How to Book the ADO Bus in Mexico: A Complete Guide
Wondering how to use the ADO bus line to travel through Mexico? Read on because I’m covering everything (and I mean eeeeverything) you need to know about Mexico’s ADO bus!
If you’re wondering whether traveling through Mexico by bus is a good idea, I’m here to tell you that it absolutely is.
I lived in Mexico for about four years and have visited over half of the states in the country. I reached almost all of them (except those in Baja) by bus.
Mexico’s bus systems are prolific, affordable, and safe! And, once you learn the basics, arranging bus travel is super simple. There are multiple ADO departures each day in most cities, making it easy to plan your trips, even at the last minute.
ADO is one of Mexico’s largest bus companies and one of the best-regarded. It operates in southern Mexico and the Yucatan peninsula. If you’re traveling within Oaxaca, Chiapas, Puebla, Veracruz, Quintana Roo, Yucatan state, or any others in between, the ADO bus company is what you will use.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through absolutely everything you could ever want to know (and then some) about how to navigate the ADO bus in Mexico.
Listo?!
(After this article, you will be!)
ADO pronunciation
Once you’re on the ground in Mexico, knowing how to pronounce ADO correctly will serve you well. Later in this article, I’ll share some essential bus-related vocabulary, but for now, let’s start with this…
In Spanish, ADO is pronounced, “Ah-Day-Oh.”
Use this pronunciation, and locals will know what you’re talking about. If you use the English phonetic pronunciation, you’ll get nowhere.
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Where Does ADO Travel?
While ADO serves many of Mexico’s most popular destinations, it does NOT travel throughout the entire country.
ADO stands for Autobuses de Oriente, which translates to “Buses of the East.” ADO serves Mexico’s East Coast, southern Mexico, and the Yucatan peninsula.
The service area is so extensive that it’s impossible for me to include a route map!
If you’re planning to travel North of Mexico City, you’ll have to use a different bus company. The company you use will depend on where you are going.
For long trips, you may even have to switch bus lines part of the way through. Use the website Busbud to help plan your route and determine which bus lines serve your destination.
Did you just realize that ADO doesn’t go where you’re hoping to travel? I’ve written extensively about Mexico’s bus systems here, so check that article out for further assistance.
Are ADO Buses Safe?
ADO buses are one of the safest ways to travel in Mexico. Passenger carry-on bags are searched, and every passenger must travel through a metal detector before boarding, so you can rest easy knowing that nobody will be bringing weapons on board. (Not that one need be particularly concerned about this anyway… but the metal detector does offer peace of mind, I suppose).
Most importantly, ADO buses travel on toll roads whenever possible. Toll roads are the safest routes in Mexico since they are regularly patrolled and generally are in good repair.
Generally, there is no cause for concern, but there is a small possibility of petty theft on buses, especially on really touristic routes such as those in the Riviera Maya. It’s unlikely, but I have heard of things being stolen inside the cabin.
With this in mind, don’t leave any valuables (like your laptop or passport) in an unattended bag. I never put my purse in the overhead bin. Instead, I like to carry it with me in my seat so I can keep a close eye on it.
Concerned about petty theft? Travel with an anti-theft purse!
ADO Service Levels
ADO offers various classes of bus service, and they also have a couple of partner companies under their brand umbrella that offer more economical service options: AU and OCC.
Each service level provides different amenities and has different price points. It’s worth understanding the differences so you can decide which option will be most comfortable for your trip.
Generally, the higher the level of service, the more comfortable you’ll be and the more efficient the journey. Economy buses tend to make lots of stops, which draws the trip out a lot.
For long trips (5 hours or more), go with the most premium service you can afford. Platino is fantastic, but GL would be perfectly comfortable too. If you want to save money for shorter trips, an economy bus would be comfortable enough.
Traveling soon? Don’t forget to buy travel insurance for Mexico. Insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing you can get the help you need if anything goes wrong. SafetyWing is the provider that I recommend.
Platino
Platino is the most premium of the ADO bus service levels. These first-class buses are equipped with just 27 seats, providing each passenger with plenty of personal space. Each seat also offers a personal entertainment system, a USB charging port, an electrical outlet, and a tray table.
The cabin is equipped with a men’s and a women’s restroom, air conditioning, and a coffee station. Passengers are also provided with a “travel kit” upon boarding, containing a sandwich, snacks, and a bottle of water or soda.
When you travel on the ADO Platino bus, you get to wait in a special departure lounge at the bus station. These lounges usually offer complimentary WiFi, a coffee station, televisions, and a restroom just for Platino and GL passengers.
Platino buses are the most costly of all the service levels, and they don’t run as frequently as the others. If you have a long journey ahead of you, you can’t go wrong with Platino, but I’d opt for a GL bus if the departure time was more favorable.
ADO GL
GL stands for “gran lujo” or “great luxury.” These buses hold 40 passengers. While there is no individual media center, GL buses have televisions throughout the cabin that broadcast a movie during travel.
Each seat is equipped with an audio jack so you can listen to the film if you want to. Seats also have a USB port and an electrical outlet for charging devices.
The cabin is air-conditioned and equipped with a men’s and women’s restroom. Passengers receive a complimentary beverage (water, juice, or soda) upon boarding.
GL passengers typically have access to the same premium departure lounge as the Platino passengers.
GL operates on a much more frequent schedule than Platino but offers a comparable level of service for less money. I almost always book GL unless there happens to be a Platino leaving at a convenient time.
📞 Want to stay connected in Mexico? Check out my favorite eSIM!
ADO Primera Clase
Primera Clase, or First Class, is the most basic of ADO’s service levels. These buses hold 44 passengers.
The cabin is air-conditioned, and the seats each feature a USB port and an electrical outlet. There are television screens throughout the cabin, but they do not have individual audio connections– the sound is broadcast through cabin speakers, which can be annoying, depending on the film.
The biggest downside to the Primera Clase buses (in my opinion) is that they offer just one onboard restroom. This may not seem like a big sacrifice, but sharing one bathroom with 43 other passengers is not a recipe for a good time in my experience. Especially if you end up sitting next to it (#beenthere!).
Primera Clase has a much lower price point than GL and Platino, but I don’t recommend it if you’re traveling for more than a couple of hours.
You’ve already suffered enough in life. Book GL or Platino whenever possible.
OCC
OCC stands for Ómnibus Cristóbal Colón, and it is a brand owned under the ADO umbrella. OCC offers a very similar level of service to ADO’s Primera Clase buses.
Their air-conditioned cabins have 44 seats, each with an electrical outlet (no USB ports on these buses, sadly). There are televisions throughout the cabin, but no individual audio ports, so pack earplugs if you don’t want to listen to it!
OCC buses only have one restroom.
AU
AU stands for Autobuses Unidos and is also part of the ADO brand. These economy buses each have 49 seats in an air-conditioned cabin.
They do not have bathrooms onboard. As a result, AU buses typically stop a few times on journeys over 2 hours to ensure passengers have a break. While this is appreciated, it also adds a lot of travel time.
AU travels between Mexico City and the southeastern states of Mexico, stopping in most cities along the way.
If you’re looking to save money or traveling only a short distance, AU is a good option, but it may not be the most comfortable, and it’s definitely not the fastest way to go.
Traveling on a budget? Check out my guide to backpacking through Mexico!
How to Buy ADO Bus Tickets
You have so many options for purchasing ADO bus tickets that it might be a bit overwhelming. You can’t go wrong. Just choose the method that is most convenient for you.
Buying ADO bus tickets through their website
One way to book ADO bus tickets is on their website. ADO’s website is in Spanish, but the booking process is pretty straightforward, so you should be able to navigate it even if you don’t speak Spanish. Keep Google Translate open in a separate tab, just in case!
Struggle alert: Inputting your departure point and your destination can be a bit finicky on the ADO website, especially in cities where there are multiple options. For instance, in Mexico City, you can choose from Mexico City, Mexico City TAPO, Mexico City Norte, etc, and it’s tough to know which option is best if you’re unfamiliar with the city. If you find yourself overwhelmed, just book tickets in person so the agent can guide you through the process.
The ADO website doesn’t accept foreign credit cards, so choose PayPal as your payment method.
Don’t have PayPal?
Select the “efectivo” (cash) payment option. Then you can reserve the tickets online, but you’ll have to go to one of the businesses listed below to complete your cash payment. Once your transaction has been completed, ADO will email you the tickets.
The businesses where you can complete the payment include:
- BodegaAurrera
- Circle K
- Waldo’s
- 7Eleven
- Farmacias Benavides
- Walmart
- Sam’s Club
- Farmacias del Ahorro
Before choosing this payment method, make sure one of these businesses is nearby!
You usually receive a discount If you buy your ADO bus tickets online at least a day ahead of your trip.
ADO Bus App
There is an ADO app (called ADO móvil) that you can use to book bus tickets from your smartphone. The ADO website is notoriously buggy and terrible, so this is a solid backup option. However, the app is often buggy too.
You cannot switch the ADO app to English from Spanish, which may make it challenging for some travelers to use.
If you can’t get the website or the app to work, Busbud is the best way to book your bus ticket online.
Booking through Busbud
Busbud is a ticket aggregator that enables you to buy ADO bus tickets online. It does charge a small fee on top of the ticket price, so you pay a tiny bit more (seriously, only a tiny bit) than you would by booking directly through ADO, but Busbud has some major advantages.
- The website is in English.
- Busbud enables you to book tickets for routes that require you to switch bus operators. For instance, if you are trying to travel from Veracruz to Queretaro, ADO buses don’t go all the way. You’ll have to switch to a different bus company at some point, but Busbud enables you to book that entire trip in one go instead of reserving each leg through a different provider.
- You can pay for bus tickets using a foreign credit card!
With all this in mind, if you prefer to book bus tickets online, definitely book through Busbud.
Where to buy ADO bus tickets in person
If you prefer to purchase bus tickets in person, you still have plenty of options.
- Oxxo: You’ll find this convenience store in every city in Mexico. You can purchase bus tickets at the counter. You may pay a small commission to Oxxo on top of the price of your ticket, but it won’t be anything too extravagant.
- ADO satellite office: ADO often has satellite offices or kiosks inside airports, malls, or in the downtown core of cities. These offices make it easy to purchase tickets without going all the way to the bus station.
- ClickBus kiosk: ClickBus kiosks are another great way to purchase ADO bus tickets in person without going all the way to the bus station. Like the ADO satellites, these kiosks are often found in shopping malls, busy downtown areas (usually around a city’s zócalo), or airport terminals. These kiosks can sell you tickets for any of their partner bus lines, so if your trip requires multiple carriers, ClickBus can likely help you book the whole trip.
- Bus Station: Of course, you can always purchase your bus tickets at the bus station. I always prefer to book ahead for peace of mind, but if your schedule is flexible, you can show up shortly before the bus departs to purchase your ticket.
Related Reading: Tips for Managing Money in Mexico
Bus Stations in Mexico
Bus stations in Mexico are set up kind of like airports. Each bus line has its own ticket window, and buses depart from numbered (or lettered) gates.
At large bus stations, such as those in Mexico City or Puebla, your taxi driver may ask you which bus company you’re traveling with to determine where within the bus station to drop you off. Depending on where you’re traveling, you may be able to catch the ADO bus from the Mexico City airport.
In Mexico City, there are bus stations in different areas of the city. ADO doesn’t travel out of all of them, so you need to know which one you will depart from. In most other cities in Mexico, there is only one bus station.
Boarding the ADO bus
When it comes time to board your ADO bus, the process is simple. Your bus’s departure platform will be listed on your ticket. Sometimes it’s a letter, and sometimes it’s a number.
Boarding usually begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Usually, there is an announcement over the PA system in the bus station, but often these are hard to hear (especially if your Spanish is spotty). In some bus stations, there are digital screens (like in airports) showing which buses are currently boarding.
Failing that, keep an eye on the platform and head outside about 5 minutes before your scheduled departure. The buses each show their destinations on a screen in the front window, so it should be easy to tell which one is yours. If in doubt, ask a fellow traveler, or peep someone’s ticket.
Before boarding the bus, you must pass through a metal detector. Then, you will be asked to present your bus ticket and a piece of ID. Once the driver is satisfied that your name matches, you’re free to board. If you have a large piece of luggage with you, you’ll be directed to place it in the cargo compartment of the bus before you board.
Checking Your Bags with ADO
When you travel with ADO, you will have to place large pieces of luggage in the cargo compartment under the bus. This is perfectly secure. There is no luggage limit on ADO and no restrictions on the weight of your bag. You can check as many bags as you like for no additional cost.
If you are traveling on a Platino or ADO GL bus, you can usually check your bags about 30 minutes before boarding your bus. If there’s no bag check counter inside the bus station, you’ll check your bags as you board.
Line up next to the bus and pass your bag to the attendant to have it stored in the cargo hold. They will attach a tag to your luggage and tear off a piece of it for you to keep (kind of like a coat check tag). You will have to present this ticket to collect your bag at the end of your journey.
Once your bag is safely stowed in the cargo compartment, go ahead and find your seat onboard.
Bus Vocabulary to Know
A common hangup when it comes to learning Spanish is not having the vocabulary you need for the situation you currently find yourself in.
I’ve definitely been there, and let me tell you, the bus ticket agent doesn’t care who is comiendo manzanas. Thanks for nothing, Duolingo!
This is my attempt to combat awkward situations like that.
Here are some handy words and phrases you should know when traveling by bus in Mexico.
- Central de autobuses – Bus station
- Con anticipación – In advance
- Directo – Direct
- De paso – Buses that travel “de paso” make stops along the route, as opposed to direct buses, which don’t
- Parada – Bus stop
- Boleto – Ticket
- Destino – Destination
- Sala – Salon or lounge; this refers to the waiting room
- Asiento – Seat
- Fecha – Date
- Nombre – Name
- Apellido – Last Name
- Llegada – Arrival
- Abordar – To board (verb)
- Abordando – Boarding
- Origen – Origin
- Saliendo – Leaving
- Salida – Exit
- Viaje – Trip
- Conductor – Driver
📚 Determined to finally improve your Spanish? I recommend this program.
What to Pack on an ADO Bus
The following are a few items I recommend traveling with when taking the ADO bus. If you need more assistance packing for Mexico, click here to grab my detailed Mexico packing checklist!
- Travel insurance: You should never leave home without travel insurance. Policies cover everything from trip interruption to unexpected illness and injury. There are even policies that cover the costs associated with testing positive for Covid-19. I recommend SafetyWing insurance policies.
- Face masks: Masks are required in enclosed spaces throughout Mexico, so make sure you pack a comfortable one (or two) for your bus journey.
- Tissues: Restrooms are not always well-stocked in Mexico, so it’s wise to carry some spare tissues in case you need them.
- Hand sanitizer: It’s worth keeping a little bottle of hand sanitizer gel (or a pack of wet wipes, but the gel is smaller) in your bag just in case bathrooms don’t have soap. It’s also wise to sanitize your snacks before eating to avoid any GI issues. You likely buy this at OXXO at the bus station if you don’t remember to pack it.
- Pepto Bismol tablets: A bus journey is one of the worst times for Moctezuma’s revenge to strike. I always stash a few chewable Pepto tablets in my purse just in case my stomach starts to rumble.
- Water bottle: Depending on the service level you select, you may receive complimentary beverages when you board your bus. But it’s always wise to bring your own, just in case. I’m a fan of Nalgene bottles because they’re sturdy and light for travel.
- Headphones: Some ADO buses have personal entertainment systems, but you will need headphones to listen to the content. Usually, they offer complimentary earbuds, but the sound quality is terrible. Bring your own set if you want to listen to anything during the trip (you will need wired ones).
- Audible: I’m a big reader, but reading in moving vehicles makes me motion-sick. If you’re the same way, audiobooks are a great workaround! An Audible subscription is a super affordable way to access all kinds of great reads (…listens?)!
- A sweater: Most buses are heavily air-conditioned, so pack a warm layer, just in case!
- Anti-theft purse: While the chance of having anything stolen is low, an anti-theft purse offers great peace of mind. With locking zippers and scan-proof fabric, you don’t have to worry about anyone snagging your personal items or information. I have a Travelon Hobo crossbody, but there are many other anti-theft purse styles to choose from!
Related Reading: The Ultimate Mexico Packing List for Female Travelers
Popular ADO Bus Routes
As you saw on the map above, ADO serves many cities throughout Southern Mexico and the Yucatan peninsula. The route options are seemingly endless. These are a few popular routes in those regions where you may find yourself traveling by ADO.
ADO from Mexico City to Oaxaca
Oaxaca City is about 6 hours from Mexico City driving. The ADO bus is a super easy and safe way to get there. You can depart from Mexico City’s TAPO bus station and arrive at the Oaxaca ADO bus terminal. The trip takes about 7 hours.
There are ADO buses to Oaxaca from other Mexico City bus stations, but TAPO is the main one, and it’s likely to be most central for you. It is the closest to the Mexico City airport, Centro Historico, and the Condesa and Roma neighborhoods, where many travelers stay.
Other bus stations in Mexico City include Terminal Norte or Ejecutiva del Sur, among others.
ADO Bus in Cancun
The ADO bus is a convenient, cost-effective way to get from the Cancun airport into the city proper. All you have to do is take the bus from the airport to the ADO bus station in downtown Cancun. There are departures about every 30 minutes from Terminal 3. The ride costs $130 MXN.
Book your Cancun airport to Cancun tickets with Busbud!
From the ADO bus station, you can take a taxi to the hotel zone, Puerto Juarez, or anywhere else you need to go in Cancun. It will cost much less than taking a taxi from the airport.
Cancun to Merida
ADO is a fantastic way to get from Cancun to Merida. You can hop on a bus right at the airport (or from the bus station in downtown Cancun, if that’s more convenient) and ADO will have you in Merida in 4 to 4.5 hours.
Sure, it’s not as quick as driving, but it’s cheaper, easier, and safer than a rental car. If you decide you need a car to get around in Merida, just rent one when you get there!
ADO from Cancun to Tulum or Playa del Carmen
ADO is the safest and most cost-effective way to get to Tulum from the Cancun airport. You can board the bus right at the airport, and it will drop you at the bus station in downtown Tulum.
The tickets cost about $15 USD, and the journey takes about 2 hours. You can buy tickets online in advance or purchase them at the airport once you get through customs.
If you’re headed to Playa del Carmen, the process is the same.
ADO Tulum to Playa del Carmen
It’s super easy to get between Tulum and Playa del Carmen on the ADO bus. The trip takes about an hour and costs around $7 USD. If you’re hoping to make a day trip between these two cities, the ADO bus makes it easy!
Related Reading: How to Get to Tulum or Playa del Carmen from the Cancun Airport
Taking the ADO Bus: FAQs
Skimmed the article? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling with ADO.
Is it safe to take ADO buses?
Absolutely! While you should be cautious about petty theft, generally, there’s nothing to worry about when traveling on the bus.
Is it safe to take the bus at night in Mexico?
Probably, but it’s not recommended. While buses do take care to travel safe routes, night travel in Mexico poses many risks. Animals may unexpectedly cross the road and cause collisions, bus drivers may fall asleep at the wheel, impaired drivers could cause accidents, and more. If possible, avoid traveling on night buses.
I took many night buses back in the day, but I don’t anymore for the reasons listed above.
Is ADO Covid-safe?
In general, ADO seems to be trying to protect passengers against the spread of COVID-19, but it’s not perfect. Many passengers wear their masks haphazardly, and there is no social distancing protocol onboard the bus. It’s up to you to decide whether you feel comfortable in this environment.
Are there toilets on ADO buses?
Yes! ADO buses have toilets onboard, so there’s no need to worry about bathroom breaks. The only exception (in my experience) is ADO airport shuttles, which are sometimes smaller vans. However, if, for some reason, the bus doesn’t have a functional restroom, the driver will make a planned stop so passengers can use a bathroom.
Do I need to book ADO bus tickets in advance?
It usually isn’t necessary to book your ADO ticket in advance (unless you’re traveling on holidays), but booking online with Busbud may save you some time and confusion, especially if you don’t speak Spanish.
In most cases, there will be several different buses departing for your destination each day, so if one fills up, you can just catch the next one.
However, it can provide tremendous peace of mind to make your arrangements ahead of time so you don’t waste time sitting around the bus station. There’s usually an advance purchase discount when you buy ADO bus tickets online, too.
That said, you may have trouble finding the ADO bus schedule more than a month in advance. Generally, I recommend that you buy bus tickets a day or two ahead of time.
If you’re planning your trip months out, use the current month’s calendar to predict future bus schedules. The info may not be completely accurate, but it will give you an idea of how many buses run along your selected route each day.
Is my luggage safe on an ADO bus?
Your checked luggage is very safe on ADO. There’s a slight chance that someone could steal from your bags in the cabin since they’re not locked away. I’ve never had an issue personally, but I’ve heard tales of pickpockets on popular tourist routes, such as Cancun to Tulum.
To be safe, keep your most precious items (passport, phone, etc.) in your seat with you, not in the overhead compartment.
Additionally, paying for a GL or Platino ticket probably cushions you from the likelihood of pickpockets onboard. I suspect that most petty thieves aren’t going to splurge for a 500+ peso bus ticket.
Can you eat on the ADO bus?
You sure can, and you should absolutely pack snacks. Most bus stations have convenience stores and quick takeout food options, but these are often greasy (like Dominos, Burger King, etc). Plan ahead and pick up some healthier road trip snacks at the market or grocery store before your trip.
Can I take drinks on the bus?
Yep! Pack your favorite non-alcoholic beverages for your bus journey to stay hydrated. I don’t think alcohol would be advisable, but I’m sure someone has tried it in the past.
The ADO bus website is not working. What can I do?
Unfortunately, this is really common. Book your tickets online through Busbud or buy them at the station or from a convenience store near you. They sell them at Oxxo, Fasti, and other Mexican convenience stores.
Mexico Travel Planning Resources
🌡️ Do I need travel insurance?
Yes! Healthcare in Mexico is affordable for minor ailments, but travel insurance will give you peace of mind if an emergency arises. Plus, you can add coverage for trip interruption, theft, etc. Get a quote from SafetyWing.
🏨 What’s the best way to find accommodation in Mexico?
I use a mix of Booking, Airbnb, and Hostelworld.
Booking.com is awesome for booking hotels and resorts, Hostelworld is great for hostels, and Airbnb specializes in apartment rentals, making it a great place to find long-term stays.
💸 How should I exchange money in Mexico?
Use local ATMS to withdraw cash. US travelers should open a Charles Schwab bank account because they’ll refund ATM fees at the end of the month.
Travelers from outside the US should open a Wise account to secure the best currency exchange rates.
📱 Where can I buy a local SIM card in Mexico?
Pick up a Telcel SIM card at any convenience store. Or, buy an Airalo eSIM online so you’re connected as soon as you land.
🗣️ Do I need to speak Spanish in Mexico?
No, but it definitely helps you feel more confident and connected.
RocketSpanish is my favorite program for learning the foundations of the language. If you’re more focused on improving your conversation skills, hire a tutor through iTalki to prep for your trip.
✈️ What’s the best way to find affordable flights?
I use Skyscanner because it makes it easy to compare rates across different travel days.
🚖 How do I find a safe airport transfer?
I recommend GetTransfer for airport transfers anywhere in Mexico.
🚗 What’s the best way to find rental cars in Mexico?
I recommend Discover Cars because they aggregate prices across rental car companies, making it easy to find competitive rates.
🚐 How do I book bus tickets online in Mexico?
Plan your routes with Rome2Rio, and book your tickets with Busbud — the site is in English and takes foreign credit cards. (Read more here)
🤿 How do I find cool activities and tours in Mexico?
I recommend Viator and Get Your Guide. Viator usually has more options, but it’s worth comparing offerings across both platforms.
🇲🇽 How can I experience Mexico like a local?
Solo female travelers can hire a local female guide through Greether. Greeters will tailor tours based on your interests— it’s basically like experiencing a destination with a local bestie!
🧳 What’s the best luggage for Mexico?
Unless you’re staying at a resort, a travel pack is recommended. I’ve used this one from Osprey for the last 8+ years.
👯♀️ How do I connect with fellow travelers in Mexico?
Join my Female Travelers in Mexico Facebook group, a supportive community of fellow Mexico travel enthusiasts, where you can find answers to all your travel questions!
![36 Essential Mexico Travel Tips for Your First Time in Mexico [Updated for 2023]](https://www.janineintheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Mexico-travel-tips_feature-1-768x576.jpg)
Hi! Thank you so much for all of your helpful information! Do you know if car seats can be installed on ADO buses? I will be traveling with a 5 month old and would prefer to have him in a car seat if possible. If not, do you know if it is ok to hold babies on the bus? Thank you!
Hi Anne, I’m so glad you found this info helpful! I’m not 100% sure about car seats, but the seats on the GL and Platino (and probably all the rest, but I’ve never noticed) do have lap seatbelts, so I think you could secure a car seat that way. Otherwise, it’s definitely permitted to hold babies on the bus– I’ve seen many travelers do it!
Very efficient service! I used ADO from Mexico City to Puebla as well, and from Cancun Intl Airport to Tulum. I am very impressed! I will definitely use it again in the future.
Hi Janine, thanks for all the really useful info! Do you know whether it’s possible to take food on board the ADO buses? Thinking of packing a lunch with me but not sure if it´s allowed. Thanks!
Thanks for your comment Janet! Yep– you can absolutely take food on ADO buses.
My friend and I need to take a night bus from Merida to Bacalar. You advise against night buses – should we make other arrangements?
Hi Jayne — Ultimately it comes down to your risk tolerance. Personally, I would recommend making other arrangements, as I do have concerns about things like road stops and accidents. Even though the chances of anything going wrong is probably pretty low, hold-ups and accidents do happen from time to time. I’m not familiar with the road conditions on the Bacalar end of that route, but the portion closer to Merida is very good, so the risk of accidents is probably minimal.
Hi Janine.
We wanted to book two one way tickets ex Chiquila to Valladolid – at the booking process ADO is adding a surchage of MXN 12,- for “IDA”
Do you know what it is and do we need it?
Maybe you also had this situation.
Thanks. Sandra
Hi Sandra, I believe the 12 peso fee you’re referring to is the “Asistencia Total” fee. It somehow goes toward emergency medical assistance in the event that it becomes necessary. It’s a flat rate of 12 MXN per ticket. In the ADO app you have the option to decline this small fee if you wish.
Hi Janine! Insightful article! Question, how would I know which bus is “de paso” and which is not? I will like to take one at the airport but my destination requires me to stop short.
When you put in your trip details on the ADO website it denotes on the bottom of the trip description whether the trip is de paso, etc. See the linked image for an example.
I’m planning to go to Mexico next week & looking for some vehicle benefits in Mexico. I’m really impressed with the quality & look of the ADO buses. I hope it will make me more comfortable than others. But the funniest thing is the pronunciation of this ADO. It is very informative to know this and I hope I will catch this bus.
Hi Janine, thanks for such an informative article. My partner and I plan to travel from Mexico city to Oaxaca. We are currently working and travelling, and have between us 90 kg worth of luggage,more than they typical amount.
Do you know if there is a luggage limit o the ADO Platino buses, and if so how much would the extra luggage cost? Our Spanish is very rudimentary, and we are concerned that things may get lost in translation if we were to call up the bus company.
Would you know? Thank you so much for your help!
Hi Irene! My understanding is that there are no restrictions regarding luggage on ADO.
Hi, Janine! Thanks for the detailed article, we`re heading to Mexico City on Friday!
I got one question left, does the busses stop for food and breaks? Is there e.g. a lunch or dinner break at some point or do we need to bring a foodie bad? 😀
Thanks a lot!
Great question! The cheap busses (OCC or AU) will stop for occasional bathroom and snack breaks, but generally no, ADO doesn’t stop. Good idea to pack snacks or lunch!
Just wanted to say thank you – this has been so useful!
Thanks so much! I’m so glad you found it helpful!
Just wanted to add to this section as I just had an 6-7 hour ride from CDMX to Oaxaca with the ADO regular/primera bus.
This bus is what I consider a luxury bus. Seats are soft end large, and there’s plenty of leg space ( I’m 1,86).
The bus stops 2-3 times for a small snack/toilet break (app. 5 min).
The toilet is fine. Looks like an older airplane toilet. I used it once, and in generally it didn’t seem to be used that often. We picked some seats far a way though. Yes – you pick your seats when you buy tickets (online or at the TAPO).
My biggest downside is the TV that played three dupped movies a long the journey. I managed to watch the whole of penguin bloom with Spanish dubbing. It can be quite exhausting if you want to sleep.
Thank you so so much for this. I’ve subscribed! Could you help me work out which is the most central Oaxaca station to use for the ADO bus down to Puerto Escondido? The list of their website is a bit confusing . Huge thanks
Hello, I am trying to book a ticket from Cancun to the Valladolid online but I keep getting an error message. I have to buy the last ticket of the day because of my flight and that one does not show on busbud. There is only 16 seats as this one is Ado Connect. Do you think I will be able to buy at the airport or it is risky not to find availability? I am travelling Jan 2.
Hi Sakine, Have you tried purchasing through the ADO website? It can be glitchy, so it might not work, but you should be able to buy tickets there if you choose the Paypal checkout option. I think you’d be fine to buy them at the airport but since it’s the last bus of the day it’s worth trying to book ahead of time.
Really helpful article! Do you know if busbud will incur international card charges? I’m coming from the UK and wondered if the site is recognised as overseas
Hi George! That’s a great question, but unfortunately, I don’t have an answer for you. Maybe they cover this on their FAQ page?
Thank you for the helpful info! This is our first time going to Mexico – we have connector tickets from Playa Del Carmen to Valladolid. I’m not able to find information on where we connect to the finish our journey to Valladolid, or how long we will have to change busses…do you happen to know where I can get this information? I’m a little concerned about the connection. Thank you!
Hi Tina! There should be a code on your ticket that denotes which bus station you’ll connect in (probably Cancun). It may not designate a “puerta” (gate) just yet, but you should be able to find it easily once you get to the bus station. You can always ask someone at the bus station in Playa del Carmen and they should be able to help you find the answers to these questions.
I completely agree with the points made in this article about the safety of ADO buses in Mexico. It’s reassuring to know that passenger safety is taken seriously, with thorough checks and security measures in place, including the use of metal detectors and baggage searches. Thank you for sharing these insights and practical tips. ADO buses really do seem like a reliable and secure way to explore Mexico.
Awesome information! How do i find out which buses have a bathroom on board. Im trying to take a bus from mexico city to oaxaca? Im someone who needs a bathroom kinda a lot and im worried ill be on a bus without a bathroom. Do most buses have them? Thank you!
I believe all ADO service levels have bathrooms onboard. You can see the layout of the bus when you go to book tickets online (so even if you’re planning to book at the bus station, you can still check). For a bus to from Mexico City to Oaxaca, the ADO GL or ADO Platino will be the most comfortable and both of those will definitely have bathrooms.
Hey there! We are looking for an ADO bus to take us to our resort from Cancun to Mayan Riveria as we require a washroom during travel. Is it possible to be dropped off at the resort?
Hi Brea, the buses run on a set route, so you can’t get door-to-door service to your resort. Depending where your resort is located, the bus may pass by it along the highway. But, it sounds like it may be better to organize a private shuttle– I’m a fan of Cancun Airport Transportation. You won’t have a bathroom onboard, but I’m sure the driver would be willing to stop if needed. The trip from Cancun to Riviera Maya is only an hour to an hour and a half, depending on where you’re going.
Hello, you write that you can check in as many bags as you want. However, it seems to me that you can only have one checked-in bag when trying to buy a ticket. Do you know if it is still valid to have 2 large checked-in bags? Or can it be purchased as an add-on?
Hi Mathilde– I have never been asked to declare how many checked bags I would be bringing and I have never had to pay any fees for checked luggage on ADO. The information in the article is derived from my experience and verified through the ADO website, so I believe it to be accurate. I would contact them directly if you have concerns.
Nice to read
Hi Janine ,great website. We are a family of four arriving in Cancun and travelling to Valladolid. The ADO website is showing me the bus goes straight to Meriden, not sure if that stops in Valladollid. Busbud is showing buses to Valladolid from Cancun. Is there a transfer bus that goes from airport terminal to Cancun or is that a taxi ride ?
Also, if I pre buy tickets and then miss the bus for whatever reason (customs) what would be my next best option to get to Valladolid ?
Gracias
Thanks for your comment!
I don’t believe there are any buses that go from the Cancun Airport to Valladolid (at least not based on my search attempts on the website). If the bus to Merida doesn’t specify stopping in Valladolid then I don’t believe it will.
You can catch an ADO bus from Terminal 2 to the cancun bus station. It will cost around $130 MXN per adult. Then, from the bus station there are frequent departures to Valladolid.
If you pre-buy tickets and then miss the bus you’ll have to purchase them again. Otherwise, you could organize a private shuttle to Valladolid. I would highly recommend booking the shuttle in advance.
I wouldn’t worry about booking ADO tickets ahead of time- at least, not from the airport to the bus station. You’ll be able to get there one way or another. There are fairly frequent departures from the airport to the bus station, and you can always take a taxi as a backup.
Hello Janine,
Very good article. I was wondering about buying tickets online. Do you get an electronic boarding pass like the airlines use that can be scanned or do you still have to physically see a ticket agent?
Great question Scott! You get a PDF with a barcode or QR code that they will scan when you board. So no need to see a ticket agent 🙂