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How to get from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City
Mexico City is a vibrant city with over 20 million inhabitants. Quite crowded, yes. But they also create a thriving and lively atmosphere that’s bursting with different cultures.
No matter what kind of traveller you are, there’s something for you in Mexico City. You can explore its many museums to learn about the city’s history, culture and traditions, get lost in time amongst its unique contrast of pre-Columbian, colonial, modern and contemporary buildings, or try out its amazing cuisine on the side of the streets.
Amongst Mexico City’s most interesting neighbourhoods are Coyoacan, Xochimilco, Tlatelolco and of course, the historic centre. Alternatively, if you want some peace and open space there are plenty of beautiful parks to lounge in or wander around.
New to Mexico City? Our compact Mexico City guide shows you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and many more tips for your visit to Mexico City!
3 ways to get from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City
The best way to travel the 250 km (155 miles) from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City is a 4.5 to 5-hour bus ride that costs around 675 MXN ($39.00). Alternatively, you can take a 4-hour private transfer for 5,265 MXN ($305.00).
Taking the bus is the only direct public transport option between Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende. There are several bus trips throughout the day and you can simply pick one that fits your schedule. The journey, including transfers to and from bus stations, takes around 4.5-5 hours.
TIP: There’s a chance for direct bus tickets to sell out on busy days. If you were not able to secure a ticket beforehand, you can also take a bus going to Queretaro and from there take another bus to Mexico City. This option is more time-consuming, however.
Are you heading straight to Mexico City Airport after a visit to San Miguel de Allende? If so, you can also consider taking a private transfer. A private shuttle is the fastest and most convenient way to ensure that you arrive on time for your flight. It’s quite expensive though with rates from 5,265 MXN ($305.00) for a 3-seater car.
San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City by Bus
A direct bus trip is the most convenient way to travel from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City. The entire journey takes about 5 hours, 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 a 10-minute Uber, which costs about 30 MXN ($1.70).
If you don’t have internet access, you can always use a taxi. They are a little more expensive and can cost around 60 MXN ($3.50).
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 7 MXN ($0.40). The only slight disadvantage is you might have to wait a while for the bus, and the waiting time may take longer than the journey itself.
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.
The cheaper Primera Plus bus offers only two bus trips daily. Meanwhile, ETN has several trips from morning to evening but has a longer travel time. Most of their buses make a stop in Querétaro and in Tepotzotlán for a quick break.
Bus tickets from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City start from 545 MXN ($31.50). Travel time is 4 to 4.5 hours.
Bus schedules from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City
We suggest booking your bus tickets via CheckMyBus for Primera Plus tickets. ETN is available to book on their own website, but only if you’re using a Mexican credit card.
You can also buy your tickets at the bus station, but it’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure time.
Step 3: 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 traffic. Taxi or Uber rates start from 100 MXN ($5.50).
A cheaper alternative would be to take the metro. However, 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).
You can board the train at Autobuses del Norte metro station, located right in front of the bus terminal. Take line #5 heading towards Pantitlan and get off at the next station called La Raza. Switch to line #3 in the direction of ‘Universidad’ and wait until you reach the station Hidalgo. From here, 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 Transfer
Taking your own private transfer is the easiest way to get from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City 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 the bus.
The only downside is that luxury, of course, comes with a price. Rates for a private ride from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City start from 5,265 MXN ($305.00).
We recommend booking your private transfer through BookAway for professional drivers and spacious cars. But you can also ask for your hotel’s help in finding a trusted taxi company.
Our favourite 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
Mexico City Travel Guides
The Ultimate Mexico City Travel Guide
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Routes from Mexico City
Mexico City to Teotihuacan (and back)
Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende
Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre
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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.
