Bus from Mexico City

In 2007 we bussed overnight from Zihua to DF. As an experience it was thoroughly satisfactory. We did a first class overnight on Estrella de Oro, I believe it was. It convinced us that this was the most economical and stress free way to travel any distance in Mexico. Be sure to book first class. It is not expensive and the seats and leg room are roomier than airline first class. We were given a basic sandwich and water, so you should bring food along if you want more than that. The air conditioning kept the cabin a little chilly for me. I wished I had had a Pendleton. The cabin attendant on our bus spent six of the eight hour trip fawning over her boyfriend driver, but I still have no complaints about the trip. The movie was in English with Spanish subtitles so it offered an opportunity for those who wanted to brush up on their Spanish. We left Ixtapa about midnight and arrived in DF about 8AM on our way to Puebla.

We also bussed from Colima to PV. Same experience, thoroughly satisfactory, except the driver never exceeded the speed limit. I mention this because there were many miles of straight road stretches in the wilderness with no traffic in either direction, but he adhered to the 35 KM speed limit. Frustrating. I really wanted him to step on the gas. Be prepared for driver breaks here and there at tiendas in small towns or in the middle of nowhere, for that matter. Every one can disembark for a potty break (although there are heads on board) and buy refreshments and a snack. After a while the driver will re-board and the bus continues on. Very Mexican, very OK. You can meet other people if you want, mainly Mexicans. They won't bother you so you have to make the effort if you want to meet locals. When you get where you are going it slowly occurs to you this is a pleasant way to travel. You get there when you get there and the trip is non-stressful. Sort of like sailing. The travel is the thing; not getting there as fast as possible. It was more like part of our vacation rather than a time-out to get from A to B.

Craig