Mexico (MX)

Mexico is one of the world's most important expat destinations, especially for US and Canadian retirees, remote workers, entrepreneurs, families and lifestyle migrants.

Capital: Mexico City

Region: Americas

Language: Spanish

Currency: MXN (MX$)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 38)

Emergency: 911

Getting Around

Transport options for living in Mexico.

Public Transport Overview

Mexico has strong but uneven urban transit. Mexico City has Metro, Metrobus, trolleybus, suburban rail and cable cars; Guadalajara and Monterrey have metro/light rail; many cities rely on buses, colectivos, taxis and ride-hailing. Intercity buses are excellent on many routes.

Main operators:

CDMX MetroMetrobus CDMXRTPCablebusEcovia MonterreyMetrorreyMi Tren GuadalajaraADOETN/TuristarPrimera PlusUberDidi

🎫 Transit Passes

CDMX Integrated Mobility Card Low stored-value fares; card purchase/top-up extra

Metro, Metrobus, Cablebus, RTP, trolleybus and more in Mexico City

💡 Available at metro stations and select top-up points; balance persists between trips.

Mi Movilidad / Guadalajara card Stored-value fares

Guadalajara metro/light rail and participating buses

💡 Cards available at metro/light rail stations; check top-up locations before travel.

Metrorrey card/ticketing Stored-value or ticket depending service

Monterrey metro and connected systems

💡 Top up at metro stations; card and paper tickets both accepted depending on service.

ADO / ETN / Primera Plus tickets Varies by route and class

Intercity coach network

💡 Buy at terminals or online; reservation advisable on popular routes. First-class and luxury classes available.

Taxi & Rideshare

Use app rides, authorised airport taxis or sitio taxis. Confirm price before boarding if no meter/app. Keep small bills and share trip details at night.

Rideshare (Long-distance)

Uber and Didi are common in many cities; availability varies in tourist zones and airports. Taxis can be safe when ordered by app, sitio or hotel; street hails are more variable.

Cycling

Cycling is growing in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puebla, Queretaro and Merida. Use protected lanes where available, avoid high-speed roads and watch doors, potholes and buses.

Intercity Trains

Premium intercity buses (ADO, ETN, Primera Plus) are comfortable and the practical standard for most routes. Domestic flights cover long distances quickly. New and expanding rail projects exist in some regions, but buses and flights remain the default for most expats.

Driving

Mexico drives on the right. Speed limits: 40–60 km/h in urban areas (varies by zone), 90 km/h on rural roads, 110 km/h on expressways (autopistas). Driving is useful outside dense city cores, but insurance, parking, toll roads, speed bumps, road conditions and police interactions require local awareness. Toll highways are safer and faster but can be expensive.

Airports

Main international airports: Mexico City AICM — Metrobus, authorised taxi, app rides (with pickup rules), private transfers. Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA, NLU — Mexico City region) — bus, taxi, private transfer; allow extra travel time. Cancún — ADO bus, authorised taxi, shuttle, private transfer. Guadalajara — taxi, rideshare, bus/private transfer. Monterrey — taxi, rideshare, shuttle/private transfer.