Taking ADO Buses in Mexico (Everything You Need to Know Before You Go)
READY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT Mexico ADO BUSES?
You’re in the right place, as this article has everything you need to know about using ADO buses in Mexico.
As someone who has lived in 🇲🇽 Mexico since 2018, I’ve taken my share of ADO buses — and I know how confusing they can be.
I still find myself scratching my head sometimes, which is why I wanted to write this ultimate guide to using ADO buses in Mexico.
From understanding the booking process all the way to what to pack when going on an ADO bus, it’s all here. Ready to learn more about Mexico ADO autobuses? Let’s go!
Mexico ADO Buses Mini-Guide
What is ADO in Mexico?
ADO is Mexico’s largest bus company — and according to many travelers, they’re the best Mexico bus company too.
One of the leading bus companies in Mexico, ADO is known for providing long-distance travel services across various regions.
The primarily service Central Mexico (including Mexico City), the Southeast (including the Yucatan Peninsula), and the Gulf Coast of Mexico.
When traveling in the Mexico states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, Puebla, Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Campeche, Estado de Mexico and Veracruz, the ADO bus company is the one you’ll likely use.
ADO Buses in Mexico
What does ADO stand for?
ADO stands for Autobuses de Oriente, or Buses of the East in English.
It got this name because the company began its operations in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This region is located on the east side of the country.
What is the ADO pronunciation?
Wondering how to say ADO? It is pronounced by saying each letter separately in Spanish, as in ah-day-oh; not a-dee-oh or ah-doh.
ADO Bus Schedule, Routes, and Destinations
The Autobuses ADO network ensures connectivity across numerous destinations.
They offer 10,906 daily departures to 83 cities within Mexico, covering 1,157 routes.
To check the ADO bus schedules, you can use the ADO bus website. I prefer to check via the Busbud website, which is also where I buy my tickets.
The most popular routes connect major tourist destinations and cities, such as Mexico City to Cancún, Playa del Carmen to Mérida, and Oaxaca to Puebla.
ADO Buses in Mexico
ADO Bus Stations in Mexico
Be aware that larger cities may have multiple bus stations.
For example, your bus in Mexico City may depart from Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente (TAPO) on Calzada Ignacio Zaragoza, a major hub for southeastern routes.
Other stations include the Terminal Ejecutiva Sur ADO, located on Av. Insurgentes Sur, and Terminal del Sur (Terminal Taxqueña) on Av. Taxqueña.
Travelers should carefully check their departure and arrival terminals to ensure they don’t show up in the wrong place and miss their bus completely.
🗺 Want to see all the ADO destinations in Mexico? Check out this ADO bus route map. While not from the ADO bus English site, it should be understandable.
How to Book Tickets for ADO Buses
Booking ADO bus tickets is straightforward and can be done online through ADO’s official website, their mobile app, or third-party booking applications.
In full disclosure, I don’t book through their website. I book my ADO tickets through Busbud because, while ADO service is great, their website is glitchy.
From my experience, it only works about 50% of the time. Beyond that, it rejects my U.S. credit card about 75% of the time.
This is particularly useful for travelers planning multi-destination trips across Mexico, ensuring a smoother travel experience without the language barrier.
These platforms also provide detailed information on bus schedules, routes, and prices, making them great resources for planning your Mexican vacation.
ADO Buses in Mexico
Can you book ADO bus tickets online?
Yes — You can buy ado bus tickets online via ADO’s Spanish-only official website or its app, ADO Móvil.
While non-Mexican credit cards were not accepted in years past, but times have changed and they now say they do accept them.
Both the ADO app and website say they accept non-Mexican VISA and Mastercard credit card payments.
⚠️ Note: I still have a hard time using my United States credit card, and find it rarely goes through. For this reason, I always book through Busbud.
If you don’t want to pay with a credit card, you can choose the efectivo (cash) payment option on the website when booking your bus ticket.
You’ll receive a booking number where you’ll have to complete the payment at a partner business, such as OXXO and 7-Eleven stores.
Be aware that this reserve and pay cash option is unavailable during holidays when most businesses are closed.
ADO Buses in Mexico
Can you book ADO bus tickets in person?
Yes — You can book ADO buses in person at various locations, including bus stations, OXXO convenience stores and ClickBus kiosks.
ClickBus kiosks are located in select malls and transit centers and sell tickets for various bus companies, including ADO, Prima Plus, Future, and others.
These are a practical choice for trips involving multiple bus lines.
🚌 Additional Ticket kiosks for ADO Buses
OXXO stores, widespread convenience stores in Mexico, also offer a way to pay for online ticket bookings in cash.
ADO Satellite Offices are strategically placed in several locations, offering another convenient option.
These offices are in various cities throughout Mexico, often in or near major transportation hubs, downtown areas, and/or busy shopping districts.
Lastly, you can buy your tickets directly at ADO bus stations.
However, tickets may sell out for popular routes or during busy times, so it’s best to purchase in advance to secure your travel plans.
ADO Payment Methods & Discounts
You can use credit cards, debit cards, or pesos for ADO bus ticket payments.
In smaller cities, though, relying on card payments might be a bit hit or miss, so having cash on hand is wise to ensure a smooth transaction.
Carrying multiple credit cards is also smart, offering a backup option in case one fails or encounters issues.
This approach helps avoid payment hiccups and keeps your travel plans on track.
ADO Buses in Mexico
ADO Buses Discount
Looking for a discount on ADO bus tickets? The best way to ensure you get the best price is to buy your tickets in advance when you plan your trip.
When you do this, you qualify for the Compra Anticipada discount, which is the Advance Purchase ADO discount.
There are limited discounted tickets, but if you plan on buying your tickets at least three days in advance, you can get a discount ranging from 30% to 50% off ADO tickets.
You’ll be able to see these discounts automatically, as a red tag icon with a dollar sign will appear on the website.
ADO Bus Class Levels
ADO Group operates a comprehensive network of bus services across Mexico — with everything from first class buses to budget-friendly second class buses.
These include subsidiaries of ADO, like OCC (Ómnibus Cristóbal Colón) and Estrella de Oro, providing various travel options to meet travelers’ needs and preferences.
ADO Busses in Mexico
ADO First Class and Budget Options
ADO focuses on first-class services, providing comfortable, well-equipped buses with amenities like air conditioning, extra legroom, onboard entertainment, and Wi-Fi.
The economic or second-class services are generally offered through its subsidiaries, like Cuenca buses and Cristóbal Colón buses.
These are great for budget-conscious travelers but offer fewer amenities. For example, AU, a budget-friendly bus option, does not offer bathrooms on their buses.
The bus will make stops depending on the length of the trip, which can add to the overall length of the trip, which isn’t ideal.
This structure allows travelers to choose a service level that best suits their budget and comfort preferences, while ensuring wide coverage across major cities and tourist destinations in Mexico.
ADO Busses in Mexico
ADO Primera Clase (First Class)
ADO Primera Clase, or First Class, is ADO’s most basic level service, accommodating 44 passengers. This is the one you’ll see most often on Mexico bus routes.
These ADO red buses are nice, but when I can, I opt for the purple ADO or blue ADO. I tend to prefer the red buses for short-distance travel, and here’s why:
Although this bus does have amenities like air conditioning, USB ports, and electrical outlets, I find that there are two major downsides to traveling with ADO Primera Clase.
🚌 cons of traveling ADO Primera Clase
First is the television. There are television screens that play movies during your trip, but the movie is broadcast to the whole bus, and it can get loud sometimes.
If you need quiet to sleep, or you’re looking to relax on the ride, I recommend these noise-canceling headphones.
The other reason is that there’s only one bathroom for a bus of 44 people, which can be quite a nightmare. 🚽 Pro Tip: Pick a seat in the front far from the restroom!
My recommendation is to try to book the ADO GL (Gran Lujo, or Executive) or ADO Platino (Platinum) if you can.
ADO Busses in Mexico
ADO GL (Executive Class)
The GL here stands for “gran lujo,” or grand luxury.
This is a more exclusive class than the red buses, but ADO GL is not the most exclusive class (that’s Platino ADO).
The bus has 40 passenger seats and offers amenities like air conditioning, two bathrooms (one for men, one for women), complimentary beverages, a coffee station at some terminals, free Wi-Fi, and individual televisions.
An ADO subsidiary, their Estrella de Oro Plus buses have the same level buses, but don’t offer Wi-Fi or a coffee station.
ADO Busses in Mexico
ADO Platino (Luxury Class)
The most luxurious ADO bus service is Platino. It has just 27 seats, meaning each passenger has plenty of room to stretch and relax on the journey.
Each seat has a USB charging port, tray table, electrical outlet, and a personal entertainment system.
Other amenities include a men’s and women’s bathroom, a coffee station, Wi-Fi, and a welcome package with a sandwich, snacks, and a beverage.
You’ll also have access to a premium departure lounge with complimentary WiFi, television, restrooms, and a coffee station at some ADO bus terminals.
The ADO Diamante Bus brand (ADO Black) is also another bus with the luxury service level. The only difference is that they don’t have tray tables.
ADO Busses in Mexico
ADO Aeropuerto and ADO Conecta
ADO Aeropuerto services connect airports with city centers, offering amenities similar to First Class. Be aware that these buses do not have bathrooms.
While buses are typically used, passenger vans might operate on some routes. ADO Conecta is a passenger van service that handles shorter, frequent journeys.
Although it lacks bathrooms and charging ports, it is a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
ADO Bus Seats
You can select your preferred seat when booking ADO bus seats through BusBud, on the ADO website, or even at the station.
The thing is that even though you can book a seat, sometimes people go to whichever seat they prefer.
This is especially common during shorter journeys when passengers usually choose whichever seat they prefer when boarding, regardless of their ticket assignment.
Sitting in your assigned seat is more common for longer trips. Also, if you’re traveling with someone, you’ll want to make sure you have assigned seats together.
🤔 which seat is the best on ADO Buses?
This is a matter of opinion, but here are some of my opinions about picking the best seat on ADO buses:
1. Opt for the seats in the middle of the bus, preferably not in front of a TV row — especially if you are traveling on a Primera Clase bus which has communal TVs.
2. Make sure to choose a seat away from the toilets in the back of the bus, and not too close to the front to avoid the glare of on-coming traffic and their lights.
3. If you’re taking the overnight ADO bus, you won’t want those lights shining in your eyes while you’re trying to sleep.
4. If I had to choose between the front or the back because the middle seats are reserved, I’d pick the front to be away from the bathrooms.
ADO Baggage Info & Restrictions
ADO’s baggage restrictions are pretty simple. Passengers can board with a personal carry-on bag, and store their checked bags under the bus in the locked compartment.
🐾 Traveling with a pet? ADO is pet-friendly in the sense that you can bring some breeds of cats and dogs, but they must travel under the bus with the luggage.
💼 ADO Bus Carry-on allowance
Per the ADO website, travelers are allowed one carry-on bag that must be no heavier than 11 pounds (5 kg) per carry-on bag.
If your bag is too big, the driver will ask you to put it under the bus. However from my experience, I have never seen them weigh a bag, nor had mine weighed.
Another thing to note is that ADO Autobus Mexico takes no responsibility for any lost or stolen items, so keep an eye out for your carry-on and valuables.
🧳 ADO BUS Checked Bag allowance
For checked luggage, your first check bag is free and needs to weigh no more than 55 pounds or 25 kg. Although there is usually flexibility around this number.
There is no weight limit for checked luggage for ADO GL and Platino bus classes. For these bus classes, luggage can be checked 45 minutes from the time of departure.
When you are checking your bag, you will receive a ticket. 🎫 Do not lose this ticket! You will need it to claim your luggage once you arrive.
Boarding an ADO Bus
Boarding an ADO bus is straightforward. Your ticket will tell you the departure platform as a letter or a number.
Boarding starts about 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to leave, and from my experience, these buses generally leave exactly on time.
Announcements are made, but they can be hard to hear, so watching the digital displays in the station, similar to those in airports, can help.
If you’re unsure, look for the bus displaying its destination upfront or ask a member of the staff.
Before boarding, you’ll go through a security check with a metal detector, show your ticket and ID, and, if you have large luggage, place it in the cargo hold.
Are ADO buses safe?
Yes — For the majority of passengers, traveling on ADO buses is a safe option in Mexico, and both locals and visitors use these buses all the time.
The company implements several measures to ensure passenger safety, including regular bus inspections, trained drivers following safety protocols, and using toll roads for the safest routes.
For example, some buses might sometimes take detours to avoid potentially not-so-safe areas to ensure that the passengers and their belongings are safe.
ADO Buses in Mexico
Safety Tips While Riding ADO Buses
While petty theft on buses is rare, it’s wise to keep valuables close and avoid leaving them unattended.
Keep your purse and valuables on you at all times, and avoid storing them overhead.
Be vigilant at stations, monitor luggage, understand your route, and avoid drawing attention with valuable items.
Safety in travel also depends on staying informed about your destinations and keeping essential items, like documents and money, secure.
5 Popular ADO Bus Routes
1. ADO Bus Mexico City to Oaxaca City
A popular route for Mexico bus travel, getting from Mexico City to Oaxaca City by ADO bus is a straightforward, safe option.
Departing from TAPO, one of Mexico City’s main bus stations, the journey typically lasts about seven hours in normal traffic.
TAPO’s central location makes it accessible, especially for those near the Mexico City Airport or popular neighborhoods like Centro Historico, Condesa, and Roma.
ADO Buses in Mexico
2. ADO Oaxaca Bus to Puerto Escondido
The trip from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido by ADO bus is another popular route for those looking to explore the beautiful coast of Oaxaca.
This bus journey, which takes approximately three hours, offers a chance to experience the scenic diversity of Oaxaca State.
It is a great option for reaching one of Mexico’s most beloved beach destinations.
ADO Buses in Mexico
3. ADO Bus Cancun to Tulum or Playa Del Carmen
The ADO bus route from Cancun to Tulum or Playa Del Carmen offers a direct and affordable way to travel between these popular destinations.
The journey to Playa Del Carmen takes about one hour, while getting to Tulum takes approximately two hours.
📍 The ADO Playa del Carmen station is located here, and the Tulum ADO station is here.
If you want to travel between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, you can also take an ADO bus. The journey takes roughly an hour, and costs about $7 USD.
This service is an excellent day-trip option if you want to hop from one city to the next for the day, providing a convenient option for tourists exploring the Riviera Maya.
ADO Buses in Mexico
4. ADO Cancun to Merida
The ADO Merida bus journey from Cancun to Merida covers 177 miles (about 285 km), and typically takes about 4 hours and 40 minutes.
Buses depart frequently, ensuring flexible travel options between these two popular destinations in Mexico. For more details and to book, visit Busbud’s website.
ADO Buses in Mexico
5. ADO Bus Cancun Airport to Cancun
For travel from Cancun Airport to downtown Cancun, ADO provides a convenient and efficient service, with buses departing frequently.
This short journey is a straightforward way for travelers to reach Cancun’s city center upon arrival to CUN Airport.
📍 The main terminal ADO Cancun has is located here in downtown. To get to Cancun Beach from there, I recommend you can take a taxi.
7 Things to Pack on an ADO Bus
I recommend packing a few things if you plan to take an ADO bus while traveling through Mexico.
1. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Remember how I mentioned that on the Primera Clase buses, there tends to be a movie blasting during the whole bus ride? It gets annoying quickly!
These noise-canceling headphones allow you to create a personal oasis among the bus’s communal environment, helping you relax, sleep, or enjoy entertainment without disturbance.
ADO Buses in Mexico
2. Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is crucial on ADO buses for moments when soap and water aren’t readily available, particularly before eating or after using the restroom.
Keeping your hands clean is critical for avoiding germs and staying healthy, especially in the close quarters of public transport.
ADO Buses in Mexico
3. Anti-Theft Purse
This anti-theft purse offers peace of mind while navigating through crowded bus stations or city streets, protecting your valuables from pickpockets with features like lockable zippers and cut-resistant materials.
The purse is also a great option if you want extra protection while on the bus. 🔒 Another bonus? RFID blocking technology.
You can purchase an additional luggage cable lock to wrap around your seat, lock it up, and snooze without the worry that someone might try to pry it open.
ADO Buses in Mexico
4. A Warm Layer (Sweater or Jacket)
Buses can be unpredictably cold due to air conditioning, especially on long journeys.
Packing a warm layer, even when the outside temperature is hot, ensures you remain comfortable throughout your trip.
ADO Buses in Mexico
5. Tissues or Kleenex
Nothing is worse than realizing after you’ve done your business that the restroom has no toilet paper — so come prepared!
Carrying your own tissues like these Kleenex addresses this inconvenience, ensuring you’re prepared for restroom visits.
ADO Buses in Mexico
6. Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated in Mexico is essential, and a refillable water bottle means access to water without relying on stops or onboard service.
It’s both an eco-friendly and practical choice — and my recommendation is this Water-To-Go Bottle → You can use code SOLO15 for 15% OFF!
As you may or may not know, Mexican water is not potable, meaning you can’t drink it. This Water-To-Go makes sure that you’re drinking clean water wherever you go.
ADO Buses in Mexico
7. Travel Insurance
Last but certainly not least, travel insurance is something no one wants to think about, but also something no one wants to be without when things go awry.
A safety net offering protection against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or luggage issues, insurance provides peace of mind throughout your journey.
My recommendation? I personally use and love SafetyWing Travel Insurance.
Alternatives to ADO Buses in Mexico
If the ADO bus system feels overwhelming due to scheduling, language barriers, or ticket purchases for multiple segments, there are alternatives.
Renting a car in Mexico allows you to explore Mexico’s hidden gems at your own pace, creating a more personalized adventure.
Consider booking a private airport transfer for convenience for direct routes from the airport to your hotel.
Alternatively, domestic flights can be a quick and cost-effective way to travel between cities in Mexico if you use low-cost Mexican airlines, like VivaAerobus and Volaris.
They are often found at competitive prices through budget airlines, potentially offering savings compared to bus travel → Check for cheap Mexico flights now.
ADO Buses in Mexico Guide & Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best ADO bus booking site?
To book my ADO tickets on a English site, I recommend and always use Bus Bud.
The site is easy to use, and they also take U.S. and international credit cards without issue (unlike the ADO site, which is often glitchy).
ADO Buses in Mexico
How far in advance do I need to book my ticket?
It’s wise to book your ADO ticket at least three days in advance to ensure availability on popular routes and/or during peak travel seasons like Christmas, Spring Break and Semana Santa (Holy Week).
Also, if you want to choose your seat, you’ll want to book early. If not, you’re assigned whatever seats are left.
Another pro of booking in advance are the discounts, which can range from 30% off to 50% off the regular ticket price.
ADO bus schedules in Mexico are typically released only a month in advance, so you can’t actually book too far out.
To plan ahead, you can review the current schedule to give you an idea of the service frequency and available routes for future travel.
ADO Buses in Mexico
Is there WiFi on ADO buses?
Some ADO buses have FREE WiFi, and some don’t offer WiFi at all. It all depends on the bus class you’re booking.
The ADO Primera Clase, though it is the “First Class” bus, does now offer WiFi on board. These are the red ADO buses, and the most-commonly used option.
The purple ADO Platino (Luxury Class) and blue ADO GL (Executive Class) both offer FREE WiFi on the bus. However, I’ve still found the WiFi isn’t always great.
ADO Buses in Mexico
Are there toilets on ADO buses?
Yes — Most ADO buses are equipped with toilets, which offer convenience for longer journeys and reduce the need for frequent stops.
While they’re usually clean, it’s not always easy to use the bathroom on a moving bus!
The only ADO buses that don’t offer toilets are AU and ADO Conecta, which are budget-friendly bus options.
These buses are usually used for shorter distances. However, they do make stops during longer journeys for bathroom breaks.
ADO Buses in Mexico
Can I take food and drinks on ADO buses?
Yes — Passengers can bring food and drinks on ADO buses, making it easier to stay hydrated and snack as needed during your trip.
Snacks and beverages are available for free if you book ADO GL and ADO Platino bus services.
For classes other than GL and Platino, ADO buses and their routes include scheduled stops for passengers to grab snacks or drinks.
While you can purchase food and beverages at the majority of bus stations in Mexico, I bring my own food for the trip because the stations don’t usually have healthy options.
ADO Buses in Mexico
Are ADO buses reliable?
ADO buses are known for their reliability, sticking closely to scheduled departure and arrival times, ensuring travelers reach their destinations as planned.
On a personal note, I have traveled by buses in Mexico 30+ times.
Out of all those times, my bus has only been late once, and it was only about 20 minutes late.
ADO Buses in Mexico
How early should I arrive at the bus station?
Arriving at the bus station at least 15-30 minutes before your departure time is recommended.
This will give you ample time to locate your departure platform and board without rushing. You’ll be able to start boarding around 10 minutes before departure.
ADO Buses in Mexico
Is my luggage safe on an ADO bus?
Yes — Luggage stored in the cargo compartment of ADO buses is generally safe, but keeping valuables with you is advisable for extra security.
Once you board, your luggage will be taken and put underneath the bus. You’ll be handed a ticket.
🎫 Note: Do not lose this ticket! You will need it to pick up your luggage at your destination. It’s an annoying experience to get your luggage back without it!
Once boarding is finished, the cargo area is locked and only opened once the bus arrives at its destination.
ADO Buses in Mexico
Does ADO allow pets?
Yes, but with conditions — You can bring some cat breeds and some dog breeds on your ADO bus trip (though not all breeds are accepted).
Service animals are permitted on the bus with passengers, but pets aren’t allowed. Rather, pets must travel under the bus with the luggage, and be in a hard crate.
There are actually quite a few more rules, regulations and stipulations for traveling with a pet on ADO buses — you can read about them here on the ADO website.
ADO Buses in Mexico
How much are ADO buses?
Prices for ADO bus tickets vary depending on the route, class of service, and booking time — but there are options to fit all budgets and travel needs.
For example, a bus from Mexico City to Oaxaca costs about $540 pesos ($32 USD) for the second-class option; $790 pesos ($47 USD) for ADO; $997 pesos ($59 USD) for ADO GL; and $1,274 pesos ($76 USD) for ADO Platino.
These prices obviously can change depending on the season and whether or not they are discounted, but it should give you an idea of the price differences.
ADO Buses in Mexico
Is it safe to take the ADO bus in Mexico at night?
Yes — It’s safe to take the ADO bus in Mexico at night, thanks to their strict safety protocols and regular route monitoring.
In fact, some travelers prefer taking overnight ADO buses in Mexico so that you can maximize your travel time in each destination.
With big comfy recliner seats, the buses are comfortable enough to sleep on — but I do recommend you bring this neck pillow for maximum comfort.
Final Thoughts: Using ADO Buses in Mexico
Traveling from the Mexico City Airport to Quintana Roo or any destination within Mexico is seamless with ADO buses.
Whether heading to a bus terminal in a bustling city or a serene beach town, you can easily book bus tickets online.
Also remember to memorize some Spanish phrases like these to help facilitate your whole experience:
- ¿Donde puedo compra de boletos ADO? (Where can I buy ADO bus tickets?)
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrarlos ADO boletos y horarios? (Where do I find the ADO tickets and schedules?)
Exploring Mexico by bus offers a unique window into the country’s diverse landscapes and rich culture, making it a preferred choice for many travelers.