How Cuernavaca Moves
Cuernavaca has no metro, tram, or rail network. Getting around the city relies on buses, shared vans, taxis, ride-hailing, and your own two feet. The good news is that the historic center is compact and easy to explore on foot, while buses and taxis will get you to the surrounding neighborhoods and the wider metropolitan area.
Buses and Shared Vans
Buses cover most of the city and the surrounding areas, so they are the workhorse of local transport. They are inexpensive, generally safe, and regularly used by the many foreign language students who live in Cuernavaca. They are not especially comfortable, and they can be slow because of frequent stops and traffic.
Alongside the larger buses, you will see shared vans known as colectivos, peseros, combis, or microbuses. These run on specific routes, are faster than the big buses, and are very common. You can flag one down anywhere along its route, and the route is usually displayed on the windshield. Common route labels include "Centro," "Reforma," and "Mercado."
- Fares are paid in cash to the driver when you board. Drivers appreciate exact change or small bills.
- Service generally runs from around early morning until roughly 9:00–10:00 PM.
- To board a colectivo, wave your hand; to get off, say "Baja, por favor" or "Aquí."
- Route maps are generally not published online, so ask locals or use a mapping service to plan your trip.
- The main hubs are the city center (Centro) and the zones around the main markets and bus stations.
- Public transit is generally not wheelchair accessible: vehicles have steps, interiors get crowded, and cobblestone streets and uneven pavements without ramps are common.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are plentiful. You can hail them on the street, order them by phone, or pick them up at designated stands known as sitios, which are found near attractions, hotels, and bus stations. Sitio taxis are generally considered the safer option because they are regulated, and radio taxis are safer when you call them rather than hail them, since the dispatcher keeps a record of your pickup. Independent taxis lack that documentation and are slightly riskier, so avoid unmarked cars.
One important practical point: taxis in Cuernavaca do not reliably use meters, and drivers often prefer to negotiate, especially with tourists. Agree on the fare before you get in. Fares rise sharply at night and are substantially higher in the early hours of the morning, so ask locals beforehand what a trip should cost, then haggle toward a reasonable price.
Uber and DiDi both operate in Cuernavaca. They offer transparent pre-booked fares, cashless payment, ride tracking, and driver and vehicle matching. Availability can be thinner in less central areas or at peak demand, so plan accordingly.
- Licensed taxis are typically white with a red stripe, or come in various colors with a "Taxi" sign.
- Several radio taxi companies operate in the city, including Citlali, one of the largest firms.
- Sitio taxis are readily available at Cuernavaca's coach terminals.
Walking and Cycling
The historic center, El Centro, is easy to walk, and its main attractions sit close together, including the Palacio de Cortés, Jardín Borda, and the Cathedral. The Paseo del Conquistador is a pedestrian walk around part of the center. Streets are often cobblestone, so comfortable walking shoes are a good idea.
Guided walking tours covering history and architecture are available through local operators, and self-guided exploring is entirely feasible. At night, avoid isolated or poorly lit areas, and note that some peripheral neighborhoods are not suitable for visitors on foot.
Cycling is more common among locals than tourists. Dedicated bicycle lanes are limited, traffic on main roads is heavy and aggressive, and there is no widespread public bike-sharing system, though some hotels may rent bicycles.
Getting In from the Airport
The nearest major airport is in Mexico City, and Cuernavaca's own airport is not the practical arrival point for most visitors. From Mexico City, you have two main options.
- By bus: Several companies run to Cuernavaca. The most frequent services are from Mexico City's Terminal de Autobuses del Sur, near the Taxqueña metro station, with limited runs from Terminal de Autobuses del Norte and from both terminals of Mexico City Airport. Pullman de Morelos operates the most frequent routes, including service from the airport to the Casino de la Selva terminal in Cuernavaca. Buses are modern and safe, with air conditioning, toilets, and a movie. They run on average every 20 minutes. From the airport, the non-stop service is called Ejecutivo Dorado. Once inside Cuernavaca, most buses drop passengers at several points along the route, but the airport service is non-stop.
- By car: Take the Mexico–Acapulco tollway south from Mexico City. There is also a free road that is well maintained and primarily single-laned, which normally adds about 20 minutes to the trip.
One timing warning worth heeding: traffic on the Mexico–Cuernavaca–Acapulco tollway is heaviest on Friday heading from Mexico City to Cuernavaca and on Sunday afternoons heading back. Many visitors travel on those days, and you can spend more than two hours on the road. Plan around those windows if you can.
Other Options
International car rental chains have offices in the city. You will need a valid driver's license, with an international driving permit recommended, and a credit card; Mexican auto insurance is mandatory. Cell phone use while driving is prohibited, and watch for topes, or speed bumps, which can appear without warning. Motorcycles and scooters are uncommon among tourists and not generally recommended.
A Turibus hop-on-hop-off style service sometimes operates covering the major attractions, so check locally for availability. Many operators also run day trips from Mexico City that include Cuernavaca, plus local tours. Tuk-tuks, jeepneys, cable cars, and funiculars are not part of the transport picture here.