Getting there & around

Getting there

By air

Xalapa has a small airport (El Lencero, code JAL) with limited domestic flights, mostly connecting through Mexico City. Service is thin, so many travelers fly into the larger Veracruz airport on the coast instead and come up by road.

By bus

This is how most people arrive, and it works well. Xalapa’s ADO bus terminal (CAXA) has frequent, comfortable first-class buses. Approximate rides:

• From Mexico City: roughly 5 hours.
• From Veracruz city: roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, buses running all day.
• From Puebla: roughly 3 hours.

First-class ADO buses are air-conditioned and reliable. Book the Mexico City run ahead on busy weekends.

By car

The drive from Veracruz city is easy and quick. From Mexico City it is longer and climbs into the mountains, where fog and drizzle can slow you down, so allow extra time and don’t push it after dark in the mist.

Getting around

The historic center is walkable, and that is where you will spend most of your time. The catch is the terrain: steep hills and wet, uneven sidewalks, so wear real shoes and expect to work for the views.

For the museum, outer neighborhoods or anywhere across town, use ride-hail apps or the plentiful cabs. Rides within the city are short and cheap. City buses run everywhere but are confusing for a two-day visitor, so skip them unless you enjoy the puzzle.