A red and white ADO coach at a platform of the CAPU bus station in Puebla

Getting there

Getting to Puebla, and getting around

Puebla is about two hours from Mexico City by bus or car, with direct buses from Mexico City airport. Here is how to get there, and how to get around once you arrive.

From Mexico City

Most visitors arrive from Mexico City, about 130 km away. The bus is the easiest and best-value way to travel.

From Mexico City to Puebla
FromHowTime
Mexico City airport (MEX)Direct Estrella Roja or ADO bus from Terminal 1 or 2About 2½ hours
TAPO bus stationADO, frequent departures all dayAbout 2 hours
Terminal Norte or TaxqueñaADO or Estrella RojaAbout 2–2½ hours
By carToll highway 150DAbout 2 hours

Buses from Mexico City arrive at CAPU, Puebla’s main bus station, about 15 minutes by Uber or taxi north of the historic centre. Some services also stop at smaller terminals closer to the centre, so check where your bus arrives when you book. Buy tickets at the station or online, and bring ID.

By air

Puebla International Airport (PBC), near Huejotzingo about 25 km west of the city, has a small number of domestic and international flights. Most international travellers fly into Mexico City and take the direct bus from the airport.

By car

The toll highway 150D links Mexico City with Puebla and continues to Veracruz. Driving is the easiest way to explore the region, but parking in the historic centre is difficult, so choose a hotel with parking. Watch for speed bumps, called topes, in towns.

From other cities

Comfortable buses link Puebla with Oaxaca, Veracruz, Tlaxcala and many other cities. Oaxaca is about four and a half hours away, and Veracruz about three and a half hours.

Getting around

  • On foot: the historic centre is compact and walkable. Streets are numbered on a grid, and Norte, Sur, Oriente and Poniente tell you which side of the centre you are on.
  • Uber and DiDi: both work well in Puebla and Cholula, and are the easiest way to go further afield.
  • Taxis: use taxis from a taxi stand, called a sitio, or ask your hotel to call one.
  • Buses: the RUTA bus lines run on dedicated lanes across the city, and city and minibus routes go to Cholula.
  • Sightseeing buses: open-top buses and tourist trams leave from near the zócalo.

Read our guide to visiting Puebla from Mexico City.

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Getting there FAQ

How do I get from Mexico City to Puebla?

The easiest way is by bus. ADO and Estrella Roja run frequent, comfortable buses from Mexico City’s TAPO, Terminal Norte and Taxqueña bus stations. The trip takes about two to two and a half hours, depending on traffic.

Can I go straight from Mexico City airport to Puebla?

Yes. Estrella Roja and ADO run direct buses from both terminals of Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Puebla, so you do not need to cross the city first. Allow about two and a half hours.

Does Puebla have an airport?

Yes. Puebla International Airport (PBC) is near Huejotzingo, about 25 km west of the city, with a small number of domestic and international flights. Most international visitors fly into Mexico City instead.

How do I get around Puebla?

Walk in the historic centre, and use Uber, DiDi or taxis for longer trips, such as Cholula or Angelópolis. The RUTA bus lines cross the city, and sightseeing buses leave from near the zócalo.