Puebla to Mexico City

Want to know how to get from Puebla to Mexico City? In this post, we’ll share a summary of the three ways to get there and compare each option on duration, costs and level of comfort. For each option, we go into more detail to help you decide which transport provider to book with and where to buy your tickets.

What to expect when visiting Mexico City

Mexico City is a destination that will keep any type of traveller entertained for days on end. Interesting history, rich culture, endless shopping and vibrant nightlife are just a few of the many things Mexico City has to offer.

A fun fact, with over 150 museums, Mexico City has the highest number of museums in the world. When you’re museumed-out, there are plenty of other things to do in Mexico City. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, explore Frida Kahlo’s house, or take a boat trip along the canals of Xochimilco.

3 ways to get from Puebla to Mexico City

There are three ways to travel the distance of 135 km (84 miles) from Puebla to Mexico City: by bus (5h30m-5h45m), private transfer (2 hours) and car rental (2.5 hours). The journey takes between 2h - 5h45m and the quickest way is by private transfer. The lowest priced tickets start from 311 MXN ($17.50) for the bus.

Puebla to Mexico City by Bus

Duration: 5h30m-5h45m

Starts from: 311 MXN ($17.50)

Duration: 5h30m-5h45m

Cost: 311 MXN ($17.50)

The bus journey from Puebla to Mexico City should take around 3 hours, giving you a few hours to catch up on some sleep or listen to a podcast.

There are departures all throughout the day, so you can pick a time that suits you. Also, if Puebla is the last stop on your trip and you’re flying out of Mexico City, there is one bus trip that goes directly to the airport.

You can check which buses go straight to the airport on BookAway.

Step 1: City Centre to Puebla Bus Terminal by Taxi

Duration: 15 minutes

Costs: 80 MXN ($4.60)

Duration: 15 minutes

Costs: 80 MXN ($4.60)

Most buses operating from Puebla to Mexico City depart from Centro de Autobuses Puebla or CAPU, located 5 km northwest of downtown Puebla. You can get there in around 15 minutes by taxi or Uber.

While taxis are easily available on the streets of Puebla, Uber normally offers cheaper rates. So we recommend that you hail a ride through the Uber app. Uber fares from the city centre to the Puebla bus station start from 80 MXN ($4.40).

It’s also possible to go by bus. However, the nearest bus stop from the city centre is Centro de Convenciones, on the outskirts of downtown Puebla. It might be quite a walk, about 5-10 minutes from your accommodation. But if you choose budget over comfort, then you can get a bus ticket to CAPU for only 6 MXN ($0.30). You can pay directly to the driver.

Buses going to Mexico City Airport

Buses bound for Mexico City Airport depart from a newer bus station called Paseo Destino, located 9 km south of Puebla city centre. The best way to get there is a 15-minute taxi or Uber ride with fares from 80 MXN ($4.40).

Step 2: Puebla to Mexico City by Bus

Duration: 2.5 hours

Costs: 225 MXN ($12.50)

Duration: 2.5 hours

Costs: 225 MXN ($12.50)

ADO Bus, Mexico’s largest bus company, and its sub-branch AU are the main bus companies operating from Puebla to Mexico City. Both buses include air conditioning, reclining seats and a toilet.

ADO buses offer slightly more legroom between seats, but really the difference isn’t that significant so go with whichever option is cheaper or more convenient for you.

Another bus option is Autotravel, which offers more luxury with its charging ports, Wi-Fi, and free food & drinks on top of the basic amenities offered by ADO and AU.

A bus ticket from Puebla to Mexico City costs around 245 MXN ($13.50) and the bus trip takes 2.5 hours.

Bus options from Puebla to Mexico City

Step 3: Mexico City Bus Terminal to City Centre

Duration: 15-30 minutes

Costs: 6 MXN ($0.30) – 80 MXN ($4.60)

Duration: 15-30 minutes

Costs: 6 MXN ($0.30) – 80 MXN ($4.60)

Different bus companies have varying arrival stations in Mexico City:

Terminal de Buses de Oriente TAPO

Central Mexico Norte

Benito Juarez International Airport

Historical Centre

If you travelled with Autotravel, then that luxury also comes with convenience because you will be dropped off directly at Mexico City’s historical centre. From here, your hotel should be just within walking distance or short taxi ride.

If you’re arriving at any of the two bus stations (TAPO or Central Mexico Norte), they both have 24/7 authorised taxi services available. Both stations are well-connected to the public transport in the city.

If money is not an issue, the most direct way to get to the city is by taxi or Uber. It takes about 35 minutes and a ride to the city centre should cost around 80 MXN ($4.40).

Rather travel the local way? Below we explain the public transport from the bus stations to the city centre.

TAPO Station to Mexico City Centre

Duration: 20 minutes

Costs: 6 MXN ($0.30)

Duration: 20 minutes

Costs: 6 MXN ($0.30)

The Terminal de Autobuses de Oriente, known by everyone as TAPO, is located 8 km east of Mexico City, in between the city centre and the airport.

It’s the closest station to the city centre and a taxi or Uber ride from TAPO usually takes about 15-20 minutes and costs around 80 MXN ($4.40).

You can also get to the city centre by Metrobus for just 6 MXN ($0.30). You’ll need to board the Metrobus at San Lazaro station, right in front of TAPO bus terminal. Take line #4 and you’ll reach the city centre in about 20 minutes.

Central Mexico Norte Station to the City Centre

Duration: 45 minutes

Costs: 6 MXN ($0.30)

Duration: 45 minutes

Costs: 6 MXN ($0.30)

Central Mexico Norte bus terminal has access to the Metro, but going to the city centre can be a bit of a hassle as you may have to switch lines twice. The total journey takes around an hour and costs 6 MXN ($0.30).

You can find the Metro station right in front of the bus terminal. This metro station (Autobuses Norte) connects with line #5, but at some point, you’ll need to switch to line #2 to reach the city centre. Line #2 brings you to Zocalo, the main square of Mexico City.

To help with planning your route, you can check the maps at the entrance of each stop. If you have internet access, you can use apps like Moovit, a specialised public transport app that will show you the best options available to get to your accommodation.

Benito Juarez Airport to Mexico City Centre

For a detailed explanation on Juarez Airport to Mexico city, check out our guide for Mexico City Airport.

Puebla to Mexico City by Car Rental

Duration: 2.5 hours

Starts from: 575 MXN ($33.00)/day

Duration: 2.5 hours

Cost: 575 MXN ($33.00)/day

There is also an option to rent a car from Puebla to Mexico City. With this option, you can be more adventurous as you can make a stop anywhere you want between the two cities. For the cheapest car rental rates and an extensive selection of car rental companies, we recommend renting a car through Skyscanner.

Puebla to Mexico City by Private Transfer

Duration: 2 hours

Starts from: 2,260 MXN ($130.00)

Duration: 2 hours

Cost: 2,260 MXN ($130.00)

Are you heading straight to Mexico City International Airport after visiting Puebla? If so, a private transfer is a fast and easy way to complete this journey. No need to worry about missing your flight as long as you allot enough time.

But of course, this convenience comes with a cost.

You can hail a taxi from Puebla to Mexico City Airport with rates from 2,260 MXN ($130.00). But if you don’t mind spending more for a more comfortable journey, then we highly recommend booking your private ride online beforehand through BookAway.

BookAway offers spacious cars that come with professional drivers. Rates for a 2-seater private transfer start from 2,630 MXN ($150.00). If you’re travelling with a larger group, you can also get a 9-seater minivan from 3,100 MXN ($175.00).