The trip from Puebla to Mexico City is very popular, and you’ll find modern highways connecting these major cities. The drive will take you northwest across the Iztaccíhuatl–Popocatépetl National Park, which has two volcanoes and is important to Mexico’s biodiversity.
On the way to Mexico City, go back in time to the 8th century at Teotihuacan, where you can see the 3rd largest pyramid in the world at one of the many archeological sites in Mexico. At the Cacaxtla-Xochitecatl Archeological Site, see ancient murals within the palace and ceremonial complex.
After a full day of sightseeing and adventure, you’ll be so glad to see your hotel room in Mexico City. Often denoted as CDMX, Ciudad de Mexico is a massive metropolis. There are always things to do, events to attend, and plenty of food to try with the best flavors from all of Mexico. Vamos!
About Mexico City
After your drive from Puebla to Mexico City, the capital welcomes you with open arms! The Aztecs founded Mexico City in the early 14th century as Tenochtitlan. The city has since adapted through centuries of conquest, colonialism, and modernization to become a global cultural and economic hub.
### Mexico City’s geography
Mexico City has a unique geography that poses challenges for its future. If you take a look at the flag of Mexico, you’ll see an eagle eating a snake while perched on a cactus. Legend has it that the nomadic Mexica tribe would build its city wherever they saw this vision realized. Lake Texcoco fit the prophecy and thus began the building of the capital city on the lake. It became a Venice of sorts, with canals and boats providing much of the transportation.
Mexico City is also situated in the Valley of Mexico. It is the seventh-tallest city in the world, with an altitude of over 7,200 feet (2,200 meters). However, it is also sinking at a rate of up to 20 inches a year due to its underground aquifers being slowly drained (and since it was also a lake in a previous life). The city also is in the shape of a bowl, thanks to the surrounding mountains and volcanoes, making it prone to flooding.
### Modern Mexico City
Despite its challenges, Mexico City is one of the world's most populous cities, with over 21 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area. It has the largest subway, train system, and airport in Latin America and the second-most museums in the world (London takes first place). There is truly never a dull moment in Mexico City, so let’s go!
From Puebla to Mexico City: travel tips
These travel tips will make your drive from Puebla to Mexico City go off without a hitch!
Only drink bottled water
The tap water in Mexico is unsafe to drink, so consume only bottled water. Hotels and restaurants provide purified water for guests, and some homes have filtration systems. However, it is generally okay to use tap water for brushing your teeth and cooking.
Don’t be afraid to get your drink with ice or order fresh fruits and vegetables when ordering food. The ice is made from purified water, and the produce is also washed with clean water. Locals also don’t drink tap water and don’t want to be sick either, so common sense precautions are taken to ensure the food is safe for all.
### Museums are often closed on Mondays
Double-check the opening hours and schedule of attractions you’d like to visit on Mondays since most museums are closed because it is a slower day than the weekend. It is also worth checking if there is a national holiday so you can avoid getting to your museum and finding it is closed.
How to get from Puebla to Mexico City
The Puebla to Mexico City route is very popular among travelers and locals alike. Explore your options below and pick the transfer option that fits your needs and vacation style.
### Puebla to Mexico City with Daytrip’s private car service
When choosing your route to Mexico City, consider the possibility of being able to go sightseeing on the way without having to focus on navigating. Private drivers are a great median option between renting a car and taking the bus. Your driver will pick you up in Puebla and take you all over to see the ancient pyramid sites and haciendas. Once you’ve seen it all, you will be safely dropped off at your CDMX hotel.
The best part? Not having to drive in Mexico City! Leave driving to a local expert who knows the local driving laws and customs, and can navigate Mexico City with ease. Our drivers in Mexico speak English and Spanish, so you can communicate with confidence. Secure your ride for approximately $183.
### Puebla to Mexico City by bus
Buses routinely leave Puebla in 15 minute intervals back to the capital of Mexico City. Tickets are $4 to $30 (67 to 504 MXN), depending on if you splurge on first-class seats. The trip takes 2 hours and 20 minutes. The buses are direct, so there is no need to worry about how you will transfer. The Central Puebla Bus Station is located in the north of the city and the bus will drop you off at CDMX TAPO San Lazaro Bus Station. Check your hotel's distance from the bus station to see if you’ll need a car or taxi afterward.
Things to do when you get to Mexico City
After arriving from Puebla to Mexico City, fuel up for your day of exploring this massive capital with some street food of authentic tacos, tamales, and quesadillas. Then hit up these top places!
### Museums in Mexico City
Mexico City is the city of museums. With over 140 museums, it has the second-most museums of any city in the world. It’ll be impossible to see them all, but the ultimate one to make time in your schedule for is the National Museum of Anthropology. It is easily the most comprehensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including the Aztec Sun Stone and the giant Olmec heads.
The next ones are for all the art lovers: MUAC (Museo Universitario Arte Contemporaneo) has 14,000 square feet of contemporary artwork from Mexican artists spanning 1950 to today. For an in-depth look into Frida Kahlo's life, visit Casa Azul, her former home, now a museum showcasing her art, personal belongings, and studio.
### The Chapultepec Castle Complex
Mexico City also has the only royal palace in the Americas. Chapultepec Castle is located at the top of a hill, and at the top you can enjoy panoramic views of the valley below as well as another museum: The National History Museum. The vast green oasis of Chapultepec Park also has the Chapultepec Zoo, the Modern Art Museum, lush gardens, and serene lakes.
### Xochimilco Boat Rides
Before Spanish colonization, Mexico City was navigated by a series of canals. Now, the only remnant of this form of transportation in Mexico City is in Xochimilco. Float past the colorful floating gardens of Xochimilco aboard a traditional trajinera boat, complete with mariachi bands, food vendors, and breathtaking scenery. For couples, a short ride is best, but if you are traveling with a larger group of friends, do the tours that are a few hours long and party it up!
When is the best time to visit Mexico City
The best time to visit Mexico is during the dry season, which runs from late November to April. During this season, you'll have clear skies and mild temperatures. If you prefer to avoid some of the crowds, consider visiting during late spring (May and June) or early fall (September and October).
However, if you're interested in experiencing cultural events such as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) or Semana Santa (Holy Week), you might want to plan your visit around those dates. These festivals typically occur in late October/early November and late March/early April, respectively. It will be a unique experience but expect larger crowds.
Keep in mind that Mexico City is at a high altitude of about 7,350 feet (2,240 meters), which can lead to cooler temperatures, especially at night. So be sure to pack accordingly, regardless of when you visit.
No, these cities currently have no direct flights (or trains!). They are only two hours apart by ground transportation, so opt for a bus or car for this leg of your vacation! With this short distance, you won’t even miss flying.
Mexico uses the Mexican Peso (MXN); currently, $1 USD equals about 16 MXN. Businesses in touristy areas will accept some foreign currencies, like USD, but you may get a bad exchange rate. Cards are commonly accepted in large stores and busy tourist shops, but you should carry some cash, as smaller shops might not take cards.
The distance between Puebla and Mexico City is about 80 miles (135 km), depending on your starting point in Mexico City since it is a huge city. It takes about two hours to drive between these cities. Puebla is definitely worth staying overnight, so don’t plan on it being a day trip location.
Getting back to Mexico City from Puebla can be done easily by car or bus. Buses have first-class and economy sections. Getting there by car or bus will take the same amount of time, so it is up to you if you’d like to have some sightseeing stops along the way. The flexibility of a private driver can’t be beat!
A taxi from Puebla to Mexico City will cost between $80 and $110 (1400 to 1800 MXN). Most taxis only take cash and may not be able to accept large bills, so try to have exact change. Before starting the trip, always confirm the price with the driver.
Mexico uses Type A and Type B power outlet plugs, which are the same as in the US and Canada. However, if you are traveling from another part of the world, you will need a power converter. You can find them in airports and shops in tourism areas.
沿途参观这些景点
我们天主之母的圣殿
An alluring centerpiece to the sunset, this church atop a great pyramid is a double threat, beauty and history. Here’s to Good Health
瓦尔奎里科
The failed, historic hacienda has been remodeled to bring the Old Word charms of Tuscany to Mexico. A Little Italy
特拉斯卡拉
The warm hues of this colonial city are reminiscent of the setting sun. The Sunset City
卡卡斯特拉-索奇卡尔科考古遗址
This archaeological site boasts ancient tombs, impressive murals and strange artefacts. Indiana Jonesing for History
查特拉庄园
Keeping up with the times, one of the more productive haciendas in Mexico has become a leading estate for farming and electricity. Colonial to Modern
特奥蒂瓦坎
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
"I needed to leave Puebla a day early and with less than a 24 hour notice the driver agreed to the changes and that way I was able to have another full day in Mexico City. She was friendly and made my stop at the archeological site and was a very good driver."
David C.
United States
2025年11月12日
"I am so grateful I got Raul as my driver. He will do everything to make sure you feel comfortable, safe, and happy. If you need something or feel uncomfortable, just let him know!
When we got to my b&b, no one was there to let me in and noone answered the phone. I was stressed and worried. Raul not only stayed with me, he tried to contact the one, ran up 4 flights of stairs to figure out what was going on, AND helped me carry my luggage up those flights once someone let us in.
I highly recommend him!!! Thank you, Raul!"
Alex F.
United States
2025年11月8日
"We booked our transfer from Puebla to Mexico City the day before and Daytrip was very accommodating with our last minute request. Communication with Daytrip was very good. Our driver, Raul, picked us up at the exact time and location we had agreed upon. His car was clean and he had bottled water for us. He also made sure the car was the right temperature and that we were happy with his driving. He was funny and conversed with us in both Spanish and English. We cannot recommend Raul or Daytrip more. "
Susan S.
Canada
2025年9月6日
"Driver was very nice and kind. He and my husband talked about music for our 2+ hour drive from Pubela to CDMX"
kelly a.
United States
2024年11月13日
"Juan was of excellent service. He was very prompt and willing to educate us about the history of the region in mexico city and puebla. We felt safe the entire time"
evan d.
United States
2024年9月16日
"Juan was excellent in all aspects, great communication, knowledgeable on Mexican history, etc… I will definitely ride with him again.
"
Carlos R.
Puerto Rico
2024年6月28日
"Again, great experience. Horacio was early and awaiting us when he left our hotel. He is from Puebla and gave us historical information about the city and the countryside all the way back to the airport in CDMX. The car was clean and he had water available.
Horacio’s English was perfect so he could communicate with me and he and my wife carried on in Spanish."
Duane E.
United States
2024年5月22日
"Juan G. was prompt, remarkably polite, extremely informative and helpful. He told many stories of local legends and was well versed in the history of things we saw. He even offered to customize our trip to meet our needs. Amazing experience!"
David W.
United States
2024年3月21日
"Raul did a very good job as well. I was very satisfied with both trips and will use your service on my next trip to Puebla."
Terence E.
United States
2024年3月19日
"Just want to let you know that Juan F. G. was fantastic. Very good driver and explained a lot about the area that I didn't know. Definitely 5 star rating!"
Terence E.
United States
2024年2月22日
"We also used Daytrip for the Puebla to Mexico City drive. Raul was also excellent. We talked about Mexican history, culture, food, and politics during the trip, including a stop at one of Mexico’s most impressive pre-Spanish sites. "
Tom K.
United States
2024年2月21日
"Juan was also fantastic. She was the epitome of customer service. He checked in with us the night before our pick up and also the morning of. He was also so knowledgeable about the area and gave us so many good tips along our drive. He was so friendly and also very professional. We loved our experiences with both our drivers! "
Julia S.
United States
2024年2月1日
"Miguel was great, everything went very smoothly. We were very happy with our service. His car was immaculate and so comfortable. thanks! "
Andrea S.
United States
2024年1月20日
"He is a treasure. Extremely competent, experienced and helpful.
Since that trip he has rescued friends from a medical misadventure and went out of his way for hours to get them from a remote area to the hospital, navigate through a bureaucratic insurance web at the hospital and deliver us back to our hotel.
He is a treasure. And very knowledgeable about history, the city and the country.
"
Donald F.
Canada
2024年1月7日
"Excellent driver and very professional. He communicated one hour ahead of time and was on time to pick me up. The ride to CDMX went smoothly. Highly recommend Miguel! Also the car was very clean and comfortable. I had a great experience!"
John D.
United States
2024年1月4日
"Juan was also great. He arrived exactly on time. The car was clean and comfortable. He had water for us. He was also very knowledgeable about Puebla, Mexico City, and other parts of the country. We arrived earlier than expected because of his local knowledge. We were overall very happy with Juan and would definitely be happy to have him as our driver in our future trips in and around Mexico. "
Caroline B.
United States
2023年11月10日
"Josue was amazing!! He was easy to communicate with and catered to all of our needs. Definitely a great driver!
"
Valeria S.
United States
2023年10月15日
"Both drivers, to and from Puebla were excellent. They were on time, helped with the luggage and were very friendly. They were conversational when we engaged them and quiet when we were. Juan was a great tour guide, he pointed out many sites along the way. He was also very good at communicating upon our arrival at the airport when we were stuck in customs. They were careful drivers, we felt very comfortable both trips.
I would highly recommend your service to anyone"
Carole H.
United States
2023年10月6日
"Miguel was excellent. On time and very friendly. Also, patient in heavy traffic. Highly recommend.
"
Richard K.
Mexico
2023年8月1日
"Wonderful service. Raul was professional and charming. He let us sleep when we were tired and acted as a tour guide when we had questions. He was very organized at our stop along the way for drop off and pick up. Great service and we will use Daytrip again "
