MEXICO · COUNTRY GUIDE
Getting Around Mexico: Buses, Flights, Trains and Driving
Mexico is a long-distance country, and how you travel affects both the cost and the safety of a trip. The good news is that the main tourist routes are well served by first-class buses and domestic flights.
The short answer: fly between regions, take first-class buses within them, use the Metro and Metrobús in Mexico City, and hire a car only where it really helps, such as the Yucatán. Stay on toll roads and avoid night driving.
Your Options Compared
| Mode | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic flights | Moving between regions | Transfers can take as long as the flight |
| First-class bus | Trips of up to about 8 hours | Book the executive class on toll roads |
| Tren Maya | Yucatán routes, if timings fit | Check current timetables |
| Chepe railway | The Copper Canyon | Read safety advice for Chihuahua first |
| Hire car | The Yucatán and rural trips | Insurance, fake fines, night driving |
| Ride-hailing and taxis | City trips | Use sitio ranks or apps where permitted |
Long-Distance Buses
Mexico's bus network is the backbone of independent travel. UK advice is to use first-class buses on toll roads, and Canada recommends VIP or executive class on toll roads, and advises against minibuses. Keep your valuables with you, as theft on buses is common.
| Route | Approximate time |
|---|---|
| Mexico City to Oaxaca | 6 to 8 hours, from TAPO terminal |
| Playa del Carmen to Tulum | About 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Cancún to Tulum | About 2 hours |
Trains
The Tren Maya runs for about 1,554 km around the Yucatán Peninsula, with 34 stations. It links Cancún Airport, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Valladolid, Chichén Itzá, Mérida and Palenque, and had standard, restaurant and long-distance sleeper services when last reported. It can be useful, but check the current timetable and how far the station is from your hotel, because some stations are outside town.
The Chepe, or Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico, is the famous one. It runs for about 670 km between Chihuahua and Los Mochis, through 86 tunnels and over 37 bridges, reaching about 2,400 metres near Divisadero. The UK's Chihuahua warning excepts the rail route, while Canada's does not. Read both before you book.
Getting Around Mexico City
The Metro has 12 lines and 195 stations, and it is the quickest way to cross the city, using a rechargeable card. The Metrobús has seven lines in dedicated lanes, including a service to the airport. Both can be very crowded at rush hour, and both have sections reserved for women and children. For taxis, use authorised ranks, known as sitio, or have your hotel call one.
Driving and Hiring a Car
| Topic | Advice |
|---|---|
| Roads | Use toll roads (cuotas) whenever possible and stay away from isolated roads |
| Licence | A UK photocard licence is accepted. Canada says to carry an International Driving Permit |
| Insurance | Mexican liability cover is required, and many other drivers are uninsured. Foreign policies often do not apply |
| Fake fines | Criminals have targeted rental cars with fake police fines. Ask for a copy of any fine and ID |
| Mexico City restrictions | “Hoy no Circula” bans some plates on certain days |
| Breakdowns | The Green Angels highway patrol is reported at 078; confirm before you travel |
If you do decide to drive, you can compare rental cars before you travel. Read exactly what insurance the quoted price includes, because the amount added at the counter is where most complaints begin.
For the Cozumel and Isla Mujeres crossings, passenger ferries run from Playa del Carmen and Cancún. Prices and timetables change, so confirm them with the operator. See our airports guide for transport from the main airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to travel around Mexico?
Fly between regions, and use first-class buses within them.
Is it safe to drive in Mexico?
It depends on the area. Use toll roads, avoid night driving, and check government advice for your route.
Is the Tren Maya worth taking?
It can be, especially for Yucatán routes, but check the timetable and station location first.
Do you need an international driving permit in Mexico?
UK photocard licences are accepted. Canada advises its citizens to carry an International Driving Permit.
Sources and Planning Checks
Facts were checked on 8 November 2026 against UK Foreign Office and Government of Canada road and transport advice. Tren Maya, Chepe, Metro and Metrobús figures come from Wikipedia. Bus times come from aggregators and travel sites. The Canadian insurance and Green Angels details come from an automated extract of that page and could not be read directly, so verify them. Bus company and Tren Maya fares could not be confirmed. Some links on this page are affiliate links; we may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.