Bus travel is one of the safest and most affordable ways to travel through Mexico! There are plenty of bus lines in Mexico, and we took the ETN overnight bus from Guadalajara to Mexico City. We were shocked at how nice and comfy these buses were. Here’s what you need to know.
We booked the cheapest ticket available, which departed Guadalajara at 10 pm and arrived in Mexico City at 5 am the next morning.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR GUADALAJARA TO MEXICO CITY BUS
You can book in person at the train station or book online using the ETN website. ETN runs hundreds of routes and lines every day, so you can compare prices and see which route is the cheapest.
COST
Based on demand, the cost of the ticket will vary. We chose the cheapest ticket for the day that we departed, and it cost MXN 810 ($46 USD) per person for the journey. Expect to pay between MXN 810 and MXN 1300 ($46-$75 USD) for the Guadalajara to Mexico City bus ride.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The ETN bus terminal, located in the southeast of Guadalajara, is where the bus departs from. ETN has an air-conditioned waiting room that also has free wifi.
Once our bus arrived, we lined up to stow our luggage in the bottom compartment of the bus. The luggage fees were included in the booking price, so it didn’t cost any extra money to stow.
SEATING AND COMFORT
ETN prides itself on comfort. The seats are not your typical cramped bus seats; they’re more like plush armchairs that recline to a nearly horizontal position. It was very comfortable and easy to sleep on the bus. Each seat has curtains block out any light.
ENTERTAINMENT
Every seat has a personal TV screen offering a selection of movies, TV shows, movies etc. to keep you entertained. You can request headphones from ETN while you are boarding. We did not utilize these features because all the shows were in Spanish, but many other guests on our bus did! There are phone charging ports at every seat as well.
BATHROOMS?
Every ETN bus comes equipped with 2 bathrooms. They were very clean, didn’t smell bad, and had toilet paper.
REST STOPS?
Because there are bathrooms on board, the ETN buses do not make any rest stops. Make sure to pack your own snacks and food because you won’t be stopping anywhere along the way.
THE RIDE
We slept almost the entire bus ride, and it was very seamless and easy. There was no excessive honking and no loud music or televisions blaring (looking at you @Vietnamesebuses!)
ARRIVAL IN MEXICO CITY
Our bus arrived at the Mexico City bus terminal at 5 am, and it was already bustling! The bus terminal in Mexico City has lots of little shops, restaurants, as well as free wifi. We were able to get an Uber to our accommodation easily, even at such early hours.
TIPS AND TRICKS
- Dress in Layers: The bus might be chilly, especially with the air conditioning, so layer up for comfort overnight.
- Bring Snacks: The bus makes no unscheduled stops, so make sure you pack a few of your favorites snacks to make the journey even more enjoyable.
- Neck Pillow, Blanket, Earplugs and Eyemask: If you’re a light sleeper, consider bringing a neck pillow and a small blanket for added coziness. An eyemask and earplugs are also good accessories to bring along.
- Book in Advance: ETN buses can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel times, so it’s wise to book your ticket in advance.
Taking the Guadalajara to Mexico City overnight bus with ETN was quick, cheap, and easy. We had comfortable seating, entertainment options, and were actually able to sleep on the bus! We tend to dread overnight travel because it’s always such an exhausting experience, but this bus ride was one of the best. We hope this guide helps you prepare for your trip!
To check out our full Mexico City gallery, click here!