Getting to Mexico City by Bus
Buses are a brilliant and practical way to reach Mexico City. They’re affordable, reliable and comfortable, and with several major bus terminals spread across different areas of the city, you can get dropped off right where you need to be. National and international routes mainly arrive at and depart from the key terminals: Terminal de Autobuses del Norte (North Terminal), Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente (TAPO), Terminal de Autobuses del Sur (Taxqueña) and Central de Autobuses del Poniente (Observatorio).
Bus Terminals in Mexico City
The bus terminals are the heart of long-distance travel in Mexico. From here, coaches head to practically every major city in the country and hundreds of smaller towns. Thousands of buses arrive and depart from these terminals every day. Their strategic locations and easy connections with other transport (Metro, Metrobús, RTP, taxis and even the Tren Suburbano) make them incredibly convenient.
The main companies operating at Mexico City’s terminals are: ADO (with the most routes and connections), ETN, Primera Plus, Ómnibus de México, Futura, Estrella Roja, Autobuses Supra, Blitz, Greyhound (for international routes), and many more. The most popular destinations include Puebla, Querétaro, Toluca, Cuernavaca, Acapulco, Veracruz, Guadalajara, Monterrey and a huge range of other places.
Terminal de Autobuses del Norte (North Terminal)
This is the largest and most modern terminal in Mexico City. Most buses heading north (Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Monterrey, Saltillo, etc.) and tourist routes like Teotihuacán and Pachuca depart from and arrive here. It has shops, restaurants, pharmacies, a currency exchange, ATMs and even a hotel inside the terminal.
Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente (TAPO)
Known as TAPO, this is the main terminal for travel to the southeast (Puebla, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Yucatán, etc.) and eastern Mexico. It’s extremely busy and has everything: ticket counters for various companies, fast food, shops and basic services.
Terminal de Autobuses del Sur (Taxqueña)
Buses to southern destinations (Cuernavaca, Taxco, Acapulco, Chilpancingo, etc.) leave from here. It’s smaller but very convenient if you’re heading to Morelos or Guerrero.
Central de Autobuses del Poniente (Observatorio)
This terminal serves western destinations (Toluca, Morelia, Guadalajara, Colima, etc.). It’s very well connected with Metro Observatorio (Line 1).
Tips for Your Trip
- Buy your tickets in advance on the official websites of the companies (ADO, ETN, Primera Plus, etc.) or at the ticket counters.
- Arrive early because the terminals can get packed, especially during bank holidays and school breaks.
- Use apps like ADO or ClickBus to compare prices and timetables.
- If you arrive late at night or very early in the morning, check nearby hotels or use Uber/DiDi to get around safely.
More information about traveling to Mexico City
Travel to Mexico City by airplane
Travel to Mexico City by train
