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.
4 ways to get from Puebla to Mexico City
There are 4 ways to travel the distance of 135 kilometers (84 miles) from Puebla to Mexico City by bus (2 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 25 minutes), minivan (1 hour), private Transfer (2 to 3 hours) and Car Rental (2 hours 30 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 1 hour to 4 hours 25 minutes and the quickest way is by minivan. The lowest priced tickets start from 325 MXN ($16.80) for the bus.Where to stay in Mexico City?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Mexico City at the bottom of this page.
Puebla to Mexico City by Bus
The bus journey from Puebla to Mexico City should take around 2 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 25 minutes, 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
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 ($4.10).
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 ($4.10).
Step 2: Puebla to Mexico City by Bus
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 240 MXN ($12.30) and the bus trip takes 2h - 3h 40m.
If you like to plan ahead and want to secure a seat, you can book your tickets online on BookAway. Alternatively, you can buy your ticket directly at the bus station.
Step 3: Mexico City Bus Terminal to City Centre
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 ($4.10).
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
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 ($4.10).
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
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
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 Minivan
A minivan ride from Puebla to Mexico City costs around 1,040 MXN ($54). The minivan journey takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic.
There is one company operating on this route: Turismo Tlaxcala.
What we like about this option is that it offers free hotel pickup and drop-off. This saves you the hassle and extra cost of finding your way to and from your hotel.
Minivan options from Puebla to Mexico City
Puebla to Mexico City by Private Transfer
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 ($115). 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 start from 3,250 MXN ($170) for a 4-seater private transfer. If you’re travelling with a larger group, you can also get a 9-seater minivan.
Private Transfer options from Puebla to Mexico City
Best places to stay in Mexico City
Casa Emilia - Treating Yourself
Staying at Casa Emilia will make you feel like you’re staying in a cosy jungle retreat, rather than in a massive metropolitan city. All of the spaces around the hotel are designed for ultimate comfort and luxury, which it certainly achieves. You can relax on the terrace, in access hall or in the hotel’s sunroom.
Two of our favourite experiences at the hotel are the delicious breakfast and the huge, comfy beds offering a great night’s sleep. If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the place to do it.
- Incredible breakfast
- Cosy jungle design
- Bike rental available
- Excellent location
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Casa Pancha - Treating Yourself
Located in the neighbourhood of Condesa, Casa Pancha mirrors the atmosphere of the area. The hotel’s culture is certainly one of its selling points, offering simplicity, originality, community and connection.
With a mixture of dorms and private rooms, it’s an easy place to meet people whilst maintaining privacy. The hotel is bright and natural throughout, with both a backyard and a balcony area to relax in. The staff are super friendly here and their love for the hotel quickly spreads through the space.
- Dorms and private rooms available
- Private garden and balcony
- Amazing staff
- Perfect location
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Stanza Hotel - Mid Range
If there’s any neighbourhood that you want to stay in Mexico City, La Roma should definitely be up there. And that’s where Stanza Hotel is located. It puts you close to the tree-lined streets that are brimming with hip cafes and bars.
The hotel rooms are clean and modern, offering everything that you could ask for. The beds are also huge and super comfy. If you don’t fancy leaving the hotel one night for dinner, the onsite restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean-Mexican fusion food.
- Great location
- Clean and modern rooms
- Onsite Mediterranean-Mexican fusion restaurant
- Helpful, English-speaking staff
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Casa Indigo - Budget Friendly
This place gets booked out fast (we’re talking months in advance)! The location is perfect and it’s super affordable. Casa Indigo is close to the historic centre, plus the rooms are clean and beautifully decorated.
The host, Salvador, will make your stay unforgettable with his friendliness and warm welcome. On top of all of that, you can enjoy a large roof terrace offering stunning views over Mexico City.
- Great location
- Huge roof terrace
- Friendly host
- Fully equipped kitchen
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Puebla to Mexico City
What is the distance from Puebla to Mexico City?
The distance from Puebla to Mexico City is 135 kilometers (84 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Puebla to Mexico City?
The fastest way to get from Puebla to Mexico City is by minivan and takes 1 hour.
What is the cheapest way to get from Puebla to Mexico City?
The cheapest way to get from Puebla to Mexico City is by bus with ticket costs starting from 325 MXN ($16.80).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Puebla to Mexico City. 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!
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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.
