How to get around Mexico: buses, minivans and colectivos

The difference in transport options in Mexico

What makes Mexico’s public transport system stand out is its variety. Whether you’re chasing turquoise coastlines, ancient ruins or charming mountain towns, there’s always a way to get there — often with a scenic view along the way.

But which option should you choose? Here’s a quick breakdown of Mexico’s top transport choices and when to use them:

Transport	Why choose this option
Buses	Ideal for long distances, with comfortable seating and reliable schedules.
Minivans	Great for short to medium distances. Sometimes faster than buses but can feel cramped.
Colectivos	Best for short trips and a great way to experience local travel in Mexico.
Taxis	Convenient for short distances or when you need a direct ride.

Each option has its perks, and in the next section, we’ll break down what makes them unique — starting with buses.

Why travel by bus in Mexico?

Whether you’re travelling short or long distances, buses are an absolute lifesaver. They’re comfortable, reliable, and honestly, one of the easiest ways to explore the country. Mexico’s bus network connects big cities, smaller towns and even some hidden spots you might not expect.

Mexico’s 5 most popular bus companies

When booking a bus in Mexico, you’ll come across a few major players. Some keep it simple and affordable, while others offer extra perks like Wi-Fi, entertainment and more spacious seating. Choosing the right one can make all the difference in your journey.

Here are the most popular bus companies in Mexico:

1. ADO
2. AU (Autobuses Unidos)
3. Estrella de Oro
4. ETN Turistar
5. ACN Autobuses

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

1. ADO (Autobuses de Oriente)

Website: https://www.ado.com.mx/

If you’re planning a trip through Mexico by bus, ADO is a name you’ll often hear. Founded in December 1939, it has grown into Mexico’s largest and most trusted bus company. Today, ADO operates an extensive network connecting major cities, charming towns and popular tourist spots.

ADO offers a few types of buses, but not all of them are available on every route. See here the different types:

ADO Bus Type	Service Level
ADO Platino	Executive
ADO GL (Gran Lujo)	Luxury
ADO Primera Clase	Standard First Class
ADO TLLD	Standard First Class
ADO Conecta	Minivan
ADO Aeropuerto	Airport Shuttle

1.1 ADO Platino

If you’re after a travel experience that feels closer to flying first class, ADO Platino is the way to go. They run on routes like Mexico City to Oaxaca, Cancún to Mérida, and Mexico City to Tampico.

The seats are spacious — they recline almost fully, so you can actually stretch out and get some proper sleep.

Features:

• 27 fully reclining seats
• A personal 12-inch touchscreen for entertainment
• USB ports and power outlets at every seat to keep your phone or laptop charged
• Onboard Wi-Fi (but don’t count on it being reliable all the time)
• Snacks and drinks are included, and there’s even an onboard cafeteria
• Separate restrooms for men and women
• Air conditioning

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, we think travelling with Platino is worth the money. Before boarding, you’ll have access to an exclusive lounge for Platino customers at select terminals. It’s perfect for passing the time before your bus departs and far more comfortable than the usual wait in a crowded terminal.

1.2 ADO GL (Gran Lujo)

For a slightly less luxurious but still very comfortable travel experience, ADO GL (Gran Lujo) is a solid choice. 

This executive bus service operates on routes like Oaxaca to Mexico City and Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido. They also cover longer trips like Oaxaca to Bacalar and San Cristobal de las Casas to Puerto Escondido.

Features:

• 40 semi-reclining seats with plenty of legroom so you won’t feel cramped
• Shared entertainment screens with headphone jacks
• USB ports and power outlets
• Complimentary drink
• Individual reading lights for each seat
• Air conditioning

ADO GL typically costs more than 20% above the price of standard buses, which is honestly quite a jump for short rides. But for longer trips, the added expense is well worth considering — the extra legroom alone can significantly improve overall comfort.

1.3 ADO (Primera Clase)

ADO Primera Clase is ADO’s standard first-class service. It might not be as luxurious as ADO Platino or GL, but it still has everything you need for a pleasant journey.

The buses are comfortable and equipped with air conditioning. There’s usually a restroom on board, which can be really useful for longer trips.

Features:

• 44 standard reclining seats
• High-definition screens for shared entertainment
• Overhead luggage compartments
• Air conditioning
• Onboard restroom
• Wi-Fi on some units

When you see buses listed simply as “ADO” on booking platforms, they generally refer to the Primera Clase service.

ADO operates on most bus routes in Mexico, so you can count on it as a reliable and convenient option. Some of the routes it covers include Mexico City to Puebla, Mérida to Cancún, Bacalar to Cancún,  Puebla to Oaxaca and many more.

1.4 Other Services

• ADO Conecta – A minivan service operated by ADO. These air-conditioned minivans are often faster than buses and a good alternative for routes with limited bus options.
• ADO TLLD – A standard first-class bus with similar comfort and amenities as ADO Primera Clase.
• ADO Aeropuerto – ADO’s airport transfer service, available as either a bus or a minivan. It offers direct and comfortable transfers between major airports and key destinations.

Booking tickets for ADO buses is easy — you can do it online or at the bus station, and in most cases, you can even pick your seat. Just note that ADO buses fill up quickly during holidays, so it’s best to book your tickets early if you’re travelling around those dates.

2. AU (Autobuses Unidos)

Website: https://www.ado.com.mx/marcas-au

AU (Autobuses Unidos) is part of the ADO group and has been around for a long time — it was founded in March 1926 and became part of Grupo ADO in 1968. It’s known for offering budget-friendly and reliable bus services across central and southeastern Mexico.

Their buses come with reclining seats and air conditioning, providing basic comfort for journeys between cities like Mexico City and Puebla, or Veracruz and Xalapa. 

Features:

• 49 reclining seats
• Air conditioning
• Overhead luggage compartments

One thing to note is that AU buses don’t have onboard restrooms. They do make regular stops along the way, so you’ll still have chances to take a break during longer trips.

They’re a good option if you’re looking for affordable travel with reasonable comfort — just don’t expect anything fancy. AU buses get you where you need to go, but they keep it simple.

3. Estrella de Oro (EDO)

Website: https://www.estrelladeoro.com.mx/

Estrella de Oro is a luxury bus company that has been around since 1924 and became part of Grupo ADO in 2007. It operates in southeastern Mexico and offers two main service lines: Pluss and Diamante.

3.1 Estrella de Oro Diamante

The Diamante line is a luxury sleeper bus designed for comfort and relaxation, ideal for travellers looking for an upscale journey.

Features:

• 24 bed-reclining seats with footrests
• Individual touchscreen entertainment systems for movies and music
• USB connections and power outlets
• Air conditioning
• Separate restrooms for men and women
• Refreshments provided upon boarding

The Diamante service also includes access to an exclusive waiting room at select terminals. These lounges are often described as VIP-like, but it’s not all perfect. People have pointed out that the space is small, the ventilation isn’t great, and sometimes, there’s no hot water for tea or coffee.

As for the buses, some travellers have mentioned issues like seats not reclining properly or toilets lacking water or lights. Even so, the majority share positive feedback, praising Diamante for its comfortable rides and thoughtful amenities.

Many agree that if you’re looking for extra comfort and convenience, Estrella de Oro’s Diamante line is a great option for travelling around Mexico.

3.2 Estrella de Oro Pluss

EDO Pluss is a first-class semi-sleeper bus with 36 reclining seats, footrests and seat belts. The seats are designed with an ergonomic layout, and the bus is equipped for long-distance travel.

Features:

• 36 or 40 reclining seats with footrests and seat belts
• Air conditioning
• Power outlets and USB ports
• Overhead luggage racks
• Separate restrooms for men and women
• Complimentary drink provided upon boarding
• Communal TV screens with headphones

EDO Pluss receives positive feedback for its punctuality. Passengers often mention enjoying the comfortable seating and onboard amenities.

There have been a few issues, though. Some said the air conditioning wasn’t cool enough and lights stayed on during night bus trips. Others found the terminal in Zihuatanejo a bit confusing to navigate.

Even with these minor concerns, EDO Pluss is a reliable option. Many travellers recommend it for its good service, making it a solid choice for getting around Mexico.

4. ETN Turistar

Website: https://etn.com.mx/

ETN Turistar was founded in 1991 and is a pioneer when it comes to luxurious bus services. It covers over 60 destinations in 23 states, from the central region to the Pacific. 

Features:

• Reclining seats with footrests and three-point seat belts
• Separate restrooms for men and women
• Air conditioning
• Personal entertainment systems with 12-inch touchscreens
• Wi-Fi (availability may vary)
• Complimentary drinks upon boarding
• Free luggage allowance of up to 25 kilos

Tickets include travel insurance, so it’s important to keep your ticket and boarding pass until the end of your trip.

Most travellers say ETN double-decker buses are clean, comfortable, and run on time. Some have mentioned issues like broken seats or bus skipping stops, but those seem to be less common and don’t ruin the overall experience.

5. ACN Autobuses

Website: https://acnautobuses.com/

With 30 years of experience in the transportation industry, ACN Autobuses has become one of the top choices for travelling across Mexico. Based in Tijuana, the company connects Mexico’s Pacific region, central and northern areas, and even offers routes to California in the United States.

ACN offers two types of buses: Gran Clase and Confort Clase. Their fleet consists of VOLVO 9700 coaches, built with features that focus on safety and comfort.

Gran Clase Features:

• 40 reclining seats
• Two restrooms (separate for men and women)
• Air conditioning
• Wi-Fi
• Folding screens
• Food onboard
• Onboard assistant

Confort Clase Features:

• 40 reclining seats
• Shared restroom
• Air conditioning

Your experience with ACN buses can vary depending on the specific bus, which is why reviews are a mix of good and bad. Some passengers loved the punctual service, comfortable seats and friendly staff. Others mention delays, poor customer service or ending up on an older bus with reclining seat issues.

The older ACN buses are definitely not the best choice for long journeys, like a 7–8-hour trip from Mexico City to Guadalajara. Spending that much time on an older bus can be uncomfortable. But for shorter trips under 3 hours, like Puebla to Mexico City, their low ticket prices make them a good option to consider.

How to book bus tickets in Mexico

Here are a few ways to book your Mexico bus tickets:

Online booking platforms. You’ll have a better chance of securing a seat on your desired date and time if you book in advance. We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is easy to navigate and they offer excellent customer service.

Bus company websites and apps. Some bus companies offer discounts and promos when you book directly through their websites or apps. If you have a specific company in mind, it’s worth checking their site for deals.

Here are some tips for booking directly:

• ADO: Some travellers have trouble using foreign credit cards on the ADO website, but PayPal works as an alternative.
• AU: Tickets for AU buses can be booked on the ADO website.
• ETN: International cards don’t always work, so having a Mexican credit card can be helpful.
• EDO: You can book through the ADO website or mobile app.
• ACN: You can book tickets online, but their website doesn’t always work in some countries. If you need to change your travel plans, you’ll have to go to the station at least six hours before your departure. Tickets are non-refundable, and changing them might come with extra fees.

At the terminal. If you prefer buying your tickets at the terminal, it’s best to get there early to secure a seat on the bus you want. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure time.

During holidays or busy travel days, it’s safer to arrive an hour earlier to avoid any last-minute rush. Queues can get long, especially at major bus terminals.

Travelling by minivan: convenient, door-to-door service

Minivans are a good way to get around Mexico if you’re travelling on your own or in a small group. They’re a shared service that often brings you door to door — a private transport perk at a cheaper cost.

Most operators offer free pickup and drop-off at your hotel or the airport, saving you the hassle of hauling heavy luggage to a bus terminal. If you’re staying somewhere out of the way, this added convenience can make a big difference.

Minivans are usually cheaper than taxis and, in some cases, a ticket costs about half the price of luxury buses.

Here are some known minivan companies in Mexico:

Company	Service Area and Details
Mexitours	Based in Mexico City, connecting major cities and airports.
Reserv Van	Covers popular routes like Mexico City to Acapulco.
BD Experience Mexico	Established in Cancun (1984), specialising in airport shuttles.
Cancun Shuttle	Offers private car and minivan services to Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Morelos, Playa Paraiso, Tulum, and more.
Mexico Travel Solutions	Based in Cancun, providing shared and private SUV and minivan transfers from Cancun Airport to tourist hotspots.
Peninsula Travel	Located in Holbox, running private and shared minivan services across the Riviera Maya and Yucatán Peninsula.
Shuttle Central	Based in Cancun, offering ground transportation services throughout Mexico.

How to book a minivan in Mexico

Booking a minivan in Mexico is simple, and you have a couple of options. You can book directly through the minivan company’s website. But for a smoother experience, we recommend using Bookaway. This platform lets you compare prices, check schedules and secure your booking in advance — all in one place.

If you’re already in Mexico, you can also book through local tour agencies or directly at your hotel. But since availability may be limited during peak travel times, it’s best to book ahead whenever possible.

Colectivos: for short, local trips

If you’re visiting Mexico, colectivos are a great way to travel like a local. The word “colectivo” translates to “collective” in English, reflecting the idea of strangers sharing a ride to a common destination. They usually follow fixed routes and are popular for short trips within cities or between nearby towns.

Colectivos are cheaper than taxis and faster than regular buses since they make fewer stops. So they’re a good choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly and efficient way to get around.

What do colectivos look like?

In most places, colectivos are simple minivans with the destination written on the windshield. In some regions, like Chiapas, you might see blue pickup trucks with a tarp-covered back serving as colectivos.

Depending on where you are, they might also be small buses, pickup trucks or even cars. In tourist areas, you may find colectivos with added features like air conditioning.

How to catch a colectivo in Mexico

You can often flag a colectivo down from the side of the road, and they will stop if there is space for another passenger. In some areas, colectivos start their routes at stations near markets, plazas or bus terminals.

Once onboard, you pay in cash, usually at the end of the trip. Drivers will drop you off as close to your destination as possible if there are no designated stops along the route.

If your travel plans are flexible, this mode of transportation can save you both time and money. It’s also a great way to experience local life and see how people in the area get around town.

Here are some known colectivo companies and the routes they operate:

• Playa Express, Colectivos Foráneos and Sindicato Lázaro Cárdenas: Operate routes between Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
• Villa del Pacífico and Service Express: Popular options in connecting Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido.
• Colectivo Playa del Carmen Chiquilá: Perfect for travellers heading to Chiquilá, the gateway to Holbox Island.
• Te Llevo a Holbox: A go-to choice for trips to Holbox Island, making it a convenient option for beach lovers.

Minivan vs colectivo: What’s the difference?

Trying to decide between a minivan and a colectivo? Minivans are often geared toward tourists and some locals for longer, more direct routes. Colectivos, on the other hand, are the local go-to for short-distance trips.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Minivan

• Fixed routes with scheduled departures
• Tickets available online or at the station
• Leaves from designated pickup points
• With limited stops
• More comfortable, often with AC
• Higher cost than colectivos

Colectivo

• Fixed routes but leaves only when full
• No reservations, just pay the driver directly
• Can be flagged down along the route
• With frequent stops to pick up and drop off passengers
• Basic seating, sometimes without AC
• More affordable than minivans

Taxis in Mexico: What you need to know

Taxis are widely available in Mexico, but fare structures vary. Some taxis use meters, while others operate on a zone-based system, where rates are fixed based on your destination.

Flagdown rates (the base fare when you enter a taxi) typically start from 40 MXN ($2.30) to 50 MXN ($2.80), depending on the city and whether it’s a daytime or nighttime ride. In Mexico City, all taxi rates increase by 20% at night (from 23:00 to 06:00).

In tourist-heavy areas like Cancún and Playa del Carmen, zone-based fares are the standard. Some locations, like Tulum, don’t use meters at all, meaning you’ll need to negotiate the fare before starting your ride.

Ride-hailing apps like Uber and DiDi are also available in many Mexican cities. Uber is widely used in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana, Cancún and Puebla. DiDi operates in these cities as well, often with competitive prices.

Rounding it up: Which transport option to take?

When deciding how to get around Mexico, it helps to focus on what matters most — comfort, budget or convenience.

Prioritising comfort? Luxury and executive buses like ADO Platino, GL or Estrella de Oro Diamante are the top choice for long trips. With reclining sleeper or semi-sleeper seats, entertainment and VIP lounges at some terminals, these buses turn travel into a relaxing experience. Yes, they’re pricier, but the comfort is worth it for long journeys.

On a tight budget? Colectivos and standard buses are budget-friendly picks. Colectivos are great for short trips and offer a chance to travel like a local, but they’re quite basic and can feel cramped. Standard buses are fine for getting from A to B, but they lack luxury features like extra legroom or onboard amenities.

You’ll also need to factor in the extra effort of getting to and from bus terminals — something to keep in mind if you’re carrying heavy luggage. We recommend standard buses only for shorter trips unless you’re travelling on a very tight budget.

Looking for convenience? Minivans strike a balance between cost and ease. It’s true that they’re more expensive than standard buses, but they’re also over 50% cheaper than luxury coaches.

While minivans lack the space and amenities of buses, their door-to-door service is a game-changer. For a few dollars more than the price of a standard bus ticket, you’ll save yourself the hassle of hauling bags to and from terminals.