Mexico City to Puebla - Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Puebla Cathedral

Mexico City To Puebla: 9 Best Ways To Travel [2024]

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Wondering how to get from Mexico City to Puebla?

Most people would immediately think of a renting a car or taking the bus, but there are actually several options available to you.

The best way for you will depend on your budget, how long you’re going to spend in Mexico, and how quickly you need to be in Puebla.

I’ve set out below a comprehensive guide that has helped loads of people find out how to get from Mexico City to Puebla simply and safely in nine fantastic different ways.

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

Why Should You Visit Mexico City?

Mexico City is the capital city of Mexico and the country’s largest city. It is a captivating blend of history, culture, and modernity and should be a must-see destination on your Mexico bucket-list.

The list of things to do in Mexico City is enormous. You can go to the Zócalo and see the imposing Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, which houses Diego Rivera’s iconic murals. You can also see world class art at the Frida Kahlo Museum and the Museum of Bellas Artes.

The ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlán is within the city limits at the Templo Mayor archaeological site and the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán are an easy day trip from the city.

And of course there is the amazing Mexican cuisine that you can enjoy from street vendors or from the many high end restaurants in the city. All in all, having a great time is pretty much a foregone conclusion.

Before we jump into getting from Mexico City to Puebla, let’s look at why you should consider visiting Puebla in the first place.

How to Get From MExico City to Puebla

Why Should You Visit Puebla?

Puebla is a large city of over three million people and is the capital of the state of Puebla, Mexico. It’s the fourth-largest city in Mexico by metropolitan area, with lots of great attractions in and around its beautifully preserved historic city center.

You can start your exploration at the Zócalo, which is the busy town square at the heart of the city. Directly opposite, you’ll see the beautiful Puebla Cathedral, which is a Roman Catholic cathedral consecrated in 1649, constructed at great expense over a period of nearly 80 years.

One block further to the south, you’ll find the oldest public library in the Americas, the Biblioteca Palafoxiana. The breathtakingly beautiful library was created in 1646 using 5,000 books donated by Bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza, the same bishop who was responsible for raising funds to complete the Puebla Cathedral.

If you’re keen on rides, you can ride the city’s enormous ferris wheel, the Estrella de Puebla, and enjoy some wonderful views of the city from the top.

Outside the city, you can visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which is the largest pyramid in the world and is located just six miles from Puebla. And for the more adventurous, you can take a tour of nearby Popocatépetl, an active volcano that stands at a majestic 17,694 feet and that erupted as recently as May 2023.

So let’s look at how to get from Mexico City to Puebla and the different options available to you.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

1. Rental Car To Puebla

A road trip from Mexico City to Puebla is a great option that offers the freedom to explore at your own pace.

There’s nothing quite like the open road.

Fast Facts: Rental Car From Mexico City to Puebla

  • Starts at about US$135 plus gas, driving one-way
  • Travel time is about 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Mexico City (various locations)
  • Puebla (various locations)

Tip: Gas in Mexico will probably cost you around US$5 per gallon, and you’ll need about 2 to 3 gallons to get to Puebla.

How Do I Find A Rental Car?

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. Assuming you’re driving one way and dropping off your car in Puebla when you arrive, you can expect to pay around US$135 plus gas.

If you’re planning on driving the car back to Mexico City, then you’ll pay around US$30 per day plus gas.

What Is The Best Route From Mexico City to Puebla?

The route from Mexico City to Puebla is quite straightforward.

You’ll set off east on highway 150D and stay on it as you pass through the mountains just outside Mexico City.

After around 80 miles, you’ll head south into downtown Puebla on highway 119.

What’s Great About Driving to Puebla?

There are some great advantages to renting a car and driving to Puebla.

1. Freedom

Of all of the options, driving literally and figuratively puts you in the driver’s seat.

You get to choose every aspect of your journey, from departure time to the speed you travel to how often and where you stop.

2. Privacy

One of the best things about driving is that you don’t have to share your journey unless you want to.

If you’re traveling as a family, driving also means that you can have your familial privacy whilst you travel.

3. Convenience

Driving is the ultimate convenience. All you’ll need to do is book the car and pick it up whenever you’re ready to go.

This is particularly helpful if you have a family and it might take a little longer than expected to get everyone ready.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

FAQs: Rental Car From Mexico City to Puebla

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Mexico City to Puebla by rental car.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Mexico City to Puebla?

A rental car that you pick up in Mexico City and drop off the next day in Puebla will cost around US$135. The price is high because it includes a one-way fee. Gas is on top of that.

If you’re driving it back to Mexico City, then the rate is much cheaper (around US$30 per day) and you’ll just pay the daily rate and the gas.

Most providers don’t charge you per mile travelled, but make sure you check before you sign on the dotted line.

What is the Route From Mexico City to Puebla?

The route from Mexico City to Puebla starts off heading east on highway 150D before heading south into downtown Puebla after about 80 miles.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on how often you want to stop.

What is the Distance From Mexico City to Puebla?

The total distance is approximately 83 miles (133 km) from Mexico City to Puebla.

Where Do I Rent A Car In Mexico City?

There are lots of places in Mexico City where you can rent a car, including Benito Juárez International Airport and on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma in the Juárez district of Mexico City.

Are The Rental Cars Comfortable?

The short answer is yes, you will be able to rent a comfortable modern vehicle in Mexico City. However, the level of luxury that you enjoy depends very much on your budget.

The car rental providers in Mexico City have a range of vehicles that you can choose from, ranging from compacts up to luxury limousines.

Is It Safe To Travel By Car?

Yes, it is safe to travel by car provided you take basis precautions such as wearing your seatbelts, traveling with the doors locked and not driving unsafely.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

2. Bus To Puebla

Internal bus seating, similar to on a trip from Mexico City to Puebla

If you can’t or don’t want to fly and don’t want to drive yourself from Mexico City to Puebla, the bus is a great option for you.

Fast Facts: Bus From Mexico City to Puebla

  • Starting at around US$15
  • Travel time starts at 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the trip
  • Multiple trips per day
  • Terminal ADO AU Sur, Mexico City
  • Terminal CAPU, Puebla

Where Can I Book A Bus From Mexico City to Puebla?

The two biggest providers of bus routes from Mexico City to Puebla are ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) and AU (Autobuses Unidos).

I recommend using ClickBus or Busbud to find the best deal.

Tip: there’s no WiFi in the bus, so download anything you need at the hotel. You might also want to bring a neck pillow to help you sleep and Benadryl or Dramamine if you get carsick.

What’s Great About Taking The Bus?

Okay, so it’s not a private jet and never will be. Still, there are some positives to taking the bus.

1. The Bus Is Cheaper

Taking the bus will usually work out a little cheaper than flying.

That’s especially the case if you are planning to take a taxi to and from the airport each time.

2. Buses Take Their Time

It might seem like a strange thing to say, but buses are a bit like slow-food.

As you travel the approximately 83 miles (133 km) from Mexico City to Puebla through the mountains, you’ll get to soak in the diverse natural beauty of Mexico.

3. You’ll be Dropped Off In The City Center

If you take the bus from Mexico City to Puebla, you’ll be dropped off in downtown Puebla.

When you get off the bus, if you’re staying in the town center, you can walk the few blocks to your hotel or take a short taxi ride.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Mexico City to Puebla

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Mexico City to Puebla by bus.

How Much Is The Bus From Mexico City to Puebla?

Prices start at around US$15 per person per trip.

Which Buses Run From Mexico City to Puebla?

ADO and AU are the two largest operators.

I recommend using ClickBus or Busbud to check availability for your dates and to find the best deal.

Is There a direct Bus from Mexico City to Puebla?

Yes, there is a bus service that can take you the whole way from Mexico City to Puebla without a stop in between.

What is the Travel Time?

Travel time starts at around 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the time of day you’re traveling and the provider you use.

What is the Distance From Mexico City to Puebla?

The bus route is approximately 83 miles (133 km) long.

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

In Mexico City, the pick-up point is Terminal ADO AU Sur near the Acatitla metro station on highway 150D.

In Puebla, the drop-off point is CAPU (Central de Autobuses de Puebla), just a few miles north of the historic center.

Are The Buses Comfortable?

The buses are modern and air-conditioned, and the seats are comfortable semi-recliners.

There is no WiFi, though, so download everything you need before you leave the hotel.

Is It Safe To Travel By Bus?

You will be perfectly safe provided you take basic precautions.

Most importantly, keep your belongings with you at all times and keep your valuables out of sight.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

3. Private Transfer To Puebla

Interior of vehicle driving on highway in Mexico

If you’re keen on a road trip from Mexico City to Puebla but aren’t so keen to do the driving, you can arrange a private transfer.

It’s a lot more expensive than renting a car and driving yourself, but it lets you relax and enjoy the scenery or even catch up on some sleep.

Fast Facts: Private Transfer From Mexico City to Puebla

  • Starts at around US$155 per person
  • Travel time is around 2 – 4 hours, depending on stops
  • Hotel pick-up
  • Hotel drop-off

Where Can You Book A Private Transfer From Mexico City to Puebla?

The easiest way to find a reputable private transfer service is by using a platform like Viator or Wayak.

There are different options available and you can add in stops along the way in interesting places like Teotihuacán and Cacaxtla.

What’s Great About A Private Transfer?

Although it is more expensive than a rental car, there are some benefits of getting a private driver rather than driving yourself.

1. No Need To Focus On The Road

The best thing about being chauffeured is that you don’t need to worry about driving.

Watching the road for six hours or more is exhausting and means that you won’t be able to completely relax until you reach Puebla.

2. Great For Groups

A private transfer is great if you’re traveling as a group.

You get to share the cost and just focus on having fun and let the driver bring you to Puebla.

3. Capped risk

The other big benefit of having a private driver is that you don’t bear the risk of having an accident and damaging the car.

Your insurance would likely cover any damage, but having a driver just avoids the risk altogether.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

FAQs: Private Transfer From Mexico City to Puebla

Black vehicle driving on highway

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Mexico City to Puebla by private transfer.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Mexico City to Puebla?

A private transfer starts at around US$155 per trip for one person. If you book with a larger group, the price per person will usually go down.

Most services cap the number of passengers, so make sure you check this before you book.

What is the Route From Mexico City to Puebla?

The route from Mexico City to Puebla by private transfer will follow the same route as you would take if you rented a car.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for at least 2 – 4 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

The private transfer will usually plan for one stop to eat, unless you need to stop more often to use the bathroom or you plan stopovers in different towns.

What is the Distance From Mexico City to Puebla?

The total distance is approximately 83 miles (133 km) from Mexico City to Puebla.

Are The Private transfer Cars Comfortable?

Yes, the private transfer services offered on Viator and Wayak use comfortable modern vehicles.

Is It Safe To Travel By Private Transfer?

If you travel with a reputable provider such as those arranged via Viator and Wayak, you will be perfectly safe traveling by private transfer.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

4. Travel To Puebla With A Tour

If you’re only intending to visit Puebla for the day, you could book a tour rather than booking your own transport.

Clearly if you need to stay in Puebla longer than a day this option won’t work for you, but for day-trippers this can be a great way to outsource the trip-planning.

Fast Facts: Tour From Mexico City to Puebla

  • Start at around US$60 per person
  • One full day
  • Hotel pick-up
  • Hotel drop-off

Where Can I Book A Tour To Puebla?

There are a few different sites that you can take a look at to book a tour.

I recommend checking out Viator, which has a few different tours from Mexico City to Puebla and Cholula.

What’s Great About doing a Tour?

If you’re only planning on doing a day-trip to Puebla, there are a few great reasons that you should consider doing a tour.

1. No Planning Required

I think the best thing about booking a tour is that you don’t need to worry about planning the trip, the transport and the destinations. All of that is done for you by the tour organizers.

You can think of part of the price of the tour as an exchange for saving all that time in planning.

2. Focus On Enjoying The Trip

If you go with a tour, you can let go of the wheel and just enjoy the trip.

That’s particularly helpful when you’re traveling with your family or with a group and you’d rather not be distracted.

3. Local Knowledge

Another benefit of having a tour take you to Puebla is that you’ll visit places that you might have missed if you’d planned your own trip.

That inside knowledge can be priceless if you end up having an amazing experience.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

FAQs: Tours to Puebla

If you still have questions about taking a tour from Mexico City to Puebla, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Tour From Mexico City to Puebla?

Tours vary in price but start at around US$60 per person.

What is the Travel Time?

The tours are full-day tours that start early in the morning and you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in the evening.

How Do I find Tours

Check out sites like Viator, which has a few different tours from Mexico City to Puebla and its surrounds.

Is It Safe To Book A Tour In Puebla?

Yes, platforms like Viator carefully check each of the guides advertising on their sites to ensure that they are appropriately licensed.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

5. Carshare To Puebla

Another option you can use to get from Mexico City to Puebla is a carshare.

Car-sharing is very popular on the Mexico City to Puebla route and it’s a great cheap way to travel while getting to know new people.

Fast Facts: Carshare From Mexico City to Puebla

  • Starts at around 100 Mexican pesos (US$5) per person
  • Travel time is around 2 hours
  • Pick-up depends on trip
  • Drop-off depends on trip

Where Can You Book A Carshare From Mexico City to Puebla?

The easiest way to find a reputable carshare service is on BlaBlaCar.

There are different options available and you can choose a ride with a verified driver with lots of positive reviews.

What’s Great About A Carshare?

Although you won’t be able to take full control like you could with a rental car, there are some benefits of using a carshare rather than driving yourself.

1. Cheap Way to Travel

Car-sharing is often much cheaper than any other option.

Similar to Uber, the car-sharing model is unregulated and costs are lower as a result.

2. Easy to Organize

Arranging a car-share is very easy through online platforms like BlaBlaCar.

You’ll be able to see the pick-up and drop-off points at the time of booking and you’ll then pay when you’re picked up.

3. No Responsibility for the Vehicle

Similar to the other options where you’re being chauffeured, you won’t be responsible for what happens to the car while you’re on the road.

You’ll only be responsible for paying the agreed price and your liability ends there.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

FAQs: Private Transfer From Mexico City to Puebla

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Mexico City to Puebla by carshare.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Mexico City to Puebla?

A private transfer starts at around 100 Mexican pesos (US$5) per trip for one person. If you book with a larger group, the price per person will usually go down.

Most services cap the number of passengers, so make sure you check this before you book.

What is the Route From Mexico City to Puebla?

The route from Mexico City to Puebla by private transfer will follow the same route as you would take if you rented a car.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 2 hours.

What is the Distance From Mexico City to Puebla?

The total distance is approximately 83 miles (133 km) from Mexico City to Puebla.

Are The Private transfer Cars Comfortable?

Drivers with good reviews will have comfortable vehicles. Contact the driver ahead of agreeing to a carshare ride to confirm.

Is It Safe To Travel By Carshare?

Yes, but you should be aware that some people may try to use the platforms to run scams. You should be able to easily avoid this by choosing drivers who have verified profiles and lots of positive reviews.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

6. Taxi To Puebla

Another option to mention is the good old taxi.

However, unless you have an emergency, I think that there are better options available.

Fast Facts: Taxi From Mexico City to Puebla

  • Negotiable, but likely around US$50 to US$60
  • Travel time is around 2 hours
  • Hotel pick-up
  • Hotel drop-off

Tip: Make sure that you agree the price with the driver before setting off so that there are no misunderstandings.

Where Can You Book A Taxi From Mexico City to Puebla?

If you want to book a taxi, you will need to try to find a reliable driver. The best way to do that is to get a recommendation from your hotel.

You may find that your hotel recommends that you instead book a private transfer, and I would also recommend this.

I also don’t recommend just hiring a taxi from the street to take you from Mexico City to Puebla. You should only travel with a reputable driver, and you won’t be able to confirm that from hailing a taxi on the street.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

FAQs: Taxi From Mexico City to Puebla

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Mexico City to Puebla by taxi.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Mexico City to Puebla?

You’ll need to negotiate your fare, and you should always do this upfront.

You can expect to pay around US$50 to US$60, depending on how much the driver wants the fare.

What is the Route From Mexico City to Puebla?

The route from Mexico City to Puebla should be the same as you would take if you rented a car or booked a private transfer.

However, you should confirm the route with the driver before you set off.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 2 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

What is the Distance From Mexico City to Puebla?

The total distance is approximately 83 miles (133 km) from Mexico City to Puebla.

Are The Taxis Comfortable?

Taxis aren’t made for long distance passenger travel like a bus or a plane, but you’ll only be traveling for 80 miles, so it will be comfortable enough.

Is It Safe To Travel By Taxi?

In all likelihood, you will be safe enough traveling by taxi from Mexico City to Puebla. This is particularly the case if you are traveling in a group.

However, one of the reasons that I don’t recommend traveling by taxi is that you just won’t be able to vet the driver at all unless he is recommended to you.

That increases your risk, and you don’t need to do it, because there are other options available to you.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

7. Fly to Puebla

Gate seating at an airport with a glass wall beside it, outside of which a plane is taking off, similar to the trip from Mexico City to Zipolite

It’s possible to fly from Mexico City to Puebla, although it’s not the fastest option because there are no direct flights available.

You’ll also need to fly out of Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) in the north of the city, which is harder to reach than Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX).

On that basis, I don’t recommend it as an option, but I’ve set out how to do it below for completeness.

Fast Facts: Flying From Mexico City to Puebla

  • Starts at around US$80 one way
  • Flight time starts at around 8 hours (including layover time)
  • Several flights per day
  • Departs from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU)
  • Arrives at Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC)

Where Do I Book A Flight To Puebla?

I recommend that you use Expedia.com to book your flights. You can check flights using the Expedia search box below:

You’l be able to see the best deals available on different dates and flying with different airlines.

How Do I Get From Mexico City To The Airport?

The Angel of Independence (El Ángel de la Independencia) in the foreground between the skyscrapers of downtown Mexico City

You have a few options to get to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) from Mexico City.

I’ve set these out in detail below for you.

1. Rental Car

If you have a rental car already, you can usually drop it off at Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) before you fly.

All reputable providers have kiosks at the airport, and you’ll just need to make sure that you return it to the designated parking area for rental cars.

Tip: If you didn’t book the car at the airport, you’ll need to check with your provider that you can drop it off at the airport and you may need to pay an additional one-way fee.

2. Private Transfer

Your hotel should be able to arrange a private transfer to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) for you. If you want to arrange it yourself, I recommend using Viator, which has a few different options.

Private transfers will start at around US$105 for a group of up to three and will take between an hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on where your hotel is located and the time of day that you need to travel.

Tip: Check whether the transfer is shared with other passengers. If the driver needs to collect other passengers, the trip will be longer and you’ll need to allow more time.

3. Taxi

Taxis are easy to find in Mexico City, especially if you’re staying at a large hotel. I recommend that you ask the front desk to book you a taxi before you check out, and it will be waiting for you as soon as you’ve settled up.

There’s nothing to stop you hailing your own taxi, although I think letting the hotel arrange it is better so that you focus on getting packed and ready to travel.

If you do hail a taxi on the street, you’ll need to agree the fare with the driver before you go, but you can expect it to be around US$35 to US$40 to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU), depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

4. Uber

Uber is available in Mexico City and it’s perfectly safe to use. If you don’t already have the Uber app installed on your phone, you’ll need to install it before you can call a driver using Uber.

The app works the same as it does in the US, so you’ll pay up front using a credit card and the driver will then pick you up. The app will send you the details of the driver and the vehicle picking you up ahead of its arrival.

An Uber from Mexico City to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) should cost you around US$30 to US$35, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

Tip: Uber drivers aren’t allowed to accept tips in Mexico City, so don’t be surprised if they decline if you offer them any extra money!

5. Public Transport

According to Statista, Mexico City had a population of 9.3 million at the end of 2022, so it’s not surprising that the city has a sophisticated public transport network to help you move around.

Traveling on the Metro or on a Metrobús is simple enough, although you’ll need to buy a rechargeable travel card (tarjeta de movilidad integrada), which you can get in a Metro station, many Metrobús stations, or in newstands around the city. They cost 10 Mexican pesos.

Once you have the card, you use it to tap in when you board a train or a bus, and you can use it to pay for others too if you’re traveling as a group. When you run low on credit, you can recharge the card at machines available at the Metro or Metrobús stations.

To get to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU), you’ll need to use Metro line B (the narrow green line) and take it all the way to Ciudad Azteca. You can take one of the other Metro lines or Metrobús lines to get to Metro line B as you need to. Once you reach Ciudad Azteca, you’ll then need to take the Mexibús line 1 from there to the airport. You can find a map of the CDMX Metro and Metrobús lines here and the Mexibús lines here.

Both the Metro and the Metrobús lines operate from early in the morning until late in the evening. You can expect to pay between US$1 – US$2 per trip per person and the trip will take you at least 2 hours, depending on traffic and how long you need between changes.

Tip: Make sure that you have your Mexican pesos handy when you are buying your recharge card or when you’re topping it up.

FAQs: Flying To Puebla

I’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about how to get from Mexico City to Puebla flying commercially.

But if I haven’t answered your question yet, take a look at the FAQs and their responses below.

How Much Is A Commercial Flight To Puebla?

Commercial flights fluctuate from season to season and it depends on how far ahead you book, but prices typically start at around US$80 from Mexico City.

Check out Expedia.com for the best deals available.

Which Commercial Airlines Fly From Mexico City?

Volaris, VivaAerobus and AeroMexico fly to Puebla, but there are no direct commercial flights available.

You’ll need to get a connecting flight in one of Monterrey, Tijuana, Guadalajara, or Mérida, all of which mean that you’ll need to fly a few hours in the opposite direction before changing.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a commercial flight starts at around 8 hours, including layover time.

What is the Flight Distance?

This depends on which connecting airport you use. The closest option is Guadalajara.

The flight distance from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) to Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) is 284 miles (457 km). From Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) to Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC) it’s approximately 335 miles (540 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll use Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) to depart and you’ll use Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC) in Puebla when you arrive.

You’ll also need to use the airport of your connecting flight, which will be one of Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), Monterrey International Airport (MTY), Mérida International Airport (MID) or Tijuana International Airport (TIJ).

How Far Is It From Puebla Airport To The City Center?

Puebla Airport is about 22 miles (36 km) to the west of the historic center of Puebla.

How Can I Get From Puebla Airport To The City Center?

Puebla is a large city with a well-developed transportation system. You can get a taxi, a private transfer, an Uber, or the public bus to the city.

Taxi

You’ll be able to get a taxi from the airport. A taxi will cost around US$25 to US$30 and you can get one in front of the airport when you exit.

Private Transfer

If you’re staying in any of the major hotels, the concierge will be able to arrange an airport transfer service for you.

If you want to arrange it yourself, check out your options on Viator. Prices start at around US$50.

Uber

Uber is also available in Puebla and works the same as it does in the US. Uber is usually a little cheaper than a taxi, and you can expect to pay around US$25 into the city.

Bus

The cheapest way to travel from the airport to your hotel is to take the public bus, and it will cost you 7.50 Mexican pesos (less than US$1.00). You’ll need to take the Ruta S25 bus from the airport to Cholula and then take Ruta S16 into the historic center of Puebla.

This option is cheap, but it takes around 3 hours, so unless you’re on a budget I’d recommend one of the other options.

If you want to use the bus, you’ll need to buy a recharge card (tarjeta de prepago) at one of the machines at the bus stop.

Can I Rent A Car At Puebla Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

8. Private Jet to Puebla

Before you ask, yes, you can absolutely get a private jet from Mexico City to Puebla, even for such a short distance.

And yes, it is monstrously expensive, but can’t be beaten for comfort and convenience.

Fast Facts: Private Jet From Mexico City to Puebla

  • Starts at around US$3,600
  • Flight time is around 15 minutes direct
  • Departs from Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX)
  • Arrives at Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC)

Where Can I Book A Private Jet from Mexico City To Puebla?

There are a few different sites that you can take a look at.

I recommend taking a look at AlbaJet, which sets out various options for the Mexico City to Puebla route.

How Do I Get From Mexico City To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) from Mexico City. The options and prices are broadly the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

If you’re taking public transport, Metro line 5 (the yellow line) stops at Terminal Aérea, which services both of the terminals at Benito Juárez International Airport. If you’re traveling with the Metrobús, you can take line 4 right to the terminal 1 and terminal 2 buildings.

If you’d like to book a private transfer directly, Viator has over 100 different options for you to choose from. Private transfers will start at around US$30 and will take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on where your hotel is located and the time of day that you need to travel.

What’s Great About Flying With A Private Jet?

There are obviously some big positive aspects of flying with a private jet.

1. Glamour

It’s hard to think of a more stylish or glamorous way to arrive in Puebla than in a private jet.

If you want to feel like a rockstar when you arrive, there’s no better way to do it.

2. Convenience

If you need to travel urgently on short notice, flying on a private jet is extremely convenient.

You can usually book a window during which your pilot will be available, and you can arrive and fly at any time in that window.

3. Special Occasions

If you’re traveling as a group for a wedding or for a stag or hens night, a private jet is a great way to ensure that everyone arrives at the same time.

With a large group, the prices per person aren’t quite so eye-watering, although your wallet will still take a good beating.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

FAQs: Flying From Mexico City to Puebla by Private Jet

If you still have questions about how to get from Mexico City to Puebla by private jet, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Private Jet To From Mexico City to Puebla?

If you want to fly privately from Mexico City to Puebla, you’re looking at around US$3,600 for a light jet seating six to eight, going up to around US$18,000 for a larger jet seating up to 16 people.

Extremely glamorous and wonderfully convenient, but not for those of us with weak wallets.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a private jet is around 15 minutes.

You’ll also get through security faster and will be able to board and get off more quickly than on a commercial flight.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Mexico City to Puebla is approximately 50 miles (80 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) to depart and you’ll use Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC) in Puebla when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Puebla Airport To The City Center?

Puebla Airport is about 22 miles (36 km) to the west of the historic center of Puebla.

How Can I Get From Puebla Airport To The City Center?

The options are the same as for a commercial flight, which I’ve set out in detail in the section above.

Can I Rent A Car At Puebla Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Mexico City To Puebla

9. Helicopter to Puebla

If you would consider taking a private jet from Mexico City to Puebla, a similar option is to take a helicopter. Helicopter taxi services are definitely the transport of the future, so if you can afford it, why not start now?

While a helicopter is slower than a private jet and not as luxurious due to the limited space, you’ll have much more time to sightsee on your way to Puebla. On that basis, I definitely think it is an option that you should have on your list.

Fast Facts: Helicopter From Mexico City to Puebla

  • Starts at around US$2,000
  • Flight time is around 1 hour
  • Departs from Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX)
  • Arrives at Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC)

Where Can I Book A Helicopter From Mexico City To Puebla?

There are a few different sites that you can take a look at.

I recommend starting with Patriot Aviation or Meicer Aviación, each of which can offer you a personalized quote on request for the Mexico City to Puebla route.

How Do I Get From Mexico City To The Airport?

In most cases, you’ll take off from Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) in Mexico City when you’re flying by helicopter.

The options and prices for getting from downtown Mexico City to the airport are all the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

What’s Great About Flying By Helicopter?

Most of the advantages of flying privately apply to flying by helicopter as well.

I’ve added a few specific ones that are unique to flying with a helicopter below.

1. Better For Sightseeing

While flying by helicopter is much faster than traveling by land in a car or a bus, it is still a lot slower than flying commercially or privately.

That might be a downside if you’re in a hurry, but if you’re not, you’ll have a much better opportunity to enjoy the scenery as you fly.

Basically, because you’ll be flying lower and slower, you’ll see more for longer.

2. Convenience

As with a private jet, if you want to travel quickly, a helicopter flight is extremely convenient.

You can usually book a window during which your pilot will be available, and you can arrive and fly at any time in that window.

3. Better if You Fear Flying

It might sound like an odd thing to say, but if you’re keen to fly yet have a fear of flying, a helicopter flight is likely to be a better bet than a flight on a jet.

Helicopters take off vertically so there’s no dramatic acceleration that bothers many people when flying. They also fly lower and don’t use pressurised cabins, which means that you won’t have the discomfort from the change in pressure like you do in a plane.

All in all, a helicopter flight is a “lighter” version of flying, if you like. So if you’re not really keen on flying but need to travel quickly, this is a great option for you.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

FAQs: Flying From Mexico City to Puebla By Helicopter

If you still have questions about how to get from Mexico City to Puebla by helicopter, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Helicopter from Mexico City to Puebla?

If you want to fly by helicopter to Puebla, you’re looking at around US$2,000 for a helicopter seating six to eight.

The price will go up for the larger, heavier models that require more crew members to pilot them.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time on a helicopter will be around an hour in total.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Mexico City to Puebla is approximately 50 miles (80 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) to depart and you’ll use Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC) in Puebla when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Puebla Airport To The City Center?

Puebla Airport is about 22 miles (36 km) to the west of the historic center of Puebla.

How Can I Get From Puebla Airport To The City Center?

The options are the same as for a commercial flight, which I’ve set out in detail in the section above.

Can I Rent A Car At Puebla Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Mexico City To Puebla

What Are The Best Things To Do In Puebla?

Although it may not be the first Mexican destination that you think of, Puebla is the fourth largest city in Mexico and is full of Mexican history and culture. As a result, there are lots of great things to see and do in Puebla.

I think the best place to start exploring most Mexican cities is at the Zócalo, and Puebla is no exception. If you start at the Zócalo, just opposite it, you’ll find the magnificent Puebla Cathedral. It’s a 17th century building that took nearly 80 years to build and is probably the most beautiful building in Puebla.

While you’re there, you can take a walk just to the south of the Zócalo to see the Biblioteca Palafoxiana. When it was created in 1646, it was the oldest library in the Americas, and it houses 45,000 books in a beautiful 17th century building.

Just a few blocks south-east of the Zócalo is the Callejón de los Sapos (literally, the “alley of the frogs). It’s a very cute narrow street overlooked by colorful two-storey houses built in the Spanish colonial style with some great cafes looking down onto the street.

Three blocks to the north of the Zócalo is the Calle de los Dulces (literally, “the street of the sweets”). You’ll find lots of different local shops selling Mexican chocolates and other sweets, and even if you’re not partial yourself, it’s a great place to get a souvenir to take home.

At the end Calle de los Dulces is the Templo de Santo Domingo and the Capilla del Rosario, which is a chapel inside the church dedicated to the Virgin of the Rosary (pictured above). It’s very beautiful with decorations on the walls and in the cupola that are made largely from gold and are incredibly detailed.

If you’re keen to get a great view of the city, you can also head out of the city center to Barrio Moctezuma to take a cable-car ride on the Teleférico. The ride is only short, but you’ll get a great view of the city as you head up to the historic fort zone, which is situated atop a large hill with one of the colorful Puebla signs in case you want to get an Instagram selfie.

And if you’re keen to see some architectural wonders, you can visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula. It’s not very well known outside of the archaeological world, but it’s actually the world’s largest pyramid and you can go inside it and explore some of its ancient tunnels and courtyards. It’s located just six miles from Puebla, so it’s easy to reach by bus or in a taxi.

All in all, Puebla is loaded with great things to do and you can easily keep yourself entertained over a few days.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Puebla?

Image credit: Expedia.com

When you make it to Puebla, the next obvious question will be where do you stay?

Within the historic center, there are lots of great places to stay.  The Cartesiano Boutique & Wellness Hotel (pictured) is close to the Calle de los Sapos, the prettiest street in the city. It has a great rooftop pool and an extensive wellness center offering yoga, sound healing and meditation.

Another luxury option is Banyan Tree Puebla, which is on the outskirts of the historic center. Banyan Tree Puebla is a 78-suite hotel set in a 19th century building with three restaurants, two bars and a spa.

For a cheaper option, you can try Hotel Barroco or Hotel Casona Poblano, both situated in the historic center.

If you would prefer to stay outside of the city centre, the adults-only Hotel Quinta Luna in nearby Cholula is a great option and has a full-service spa.

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

When is the Best Time to Visit puebla?

If you live in northern latitudes, you’re probably used to four defined seasons.  However, the more equatorial parts of the world like Puebla don’t really follow this model. 

Instead, in Puebla, there are really only two distinctive seasons, which are a dry season and a rainy season. The dry season runs from November to the end of April and is cooler except for March and April, where the maximum temperature is quite high. The rainy season runs from May through to October, which are all warm months.

Puebla also has an altitude of 7,005 ft (2,136 m), which is higher than Denver, Colorado. Its climate is a subtropical highland climate, and because of the high altitude, its temperature can fluctuate daily by more than 66°F (19°C). You’ll get cold nights and warm days, with the extremes in the temperature depending on part of the season in which you’re visiting.

The dry season is the most popular time for tourists, although there are also some spikes at other times such as the end of October during the Day of the Dead festival. The greater demand during the tourist season means that prices of flights and hotels increase as well.

The rainy season typically has fewer tourists, meaning that prices are lower, so its definitely the time to travel if you’re on a budget. Most of the time, it only rains in the afternoons, so if you plan to explore in the mornings, you can still have a great trip during the rainy season. 

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

What Should I Pack To Go To Puebla?

Woman sitting on a pink suitcase in an airport

Puebla is at a similarly high altitude to Mexico City, which means that the temperature fluctuates quite a lot throughout the day, the same way as in Mexico City.

As in Mexico City, in Puebla, people deal with this by dressing in layers and progressively stripping layers off as the temperature increases throughout the day. What you pack for both cities depends a little on when you’re expecting to visit.

During the cooler dry season months of November to March, temperatures are cool enough that you’ll need a warm coat or jacket in the evenings. At its coolest in January, the temperature in Puebla will fall as low as 41°F (5°C) in the evenings and then get up to 72°F (22°C) during the day.

The wet season months are generally warmer. In May, which is the warmest month of the year, it gets up to 82°F (28°C) during the day and only falls to 52°F (11°C) in the evenings. You’ll still need warm clothes in the evening, but you can get away with warm jumpers rather than needing coats.

If you travel during the rainy season, you’ll want to bring a light, waterproof jacket or buy a fold-up umbrella when you arrive.  The run isn’t usually too extreme, but you should also have a few more changes of clothes in case you get caught in a downpour.

Even though the public transport system is great, you’ll still do a lot of walking in Puebla, so bring or buy a comfortable pair of walking shoes. A hat for protection against the sun is also a good idea if you’re visiting in the late part of the dry season or in the wet season. 

How to Get From Mexico City to Puebla

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading, and I hope I’ve been able to help you with some ideas for traveling from Mexico City to Puebla beyond just renting a car or taking the bus.

There’s obviously nothing wrong with those options, and frankly they’re probably your best bet most of the time. But I think it’s helpful to understand the other options so that you don’t miss out on a great experience you wish you’d had.

Your options to get from Mexico City to Puebla are many, and all of them are great. Choose the one that most takes your fancy, and have an amazing time in Puebla!

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