TransfersCountriesMexicoSan Miguel de AllendeSan Miguel de Allende to Mexico City

Private car transfer from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City

Door-to-door
in 3 h 40 min
From €58
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024
Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in San Miguel de Allende.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 3 h 40 min.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Mexico City.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
266 km3 h 40 min

Overview: Car Trip from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City

The car trip from the agricultural center of Guanajuato state San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City, the glorious capital, is a special journey. You will experience a transition from the colonial and historical ambiance of San Miguel de Allende to the bustling, metropolitan atmosphere of Mexico City. Your English-speaking driver will pick you up and take you from door to door with the ultimate comfort of traveling according to your own schedule and needs. The only thing you have to do is enjoy the diverse landscapes of central Mexico with its mountain views and agricultural lands before you arrive in Mexico City.

The distance between San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City is approximately 165 to 186 miles (265 to 300 km), depending on the roads taken. The car ride is around 3.5-4.5 hours, which might vary depending on traffic conditions and the specific route. Regardless of the distance and the time it takes to get to Mexico City, you will have an amazing journey in your private car.

With Daytrip, you have the opportunity to add as many stops as you’d like to your trip and explore as much as you can before you arrive in Mexico City. Take one of your first breaks in Mexico’s fastest-growing city, Santiago de Queretaro, and watch one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in North America walking through the city center. Your next stop can be Tepotzotlan to visit its famous complex of three schools turned into a Museum of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Along the way, you can chat with your driver for their insights about local culture and the best things to do when you get to Mexico City.

About Mexico City

After traveling from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City, or Ciudad de México (CDMX), will welcome you with its cosmopolitan vibes. The city offers everything you'd imagine from the 7th largest city in the world. With a population of over 9 million, it is not only the largest city in Mexico but the most populous in North America. Located in the center of Mexico, between the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, it's a natural crossroads for trade. Thanks to its subtropical highland climate, where summers are warm and winters are mild, which makes its annual average temperature 64°F (18°C).

The atmosphere of Mexico City is a frenetic metropolis full of colonial history. The rich blend of indigenous and colonial heritage can be felt walking through the streets, churches, museums, and parks. It is a colorful mosaic of diverse neighborhoods, vibrant corners, and bustling urban energy. It is also the economic heart of the country, hosting the headquarters of major domestic and international corporations. The city is a hub for finance, telecommunications, and entertainment industries in Latin America.

Mexico City is a metropolis that captures the essence of Mexico’s past, present, and future. Here ancient traditions coexist with modern life, offering an unparalleled cultural richness. Mexico City is the place to experience Mexican culture all with its colorful chaos, rich cuisine, and vibrant culture.

From San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City: Travel Tips

Daytrip and your private driver will ensure that your car trip from San Miguel to Mexico City is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Here are a couple of travel tips for you to consider to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.

Prepare for the Journey

It takes around 3.5-4.5 hours to get from San Miguel to Mexico City, so be prepared for the journey. Check the peak travel times to avoid being stuck in traffic. Bring something entertaining with you, books, headphones, or a tablet for a movie. Don’t forget to pack some snacks, especially if you prefer something specific, and definitely enough water to stay hydrated in Mexico’s warm weather. Dress in comfortable and light clothes to have a convenient trip.

Communicate with your Driver

Your driver is there for you to make sure you enjoy the luxury private car experience with Daytrip. If you need anything, be it changing the air conditioning, background music, seats, opening windows, or making a quick pit stop, just ask.

Stop for Sightseeing

One of the biggest luxuries Daytrip offers is the possibility to add sightseeing stops to your journey. Just add the places you want to explore to your itinerary and your private driver will bring you there. Take a walk around the pyramid El Cerrito, enjoy the hot springs of Tequisquiapan, or dive into history in Tula Toltec Archeological Ruins.

How to Get from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City

You have several options when choosing how to get from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City, including traveling by bus, renting a car, a private car service, or a flight. Which is best for you depends on your budget and travel preferences.

San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City by Bus

The bus is the cheapest way to get from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City. Several bus services like ETN, Primera Plus, and Omnibus de México cover the route. They take off from the main bus station in San Miguel, which is located a bit outside the city center. Some services might offer pickups from select hotels or central locations. Buses from San Miguel de Allende usually arrive at the North Bus Terminal (Terminal Norte), but some might go to other terminals depending on the bus line. The bus ride takes approximately 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and the specific bus service.

San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City by Rental Car

If you want to rent a car drive yourself, the most common route is via the 57D toll road, which is direct and well-maintained. The car trip is around 168 miles (270 km), with a travel time of approximately three to four hours, depending on traffic and speed. The costs include toll fees, gas, and car rental fees if you're renting a vehicle. Toll fees can add up, so be prepared for multiple toll booths along the route.

Flight from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City

We'll just be upfront and say flying is not a good option. San Miguel de Allende doesn't have its own commercial airport and the nearest airports are Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (about one and a half hours away) and Guanajuato International Airport in Leon (about two hours away). There are also no direct flights from these airports to Mexico City due to the short distance.

San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City with a Private Driver

Compared to taking a bus or driving to get to Mexico City, booking a private car service is by far the most convenient option. You can choose your exact pick-up time and vehicle type (the car ride costs between 257 to 480 euros, depending on the type of car you choose). Your English-speaking driver will meet you and bring you door to door. All there is for you to do is to enjoy the trip. To make your trip even better, add sightseeing stops before booking to experience more of Mexico!

Things to Do When You Get to Mexico City

After your smooth trip from San Miguel de Allende, you will find Mexico City is full of life and energy waiting for you to dive into. No matter how many days you spend here, you'll never run out of things to explore. You might even start planning your next trip because one visit won't be enough. Here are a few of the best things to do when you get to Mexico City.

Art all around

Mexico City has a wealth of art, from street art to museums. But there are several museums/exhibitions you can’t miss. Step into Frida Kahlo’s creative space and home, where she was born, lived, and died. Museo Frida Kahlo displays her works, works by her husband Diego Rivera, and some of her contemporaries. Buy tickets beforehand to avoid extremely long lines. To see more of Rivera’s work, visit the Palacio Nacional. Entry to this government building is free. Inside you'll find some of his best murals including “The History of Mexico”.

Walk around Colonia Juarez

When the city’s ritzy neighborhoods like Polanco tire you, take a break in the more lowkey Colonia Juarez district. It has evolved a lot in recent years and is now full of great boutiques, vinyl stores, vintage shops, alternative cafes, and restaurants. Don’t skip Cicatriz for natural wines and fresh bites.

Get lost in the heavenly smell of Mercado Jamaica

Mercado Jamaica is Mexico City’s principal flower market and is a perfect place to walk through. Big piles of colorful flower stacks perfume the air. During the festive season of the Day of the Dead in Mexico, the flower market turns especially lively, with even more flowers filling the aisles. You can pick some bouquets for your hotel room to take back home and hang them once they are dry. It is simply a beautiful place exhibiting Mexican culture.

Devour the local food

Mexican cuisine offers an endless variety of choices. But you better start somewhere and basically eat as much as you can! We promise you won’t regret it. Let’s start with the classic: tacos al pastor. You probably have tried it already, but it would be a crime not to have the original of this juicy staple in its hometown. Then graduate to a mole (pronounced "MOH-lay"), a chocolatey sauce from the Oaxaca and Puebla regions. The sauce is served mostly on soft corn tortillas filled with chicken with a side of rice. With its blend of cocoa and chile, it's a unique local flavor. Lastly, don’t skip on chilaquiles, corn tortillas cut into chips and simmered in green or red sauce served with basically anything you like. Think of them as extra saucy nachos - they're a safe choice if you're not ready to try mole sauce.

When’s the best time to visit Mexico City?

The best time to visit Mexico City is in the spring, from March to May. During this period, the weather is perfect, with mild temperatures averaging between 68°F to 79°F (20°C to 26°C). It's ideal for exploring the city's abundant outdoor attractions, historical sites, and vibrant neighborhoods without extreme heat or cold. The city is alive with color as jacaranda trees bloom in March, adding a beautiful purple hue to the cityscape.

Additionally, spring avoids the heavy rainfall of the summer months and the chillier temperatures of winter. Peak tourist season is in the summer, so the city is less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience when visiting popular museums, landmarks, and restaurants.

While Easter week (Semana Santa) can be busier due to local vacations, it also offers unique cultural experiences with various religious and community events. However, if you're looking to experience the pinnacle of Mexico City's cultural festivities, come for the Day of the Dead celebrations from the end of October to the beginning of November. It's a spectacular time to visit, though it's technically the tail end of the rainy season.

Visit these sights on the way

El Cerrito

El Cerrito

Unearth the mysteries of an enigmatic civilization at this mansion-topped pyramid. A Perplexing Pyramid 

Santiago de Queretaro

Santiago de Queretaro

Located at the Crossroads of Mexico, this emerging powerhouse is an equilibrium of work and play.  Mexico's Meeting Point 

Tequisquiapan

Tequisquiapan

Natural hot springs, elegant colonial architecture, bustling markets, and burgeoning wine industry make this magical town a popular weekend retreat. Charming when Wet 

Tula Toltec Archaeological Ruins

Tula Toltec Archaeological Ruins

Once the capital of the mighty Toltec empire, giant stone warriors still stand watch atop the main pyramid.  Standing Toltec 

Tepotzotlan

Tepotzotlan

The UNESCO-listed Jesuit College in this Magical Town boasts some of the country’s most jaw-droppingly opulent religious artwork. Priceless Education 

Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan

With its huge pyramids and ornate temples, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most impressive cities of the ancient world.  Where Men Become Gods 

Why people love Daytrip

Tripadvisor logo
5,100+ reviews
  • 3,158 travelers took this route with us
Oct 2, 2025

Great transfer option.

“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Robyn C
Sep 20, 2025

It was a fantastic trip.

“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Daydream20046758137
Sep 15, 2025

Best transport company anywhere

“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Mary L
Aug 20, 2025

Excellent experience in traveling

“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Steve N
Apr 22, 2025

Reasonably Priced and Safe Transportation

“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler COCO
Apr 2, 2025

Daytrip never disappoints

“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Julie M
Feb 28, 2025

Great driver in Egypt

“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Maps315861
Feb 20, 2025

Comfortable and Safe Rides in Mexico

“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Golourdesduarte
Mar 20, 2024

Wonderful solution for hiring a driver for long distance drives

“This was our first time using Daytrip and it was a great experience. Our driver, Juan, showed up on time and was so friendly and engaging. He spoke English well enough so that we could converse with him as we drove the 3+ hours from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende. I would recommend using Daytrip to anyone looking to get from one location to another without having to hire a very expensive private car.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Awaywego31
Apr 10, 2023

Loved our driver in Mexico

“Juan was a terrific driver for a trip from Mexico City to San Miguel D'Allende. He was professional, knowledgeable, courteous and fun to new ith.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler sharonwE1284QZ

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.

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