If you’re planning to travel in Mexico by bus, you’ll likely start, take a break from, or end your journey in one of the four main bus stations in Mexico City, the nation’s capital and central hub of transport and commerce.

Mexico City has a rich transport history. During the 1970s, it reformed bus policies to alleviate traffic congestion, leading to the construction of four major bus terminals in each cardinal direction (north, east, south, and west). Each terminal, now housing multiple bus companies, provides services to different geographic regions of the country.

As you travel to or from Mexico City by bus, it is crucial to navigate these four key terminals. Familiarity with the public transit options available at each terminal will significantly enhance your travel experience.

Terminal Central del Norte: North

The Terminal Autobuses Central del Norte, also known simply as Central del Norte, primarily serves travelers originating from the United States. In addition to multiple bus companies, this terminal features a variety of shops, dining options, baggage storage, coffee shops, banks, and even a pharmacy.

The Terminal Central del Norte predominantly serves the northern region of Mexico and locations along the U.S. border, including popular destinations such as the ruins at Teotihuacan. Other destinations include:

• Aguascalientes
• Baja California
• Chihuahua
• Coahuila
• Colima
• Durango
• Guanajuato
• Hidalgo
• Jalisco
• Nayarit
• Nuevo Leon
• Pachuca
• Puebla
• Queretaro
• San Luis Potosi
• Sinaloa
• Sonora
• Tamaulipas
• Veracruz

Reaching Central del Norte can be done via taxi or the Mexico City metro, using the yellow Line 5 or the green Line A to the Autobuses del Norte station. Line A runs conveniently from the northern to the southern bus terminal, making it an ideal option for travelers transitioning through the city.

Terminal Central del Sur: South

The Terminal Central del Sur, recognized as South Central Terminal, is the smallest terminal among the city’s four bus stations. Unlike the others, it exclusively provides bus services without any shops or cafes onsite. However, nearby retailers and restaurants are accessible if you find yourself with a long wait for your next bus.

This terminal serves as a key hub for destinations in southern Mexico, such as:

• Acapulco
• Cuernavaca
• Cancun
• Campeche
• Chiapas
• Guerrero
• Morelos
• Puebla
• Oaxaca
• Tabasco
• Tepoztlan

Access to the Terminal Central del Sur is available via either Line 1 (Pink) or Line 2 (Blue) of the Mexico City Metro, with the Tasqueña Station being the closest stop, sharing a building with the bus terminal for out-of-city services.

Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente (TAPO): East

Known as La Tapo, the terminal acronym TAPO stands for “Terminal (de Autobuses) de Pasejeros del Oriente.” This station serves the eastern neighborhoods of Mexico City and is connected to the metro’s San Lazaro Station.

La Tapo is operated by nine bus companies, including Estrella Roja, Ado, and AU, offering services to southern, eastern, and Gulf areas of Mexico. Key destinations connected through this terminal include:

• Campeche
• Chiapas
• Puebla
• Oaxaca
• Quintana Roo
• Tlaxcala
• Tabasco
• Veracruz
• Yucatan

The Line 1 (Pink) and Line 8 (Green) metro services conveniently stop at San Lazaro Station, directly linked to La Tapo Bus Terminal. For additional convenience, a taxi can easily take you to “La Tapo.”

Terminal Centro del Poniente: West

The Terminal Central del Poniente offers bus services to numerous destinations in western Mexico and within Mexico City. This terminal is equipped with various amenities, including several restaurants, bakeries, luggage storage facilities, shops, bookstores, and internet cafes.

The terminal operates from 5:30 a.m. to midnight every day, facilitating bus routes to destinations along the western coast of Mexico, such as:

• Guerrero
• Jalisco
• Michoacan
• Nayarit
• Oaxaca
• Queretaro
• State of Mexico
• Sinaloa
• Sonora

To reach the Terminal Centro Poniente, you can take the Metro Line 1 (Pink) to Observatorio Station, followed by a short walk to the terminal and adjacent shops.