How to get from Mexico City to Puebla
This guide will show you how to get from Mexico City to Puebla.
Puebla City truly is an incredible destination to visit in Mexico. From its historic center which is full of colonial buildings, to an abundance of stunning cathedrals dotted around, here you’ll find an absolute ton to see and do.
The surrounding region also has many worthwhile towns to visit. Cholula is one of the very best, which is known for its incredible ruins.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 3 different ways of getting from Mexico City to Puebla. As well as this, we’ll also look at how to stay safe, when to visit and other good things to know before heading to Puebla.
How to get from Mexico City to Puebla
Puebla Quick Summary:
- 📍 Where is it: Central Mexico
- 🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Easy
- ⏱ Time needed: 4 days
- ☀️ Best Time to Visit: March/April
- 🍴 Top Food/Drink: Mole Poblano, Pasita
- 🔥 Our Favourite Gem: Cholula Ruins
Quick Answer: The Best Way to get from Mexico City to Puebla overall, having compared all routes and also made the trip ourselves several times, we’ve found the ADO and AU buses are the best ways to get from Mexico City to Puebla.
They are by far the cheapest option at roughly 170 MXP, and there are dozens leaving daily so you won’t need to wait too long for your departure. The buses are pretty reliable and are rarely late along this route, and you’ll also have comfortable reclining seats too!
Things to know before visiting Puebla City
Safety in Puebla City
As we have noted in our Puebla safety guide (that we recommend you read before travel), Puebla is considered to be among the safest states you can visit in all of Mexico.
Even within the city center crime is uncommon, which will be a nice refresher if coming from elsewhere in the country.
The Historic Centre is the very best area for tourists to stay in, where it will feel more open and less “rough around the edges” like some barrios here can feel (these are further away from the city center).
Pickpocketing is still a risk here, like anywhere in Mexico. For this reason you don’t want to flaunt your valuables when out and about, and to also carry a Safe Wallet to improve your overall security.
Getting Money Out
Like most major Mexican cities and towns, Puebla is full of ATM machines that are readily available to provide you with Mexican Pesos.
Within the city you’ll want to use the BBVA and Banorte branches, which offer the very best rates for travelers withdrawing internationally. In the Historic Centre you’ll find these very close to the main Zócalo.
If arriving in Puebla via flight, then you can also use the ATMs within the airport for getting your hands on the local currency (although we strongly recommend taking more out in Mexico City before traveling over).
When is the Best Time to Visit Puebla?
Puebla City has both an annual dry and wet season, which is typical of most cities and towns in Mexico.
The dry season begins in late October and lasts through to April. Daily average temperatures range from 56-65°F, with highs of up to 79°F as well as lows of down to 43°F. Levels of rainfall during the dry season are low, ranging from just 0.3-0.6 inches each month. The dry season is the best time to visit for those who want sunny skies and more predictable weather.
The wet season picks up in May and lasts until October. Temperatures during these times hover between a warmer 61-67°F, with highs of 79°F as well as lows of 51°F. Rainfall ranges from an increased 2-5 inches within each of these months. This time of year is better for those who want warmer weather as well as good deals.
Regardless of when you visit, you’ll want to bring a solid day pack with you. We recommend this 30L Day Pack from Peak Design which is very spacious and also has customisable interiors to help organize your belongings.
Pre-booking Transport
Another of our best pieces of advice is to pre-book transport where possible. Not only will it take the hassle out of trip planning, you can also find reasonable deals online too.
There are several buses that can be booked online, such as the popular (and most recommended) companies of ADO and AU. The costs of booking these online are more or less the same as what you’ll pay when heading to the bus station.
Those who prefer more independence and flexibility can also rent a car. You’ll find all kinds of companies and options varying from super-budget to luxury vehicles. Just be aware that driving in Mexico City isn’t the easiest task in the world!
The 3 different ways of getting from Mexico City to Puebla
There are 3 main ways of getting from Mexico City to Puebla.
Bus from Mexico City
This is by far one of the most popular options, given you’ll have a variety of picks. ADO And AU are the two main providers, and here you can expect a journey of roughly 2.5 hours to reach Puebla City.
Of course, this means it’s the longest method of all, given you’ll have to wait for the departure time which may or may not be close to your arrival time. Buses are of pretty good quality, with comfortable seats as well as an on-site bathroom.
You can either catch the bus from the airport, or from the bus terminals within the city. The bus ride will cost 170 MXP, making it the cheapest option of all.
Taxi from Mexico City
The Taxi is another good option, which will be quicker than the bus. They will take just under 2 hours, which depends on the time of day and traffic levels.
Taxis are pretty safe, although in Mexico City it’s best to use official cabs. In the airport, you can use the taxi booths at arrivals, or also a professional company to make the ride. Prices begin around 1850 MXP for the ride. Just make sure to agree on a rate before you get into the taxi!
Private Shuttle from Mexico City
Last but not least we have the option of taking a private shuttle. This is a great option for those who want to get to Puebla with little hassle (especially from the airport) and will take more or less the same time as a taxi would.
You can book Private Transport from Mexico City airport here, which is ideal as you can set your arrival time so the driver is there waiting for you once you’ve passed immigration. The disadvantage of this option is that it will be the most expensive of all, depending on the agency you book with.
How to get from Mexico City to Puebla
And that’s all for our guide on how to get from Mexico City to Puebla.
This stunning city is located just two hours away from Mexico City, which makes it an ideal stop for those heading through Mexico.
Here you’ll be able to step into a more authentic Central Mexican culture, as well as explore the variety of striking buildings and architecture on display here.
In this guide, we’ve looked at the 3 different ways of getting from Mexico City to Puebla. This includes the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as what we most recommend.
We’ve also covered the most important things to know about Puebla, which include staying safe, taking out money, and pre-booking transport.
See our backpacking Mexico guide for more travel tips.
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