How to get around Mexico safely: driving, taxis, buses & apps
Getting around Mexico usually means choosing between an extensive long-distance bus network, growing passenger rail lines, ride-sharing apps, and official taxis — with driving yourself being the option that needs the most caution. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for healthy US citizens abroad in Mexico, largely because cars, buses, trucks, rickshaws, bikes, pedestrians, and even animals all share the same lanes.
Should I drive myself?
If you rent a car, a foreign driver's license is valid and most agencies accept it, but you should also carry an International Driving Permit and get automobile insurance with international and liability coverage. Wear seatbelts at all times, avoid driving at night due to poor street lighting in parts of the country, and stick to daylight hours, especially in rural areas. Federal highways require toll payments, so budget for stops at toll booths. In Mexico City, the Hoy No Circula program restricts certain cars from driving on specific days and is strictly enforced with heavy fines and possible temporary confiscation; electric and hybrid vehicles are generally exempt. Puebla and Toluca have similar restrictions.
What's the safest way to take a taxi?
Use official taxis rather than hailing on the street. In Mexico City, government-authorized taxis have license plates starting with "A" or "B," are pink and white, and can be reserved through the CDMX app. Never share a taxi with strangers, and sit in the back seat. Credit card fraud has occurred in Mexico City taxis hailed on the street, including licensed ones — if paying by card at an airport, pre-pay inside the terminal or at the designated boarding area instead. All airports offer safe transfer options, including authorized cabs paid at official modules inside the terminal.
Are ride-sharing apps a good option?
Yes — Uber, Didi, Cabify, and InDriver operate in most major cities and tourist destinations and are considered a safe, practical alternative to traditional taxis. They're also available at airports alongside Metro service in Mexico City and Monterrey.
What about buses and trains?
Mexico has one of the most extensive bus networks in Latin America, ranging from budget operators to larger companies with comfortable services. Passenger rail is an increasingly important option too: the Chepe Express runs from Chihuahua to Sinaloa through the Copper Canyon, the Tren Maya connects 35 stations across the Yucatan Peninsula, and the Interoceanic Tren links Coatzacoalcos (Veracruz) to Salina Cruz (Oaxaca) and Palenque (Chiapas). Within cities, Mexico City's Metrobus is generally reliable, and many cities issue rechargeable smart cards accepted across metro, bus, and metrobus systems. For planning routes, apps like Google Maps, Waze, Moovit, and Rome2Rio can help you navigate traffic and transit options.
FAQ
Is it safe to hail a taxi on the street? No — avoid street-hailed taxis, especially in Mexico City, due to credit card fraud risks even with licensed cabs; use official booking apps or airport modules instead.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Mexico? A foreign license is valid and accepted by most rental agencies, but you should also carry an International Driving Permit and have insurance with international and liability coverage.
Can I use my phone for navigation while traveling? Yes — Google Maps and Waze help with traffic and detours, while Moovit and Rome2Rio assist with planning transport routes in cities.
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