre). Tolls are usually very expensive, but these well-maintained highways with emergency phones are well worth the expense. Non-toll highways can be treacherous, so stick to toll highways where they are available.

Spectacular bridge
On the Autopista del Sol (Sun Highway), which connects Mexico City with Acapulco, there's a breathtaking bridge. This jewel of suspension engineering is located at the halfway point between Cuernavaca and Acapulco. People stop here just to take stunning pictures.

Roadside assistance
The Ángeles Verdes (Green Angels) provide roadside assistance on most major roadways in the country. Services are provided free of charge, and spare parts are charged at cost. Tipping roadside assistance is greatly appreciated. The Ángeles Verdes can be contacted by dialing 078. If you don’t have a cell phone, pull over to the side of the road. Chances are that someone will stop and offer to call roadside assistance for you.

Two levels
The Periférico, one of Mexico City’s main expressways, has recently added a second level to help alleviate traffic congestion. You can now drive above an entire lane of cars for part of the Periférico, which crosses the city from north to south.

 

-- By Dayana Razmilic and Judy Jenner