Exploring Mexico: Travel Options From Mexico City To Puebla

Puebla is a beautiful colonial city in Mexico, located just 128-130km from Mexico City. It is known for its rich history, ornate baroque churches, and delicious mole poblano and Talavera pottery. The distance between the two cities makes Puebla a perfect destination for a day trip from Mexico City. There are several ways to travel from Mexico City to Puebla, including by bus, car, taxi, shuttle, or even foot. The best option for almost everyone is to take the bus, as it is reasonably priced, comfortable, and safe. The journey takes around 2-2.5 hours, and buses run frequently between the two cities. Another option is to rent a car and drive, but be aware that the roads can be confusing, and traffic in Mexico City can be heavy. There is also the option to take a taxi or shuttle, but these can be more expensive.

Bus from Mexico City to Puebla

Taking the bus from Mexico City to Puebla is a great option for travellers who want a reasonably priced, comfortable, and safe journey. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to travel by bus between these two cities:

Bus Schedule and Stations:

Buses between Mexico City and Puebla run frequently, with departures as early as 4:30 am and as late as 10:30 pm. The journey takes approximately 2 hours on average, with some trips being as short as 1 hour and 30 minutes.

When departing from Mexico City, the main bus terminal is the TAPO terminal (Terminal de Oriente), which can be accessed via the San Lazaro Station on Line 1 (Pink Line) or Line B. There are also occasional buses from other terminals, such as Central del Norte, but they are less frequent.

Upon arrival in Puebla, the main bus terminals are the CAPU terminal and Terminal Paseo Destino, a shopping mall and bus terminal located about 3.7 miles (6 km) from the historic centre of the city. From these terminals, you can easily find taxis or use ride-sharing apps to reach your final destination in Puebla.

Bus Companies and Tickets:

The two primary bus companies operating on this route are ADO and AU, with ADO being the leading bus company in Mexico. ADO offers first-class buses with more comfortable seats and onboard bathrooms, while AU is a sub-company offering second-class buses without bathrooms. The price difference between the two is usually small, with ADO tickets costing around $22 and AU tickets around $18.

Tickets can be purchased online through third-party websites like Busbud or GuateGo, or directly at the bus terminals. It is worth noting that the ADO website is only in Spanish, and online booking is only available with a Mexican debit or credit card.

Pros and Cons of Taking the Bus:

Taking the bus is the cheapest way to travel between Mexico City and Puebla, making it ideal for solo travellers and those on a budget. The buses are generally comfortable, with some offering USB ports for charging electronic devices.

However, one downside is the additional travel time and cost of taking a taxi or ride-share from the bus terminals to your final destination in Puebla. Additionally, for groups of 3 or more people, renting a car might be a more cost-effective option.

Alternative Options:

While taking the bus is a great choice, there are also other ways to travel between Mexico City and Puebla, such as renting a car, booking a private transfer, or joining a day tour. Renting a car offers more freedom and flexibility, but driving in Mexico City can be challenging due to heavy traffic. Private transfers provide a comfortable and direct journey, but they are more expensive. Day tours are ideal for those short on time, as they include transportation, a tour guide, and sometimes meals and entrance fees.

Rent a car in Mexico City

Renting a car in Mexico City gives you the freedom to plan your trip to Puebla at your own pace. You can find a wide range of car rental companies at Mexico City Airport, or in the city itself.

If you want to travel independently, renting a car is a good option. However, it's worth noting that the roads can be confusing, and it's easy to take a wrong turn or miss an exit. Driving out of Mexico City can be a challenge due to heavy traffic and frequent traffic jams.

If you do decide to rent a car, you can get to Puebla via the Puebla/Mexico 150D Highway, and the journey will take approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Where to Book:

Discover Cars is a recommended car rental booking service, as it compares all the major rental companies to find the best deals. They also offer a generous cancellation policy, allowing free cancellations up to 48 hours in advance.

Driving Tips:

• The road to Puebla is a toll road, with tolls costing around 200 pesos (approx. $12).
• The city of Puebla is fairly easy to navigate, but a GPS is recommended. Keep an eye out for one-way streets that may not show up on your device, especially in the city centre.
• Be cautious of "topes", or large speed bumps, designed to reduce speed.
• Avoid driving during rush hour, typically between 7-9 am and 5-7 pm.
• Routes to popular places like Cholula are more crowded early in the morning on weekends.
• An International Driving Permit and insurance are required to rent a car in Mexico.

Private transfer from Mexico City to Puebla

A private transfer from Mexico City to Puebla is a more expensive option, but it is also the most comfortable and convenient. If budget is not an issue, this is the best way to travel between the two cities.

You can book a private transfer in advance, so your driver will pick you up at the airport or hotel at a predetermined time. This means you don't have to worry about navigating public transport or driving yourself.

One option is to book a transfer with Daytrip. Their private car service will take you door-to-door in around 2 hours and 20 minutes. The cost is 349 USD for a Sedan car (up to 3 passengers) or 429 USD for a Toyota Hiace van (up to 9 passengers). The price stays the same regardless of how many passengers are travelling.

Another option is to book with El Viento Tours I Puebla. They offer private transportation from Puebla to the Mexico City Airport (Benito Juárez) for 2,500 Mexican Pesos, with an estimated travel time of 2.30 hours.

Welcome Pickups is another fast and reliable pickup service that connects licensed drivers with tourists. A transfer from the Mexico City Airport to Puebla Centre will cost you around $250.

Day trip from Mexico City to Puebla

Puebla is a beautiful colonial city in Mexico, located just 128-130km from Mexico City. It is known for its ornate baroque churches, the iconic mole poblano, and Talavera pottery. The city has a charming small-town vibe despite being the fourth-largest city in Mexico. Its historic city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Transportation Options:

• Bus: The bus is the most recommended and cheapest way to travel between the two cities. Mexican buses are comfortable, usually punctual, and easy to navigate. The journey takes around 2-2.5 hours, and tickets cost between 250-400 pesos ($15-$25). There are three main bus companies operating direct buses: ADO, AU, and Estrella Roja. ADO and AU buses depart from the TAPO terminal in Mexico City, while Estrella Roja buses depart from the airport. In Puebla, buses arrive at the CAPU and Terminal Paseo Destino stations. It is recommended to book tickets online through platforms like Busbud or GuateGo.
• Car Rental: Renting a car gives you more freedom and flexibility. You can drive from Mexico City to Puebla via the Puebla/Mexico 150D Highway, a toll road that costs around 200 pesos. However, driving in Mexico City can be challenging due to complicated routes and heavy traffic.
• Private Transfer: Booking a private transfer from Mexico City to Puebla is a more expensive but comfortable option. It will cost around $250 for a transfer from the airport to Puebla.
• Day Tour: Day tours are ideal if you want a hassle-free trip with transportation and a guide included. There are various day tour options available, such as small-group excursions that include visits to the Great Pyramid of Cholula, churches, and the colonial monuments of Puebla.
• Other Options: Although there is an airport in Puebla, there are no direct flights from Mexico City, so flying is not recommended. Taking a taxi or shuttle bus is also possible but may be less convenient and more expensive.

Things to Note:

• The bus stations in Puebla are not within walking distance from the historic centre, so you will need to take a taxi or Uber to your final destination, which will cost around 100 pesos.
• The buses can get quite cold due to air conditioning, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket.
• If you are taking a bus from the airport, both ADO and Estrella Roja buses are good options, with similar quality and comfort.
• Puebla is known for its impatient drivers, so be cautious when walking on the streets.

Enjoy your day trip to Puebla!

Take the subway from Merced to Zaragoza

Taking the subway from Merced to Zaragoza is one of the fastest ways to get from Mexico City to Puebla. This journey takes approximately 11 minutes and the trains run every five minutes. The service is operated by Transporte Colectivo Metro CDMX and tickets cost $1.

To catch this subway, you need to first get to the Merced station. The nearest metro station to TAPO (the primary bus station in Mexico City with frequent buses to Puebla) is the San Lazaro Station, which is accessible via Line 1 (the Pink Line) and Line B. From there, you can get to Merced station and take the subway to Zaragoza.

The Zaragoza station is the final stop on this route, so you can simply stay on the train until it ends. When you arrive at Zaragoza, you can explore the area or continue on to your next destination.

Frequently asked questions