How Tourists Get Around Manzanillo
Manzanillo is a coastal city in the state of Colima, Mexico, and getting around it is mostly a matter of buses, taxis, and your own two feet. There is no rail network to speak of, so visitors should plan on road-based transport. The good news is that the main tourist zones, the downtown area, and the airport are all connected by a mix of cheap public buses, licensed taxis, and ride-hailing apps.
Is There a Metro, Train, or Tram?
No. Manzanillo has no metro, no tram, and no passenger rail system. The city's public transit is entirely bus-based. If you are used to navigating a city by subway, you will need to adjust your expectations here and rely on buses, taxis, or a rental car instead.
Buses and Public Transport
The city bus system is the backbone of local public transport. It links the tourist zones, including Las Brisas, Santiago, and La Audiencia, with Centro (downtown) and the inland neighborhoods. The vehicles tend to be older but functional, and fares are cheap.
- How to find your bus: Formal route maps are not always available or strictly followed. Instead, destinations are usually displayed on the windshield, so look for signs reading "Centro," "Santiago," or "Miramar."
- Where to catch one: The main hubs are the Central de Autobuses (the main bus terminal) and points along Boulevard Miguel de la Madrid, the main coastal road. You generally board by waving the bus down at designated stops.
- When they run: Service operates roughly from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
- How to pay: Fares are fixed and paid in cash directly to the driver, so have coins ready. There are no passes or cards to worry about.
- Practical tips: Ask locals or hotel staff for route guidance, since signage and maps can be unreliable. Buses are generally not wheelchair accessible, with high steps and limited space.
For longer journeys, the Terminal de Autobuses de Manzanillo serves long-distance routes to cities outside the state. Operators include Autovias, ETN/Turistar, Grupo Estrella Blanca (and its Elite, Futura, and Pacifico brands), Omnibus de Mexico, Nuevo Horizonte/Sur de Jalisco, and Primera Plus. From the street in front of the bus station, you can take a Route 7 or 7-A bus south to reach downtown.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Licensed taxis are typically white or yellow, carry a taxi sign, and often display a "sitio" (stand) number. You can hail them on the street, pick them up at sitio stands outside hotels and attractions, or call one by phone. Fares are often negotiated before the ride, so it is worth asking your hotel or a local for an estimate first.
Ride-hailing apps are also an option. Uber operates in Manzanillo, offering transparent pricing and cashless payment, and Didi is another common app in Mexico. These apps provide digital tracking and driver and vehicle information, so confirm that the driver and vehicle match what the app shows before you get in.
Walking and Cycling
Walking is pleasant in the right places. The Malecón (boardwalk) in the city center is pedestrian-friendly, and the coastal zones around Playa Miramar and Playa La Audiencia are good for strolling. Beyond those areas, though, the primary roads are unsuitable for walking or cycling.
- Safety: Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas at night.
- Cycling: There are limited dedicated bicycle lanes, and cycling on main roads is challenging due to traffic. Helmets are advised.
- Guided walks: Formal guided walking tours are limited, but self-guided exploration is entirely feasible.
Renting a Car or Other Vehicle
Major international car rental agencies operate at the airport and in Manzanillo. To rent, you will need a valid driver's license and a credit card for the deposit, and Mexican law requires liability insurance. Motorcycle and scooter rentals are uncommon, so check the operator's reputation and insurance carefully if you go that route. There is no widespread bike-sharing scheme, though some hotels or local shops rent bicycles.
If you do drive, remember to drive on the right, wear seatbelts (mandatory for all occupants), and avoid using a cell phone while driving. Speed limits are posted in km/h. Main roads are generally in good condition, but watch for unmarked speed bumps ("topes"), potholes, and pedestrian or animal crossings. Parking is available at most accommodations and resorts, while downtown street parking is limited; paid parking garages (estacionamientos) exist.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Manzanillo International Airport (also called Playa del Oro or Costalegre Airport, code ZLO) sits along the beach off the Carretera Manzanillo-Barra de Navidad (Highway 200), west of town. It is a major airport for commercial flights serving Barra de Navidad, Manzanillo, Colima City, and the surrounding areas of Colima and neighboring Jalisco state.
The key practical point for visitors: there is no public transportation to or from the airport. You will need to hire a cab, arrange a shuttle, or rent a car. Car rental agencies operate at the airport, which makes picking up a vehicle on arrival straightforward if you plan to drive yourself.
Airlines serving the airport include Aeromexico Connect (Mexico City), Alaska Airlines (Los Angeles), Mesa Airlines operating as United Express (Houston Bush Intercontinental), and WestJet (seasonally from Calgary). Additional domestic and international connections are made through Mexico City, while further international and U.S. connections route through Los Angeles and Houston depending on the airline.
If you cannot find a suitable flight into Manzanillo, the next nearest major airport for commercial flights is Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), to the north. Many travelers fly into Puerto Vallarta for more competitive airfares and then take a bus from the nearby bus station or rent a car and drive to Manzanillo.
Organized Tours and Boats
Tour operators run organized bus tours to nearby attractions such as Colima City and Comala, which can be a convenient option if you would rather not drive. Excursion boats are available for snorkeling, fishing, and sunset cruises, though formal boat taxi amenities are restricted.
Accessibility
Accessibility services in Manzanillo are generally limited. Some newer resorts offer barrier-free rooms, but public transport is typically not accessible, so visitors with mobility needs should plan ahead and consider private transfers or adapted vehicles.