What is the best way to travel from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende?
The best way to travel from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende is by private car service. This offers you a convenient door-to-door journey, where you can take advantage of the sightseeing opportunities along the route with flexibility and ease.
How long does the car trip take?
The car trip from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes, but this can vary depending on traffic conditions and where you begin your journey in Mexico City.
How much should I expect to pay for a car service from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende?
The cost varies depending on seasonality, your vehicle choice, and when you book with the best prices available when booking in advance. You can expect the cost to be between $229 and $585 for a one-way trip with no sightseeing stops. Daytrip charges per vehicle, not per person, so for a group of 7 people, the cost can be as low as $84 per passenger!
Is there a direct public transportation option from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende?
Yes, there is a direct bus from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende that departs regularly. While this option is cheap, it's less flexible and convenient than a private car service.
Can I stop along the way to take pictures or visit attractions?
Yes, you can! Feel free to ask your friendly driver to stop along the way for a quick photo opportunity. For attractions, you can add sightseeing stops to your itinerary in advance. You should add the sightseeing stops to your itinerary well in advance to ensure they are guaranteed.
How far is it from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende?
The distance is 170 miles (273 km) on highways passing through charming Mexican countryside.
Is it safe to travel to San Miguel de Allende?
The roads leading to the city are easy and safe to travel on, and San Miguel de Allende is one of the safest cities in Mexico!
Are there any travel tips for making the journey more enjoyable?
Pack plenty of water and sunscreen for your journey, particularly in the summer. We also recommend you consider your departure time so you are not traveling during peak hours (you donât want to be caught in rush hour traffic), chat with your driver, and add sightseeing stops to your itinerary.
Car trip from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende
Embark on an enchanting journey from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende on a trip that is not just a transfer from one city to another but an unforgettable part of your holiday. Along the way from the massive metropolis of Mexico City to magical San Miguel de Allende you have the chance to discover exciting sightseeing stops and connect more with local culture.
When you hire a driver with Daytrip, you get an unbeatable door-to-door transfer service. You will be picked up from your hotel in Mexico City by your friendly local driver who will load your luggage while you get seated. Your private driver will expertly navigate the complex city streets of Mexico City, getting from downtown to the scenic highway.
As the city fades away, you will be treated to stunning views of the Mexican countryside along the route. Spot native cacti, lush rolling hills, and quaint villages from the comfort of the car window. Now is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride in your clean, comfortable, and well-maintained vehicle. Your professional private driver will ensure you are comfortable in the Mexican heat with climate control and complimentary water. They'll enlighten you with stories, tips, and information about the region.
If you decide to discover more of central Mexico on your journey by adding optional sightseeing stops, your private driver will deftly bring you there. From the magical town of Tepotzotlan to the grand archaeological area of El Cerrito, with optional sightseeing stops, you can turn your ride into an unforgettable journey of discovery.
As the highway ends you will be transported into the magical city of San Miguel de Allende, where the vibrant buildings passing by your car window give a taste of things to come. While the cityâs streets are notoriously narrow, your expert driver will have no problem maneuvering them to drop you off directly at your accommodation, after which you can start sightseeing right away!
When you hire a driver instead of using a car rental, youâre treating yourself to the easiest and most convenient way to go from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende. Not only will you get to your destination safely, but you have the opportunity to enjoy the route to the fullest and explore the vibrant history and culture of central Mexico at your own pace.
About San Miguel de Allende
Nestled in the heart of the central Mexican highlands, San Miguel de Allende is an enchanting jewel radiating with colorful architectural beauty, a rich and important history, and captivating culture through its thriving art scene. Upon entering, you will feel as if you have been transported into an fairytale. It is easy to see why San Miguel de Allende has been recognized as a âpueblo magicoâ, an award given to towns designated as unique, mystical, and well-preserved.
Founded in 1542 by the Spanish, San Miguel de Allende has a rich and well-preserved history, playing a vital role in the Mexican War of Independence in the 19th Century. While in the 20th Century, the city experienced a decline, it thankfully recovered into the world-class destination it is today. The city was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2008 for its impressively well-preserved historic center and cultural charm, which you can see firsthand walking along the quaint cobblestone streets lined with artisanal craft shops, first-class restaurants, authentic street food stalls, and brightly painted buildings.
The main square, El Jardin, is where the city comes together in a bustling tree-lined plaza. Here, you can find the cityâs star attraction, the stunning pastel-pink church of La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel.
While its main attraction is its breathtaking man-made architecture, San Miguel de Allende also offers natural beauty in its botanical garden and parks. Or, for a true escape, explore the surrounding mountains on a horseback tour.
Although the city itself is a work of art, you also have the chance to discover more art and culture in the many art stores and exhibitions, its hip and refined restaurants offering local and international cuisines, and rooftop bars where you can sip a pina colada while admiring the cityâs beauty alongside live music.
From its vibrant buildings alongside the charming cobblestone streets to its lively and friendly atmosphere and admirable art scene, it is no wonder that San Miguel de Allende won the worldâs best city award in the 2021 Worldâs Best Awards.
From Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende: Travel tips
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience on your transfer from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende, consider these essential travel tips:
Pick a reliable service provider
Make sure you choose a reputable service provider for your trip, such as Daytrip, where we ensure your safety and comfort with our strict vehicle standards and thorough driver interviews.
Pack sensibly
San Miguel de Allende is a walkable city, so bring comfortable walking shoes to explore its cobbled street. Being a hot climate, you should also bring plenty of water and sunscreen for your journey.
### Timing is everything
Mexico City is huge, so getting caught in traffic can really slow down your trip. Avoid traveling during peak hours and instead plan for a morning or evening departure.
### Talk with your driver
While your driver is not a professional tour guide, they will be proud to share some history, facts, and tips for your journey and the region in general, so don't hesitate to chat with them! Your driver will also help you with any questions or requests, from adjusting the climate control to stopping quickly for stretching your legs.
### Schedule some sightseeing stops
To make the most of the journey, we recommend you add some sightseeing stops along the way to your itinerary. We offer hand-picked recommendations on our website, from the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teotihuacan to the charming city of Tequisquiapan and many more! If there is somewhere not listed that you would like to stop at, we offer the option for you to create a custom trip through our custom route form. You must add your desired sightseeing stops to your itinerary in advance.
### Finally, sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Your car journey will be along the highway, with stunning views of the magical Mexican countryside. So relax and enjoy the scenic views!
How to get from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende
The choice of how to get from the vibrant capital of Mexico City to the charming city of San Miguel de Allende will shape your travel experience. Each transportation option offers a different and unique journey. A private car service stands out as the most convenient and customizable option, allowing you to make the most of the journey with simplicity and ease.
From Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende by car
The drive from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende is 170 miles (273 km) and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and where you begin your journey, as Mexico City is huge! A car rental is convenient and allows you flexibility with departure times and your route. However, driving a rental car can be stressful; driving out of Mexico City is challenging and there are driving restrictions on certain days based on your license plate number. In San Miguel de Allende you will face challenges navigating the small, narrow, and uphill streets and finding parking.
From Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende by bus
Getting from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende by bus is approximately 5 hours long, depending on traffic. This option is cost-efficient, however, dragging your luggage around both cities is inconvenient, and your departure time is restricted to bus schedules. This option is also the longest, so you should also weigh how much your vacation time is worth.
### From Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende by train
There is no train from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende.
### From Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende with Daytrip
Choosing a private car service with Daytrip for your journey from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende offers a relaxing, convenient, and flexible way to travel, with the chance to customize your trip with optional sightseeing stops along the way.
With our convenient door-to-door service, there is no need to pay extra for a taxi to the bus stop or handle your heavy luggage. We will pick you up from your hotel in Mexico City and drop you off at your accommodation in San Miguel de Allende. This allows for a simple transfer without worry, allowing you to enjoy your journey to the fullest! With Daytrip, you also have the added convenience of scheduling your transfer at any time of day or night, free from the constraints of bus schedules, allowing you the freedom to start your journey when you want to.
When you hire a driver, you can remove the stress of personally driving around both cities. Our local, professional drivers are familiar with the roads, meaning a safe and smooth journey in your clean, comfortable vehicle that meets our strict vehicle standards. You also have the added benefit of traveling with a local driver who will be more than happy to share their local knowledge, tips, and tricks about the region, ensuring you make the most of your journey!
With Daytrip, you have the luxury of customizing your trip. Choose your vehicle type to suit your preferences from sedan, MPV, van, or premium SUV for this trip, ensuring you travel comfortably. You can also add optional sightseeing stops to your trip along the route. We offer our curated list of recommended sightseeing stops, although if there is somewhere else you would like to stop not listed on our website, you can request a custom trip via our custom route form! With this benefit, you can create your ideal road trip that will become a part of your holiday, not just a transfer, free from the constraints of timetables, with your expert driver seamlessly transporting you in your comfortable vehicle.
Ultimately, a private car transfer stands out as the best option for traveling between Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende as it offers the most flexible, comfortable, seamless, and customizable option, allowing you to take advantage of the sites lining the route and allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey.
Things to do when you get to San Miguel de Allende
Arriving in San Miguel de Allende, you will be awe-inspired by the wealth of beauty, culture, and history to discover in this magical UNESCO-listed city.
Begin by strolling through the cobblestone streets and admiring the vibrantly colonial buildings you pass. Hundreds of historic buildings pop with color, adorned with romantic balconies and bright doors framed by fresh flowers to appreciate and take photos of. On your walk, your senses will be delighted further by the smells of street food and hip restaurants you pass, serving treats like crunchy churros dipped in chocolate or freshly made tacos for a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine. You will also pass shops and stalls selling handicrafts, such as jewelry made from local silver or delicately painted plates and pottery, perfect for a special souvenir.
Next, visit the heart of the city, the main plaza El Jardin, where you will find more stalls offering snacks and handicrafts in the leafy square and benches for a chance to rest after wandering the streets. Look up and you will be met with the cityâs iconic landmark, La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, the beautiful spired 17th century church. Take a moment to admire the stunning pastel-pink Gothic facade and walk inside to see the charming chapel adorned in gold.
For art lovers, a visit to the Fabrica la Aurora is the best place to immerse yourself in the cityâs vibrant art scene. The former textile mill was renovated into an art haven, featuring art studios, shops, and galleries for you to explore authentic Mexican artistry and interact with local artists, perfect for finding a unique souvenir.
For a moment away from the lively, stroll around El Charco del Ingenio, the cityâs botanical garden. Wandering through the winding natural trails you can appreciate rare native cacti and succulents, as well as a cascading waterfall and many bird species that call this garden home.
As the sun sets, walk uphill to El Mirador for a scenic panoramic view of the city. La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, illuminated against the orange sky, takes center stage of this panorama. This is also a perfect time to visit one of the cityâs elegant rooftop bars, where you can sip a cocktail with a picturesque view amongst the sounds of a live mariachi band.
San Miguel de Allendeâs fairytale charm and colorful architecture, wealth of art, cuisine, and natural beauty will leave you with enchanting and unforgettable memories of your magical time in the city.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Teotihuacan
With its huge pyramids and ornate temples, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most impressive cities of the ancient world. Â Where Men Become GodsÂ
Tepotzotlan
The UNESCO-listed Jesuit College in this Magical Town boasts some of the countryâs most jaw-droppingly opulent religious artwork. Priceless EducationÂ
Tula Toltec Archaeological Ruins
Once the capital of the mighty Toltec empire, giant stone warriors still stand watch atop the main pyramid. Standing ToltecÂ
Tequisquiapan
Natural hot springs, elegant colonial architecture, bustling markets, and burgeoning wine industry make this magical town a popular weekend retreat. Charming when WetÂ
Santiago de Queretaro
Located at the Crossroads of Mexico, this emerging powerhouse is an equilibrium of work and play.
 Mexico's Meeting PointÂ
El Cerrito
Unearth the mysteries of an enigmatic civilization at this mansion-topped pyramid. A Perplexing PyramidÂ
