Arrival & Transport
Flights to Mexico
Mexico has over 60 airports, but for German travelers, two are particularly relevant:
✈️ Mexico City (MEX) — Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez
The largest airport in Latin America and the main hub. Direct flights from Frankfurt (Lufthansa, approx. 11h), from Munich (Condor, seasonal). Aeromexico flies from Amsterdam and Paris. From MEX, connecting flights to all regions.
Transfer to the city: Metrobus Line 4 (30 MXN / 1.60€, 45 min), Uber (150–250 MXN / 8–13€, 30–60 min depending on traffic), authorized airport taxis (350 MXN / 19€). Never take an unauthorized taxi!
✈️ Cancún (CUN) — Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancún
Mexico's most frequented tourist airport. Direct flights from Frankfurt (Condor, Eurowings Discover, approx. 11h), from Munich, Düsseldorf, Zurich. Many charter flights in the winter season.
Transfer: ADO bus to the hotel zone (100 MXN / 5€, 30 min) or to Playa del Carmen (280 MXN / 15€, 1h). Uber does not work at the airport (taxi lobby!). Private transfers from 800 MXN / 43€.
Other important airports
- Guadalajara (GDL): Second-largest city, Aeromexico hub. For Central Mexico and the Pacific coast.
- Mérida (MID): Gateway to the Yucatán Peninsula, domestic flights from CDMX (1h 45min).
- Oaxaca (OAX): Small, but direct flights from CDMX (1h). Alternatively: 6h ADO bus.
- Puerto Vallarta (PVR): Pacific coast, charter flights from Europe in winter.
- Tuxtla Gutiérrez (TGZ): Gateway to Chiapas, from CDMX (1.5h flight).
Flight prices (guidelines, round trip from Germany)
| Period | CDMX | Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Low season (May–Nov) | 500–700€ | 450–650€ |
| Shoulder (Nov, Apr) | 600–850€ | 550–800€ |
| High season (Dec–Mar) | 750–1,100€ | 700–1,000€ |
| Christmas/Easter | 1,000–1,500€ | 900–1,400€ |
Tipp
Domestic flights with Volaris or VivaAerobus often cost only 30–80€ and save a lot of time. CDMX → Cancún in 2h instead of 20h by bus. Always book directly on the airline's website — comparison portals are more expensive.
ADO Buses & Long-Distance Buses
The long-distance bus network is Mexico's backbone of travel. It is affordable, reliable, and surprisingly comfortable. The main provider is ADO (Autobuses de Oriente).
Bus Classes
| Class | Comfort | Price (Example: Cancún → Mérida) |
|---|---|---|
| ADO GL / Platino | Leather seats, legroom, snacks, power, WiFi | 600–800 MXN (32–43€) |
| ADO (1st Class) | Air conditioning, toilet, comfortable | 400–600 MXN (21–32€) |
| OCC / AU (2nd Class) | Simpler, stops more often, but okay | 250–400 MXN (13–21€) |
Important Routes
| Route | Duration | ADO Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cancún → Playa del Carmen | 1h | 100–180 MXN |
| Cancún → Tulum | 2h | 180–300 MXN |
| Cancún → Mérida | 4h | 400–700 MXN |
| Mérida → Valladolid | 2.5h | 200–350 MXN |
| CDMX → Oaxaca | 6h | 500–900 MXN |
| CDMX → Puebla | 2h | 200–350 MXN |
| CDMX → Guanajuato | 5h | 500–800 MXN |
| San Cristóbal → Palenque | 5h | 300–500 MXN |
Booking: Online at ado.com.mx (credit card, also international) or at the bus station (Terminal de Autobuses). Pre-book during high season and holidays!
Tipp
ADO night buses are a brilliant invention: You save on accommodation, sleep in a reclining seat, and wake up at your destination. ADO Platino has almost flat seats — worth it for long distances!
Colectivos, Uber & Local Transport
Colectivos — The Minibuses
Colectivos are minibuses (VW Transporter or larger) that run fixed routes and stop at every corner. They are the cheapest way to travel and are used by locals for everything.
- Price: 20–80 MXN (1–4€) for most routes
- Payment: Cash when boarding or alighting
- Tulum → Playa del Carmen: 50 MXN (Colectivo) vs. 180 MXN (ADO)
- Valladolid → Chichén Itzá: 35 MXN in the Colectivo
Colectivos have no fixed schedule — they leave when full. Stand by the road and wave when one comes. Shout "¡Bajan!" when you want to get off.
Uber & DiDi
Uber works excellently in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Cancún (except airport), Mérida, and most larger cities. DiDi (Chinese alternative) is often even cheaper.
- Always cheaper and safer than street taxis
- Payment by credit card or cash
- In CDMX: 10-km ride approx. 60–100 MXN (3–5€)
Metro (Mexico City)
The Mexico City Metro is one of the cheapest subway systems in the world: 5 MXN (0.27€) per ride, no matter where! 12 lines, 195 stations. Extremely crowded during rush hour — women have their own carriages.
Taxis
Only use authorized taxis (Sitio taxis) — recognizable by the meter and the number on the body. Never hail a taxi on the street that doesn't look official. In tourist areas, negotiate the price beforehand or insist on the meter.
Achtung
Street taxis in Mexico City can be dangerous (express kidnappings occur). ALWAYS order Uber, DiDi, or Sitio taxis from the hotel. Never hail a random taxi on the street — especially at night.
Rental Car
A rental car is especially worthwhile on the Yucatán Peninsula (cenotes, archaeological sites) and in Central Mexico (colonial cities). In Mexico City and Oaxaca City, a car is more of a hindrance.
Prices & Booking
| Region | Small Car/Day | Compact/Day |
|---|---|---|
| Cancún/Yucatán | 400–800 MXN (21–43€) | 600–1,200 MXN (32–65€) |
| CDMX | 350–700 MXN (19–38€) | 500–1,000 MXN (27–54€) |
| Others | 300–600 MXN (16–32€) | 450–900 MXN (24–48€) |
Important Tips
- Full insurance with no deductible — a must! Topes (speed bumps) and potholes take their toll. Local insurance is legally required.
- Topes: Mexico's notorious speed bumps. They come without warning, are often unmarked, and can ruin your suspension. Drive slowly!
- Avoid night driving: Poorly lit roads, animals on the road, unmarked topes. Drive during the day!
- Police checks: Stay calm, show papers. If an officer asks for a "mordida" (bribe), insist on an official ticket (multa oficial). Often, they let you go.
- Toll roads (Cuota) are faster and safer than free roads (Libre). The toll is moderate (50–200 MXN).
- Gasoline: Fill up at Pemex stations. Price: approx. 22–24 MXN/liter (1.20–1.30€). Make sure the meter is set to zero!
Tipp
On the Yucatán Peninsula, a rental car is worth its weight in gold: You reach remote cenotes and ruins without tourist groups. Book from Cancún or Mérida, full insurance included. Pre-order automatic!
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