How to Get From Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende [2023]]
If you are looking for information on how to get from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende, look no further. I have done it several times and in this post, I will share all the different options you have, from the cheapest to the more comfortable ones and in between.
San Miguel de Allende is one of the most popular Pueblos Magicos in Mexico not only as a tourist destination but it’s also a favorite retirement paradise for many people from the US and Canada.
According to the latest stats, it seems that 10% of the population is in fact from North America, with all the related gentrification problems of increasing prices, and other issues of the local people that I am not going to discuss in this post.
Nevertheless, truth is, that San Miguel De Allende is a gem, a colonial town impregnated with art and beauty and it will make you fall in love as it happened to all of us who visited.
In fact, not only San Miguel De Allende has been nominated a Pueblo Magico and a UNESCO world heritage site but also been elected in the 2021 World’s Best Awards, the world’s best city.
Funny enough, despite San Miguel’s popularity, getting there can be tricky as the closest airport is Queretaro at 86 km away while Mexico City is at about 272 KM.
And that is why I thought I would write this post, to help you figure out which is the best way for you to get from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende. So let’s get to it.
Down below I will link to other useful posts on the amazing things to do in San Miguel de Allende and Around.
From Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende Map
How to get from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende
If you are flying into Mexico City you should know that there are only a few busses that go directly to San Miguel De Allende from Mexico CIty Airport. I will tell you more here below.
From Mexico City terminal Norte there are more time options that will take you directly from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende.
Here below I will tell you all about it besides other options to get from Mexico Capital City to the beautiful San Miguel de Allende.
1. Bus from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende
The busses that leave from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende leave from Terminal Norte ( there are different bus terminals in Mexico City, depending on where you are going.
You have two bus companies going to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City:
Primera Plus – They only have 2 busses per day going to San Miguel de Allende. Primera Plus is a good company similar to ADO in terms of comfort.
ETN – They have different schedules from Mexico City to San Miguel from 6 am to 7 pm.
ETN is my favorite bus company in Mexico. The seats are wide and spacious and you have your own video screen with a great choice of movies, music, and program. They offer you new headphones and they are sparking clean. Also, some of the buses are double decks and if you manage to sit on top of the front seat you have a 180° panoramic view.
2. Uber from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende (and DIDI)
Uber from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende is possible and pretty pricey. Rates are around 220 USD (4400 MXN) depending on the time of the day you are requesting it.
With Didi, another Taxi service App, widely used in Mexico, you will find much cheaper rates and still great service (1835 MXN).
Just remember to tip the driver, because you will find insanely low rates that wouldn’t even cover the gas. In fact, some drivers may refuse the trip or may ask you to pay extra. Keep that in mind.
► Also read: Uber in Mexico City
3. Bus from Mexico City Airport to San Miguel de Allende
There are two buses that will take you from Mexico City Airport directly to San Miguel de Allende.
ETN Provides this service at 1.30 pm and 4.00 pm. It takes 4hrs 30 minutes and it costs 625.5 MXN at the time I am writing this post.
Warning! Now, you need to keep in mind that ETN busses from CDMX Airport to San Miguel de Allende don’t leave from the airport terminal! I learned the hard way and missed the bus. 🙃
They leave from Camino Real Hotel.
4. Private shuttle from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende
From Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende you will also find private shuttles. They are as expensive as Uber but I would consider them more reliable because they are organized by dedicated companies.
👉 Book your private shuttle from Mexico City Airport to San Miguel de Allende on VIATOR
👉 Book your private transportation from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende on BookAway
4. Getting to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City by rental car
You can also choose the option of renting a car in Mexico City and driving all the way to San Miguel de Allende.
Once you get out of the city traffic, the road is very easy and safe.
This is the best option if you intend to explore the surrounding of San Miguel de Allende as there are so many small towns to visit, hot springs, archeological sites, vineyards and many other interesting attractions.
Keep in mind that in San Miguel there are no car rentals. So if you don’t want to rent a car in Mexico City, which is understandable, you could rent it either at Queretaro Airport or Leon Airport.
It’s best to book it in advance to make sure you have the vehicle you prefer. I normally recommend Discover Cars platform to compare rental car prices.
Discover Cars Mexico Review
Browse through international and local car rentals and find the best deal.
Closest Airport to San Miguel De Allende
Another option would be for you to fly into either Queretaro Airport (QRO) about 80 KM away or Leon Airport (BJX) about 90 KM away.
From there you could get an UBER or a DIDI as well and that would definitely be cheaper than leaving from Mexico City.
Or you have the option of booking private shuttle busses from both Airport to San Miguel de Allende
👉 Book your private shuttle from Queretaro or Leon Guanajuato Airport to San Miguel de Allende on VIATOR
How to move around San Miguel de Allende
Moving around San Miguel de Allende is very easy and you don’t really need a car. The town center is really small and you will love to walk around the steep narrow cobblestone roads to discover the city’s treasures.
However, around San Miguel, there are so many incredible things to do and places to see. So if you don’t have your own car you may want to use taxis or Uber.
I need to let you know though, that although UBER is available in San Miguel de Allende, for some reason UBER drivers are scarce and take a long time to get to pick you up.
But you are lucky to have found me because I have a great driver that I have been using for a while and he’s awesome, reliable, affordable and he speaks English.
His name is Jose Luis and this is his phone number. You can send him a message and ask for his availability. Tell him Isabella gave his number as a reference, if you want. +52 415 125 4958!
He will also be able to take you back to Mexico city airport at a reasonable price. He’s awesome!
➢ Do I need travel insurance in Mexico? Yes, you do! I can never stress enough what a lifesaver it can be in unexpected situations. Although I hope I never need it, it gives me peace of mind to know that whatever happens I am covered. I have been using Safety Wing and I find it quite fair, covering a lot for its pricing level. Depending on your needs or you can compare different insurance companies on this useful site, TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER. Make sure you read carefully what’s included before making the purchase. If you are undecided yet you can read my post on the best travel insurance for Mexico for more clarity.
Visiting San Miguel de Allende by day tour
To enjoy San Miguel de Allende fully you will need to spend a few days here.
However, if you don’t really have the time to travel to San Miguel for so many days and you are visiting Mexico City, you can still join a full day trip from there, where everything is well organized and a guide will show you around the highlights of San Miguel.
🚌 San Miguel de Allende Tour from Mexico City
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 91 Reviews
In this full-day tour (11 hours approx) a guide will take you around the baroque architecture of this colonial city, and the landmarks of the city, including the market, the main churches and interesting art galleries.
You will also have free time to stroll around the cobblestone streets on your own in the afternoon.
👉 Book your full-day tour of San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City on VIATOR
Top things to do in San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is brimming with amazing things to do, delicious restaurants, spectacular rooftops, and events.
The city is indeed alive every time of the year but especially september with the patron saint festivities and the independence day.
I will write a full post about the things to do in San Miguel de Allende but I am going to share some of the highlights here below
✔️Stroll around the pretty cobblestone roads, note the beautiful doors and decorations
✔️ Hang out in the Jardin, right in front of the famous La Parroquia, the baroque church with a gothic facade.
✔️ Watch the sunset from El Mirador, the best lookout point in the city.
✔️ Have a drink on one of the rooftops of the city (the best one is the Rosewood terrace)
✔️ Visit La Cañada de la Virgen Archaeological Site with an archeologist – BOOK HERE
✔️ Relax in La Gruta hot springs and spa
✔️ Take a food tour and try the delicious local restaurants in San Miguel de Allende – BOOK IT HERE
✔️ Take a private walking tour of the pretty town – BOOK IT HERE
Where to stay in San Miguel de Allende
Recommending a hotel in San Miguel de Allende is a really difficult task. There are so many pretty options for all budgets. I wrote a post on the top boutique hotels in San Miguel de Allende.
Here I just mention my top favorite ones
Belmond Sierra Nevada
Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada is one of the most luxurious and romantic hotel in San Miguel de Allende.
It’s spread throughout different properties in the town center, all of them prestigious colonial buildings that have been refurbished and turned into a luxury hotel.
You will love staying here if you are ready to splurge.
👉 Check rates & availability: Booking.com | Expedia
2. Casa No Name
Casa No Name is my second favorite hotel. It’s a cute property located in an old mansion where you can still appreciate the old wall murals.
The elegant rooms are scattered around and hidden behind plants and arches. You will love the rooftop terrace as well with spectacular views over the city.
👉 Check rates & availability: Booking.com | Expedia
Hotel Nena
It’s a small intimate old mansion with spectacular spacious rooms full of charm and history.
The stone walls, the high ceilings, fine art pieces scattered around the property walls, furry carpets, and every little detail create a dreamy, romantic atmosphere.
From the rooftop terrace, you can enjoy spectacular views of the cathedral while relaxing and appreciating the elegant ambiance.
👉 Check rates & availability: Booking.com | Expedia
How to get from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende FAQ
How much is the shuttle from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende?
A shuttle from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende can be around 100 USD per person
How much is a taxi from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende?
A taxi from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende can charge between 2900 to 3500 MXN
How far is San Miguel de Allende de Mexico City?
From San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City there is about 268 km distance (166 miles)
How many days do you need in San Miguel de Allende?
I would say a week if you can so that you can enjoy the lively life of the pretty town and explore its museum, churches, art gallery, rooftops, and delicious restaurants, but also explore its surroundings.
If you are in a rush, a day trip would do to get the taste of it, at least. 😜
What is the best time of year to go to San Miguel de Allende?
The short answer to this question is that it’s always a good time to visit San Miguel for the mild climate and the lively vibes all year round. There is always something interesting to do in the city.
What is the coldest month in San Miguel de Allende?
The coldest month in San Miguel de Allende is January with a min average temperature of 41°F and a maximum of 81°F.
How to get from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende: Final Thoughts
As you can see there are a few options to get to San Miguel De Allende from Mexico City. The cheapest is by bus, the most comfortable is by private transportation and the most fun is by car. Pick the one you prefer and enjoy Mexico 🙂
For further reading
- How to Get From Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende [2022]
- La Gruta San Miguel de Allende Hot Springs and Spa: Prices & Info [2022]
- The 13 best boutique hotels in San Miguel de Allende
- Where to stay in Guanajuato: the best hotels and homes for every budget
- Top 29 things to do in Guanajuato Mexico in 2022
- The 3 best hot springs in San Miguel de Allende
✨ Mexico Travel Planning Guide ✨
👉 Do I need travel insurance to travel to Mexico?
I would do it if I were you. You never know what can happen and know that no matter what, you will be covered with any expenses will give you peace of mind, and make your travel worry-free. You can check out SafetyWing which I have used and find it affordable and comprehensive and also Travel Insurance Master which is great because you can insert all your information and what kind of insurance you need and their system will pull out the best insurance for your need.
🚰 Can I drink tap water in Mexico?
No, you can’t! Maybe in some areas or in some homes where they have installed water filters but to be on the safe side, I would say, never drink tap water in Mexico. Carry a water bottle with you and fill it up where you find available potable water sources. Most of the hotels have those.
🚗 Is it safe to drive in Mexico?
The short answer is: depending on where you are. Although in general if you stick to the main roads and don’t drive at night you should probably be safe. In lesser tourist areas you should probably check the local news to stay up to date. Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula is easy everywhere, even at night, although I would still avoid it. I recommend Discover Cars because the site offers the option to compare prices among different car rentals and you can add their own full coverage.
Read more on my guide on Renting a car in Mexico.
📱 Will my phone work in Mexico?
It will probably work, especially if you have a European or US phone, but your roaming rates may be to the stars (check with your SIM provider). Even if have an affordable international rate, you will be much better off by buying a Mexican SIM Card. It’s cheap, easy to set up, and it will keep you connected with your friends, family, and, more important, google Maps so you will never get lost!
🤕 Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now?
The short answer is, yes it is. However, there are parts of Mexico that are indeed troubled and you should avoid for now, and others that are super safe and easy to travel around.
Regardless of where you are you should always use some common sense rules such as, never flaunting expensive clothing, accessories, electronics, or money and keeping a low profile.
Read more on my detailed guide on safety in Mexico. If you are traveling to a specific destination I have got you covered as well:
💉 Do I need any vaccine to travel to Mexico?
No, there is no vaccine requirement (of any kind) to travel to Mexico
🇲🇽 Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?
If you are coming from the US or Europe you don’t need a VISA to enter Mexico. Once you get in you need to fill out a form that you need to keep with you until you leave. If you don’t have it you will pay a fine.
Although the tourist visa for US and European travelers used to be 6 months long which you could easily renew by leaving the country for a couple of days and going back, nowadays they have been stricter. You may be asked how you would sustain your living and other similar questions. Sometimes they even ask you to show your credit cards.
It seems odd but they can do that. If you intend to stay longer than a usual couple of weeks’ vacation time, just be honest and explain your plans. If you are not from the US, check this site to see if you need a visa
💸 Where do I find the best travel deals for Mexico? 💸
A trip to Mexico can be expensive if you love to travel with all the comforts (like I do). There are a few tricks that will help you find the best deals. Here are my tips:
👉 DON’T travel in the high season, which is Holy week, Christmas and winter in general, and August.
👉 Book months in advance to find early booking discounts
👉 Use aggregators such as Discover Cars to find price comparisons and VRBO for vacation rentals!
👉 Look for packages flights+hotels on Expedia.
👉 Check on Booking.com or Hotels.com for hotel deals
Happy travels!!
Isabella, author, editor, and founder
A passionate traveler and photographer, in love with life and adventures, Isabella is the founder and editor of Letstraveltomexico where she shares her love for Mexico, a fascinating country that she’s proud to call home. When she’s not exploring a new place you will find Isabella in a cafe, writing on this blog, or on her other sites Boundless Roads, Mexico Cenotes and Ruins and Letstraveltocancun.com where she loves to share her travels on and off the beaten path in Mexico and around the world.