Getting Around Zacatecas
Zacatecas is a colonial mining city built into steep, high terrain, and its historic center is compact enough that most of what a visitor wants to see is within easy reach on foot. The practical challenge is not distance but elevation: the Centro Histórico sits at roughly 2,400 meters, while surrounding parts of the city climb considerably higher. Plan your first day gently and give yourself time to adjust to the altitude before tackling the hills.
Walking the Historic Center
Walking is the best way to explore the Centro Histórico. The area is relatively small, so you can see it at your own pace, duck into churches and museums, and follow the colonial streets and plazas without worrying about transport schedules. Because the city is built on slopes, expect some climbing between the center and the neighborhoods above it. Comfortable shoes and a slow pace go a long way.
Rail, Metro and Tram
Zacatecas has no metro, tram, or urban rail network, and there is no passenger rail service for getting around the city. Visitors should plan on walking, buses, taxis, or ride-hailing instead.
Buses and Public Transport
Local buses serve the city, but for sightseeing there is a simpler option: the Maxibus, a tourist bus that drives you around the city and shows you the interesting sites. It leaves from the Plaza de Armas, lasts about 45 minutes, and as of 2023 cost M$100 for adults and M$80 for minors. It is a convenient orientation tool if you would rather see the layout of the city before setting out on foot.
For longer journeys into the state or to other parts of Mexico, the city's main bus station is the Central de Autobuses. Most major cities offer direct buses to Zacatecas, especially cities in northern Mexico. If you are traveling from southern Mexico, you may need to make a connection in Mexico City. Long-distance services are comfortable and widely used; for example, ETN Turistar runs a direct overnight-style service from Mexico City's northern bus terminal to Zacatecas, and tickets can be booked online through operators or third-party sites.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are moderately priced and available all over the city, and they are the obvious choice when your legs have had enough of the hills. Fares are generally open to negotiation, so ask the driver the price before you get in — "¿Cuánto cuesta ir a...?" — which also puts you in a better negotiating position. Ride-hailing is easy here too: both Uber and Didi are readily available.
Getting In from the Airport
Zacatecas International Airport (ZCL, General Leobardo C. Ruiz International Airport) sits near Victor Rosales, outside the city. Domestic flights connect it with Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Durango, Morelia, and Tijuana, and there are also direct flights from several U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Oakland, and Houston. Once you land, the straightforward way into town is a taxi: the ride to downtown takes about 20 minutes.
Other Ways to Reach the City
If you are arriving overland, shared rides can sometimes be found on Blablacar, particularly from San Luis Potosí, León, Guadalajara, or Aguascalientes. Note that as of 2024, due to cartel violence in the region, private vehicle travel to Zacatecas from Guadalajara/Jalisco and Durango should be avoided; buses on those routes are considered fine. Driving from Mexico City is also possible, but it is a long road trip of roughly seven hours.
Practical Tips
- Build in time to acclimatize: the historic center is high, and the surrounding hills are higher.
- Walk the Centro Histórico during the day and use taxis or ride-hailing for longer hops or steep climbs.
- Agree on the taxi fare before departing.
- Use the Maxibus from the Plaza de Armas for a quick, guided overview of the city's sights.
- For intercity travel, head to the Central de Autobuses; northern Mexico is well connected, while southern routes may require a change in Mexico City.
- From the airport, a taxi gets you downtown in about 20 minutes.