Map

The first class buses, and most of us, drive the toll road from here up the mountains to Patzcuaro. There is a turn off of the toll road to Uruapan. Then, the bus continues up the mountains to Patz. I think that any of the buses, will make a stop at Uruapan on the way.
Buy a ticket from here to Patzcuaro, and have a lovely time!
There is so much to see and do in and around Uruapan, and it's not nearly as cold this time of year as Patz, so consider that an option, too.