Traveling to Mexico is an exciting experience and a great opportunity to explore a beautiful and passionate country. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation, a cultural experience, or a chance to explore the country's rich history and heritage, Mexico has something to offer everyone. So, first things first… how do you get there?
Flying to Mexico
There are many international airports across the country, making it easy to find a flight to your destination. From almost everywhere in the world, Cancun and Mexico City are the cheapest cities to fly into. Major cities within Mexico are also well connected by domestic flights, with very cheap tickets. So, your point of entry into the country can be somewhere other than your final destination.
Prices vary throughout the year and can be particularly expensive on big American holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Make sure to book flights around these times well in advance.
Driving to Mexico
Driving from the United States, Guatemala, and Belize into Mexico is possible. While some entry points are better than others, make sure you give yourself plenty of time as border crossings can be slow and tedious. If you choose to drive, early mornings are your best bet to avoid the longest lines. When entering from the USA, unfortunately, many border towns in Mexico can be pretty dangerous, so cross at your own risk.
Catching a Bus to Mexico
Greyhound provides buses from the US to Mexico. However, with cheap flights between Mexico and the USA, the shorter travel time between destinations often logistically makes air travel a better option. If you plan to cross the border via bus, maintain caution, as many border towns can be unsafe.
From Belize, some buses connect to most of the major cities in the Yucatan, like Bacalar, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun. A bus is the most common way to travel between the two countries.
From Guatemala, there are two points of entry that you can take via bus. Be sure to stay aware of your surroundings and belongings as you cross as theft is common.
Taking a Train to Mexico
Amtrak provides services to multiple points along the USA - Mexico border, but there is only one rail line that runs the whole way through. This premium service connects Tuscon and Copper Canyon, and tickets don't come cheap!
Currently, there are no trains connecting Guatemala or Belize to Mexico. However, both governments have expressed interest in having intercountry connections to Mexico's Mayan Railway, but there has yet to be an official confirmation.
Riding a Boat to Mexico
Many cruise ships departing from the USA have stops in Mexico. Cozumel is a particularly popular destination for cruise ships, but sadly their presence is destroying the once pristine reefs just off the shore.
From Belize, the San Pedro Belize Express and Water Jets International have water taxis that depart (almost) daily from Caye Caulker and San Pedro, arriving in Chetumal, Mexico. If you are already in these parts of Belize, it can be a great way to save travel time, but it comes at a higher cost than crossing by bus. If you are coming from Belize City, you will have to take the water taxi to either Caye Caulker or San Pedro, stay overnight and then catch the boat to Mexico the following day. The trip takes 1 hour and 40 minutes from San Pedro and an extra 30 minutes from Caye Caulker - not factoring in the time to get through immigration.
Note: we have taken the water taxi between Belize City and Caye Caulker with no issues. However, we have heard the next section, as you head towards San Pedro, can get pretty rough as you hit the open sea.
No matter how you choose to get to Mexico, you're sure to have a great time. There are several options for getting to Mexico, depending on where you are coming from, including flights, buses, and ferries. Just remember to do your research before you go and plan your trip accordingly.
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