Mexico Info
Joined: 01 Dec 2006
Posts: 17
Home Country: mexico
|
 Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 10:57 am Post subject: GETTING AROUND IN MEXICO / MEXICO TRANSPORTATION GUIDE |
 |
|
GETTING AROUND IN MEXICO
AIR
There is an excellent network of daily scheduled services between principal commercial centres operated by Aero California, Aeroméxico and Mexicana. Many of the smaller airports also have capacity for large planes and some international flights. Flights between Mexico City and Guadalajara take about 70 minutes, and those between Mexico City and Monterrey about 80 minutes.
Departure tax: Departure tax $13, airport tax $8.50 (varies according to airport).
SEA
Steamer ferries operate regularly between Mazatlán and La Paz (Baja California) daily; between Guaymas and Santa Rosalia, across the Gulf of California; between La Paz and Topolobampo three or four times weekly; and from Puerto Vallarta to Cabo San Lucas twice-weekly. Some west coast cruises include Pacific ports such as Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. There are also regular ferries from the mainland to the Caribbean Islands of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.
RAIL
Mexico has a good railway network and trains link all the main towns in the country. A spectacular route is the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway that runs between Chihuahua and Los Mochis and includes a stop in the Copper Canyon region (travel time- 14 to 16 hours). However, most people travel by bus since it is considerably faster and provides a more extensive service. Children under five travel free, provided they are accompanied by a parent. Children aged five to 11 pay half-fare.
ROAD
Traffic drives on the right. Only half of Mexico’s road network is paved. A toll is charged for use of the expressways, which are managed by Caminos y Puentes Federales de Ingresos y Servicios Conexos. The amount you will pay on a particular toll road depends on how far you travel along it; payment booths are set out at major towns or turn-off points. Every time you go through a toll booth you pay a fee covering the cost to the next toll booth. It is advised to pay in cash, some booths have credit/debit card payment facilities but not all of them. Rest areas at toll sites also provide ambulance and breakdown services. An organization known as ‘Angeles Verdes’ (Green Angels) has 15 vehicles providing breakdown assistance to tourists on the highways free of charge except for petrol, oil and spare parts. Car use in Mexico City is restricted so as to reduce pollution. The last digit of the car number plate determines when that car cannot be driven.
Bus
Mexico is linked by a good and very economical bus system. There are first-class and deluxe coaches as well as ordinary buses. First-class buses only travel on toll roads, making the journey quicker and more comfortable. Central bus terminals in major cities provide service and information on fares and schedules.
Car Rental
Self-drive cars are available at airports, city centres and resorts. When driving around Mexico it is advised that car doors and windows are locked and closed at all times, especially at traffic lights.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit or a full British Driving License is required for locally registered vehicles. Minimum driving age is 18. Payment is by credit card. Mexican car insurance is essential and can usually be purchased at the borders. It is relatively cheap and drivers only need a copy of their current car registration and a valid driving license.
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
There is an excellent and cheap metro system in Mexico City with frequent trains and flat fares. However, it is often crowded and some familiarity with the city is necessary to use it successfully. The metro opens Mon-Sat at 0600 (Sun 0700) and closes at about midnight; there is an unlimited distance fare. There is also a small tramway network, and extensive bus and trolley bus services. The latter system has recently been modernized, and also has a flat fare. There is a state-run bus and trolley bus service in Guadalajara, with trolley buses running in tunnels, and also extensive private bus services.
Four different types of taxi operate in Mexico City. Yellow and white taxis (usually volkswagens) are metered, as are orange taxis (Sitio), which are available at taxi-stands. These charge slightly more, and it is advisable to agree on the fare before starting the journey. Turismo taxis with English-speaking drivers are available outside main hotels. They are not metered and fares should be agreed before starting journey as rates can be excessive. Peseros (green and white) are share-taxis traveling on fixed routes, for which fares are charged according to the distance traveled. Radio taxis charge double fee but are very secure. Tipping is not compulsory for any of the taxi services. |
|
Register
Log in
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
