Travel Time: Mexico City To San Miguel De Allende

If you're looking to travel from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende, there are a few options to choose from. The best option for you will depend on your budget and travel style. For those travelling in a group, hiring a driver is a convenient option. For budget travellers, taking a bus is the most popular way to get to San Miguel de Allende. The bus journey takes between 3.5 and 5 hours and costs around $33. There are two main bus companies that operate this route, ETN and Primera Plus, and buses depart from the Terminal Norte depot in Mexico City.

Bus from Mexico City Airport to San Miguel de Allende

There are several ways to get from Mexico City Airport to San Miguel de Allende, including hiring a private driver, taking a bus, or flying. The best option for you will depend on your travel preferences, budget, and group size. Here is some information to help you decide:

Hiring a Private Driver

Hiring a private driver is a convenient option, especially if you want to be picked up directly from the airport and taken to your accommodation in San Miguel de Allende. The cost of a private shuttle will depend on the size of your group and can be more affordable for larger groups. When booking, you can choose from different vehicle options, such as a sedan, SUV, or large van. Keep in mind that the price may be similar to taking a bus when you factor in the cost of travelling to the North bus terminal in Mexico City.

Taking a Bus

Taking a bus is a popular choice for budget travellers and those travelling solo. While it may take a little longer, it is the most economical option. There are two main bus companies that operate between Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende: ETN and Primera Plus. These buses depart from the North bus terminal in Mexico City, and you can expect to pay around 600 pesos (about $35 USD) for a one-way ticket. It's important to note that there is only one daily bus operated by ETN that departs directly from the Mexico City Airport to San Miguel de Allende. The journey from the airport takes at least 4.5 hours since it is located further away compared to the North bus terminal.

If you're considering taking a bus, here are some additional tips:

• The luxury bus offered by ETN provides lounging seats with optional footrests and individual TV screens for entertainment.
• The double-decker buses have a single row of seats on the second level, which is great for solo travellers.
• You can purchase bus tickets online or at convenience stores like OXXO.
• The bus ride from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende takes approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and time of day.
• There are usually four direct bus departures from the North bus terminal to San Miguel de Allende per day, so plan your timing accordingly.
• If you miss the direct buses, you can take a bus to Queretaro and then a taxi to San Miguel de Allende. However, this option may involve additional waiting time and a higher overall cost.

Flying to Nearby Airports

While there is no direct flight from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende, you can consider flying to one of the nearby airports and then arranging transportation to your final destination. The closest airport is Queretaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO), which is a little over an hour away by car. Alternatively, you can fly into Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) near Leon, which is approximately an hour and a half away. From either airport, you can hire a private driver, take an Uber or taxi, or rent a car to get to San Miguel de Allende. However, please note that there is no direct bus service from BJX airport.

Additional Considerations:

• The distance between Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende is approximately 170 miles, and the travel time can vary depending on your starting point in Mexico City and traffic conditions.
• When considering different transportation options, remember to factor in any additional costs, such as taxi fares, toll road fees, and the cost of fuel.
• If you're travelling with a group, renting a car and driving yourself could be a convenient option. However, keep in mind the driving restrictions in Mexico City based on licence plate numbers to reduce traffic and pollution.

Uber or DIDI from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende

The distance between Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende is about 170 miles, or a 4-hour drive. There are several ways to travel between the two cities, including flying, driving, taking a bus, or hiring a driver.

If you're looking for a ride-sharing option, both Uber and DIDI are available in Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende. Here's a comparison of the two services:

Uber

Uber is a popular ride-sharing option in Mexico City and is considered safer than taking a taxi, especially if you don't speak Spanish. Uber vets its drivers and tracks your location, providing an extra layer of security. You can also share your trip with a friend through the app, which is useful if you're travelling alone or at night.

Uber fares in Mexico City are generally affordable, and rides can be cheaper than taxis, especially for long distances. However, costs can rise during peak times or when there is a higher demand for drivers.

Using Uber is straightforward: simply download the app, input your pickup location and destination, and request a ride. Uber will confirm your payment type and ride type, and you can choose between different car options, such as a larger vehicle or a more eco-friendly option.

One thing to note is that it can be challenging to get an Uber if you're visiting attractions just outside Mexico City, like the Teotihuacan pyramids or Xochilmico. In these cases, you may need to ask your driver for their contact information and schedule a pickup directly.

DIDI

DIDI is a local ride-sharing service that gained popularity in Mexico during the pandemic. It operates similarly to Uber, and you may find lower prices on DIDI, especially when Uber has higher demand and surge pricing. However, there are generally fewer DIDI drivers available.

DIDI has safety measures in place, such as allowing you to share your trip with family and friends and enabling audio recording of the ride. However, there have been reports of drivers cancelling at the last minute or engaging in unsafe practices, so it's essential to remain vigilant.

Both Uber and DIDI are viable options for travelling between Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende. However, it is recommended to have both apps downloaded so that you can compare prices and availability and choose the most convenient option for your trip.

Private shuttle from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende

There are several options for travelling from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende (SMA). If you're looking for a private shuttle, here are some recommendations:

BajioGo

This company provides shuttle services from Mexico City to SMA. They will send a van for you, which will be more comfortable and spacious than a taxi for a group of four with luggage. You can find their rates on their website.

Viajes San Miguel

This is another shuttle service option that can take you directly from Mexico City to your destination in SMA.

Private Transfer Services

There are also private transfer services available, which offer door-to-door service, English-speaking drivers, and competitive prices. You can book these services online.

Car Rental

Renting a car is another option, but keep in mind that driving in Mexico City can be challenging due to intricate signage and road complexity. However, once you get out of the city, the roads to SMA are generally safe and well-maintained.

Bus

Taking a bus is the cheapest option. From the Mexico City Airport, there is only one bus per day to SMA, leaving at 6 pm and costing 756 MXN. This bus does not depart from the airport terminal but from the Camino Real Hotel. There are more bus options from the Terminal Norte Bus Station in Mexico City, with the bus companies ETN and Primera Plus offering direct services to SMA.

Flight

If you prefer to fly, the closest airports to SMA are Queretaro Airport (QRO) and Leon Airport (BJX). From there, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or private transfer to SMA.

Rent a car and drive from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende

If you're looking to travel from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende, renting a car is a great option. It gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding areas of San Miguel de Allende at your own pace, and there are many interesting attractions, small towns, hot springs, archaeological sites, and vineyards to discover.

The drive from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende is approximately 170 miles or a 4-hour drive, depending on traffic and your starting point in Mexico City. Keep in mind that Mexico City is quite large, so navigating through the city can be complicated. There are also rules about which days you can drive in Mexico City, as local laws restrict driving in the city to certain days based on your license plate number. Make sure you follow these rules to avoid being fined.

When planning your route, it's recommended to avoid Celaya due to the instability in this area of Guanajuato. Instead, select the route that takes you northeast of the city of Queretaro. Once you're out of Mexico City, the drive is relatively straightforward. However, the route has tolls, so make sure you have cash, preferably in smaller denominations, to pay for them.

If you're concerned about navigating Mexico City, you can also consider renting a car from Queretaro Airport or Leon Airport. These airports are located about an hour and an hour and a half away from San Miguel de Allende, respectively. However, keep in mind that there are no car rentals available in San Miguel de Allende itself.

Overall, renting a car and driving from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende can be a great option, especially if you want the flexibility to explore the surrounding areas at your leisure.

Take a bus from Terminal Norte to San Miguel de Allende

Taking the bus from Terminal Norte to San Miguel de Allende is a popular option for those travelling solo to the historic town of San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City. This option is also ideal for budget travellers as it is the least expensive way to travel between the two cities.

There are a few different bus companies that operate this route, including Primera Plus, ETN, and Amigo Tours. The price of a one-way bus ticket ranges from $33 to $81. Buses depart from Terminal Norte as frequently as every hour, and the journey takes approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes to 4 hours and 55 minutes, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

To get to Terminal Norte, you can take the yellow line on the metro to the Autobuses del Norte station. If you are travelling from the airport, you can take an Uber or Didi, or a taxi to the bus station.

When booking your bus ticket, it is recommended to book in advance, especially if you are travelling during a busy time or holiday period. You can book your ticket online or at the bus station. However, keep in mind that it may be difficult to purchase tickets online with a non-Mexican credit card. If you are already in Mexico City before your trip to San Miguel de Allende, you can also buy ticket vouchers at OXXO.

The buses on this route offer a range of amenities to make your journey more comfortable. For example, ETN offers luxury buses with lounging seats, optional footrests, and individual TV screens. Some of their buses are even double-decker, providing a panoramic view for those sitting in the front row on the upper level. Primera Plus also offers comfortable seats and entertainment options, including a personal video screen with a selection of movies and music.

Taking the bus from Terminal Norte to San Miguel de Allende is a convenient and affordable option for travellers looking to explore this charming Mexican town.

Frequently asked questions