Summary
Getting Around Mexico City with Turibus
Navigating Mexico City can be a challenge. One of the best options for tourists is the Turibus, a double-decker hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus service. This service operates from the historical center down the Paseo de la Reforma to Chapultepec Park and trendy neighborhoods like Condesa, Roma, and Polanco. It provides an easy way to access key tourist attractions throughout this vast city, while also offering a fantastic vantage point for appreciating the sights and understanding the city’s layout.
Yes, the Turibus Is “Touristy”
Having visited Mexico City multiple times, I had typically relied on the metro, which I found to be an efficient and practical mode of transportation. However, I often regarded the red double-decker buses with a hint of disdain, perceiving those passengers as less adventurous—viewing the city from a tour bus instead of immersing themselves in the local experience.
Why It’s OK to Be Touristy
Despite my initial disdain, I found myself considering the Turibus during a visit with my mother and young daughter. Rather than navigating stairs and metro cars, we opted for day passes on the Turibus. This decision transformed my perspective. In such a sprawling city, experiencing the sights from the Turibus provided valuable insights into the layout, architecture, and key monuments of modern-day Mexico City.
Turibus Information
- Unlimited hop-on, hop-off access at any stop for the entire day.
- Headset available for recorded commentary about the buildings, monuments, and neighborhoods.
- The Turibus stops approximately every half-hour between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily.
- The minimum tour duration is 2.5 hours, depending on the number of stops you make.
Advantages Over Other Transportation Modes
- A great way to get oriented if you’re new to Mexico City.
- Safer than taxis or the metro, providing a more relaxed experience.
- No crowding, enhancing your comfort during the ride.
- Clear views of the surroundings, especially from the upper deck—don’t forget a hat and sunscreen!
- Turibus is equipped with Wi-Fi for passenger convenience.
The Turibus also offers excursions to the Teotihuacan archaeological site, with daily departures from the Mexico City Zocalo. This eight-hour tour includes transportation, lunch, and a guided visit of the site.
Moreover, you can also enjoy the Turibus in Merida, Puebla, and Veracruz.
