mexico DF to other cities by bus

Hi, I just read that there is been roberies on buses from Mexico df and Theotihuacan...
This is my second post about safety, seems that I'm worried, but I'm not really, I'm just trying to avoid any problems...
If we plan on going to guanajuato from DF are the buses safe?

We will be in DF for 3 weeks and we would like to travel around DF, were shouldn't we go?
thank you!!!

In the vicinity of the D.F., the number of reported robberies and physical victimization of passengers seem to take place on local inter-urban busses traveling into/out of the state of Mexico ...large areas such as Ecatepec, Nezahualcoyotl, Chalco. For the most part these are areas a typical foreign tourist has little or no need to venture into.

It's true that robberies of busses traveling between Teotihuacán and the Indios Verdes terminal/Metro Station have been targeted on and off, intermittently for a long time now (many or most of these busses pass through Ecatepec.

As regards over-the-road city-to-city busses ... most of the robberies that have occurred seem to have taken place during overnight hours and tend to take place more so on certain routes than others: such as Mexico City to Acapulco, along Hwy. 200 through the state of Guerrero and on occasion the route connecting Mexico City with Puebla. I don't recall ever reading of robberies of busses connecting Mexico City with Queretaro or Guanajuato.

There are probably a 1,000 busses departing Mexico City for other cities on a daily basis ... and the number of robberies affects a very small percentage. But, being in the wrong place at the wrong time is what we all think about.

As for areas to avoid: it's not so easy to say. You can be in a seemingly secure colonia only to walk a couple of blocks into another colonia ... that's not so secure. The dividing lines exist throughout the city and area. But if you're talking about confining your movements to destinations/attractions/neighborhoods popular with typical tourists ... and you won't be venturing-off into unknown territory ... I think the safety risk is probably very low.

How much Spanish do you speak/understand?

LW

Thanks that helps a lot.

My spanish is weak. I understand parts of it, and I managed to make myself understood, but conversation is very hard, or very clumsy. I don't use english in Mexico.

DF or District Federal ia a term no longer used, CDMX or La Ciudad de Mexico is what is referred to now...

DF or District Federal ia a term no longer used, CDMX or La Ciudad de Mexico is what is referred to now...

Yes, the formal name of the government was changed - officially last year if I recall correctly. However, the informal name most often used by local residents as a description when speaking - more than any other, judging by what I witness - is "el DF." I've never heard someone say, when speaking, that they live in "CDMX". "Mexico" without the "city" or "ciudad" is how many often refer to the city, as well (especially so when you meet them traveling away from the city).

LW

#4, you need to travel to CDMX... very few locals use the term "DF" anymore. The only folks who I've heard saying it in the last few months have been out-of-towners who aren't used to the change yet. I know it's been many years... maybe we could set up one of those GoFundMe pages for you? As someone who has been such a great source of historical information on the city, you deserve it, and I would even pitch in myself.

Yes, most people simple say "Ciudad de Mexico" (literally no one ever spells out the letters "C-D-M-X"), or just "Mexico". DF is done... and the change actually happened over 2 years ago, in January 2016.

As for bus safety... it is essentially a non-issue. Robberies on tourist routes are extremely rare, close to non-existent with a few rare exceptions. Pickpocketing on metros is more common, but can be avoided by staying aware of your situation, especially during peak hours and in extremely packed crowds.

Re: no-go areas, you will pick up on them very quickly once you are in the city. In short, almost anywhere you'll want to go as a tourist will be safe. There are some areas in the center that require caution, such as Tepito, Candelaria, la Merced, etc., and others further afield like Iztapalapa, or vast slums in the north, but you'd have to really make an effort to get to these places. I suggest you speak with your hotel once you get there (what area are you staying in?), they will give you tips on potentially unsafe areas near you. Since it's a huge metropolis, you'll see plenty of glue sniffers, prostitutes, and shady characters in the center... just ignore them, and if they try to start a conversation with you, don't put your guard down. Pretty much the same with most big cities, anywhere.

#4, you need to travel to CDMX... very few locals use the term "DF" anymore. The only folks who I've heard saying it in the last few months have been out-of-towners who aren't used to the change yet. I know it's been many years... maybe we could set up one of those GoFundMe pages for you? As someone who has been such a great source of historical information on the city, you deserve it, and I would even pitch in myself. Yes, most people simple say "Ciudad de Mexico" (literally no one ever spells out the letters "C-D-M-X"), or just "Mexico". DF is done... and the change actually happened over 2 years ago, in January 2016.

As a prolific troll/stalker ... I guess readers should have anticipated you'd come better prepared. But you never do, do you? You should visit Mexico one day, in person instead of traveling solely by Google Street View. Had you visited the city and interacted with its residents, you'd have learned "el D.F." is the very widely used reference, together with "la Ciudad de Mexico". While the Mexican President made a deal with the head of the D.F. government a couple or several years ago to go along with a change in status for the D.F. (because the city's head of government then backed the President on something he wanted/needed), and the abbreviation "CDMX" has been introduced as a graphic ... the city was required to write a Constitution that'll result in the formal name change throughout D.F. government ... and the new Constitution becomes effective September 2018. And had you traveled in Mexico and interacted with Mexicans, and asked where they'd come from ... those from Mexico City would have probably more often than not simply replied, "Mexico."

As for bus safety... it is essentially a non-issue. Robberies on tourist routes are extremely rare, close to non-existent with a few rare exceptions.

Once again, if you'd traveled in Mexico you'd know how laughable your assertion is.

Re: no-go areas, you will pick up on them very quickly once you are in the city.

Wrong.

In short, almost anywhere you'll want to go as a tourist will be safe.

Had you traveled much you'd understand that not all tourists travel similarly. And you seem to always make the mistake assuming Mexicans aren't tourists, too. Tourists will be traveling throughout the city ... not just in Centro Historico.

There are some areas in the center that require caution, such as Tepito, Candelaria, la Merced, etc., and others further afield like Iztapalapa, or vast slums in the north, but you'd have to really make an effort to get to these places.

Wrong. We read reports on this very forum from tourists who travel to the areas you cite.

Armchair travelers - and trolls - do a disservice to persons seeking valid, reliable information and opinions. There's no substitute for actually visiting Mexico City, or Mexico for that matter. Surfing Google Street View can't convey what we learn on foot.

LW

U mad bro?

Come on, take a chill pill... I've been right here in the city for the last 6 months. You know I like to mess with you sometimes, but it's all in good fun and keeps the forum lively. Claiming that people who don't see things your way are "surfing Google Street View" (disclaimer: I hate that thing) is just silly. Get yourself down here and the micheladas are on me... in Tepito, no less.

As for safety issues, it is pretty much universally agreed that the potential for a tourist to walk into no-go areas in CDMX is extremely low, especially during the day and early evening. I don't know how it was back in the 90's and I love reading your posts for that kind of info, but these days, all it takes is asking your hotel and a bit of light research. Give me some examples of the millions of tourists who visit here of anyone who accidentally wandered into Iztapalapa or Chalco and got killed to death and I'll change my mind.

As for Tepito, Candelaria, la Merced... these areas are ALSO generally safe to walk around, with the greatest risk being pickpocketing or potential mugging. Big deal. Anyone who goes into Tepito (McLarge, for example, who does just fine there) without doing at least a little research beforehand and figuring out how to take precautions is just asking for trouble... otherwise, those neighborhoods are fascinating and rewarding places to visit during the day.

Also, and this is just for your own info... I can assure you that virtually no one down here says D.F. anymore. Period... (except maybe for some elderly people with, you know, cognitive issues). Seriously, come for a brief visit and see for yourself, if you don't believe me..

thanks for the clarification

Back to the real question, buses from Guanajuato to CDMX are incredibly safe (especially the comfortable first class ones), there have been virtually no problems reported on that route in recent years, and it's a great idea to take advantage of Mexico's world-class transport system to enjoy a great city like that.

If you´re worried about safety, take some precautions: travel first class; only during the day; put your debit and credit card in different places; etc.

Robberies do happen. I´ve met a tall young black man three times in the last week. He insisted the first time we met that he´d been robbed, and was asking the VIPs staff for some free food. I had some suspicions, as he was holding a brand name coffee cup at the time. The second time I saw him he said the police had his stuff, but he didn´t know where they were located. I tried to help him with directions, but he looked away as if he wasn´t interested. The third time I saw him he didn´t look like he even wanted to talk to me (all I said was ¨What´s happening?¨) He was wearing the same clothes, but a new name brand plastic shopping bag in one hand. He never asked me for money, or any other kind of help (if he had, I would have directed him to the USA embassy; he was from California). He said people were wonderful to him, giving him free food and stuff, don´t think he had any intention to go to the police station to get his stuff back. But not everyone would find the experience of being robbed so much fun.

only during the day

This just isn't necessary. Many routes only run overnight (Oaxaca to San Cris, for example), first class, and are completely safe. I think the reason why people repeat this is because they've confused it with advice not to drive at night, especially in certain areas, which is legit. If it's easier to travel during the early evening hours, do it.

But not everyone would find the experience of being robbed so much fun.

Hate to break it to you, but the guy wasn't robbed. [facepalm] From your recent accommodation adventures, I get the feeling that you're... shall we say... not quite his type.

Mr Bill M ( LW, Mexico, etc. )writes:
""I've never heard someone say, when speaking, that they live in "CDMX""
That may be true Bill but the OP was not speaking, they were writing, What do they call it in the Windy City?

Mr Bill M ( LW, Mexico, etc. )writes:
""I've never heard someone say, when speaking, that they live in "CDMX""
That may be true Bill but the OP was not speaking, they were writing, What do they call it in the Windy City?

I'm recalling you've never been to sharp when it comes to reading comprehension. ;-)

LW

OUCH! Personal fouuuuul. Into the penalty box!

I believe it is no longer the Windy City, but Florida.

There was a post saying he preferred to sit in his chair in the garden, to travelling now.

Very funny comment from someone who likes to make up his own personal definitions of words. Hint: try a dictionary some time.

I know I'm just extending a stupid argument but in my experience anyone who starts saying "DF"or "Distrito" then halts mid-way, smiles, and says "ah...Ciudad de Mexico." I can't believe how quickly the name change caught on...

And the giant metal letters on the south side of the Zocalo speling ¨CDMX¨ are very popular for selfies among camera-toting tourists. Likewise the ¨Acapulco¨ sign near the diving cliffs; and the ¨Oaxaca¨ sign opposite Sto Domingo.

I can't believe how quickly the name change caught on...

Funny, I thought the same thing... I kinda felt like people would be more stubborn about it, but it's already a bit of a faux pas to even bring the district up.

And the giant metal letters

...and Queretaro... Cancun... Morelia... man, whoever came up with those things is making a killing.

In the vicinity of the D.F., the number of reported robberies and physical victimization of passengers seem to take place on local inter-urban busses traveling into/out of the state of Mexico ...large areas such as Ecatepec, Nezahualcoyotl, Chalco.

From a published report, today:

Big spike recorded in public transit theft

Robberies on public transit in the state of México spiked sharply in the first two months of this year, state government statistics show. ... According to data from the Attorney General’s office, there were 875 reports of violent robberies on buses in the first 53 days of the year, which equates to an average of 495 incidents per month. ... The monthly average last year was 325 when there was a total of 3,900 reported robberies. Many cases go unreported.

Source: https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/big-spike-recorded-in-public-transit-theft/

The government has repeatedly stated, over a period of many years, that only about 10% of crimes are reported.

LW

This is tacky, even for you #20. Regardless of how many years it's been since you've visited, I know you know that essentially zero foreign travelers are ever going to be anywhere near any of those places, much less on cheap, 5th class combi vans. Cuatitlán Izcalli, Ecatepec, Chalco... do you even know where those places are? Hint: they're not restaurants in Roma, nor are they streets in Coyoacan.

If you're going to post something like that, have the decency to put it into context: these robberies are on routes from the capital to outlying poorer neighborhoods and slums in the State of Mexico. Anyone casually traveling to Nezahualcóyotl is already fully aware that this is a possibility, and knows what to do if they're unlucky enough to be the victim of a hold-up on a 3rd class inner city bus: hand over your wallet and deal with it.

Essentially zero of this applies to foreign travelers. Come back with some dirt on ADO or ETN buses to Guanajuato or Oaxaca getting robbed if you really want something relevant to frighten people with... you're going to have a hard time coming up with more than two or three incidents in the past decade.

Essentially zero of this applies to foreign travelers.

LOL! I expected a stalker/troll to have a better response.

LW

Okay, you've had your fun. Please stop the name calling and bickering or we're going to have to remove content/lock the thread. Disagree by all means but show some respect when commenting.
Cheers,
Cosima

Man, if this is fun, I'd hate to see hard work. ;) Good point though.

How exactly, kind sir, does information about robberies on 3rd class buses outlying slums and poor neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city apply to foreign visitors looking to use Mexico's fine bus system to voyage to other cities? Would it be that mayhaps you might not be aware that these are a different kind of "bus," one that our illustrious foreign compatriots should oft never use the likes of?

Many routes only run overnight (Oaxaca to San Cris, for example)

In response to another enquiry, I checked at the central camionera in Oaxaca, and found that FYPSA offers one or two morning departures daily depending upon demand, so travelers have a choice.

Good point: I should've said "primarily" or mostly overnight. The point is, travelers shouldn't be bogged down by scare stories to the point of thinking that taking night buses is in any way unusual or dangerous. If a visitor looks at a route where 9 out of 10 departures are during the evening and feels compelled to stick to that one that isn't due to fears they got from reading people's ominous warnings about "night travel," then they've fallen victim to bad internet info.

Yes, there are choices. Some travelers cobble-together 3 segments starting early a.m. obviously, many people choose overnight travel ... even though the choice may result in a exhausting experience (it's a tiring trip for many of us, day or night).

When we've seen the question posed here it's sometimes met with misinformation. ... that night travel is the only option.

For some, overnight travel works best ... for others, it doesn't. I've made the journey both times of day ... and prefer daylight travel (primarily for reasons of comfort, but for safety ... too).

It's great when we have options; makes for better trips.

LW

Excellent points. If someone wants to avoid traveling at night because they want to see the cacti, or it makes them grumpy, or doesn't work with their schedule, then have at it... but anyone doing so because they're afraid that night routes are somehow more dangerous does not need to worry. It's just how the bus system works in Mexico, and it's safe as heck. There is essentially zero difference when it comes to safety, despite whatever internet myths are floating around out there.

OTOH, out of curiosity #25, what bus lines are you saying do the Oaxaca-San Cris trip during the day? I checked the ADO site and, yep, only evening departures. Surely you're not suggesting a 3rd class bus line or something? Because THAT does indeed involve safety issues.

Also keep in mind that just because you leave in the morning at 10:00 a.m. on a 12-hour journey doesn't mean that the whole thing is going to be in daylight. Not to point out the obvious, or anything.

what bus lines are you saying do the Oaxaca-San Cris trip during the day?

I wrote in my post: ¨...FYPSA offers one or two morning departures daily....¨; and they operate first class buses.

Oh geez, I missed that... eeek.... now, I may be wrong (again) here, but AFAIK FYPSA is second class at best. Apart from that, it generally gets reviews on about the same level as your last hotel. They are considered the cheapest of the cheap for these long hauls.

I tried checking the website out of curiosity, but hot damn... what a piece of trash. They even still have the Latin text at the bottom where the "calendar" is supposed to be.

http://fypsa.com.mx

For safety purposes, I'd recommend people avoid this line and go with a more reputable one, like ADO... which only has evening departures. Because why risk one's life to save a few pesos unless you, you know, need to? ;)

Dear Lord, just did a bit more reading about FYPSA... I'm assuming the "first class buses" thing was a joke, right? I've never taken them myself and after a little research, definitely don't plan on it.

As I suspected, the reputable lines (OCC and ADO) are still strictly evening-only on this route. Not exactly rocket science... but hey, I realize some people are traveling on their last dime and safety/comfort isn't exactly high on their list of priorities!

I wrote in my post: ¨...FYPSA offers one or two morning departures daily....¨; and they operate first class buses.

I have not used FYPSA for travel between Oaxaca and Las Cases. But I have traveled with the company on other routes.

The FYPSA First-Class busses I've ridden and others I've seen up close are pretty much comparable to equipment used by other companies offering first-class service in Mexico.

The company is popular with Mexicans, and experienced foreign travelers who don't want to over-pay for travel on particular routes.

I don't recall being offered one of the thin ham or bologna sandwiches or soft drinks I get on ADO, though ... and there was one time one of these busses I was on ran-out of toilet tissue (I learned that when traveling abroad to always have a roll of my own in my bag). But for many travelers, saving hundreds of pesos on long haul routes is more important. That those of us who travel have choices is good, not bad.

LW

No, no, I absolutely agree... if you've got to sacrifice a little safety and comfort by traveling on second or third class buses and are willing to take the risk, do it. Same goes for staying in rundown 100 peso hotels that are "comparable" to decent ones because they have, you know, beds and doors. Let's be clear though... the company is about as "popular" with Mexicans as that hotel that McLarge got chased out of by the bedbug squad. I do know a few who have used it out of desperation, and they survived. The reviews I found were pretty brutal (note: they're in Spanish).

Hard to verify if they actually have legit daytime trips all the way to San Cris because their website is such a mess, but I'm sure they do, and no doubt for some people, saving the extra 100 pesos is worth it... for safety reasons though, I'd recommend that most travelers stick to REAL first class buses and lines like ADO, OCC, etc.

If you're really too scared to travel at night, OTOH, sometimes you just have to take what you can get... caveat emptor.

Oh wait, here's a positive review!

"...I've lately been using second-class buses instead of ADO (530 MXN), either AU (370 MXN) or FYPSA (330 MXN); they don't show movies, so they're relaxing, and I save a lot of money." - McLarge, 2014

No bathrooms on board, but that's easily solved by a handy water bottle. Hey, whatever floats your bus!

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<snip>
I'd never use that line, personally, but kudos to you for your bravery in a quest to save a few pesos... however, I should tell you that even cursory research (in Spanish – I can translate if you need) shows that it has a HIGH incidence of robberies, including this one just recently in Oaxaca (one of dozens that has occurred over recent months). I'd strongly suggest that travelers stick to safer, legitimate options, like ADO and OCC – which also occasionally suffer robberies, but none that I could find on this route, and far, FAR less than these shoddy two-bit companies like FYSPA. As you always say, those who are informed can make better decisions... like, for example, avoiding companies like these for their own personal wellbeing:

http://matutinazo.com/2018/01/12/asaltan-autobus-la-linea-fypsa-en-carretera-oaxaca-istmo/

Seriously though, even I didn't realize it was this bad... all kinds of crazy stories about daytime attacks on FYPSA buses. I think we can all at least have the common sense to suggest that anyone other than thrillseekers or fans of asaltos avoid this company like the plague!

http://old.nvinoticias.com/principal/93472-sangriento-asalto

They also seem to suffer a lot of accidents... ouch!

http://www.diariodeantequera.com/vuelca-autobus-de-fypsa-en-istmo-2-muertos-y-21-heridos/

The FYPSA bus I took last week from Oaxaca to Mexico City had a bathroom, and only cost 250 MXN, versus 650 for ADO.

Maybe that's where the, uh, "hangers on" came from. ;)

Seriously though, I applaud the moxie... more travelers should be willing to take risks like that if it means more $ for micheladas.

Buses from Guanajato to Mexico city are safe. Pretty sure Primera Plus and ETN run that route. Both nice professional bus companies. Honestly in all my bus rides in Mexico the only one that felt slightly weird was north of Zacatecas.

Any recent experience traveling cdmx to Tijuana, and enjoying/surviving? Costs? Company Used? Advice? Thanks.

CDMX to Tijuana by bus? Wow. I would fly. Interjet or VivaAerobus should be under $100 US.

ETN buses serve both Mexico City and Tijuana.

I did not bus to Tijuana but can say etn is a very nice bus company.

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