How to get from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City
Why visit 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.
What are the 2 ways to travel from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City?
There are 2 ways to travel the 250 kilometre (155 miles) distance from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City. You can choose between the bus and private transport. The journey takes 4 hours to 5 hours 10 minutes and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 910 MXN ($51).
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.
San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City by Bus
A direct bus trip is a convenient and affordable way to travel from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City. The entire journey takes about 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes, including the transfers to and from bus terminals.
Step 1: San Miguel de Allende City Centre to Bus Terminal
Local buses bound for Mexico City depart from the Central de Autobuses in San Miguel de Allende, just about 2 km west of the city centre.
The easiest way to get to this bus station is via an Uber, which costs about 80 MXN ($4.50). No internet? No problem. You can hail a taxi instead — it usually costs about the same as an Uber.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, you can also take a bus from Jardin Allende to the bus station. A bus ticket only costs 8 MXN ($0.40). The only slight disadvantage is you might have to wait a while for the bus, which could end up being longer than the actual ride.
Step 2: San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City by Bus
There are two bus companies operating between San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City: Primera Plus and ETN.
Primera Plus is the faster option, with four trips daily and a travel time of just under 4 hours. Their buses typically run non-stop, making it a great choice if you’re in a hurry.
Meanwhile, ETN offers more departure times throughout the day but takes a bit longer. Most of their buses make a stop in Querétaro and in Tepotzotlán for a quick break.
We recommend booking your Primera Plus bus tickets online through BookAway — it’s easy and convenient. If you’re travelling with ETN, keep in mind that you can only book directly on their website if you have a Mexican credit card.
You can also buy your tickets at the bus station, but we recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before departure.
Step 3: Northern Bus Terminal to Mexico City Centre
Buses park at the Northern Bus Station in Mexico City, also known as Central del Norte. From here, the easiest way to get to the city centre is by taxi or Uber.
A ride to the city centre takes around 30 minutes, depending on the traffic. Taxi or Uber rates start from 100 MXN ($5.60).
A cheaper alternative would be to take the Metro. But keep in mind that there are no direct trains from Central del Norte to downtown Mexico City. If you don’t mind changing trains twice, you can get a metro ticket for as low as 6 MXN ($0.30).
Here’s a quick Metro guide from Autobuses Central del Norte to Mexico city centre:
- Start at the Autobuses del Norte metro station, located right in front of the bus terminal. Take line #5 towards Pantitlan and get off at the next station called La Raza.
- From there, switch to line #3 heading to ‘Universidad’ and wait until you reach Hidalgo Station.
- Finally, transfer to line #2 and after three stops, get off at Zocalo Station, located right next to the main square.
If you are heading to a different area, we recommend using Moovit, a specialised public transport app that will help you compare different options and possible routes.
San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City by Private Transport
Taking your own private transfer is the easiest way to get from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City International Airport. You’ll have more control of your schedule so you can be sure that you’ll arrive on time for your flight. Also, private shuttles are at least an hour faster than taking the bus.
The only downside is that luxury, of course, comes with a price. Rates for private transfer start at 8,300 MXN ($460) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 2,750 MXN ($155) each.
We recommend booking your private transfer through BookAway for professional drivers and spacious cars. You can also ask for your hotel’s help in finding a trusted taxi company.
Private Transport options from San Miguel de Allende 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
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from San Miguel de Allende 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!
Frequently Asked Questions about San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City
What is the distance from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City?
The distance from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City is 250 kilometre (155 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City?
The fastest way to get from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City is by private transport and takes 4 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City?
The cheapest way to get from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City is by bus with ticket costs starting from 910 MXN ($51).
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.
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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.
