When in Mexico, Real Tourists Take the Bus

Taking the bus in a foreign country where you don't speak the language can be intimidating, but it doesn't need to be. A bus ride is a fraction of the cost of taking a cab, and allows you to spend time with the local people. Ask at the front desk where you are staying how much the bus costs and where you can catch it. The Mexican bus is very different from the American bus in two ways, and I have two more tips for you.

1. There is no timetable for the bus
This seems very strange to Americans, but there is no schedule for the bus. Mexicans, in turn, are equally puzzled if you ask what time the bus stops there. If you ask, you will be told something like "the bus comes by about every 15 minutes". You will also find out the general hours of operation, perhaps until 10 o'clock, but I would not rely on this. Be prepared to take a cab if you are traveling late in the evening, and no buses are in sight.

2. You do not need exact change to ride the bus.
It is never wise to wave a wad of cash, or have only large bills, in any circumstance. However, if you are reasonably close to the amount due, the bus driver will give you change.

3. Tell the bus driver where you are going.
Although it is not door-to-door service like a cab, unless it is a very crowded bus, your bus driver will be able to confirm that you are on the correct bus, and indicate when you are at your desired stop.

4. Relax
You are not in any more danger from thieves and criminals than in America. Probably less, since you are paying such attention to the possibility. The worst thing that happens to you is that you end up going to the wrong place. Once my husband and I ended up in the bus barn at the last stop, when the bus wasn't making a return trip. We had to walk back into town. We were hot, but we survived.

Times to pay up and take a cab:

1. When you are traveling at an off time. For example, leaving a club late at night.

2. When you would like a tour of the city.
In my experience, a cab driver will be happy to give you a brief (paid) tour of the city. Just tell him you would like the $20 tour, or however much you have available to spend, and he will drive you around for a while and point things out. My family discovered a treasured favorite restaurant in Mazatlan this way.

3. When you have a lot to carry.
Groceries or luggage will fit better in the trunk of a cab than in the aisle of the bus. Although many Mexican buses do have something like luggage racks above the seat, I would not want to try to wrangle many belongings that way.