There are several ways to travel from Mexico City to San Miguel Allende, including plane, taxi, bus, car, or shuttle. The best option depends on your budget, travel style, and the number of people travelling with you.
If you're looking for a cost-effective option, taking a bus is the cheapest way to travel from Mexico City to San Miguel Allende. The journey takes around 4 hours and costs just over $30. There are various bus companies to choose from, including ETN and Primera Plus, with buses departing from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte in Mexico City.
For a more comfortable journey, you can book a private car or shuttle service, which will pick you up directly from your hotel or the airport. This option is more expensive, with prices starting at $100 per person.
Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive from Mexico City to San Miguel Allende. The drive is relatively straightforward once you exit the city, and it takes about 3 to 4 hours. However, keep in mind that there are rules about which days you can drive in Mexico City to reduce traffic and pollution.
Finally, you can also fly to Queretaro Airport, which is the closest airport to San Miguel Allende, and then take a taxi or shuttle to your destination. This option is faster but more expensive, with flight prices ranging from $8,000 to $24,000.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Distance | 159-186 miles |
Travel time | 2h 34m-5h |
Cheapest option | Bus |
Fastest option | Plane and taxi |
Bus companies | Coordinados, ETN, Primera Plus |
Bus price | $14-$66 |
Bus duration | 4h 55m-5h 30m |
Closest airport | Queretaro Intercontinental Airport |
Second closest airport | Guanajuato International Airport |
Private shuttle price | Around $100 USD per person |
Taxi price | 2900-3500 MXN |
What You'll Learn
Travel by plane
The quickest way to get from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende is by air. There are no direct commercial flights between the two cities, but you can book a seat on a small plane or charter a private flight. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan your journey:
Step 1: Choose an Airport
When planning to fly from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende, you'll need to decide which airport to use. The closest airport to San Miguel de Allende is Querétaro International Airport (QRO). This airport is located about 70 kilometers from San Miguel de Allende and offers a more convenient entry point compared to larger airports like Mexico City International Airport (MEX).
Step 2: Book a Flight
There are no regular commercial flights between Mexico City and Querétaro, but you have a few options to consider:
- Aerial Transfer Companies: Several companies offer scheduled flights or on-demand aerial transfers between Mexico City and Querétaro. For example, Aero Transporte S.A. (ATS) provides scheduled flights on specific days of the week, and Aero Cuahonte offers on-demand charter flights. These flights typically depart from Mexico City's small aviation airports, such as Aeródromo de Casetas or Aeropuerto de Atizapán.
- Private Charters: You can also charter a private flight for your group. Companies like Aero Jet Services and Taxi Aéreo Queretano offer private charter services and can customize the flight to your needs.
When booking, consider factors such as luggage allowances, flight schedules, and the number of passengers traveling with you.
Step 3: Arranging Ground Transportation
Once you arrive at Querétaro International Airport, you'll need to arrange ground transportation to reach San Miguel de Allende. Here are some options:
- Rental Car: You can rent a car at the airport and drive to San Miguel de Allende. The drive typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
- Taxi or Ride-sharing: Official airport taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber are available at the airport. The trip to San Miguel de Allende by taxi will cost around 1000-1200 MXN and take about the same time as driving yourself.
- Airport Shuttles: Some hotels in San Miguel de Allende may offer airport shuttle services. Check with your accommodation to see if this option is available.
Step 4: Finalizing Your Plans
When finalizing your travel plans, keep the following in mind:
- Flight Confirmation: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation and confirmation for your flight, including e-tickets, boarding passes, and identification.
- Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you're booking a private charter. This will protect you in case of unforeseen delays or cancellations.
- Luggage Restrictions: Be mindful of any luggage restrictions or weight limits imposed by your chosen flight operator, especially if you're planning to bring bulky items or a large number of bags.
- Flexibility: When choosing your travel dates, consider allowing some flexibility. Flight schedules and availability may vary, and having alternative dates in mind can help ensure a smoother journey.
By following these steps and planning ahead, you can ensure a safe and efficient journey by plane from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende. This option is ideal for travelers seeking a quicker alternative to the lengthy bus or car journey, especially if time is a crucial factor in your travel plans.
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Travel by bus
Taking a bus from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende is the most affordable option. The total travel time is between four to five hours, and the distance between the two cities is 270 km (167 mi). There are limited buses each day, so it's recommended to reserve a ticket in advance. Buses depart from the Central de Autobuses del Norte (North Bus Station) and arrive at San Miguel de Allende Bus Station. Tickets cannot be changed or cancelled after purchase, and one 20 kg (44 lbs) bag is allowed per passenger, as well as a carry-on. Tickets start at $30, with multiple departures per day.
There are two bus companies going to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City: Primera Plus and ETN.
Primera Plus offers two buses per day going to San Miguel de Allende.
ETN has different schedules from Mexico City to San Miguel from 6 am to 7 pm. ETN is a favourite bus company in Mexico. The seats are wide and spacious, and you have your own video screen with a great choice of movies, music, and programs. They offer new headphones, and the buses are clean. Some of the buses are double-deckers, and if you manage to sit on the top front seat, you have a 180-degree panoramic view. It is recommended to get your ticket in advance. You can book it on their respective platforms.
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Travel by car
The drive from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende is approximately 166-170 miles (273 km) and takes 3-4.5 hours, depending on traffic and your starting point in Mexico City, as it is a large city.
While renting a car in Mexico City and driving to San Miguel de Allende is a great option, especially if you want to explore the surrounding areas, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, driving out of Mexico City can be challenging due to its complex road system. Additionally, there are driving restrictions in the city based on your license plate number, which are in place to reduce traffic and pollution.
In San Miguel de Allende, navigating the narrow and hilly streets can be difficult, and finding parking may be a challenge. However, once you get out of the city, the drive is relatively straightforward. The route includes tolls, so make sure you have cash, preferably in smaller denominations, to pay these.
When planning your route from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende, it is recommended to avoid Celaya due to instability in the area. Instead, opt for the route that goes northeast of Queretaro.
If you don't want to drive yourself, you can hire a private driver for the trip, which offers a convenient and flexible option with the added benefit of local insights from your driver.
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Travel by taxi/Uber/shuttle
If you're looking for a convenient way to travel from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende, hiring a taxi, using Uber, or booking a shuttle service are viable options. Here's a detailed guide to help you plan your journey:
Taxi/Uber
Taking a taxi or Uber from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende is a comfortable option, especially if you're travelling in a small group or with family. The journey by road covers approximately 166.7 miles, and the travel time is roughly 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
While this option offers flexibility and convenience, it can be relatively expensive. The cost of an Uber or taxi for the 4-hour ride is typically around 4,000 Mexican pesos, or about $200 USD.
Additionally, it's important to note that scheduling an Uber in advance might not be reliable, and there is a possibility of the driver cancelling the trip without notice. A cheaper alternative to Uber is Didi, a ride-sharing app, which offers fares that may be about half the price of Uber. However, with lower fares, there is a greater risk of the driver cancelling the trip.
Shuttle
If you prefer a more organised transport option, booking a shuttle service from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende is a good choice. Shuttle services usually offer a fixed schedule and comfortable vehicles. The price of a private shuttle depends on the size of your group and can vary from a sedan to an SUV or a large van.
In some cases, the cost of a shuttle service may be similar to the price of a bus ticket, especially if you factor in the cost of travelling to the North bus terminal in Mexico City.
Shuttle services provide a stress-free travel experience, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey without having to worry about navigating the busy streets of Mexico City.
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Travel by rental car
Renting a car in Mexico City and driving to San Miguel de Allende is a great option, especially if you want to explore the surrounding areas. The roads are well-maintained and the drive is relatively straightforward once you get out of the city. It takes approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Keep in mind that Mexico City is a large city, so navigating your way out can be complicated.
There are two routes you can take for this trip:
- Queretaro bypass: Take Highway 57, a four-lane freeway north towards Queretaro. Past the Tequisquiapan turnoff, take the exit on the right marked "A SAN MIGUEL". This toll road bypasses Queretaro and crosses Highway 57 again north of the town, narrowing to two lanes and becoming Highway 111. San Miguel is about 30km further along this road.
- Via Celaya: This route is longer but more scenic. Take Highway 57 north and then Highway 45 west towards Celaya. From there, take Highway 51 south to San Miguel de Allende.
There are rules about which days you can drive in Mexico City to reduce traffic and pollution, so be sure to check which days you are allowed to drive based on your license plate number.
Tolls are payable on the roads and you will need to pay these with cash, so it is a good idea to have some local currency with you.
If you don't want to rent a car in Mexico City, you can also rent one at Queretaro or Leon Airport, which are both a little over an hour away from San Miguel de Allende.
Useful Tips:
- It is best to book your rental car in advance to ensure you get the vehicle you prefer.
- Be cautious and exercise common sense when driving. Stick to the main roads and avoid driving at night if possible.
- If you are concerned about renting a car or driving in Mexico, it is worth reading up on some useful tips and guidelines beforehand.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to travel from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende depends on your travel style and budget. If you are looking for a comfortable and fast option, booking a private driver or shuttle is a good choice. For those travelling on a budget or looking for a more social option, taking a bus is a popular choice.
It is recommended to book your travel arrangements in advance, especially if you want to secure the best prices and your preferred travel times. This is particularly important if you plan to travel during peak times or busy periods.
There are several transport options for travelling from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende. These include flying, taking a bus, hiring a private driver or shuttle, driving yourself, or taking a taxi or rideshare.
The travel time between Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende can vary depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions. On average, the bus ride takes around 4 hours, while driving can take between 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Flying can be a faster option, but you will also need to consider the time required for airport transfers and security checks.
When planning your travel from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende, it is important to consider factors such as traffic conditions, especially when navigating through Mexico City. Additionally, if you plan to drive, be aware of the rules regarding which days you are allowed to drive based on your license plate number to reduce traffic and pollution.