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San Miguel de Allende is a colonial town in Mexico's central highlands. Cobbled streets, a pink neo-Gothic church and a big expat scene make it a favourite weekend escape. A private transfer is the quickest way to get there, running direct in 4h. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende at $49 (845 MXN). The ride takes 4h 30m - 6h 10m.
Distance from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende
Mexico City and San Miguel De Allende are about 242 km (150 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 297 km by road. The quickest way to get from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende is by taking the private transport, which takes around 4h.
2 ways to travel from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende
There are two ways to travel from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende. The journey takes 4h–4h 30m and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $49 (845 MXN).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Mexico City Centre→Bus Terminal30m
- Mexico City→San Miguel de Allende3h 50m
- San Miguel de Allende Bus Terminal→the City Centre10m
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1Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende by Bus
Taking a direct bus is a convenient and affordable way to get from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende.
The bus ride itself takes around 4 to 5.5 hours, but you’ll want to add at least an extra 30 minutes to get to the bus terminal in Mexico City, which is a little outside the city centre.
In total, the journey may take anywhere from 4h 30m - 6h 10m.
Step 1: Mexico City Centre to Bus Terminal
Buses to San Miguel de Allende depart from Central de Autobuses del Norte, about 8 km northeast of downtown Mexico City.
The easiest and most direct way to get to Norte Bus Terminal is via an Uber or taxi that takes 30 minutes. Rates from the city centre start from $5.70 (100 MXN).
A more budget-friendly option would be to take the Metro, which only costs $0.30 (6 MXN). However, there is no direct line from Mexico City to Central de Autobuses del Norte. You’ll have to make several train transfers with a total travel time of 45 minutes.
Here is a quick Metro guide from Mexico city centre to Central de Autobuses del Norte:
- From Zocalo Station in the historic centre, take Line #2 until you reach the station Hidalgo.
- At Hidalgo, switch to Line #3 and get off at La Raza.
- Finally, change trains to Line #5, and it is just one stop to Autobuses del Norte Station, which is right in front of the Norte Bus Terminal.
If you are coming from a different area, we recommend using Moovit, a specialised public transport app that will help you compare different options and possible routes.
Step 2: Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende
Three companies operate buses from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende: Futura Select, Primera Plus and ETN.
Futura Select is the cheapest option. It offers comfortable buses that come equipped with AC, spacious reclining seats, charging ports, snacks and a toilet. But note that it only has one daily departure at 7:45.
If you need to depart in the afternoon, we recommend taking Primera Plus. It offers more departures and is also faster. Travel time is under 4 hours because its buses typically run non-stop.
ETN offers trips from morning til afternoon, but booking online can be tricky. Their website has problems accepting international cards.
Prices for bus tickets from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende start from $39 (670 MXN). The bus trip takes 3h 50m - 5h 30m.
Booking Tip
Step 3: San Miguel de Allende Bus Terminal to the City Centre
The bus terminal, Central de Autobuses San Miguel de Allende, is on the west side of the city centre, around 10 minutes away.
The easiest way to get from the bus station to the city centre is by Uber or taxi. An Uber ride to the main square costs around $4.60 (80 MXN).
A cheaper option would be to take one of the local buses that pass in front of the bus terminal. Take a bus with a “Centro” signboard. You will be dropped off by the main square or Jardin Allende, where many accommodations are within walking distance. A local bus ticket costs only $0.50 (8 MXN).
Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende by Private Transport
Are you coming from Mexico City International Airport? If you're carrying a lot of luggage, a private transfer to San Miguel de Allende is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 4h, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
But, of course, this convenience does come at a price. Rates for private transfer start at $460 (8,100 MXN) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $155 (2,690 MXN) each.
We recommend booking your private transfer through BookAway. They offer reliable drivers and spacious vehicles that make the journey much more comfortable.
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit San Miguel de Allende?
San Miguel de Allende is a popular tourist destination relatively near Mexico City. It’s on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and has been listed as one of the best cities to live in the world several times.
Locals, travellers and expats love this town and its colourful buildings. It has a gorgeous mix of colonial and baroque architecture and picturesque cobblestone streets. Most restaurants and bars have lovely terraces where you can enjoy a local wine or beer while watching the sunset.
San Miguel de Allende is also a thriving cultural hub teeming with galleries and ateliers. It's easy to lose track of time in its many museums, craft markets and gorgeous gardens. A few days in town and you may find it hard to leave.
Apart from its many amazing offerings, San Miguel de Allende is a good gateway point for day trips to nearby towns like Dolores Hidalgo, Celaya, and Atotonilco.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende, roughly 242 kilometres (150 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $49 (845 MXN). The quickest trip takes 4h.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende?
The fastest way to get from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende is by private transport and takes 4h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende?
The cheapest way to get from Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende is by bus with ticket costs starting from 845 MXN.
How far is San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City?
Is there a direct bus from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende?
How much is a bus ride to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City?
Where can I take the bus from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende?
What bus companies operate from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende?
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Travel Writer
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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