How to Get From Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende
Bus · Private Transport
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 250 kilometre (155 miles) distance from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach San Miguel de Allende as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende?
There are two ways to travel the 250 km distance from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende. You can choose between the bus and private.
The journey takes between 4h–4h 30m and the quickest way is by private (4h). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 840 MXN ($49).
4h 30m - 6h 10m
840 MXN ($49)
4h
8,000 MXN ($460)
Already in San Miguel de Allende?
Onward from San Miguel de Allende
Once you're in San Miguel de Allende, here's where to next — 1 researched onward route to pick from.
Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende by Bus
Taking a direct bus is a convenient and affordable way to get from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende.
The bus ride itself takes around 4 to 5.5 hours, but you’ll want to add at least an extra 30 minutes to get to the bus terminal in Mexico City, which is a little outside the city centre.
In total, the journey may take anywhere from 4h 30m - 6h 10m.
Step 1: Mexico City Centre to Bus Terminal
Buses to San Miguel de Allende depart from Central de Autobuses del Norte, about 8 km northeast of downtown Mexico City.
The easiest and most direct way to get to Norte Bus Terminal is via an Uber or taxi that takes 30 minutes. Rates from the city centre start from 100 MXN ($5.80).
A more budget-friendly option would be to take the Metro, which only costs 6 MXN ($0.30). However, there is no direct line from Mexico City to Central de Autobuses del Norte. You’ll have to make several train transfers with a total travel time of 45 minutes.
Here is a quick Metro guide from Mexico city centre to Central de Autobuses del Norte:
- From Zocalo Station in the historic centre, take Line #2 until you reach the station Hidalgo.
- At Hidalgo, switch to Line #3 and get off at La Raza.
- Finally, change trains to Line #5, and it is just one stop to Autobuses del Norte Station, which is right in front of the Norte Bus Terminal.
If you are coming from a different area, we recommend using Moovit, a specialised public transport app that will help you compare different options and possible routes.
Step 2: Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende
Three companies operate buses from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende: Futura Select, Primera Plus and ETN.
Futura Select is the cheapest option. It offers comfortable buses that come equipped with AC, spacious reclining seats, charging ports, snacks and a toilet. But note that it only has one daily departure at 7:45.
If you need to depart in the afternoon, we recommend taking Primera Plus. It offers more departures and is also faster. Travel time is under 4 hours because its buses typically run non-stop.
ETN offers trips from morning til afternoon, but booking online can be tricky. Their website has problems accepting international cards.
Prices for bus tickets from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende start from 665 MXN ($39). The bus trip takes 3h 50m - 5h 30m.
Booking Tip
Step 3: San Miguel de Allende Bus Terminal to the City Centre
The bus terminal, Central de Autobuses San Miguel de Allende, is on the west side of the city centre, around 10 minutes away.
The easiest way to get from the bus station to the city centre is by Uber or taxi. An Uber ride to the main square costs around 80 MXN ($4.60).
A cheaper option would be to take one of the local buses that pass in front of the bus terminal. Take a bus with a “Centro” signboard. You will be dropped off by the main square or Jardin Allende, where many accommodations are within walking distance. A local bus ticket costs only 8 MXN ($0.50).
Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende by Private Transport
Are you coming from Mexico City International Airport? If you're carrying a lot of luggage, a private transfer to San Miguel de Allende is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 4h, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
But, of course, this convenience does come at a price. Rates for private transfer start at 8,000 MXN ($460) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 2,670 MXN ($155) each.
We recommend booking your private transfer through BookAway. They offer reliable drivers and spacious vehicles that make the journey much more comfortable.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
The fastest way to get from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende is by private and takes 4h.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit San Miguel de Allende?
San Miguel de Allende is a popular tourist destination relatively near Mexico City. It’s on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and has been listed as one of the best cities to live in the world several times.
Locals, travellers and expats love this town and its colourful buildings. It has a gorgeous mix of colonial and baroque architecture and picturesque cobblestone streets. Most restaurants and bars have lovely terraces where you can enjoy a local wine or beer while watching the sunset.
San Miguel de Allende is also a thriving cultural hub teeming with galleries and ateliers. It's easy to lose track of time in its many museums, craft markets and gorgeous gardens. A few days in town and you may find it hard to leave.
Apart from its many amazing offerings, San Miguel de Allende is a good gateway point for day trips to nearby towns like Dolores Hidalgo, Celaya, and Atotonilco.
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Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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