A great day trip from Mexico City is to Teotihuacan, one of the most important archaeological sites and Mesoamerican cities in the Americas.
Teotihuacan is also a great day trip because it is close to Mexico City. While it is close to the city, Teotihuacan feels worlds away.
So, you are probably wondering, how do I get to Teotihuacan? While you can take a taxi or Uber, one of the best ways to get from Mexico City to Teotihuacan is by public bus.
The bus was an affordable, comfortable way to make this day trip. This guide follows the journey I took, with photos of the ticket counter, boarding area, and return stop.
This post will show you exactly how to travel by public bus from Mexico City to Teotihuacan.
Teotihuacan by Bus: Quick Facts
| Departure | Central del Norte bus terminal, Mexico City. |
|---|---|
| Journey | 60 to 90 minutes each way from the terminal. |
| Bus Fare | 75 MXN or about US$3.98 one-way, last reported by a reader. Confirm at the counter. |
| Admission | 210 MXN or about US$11.15 for foreign visitors. 105 MXN or about US$5.57 for Mexican nationals and qualifying residents with identification. Admission details. |
| Opening Hours | Daily: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Last entry is 4:30 PM. |
| Return Bus | Near Puerta 2. Confirm the last departure when buying your ticket. |
How to Get to Teotihuacan From Mexico City by Bus
Step 1: From Mexico City to Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte
Buses to Teotihuacan depart from the Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte (Northern Central Bus Terminal). As its name suggests, the bus terminal lies in the northern part of the city.
There are a few ways to reach Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte from locations around Mexico City, but I will focus on two main options: Uber and Metro.
By Metro
If you plan to take the metro to the bus station, you will begin your journey at one of the many metro stations across Mexico City.
Take the metro to Autobuses del Norte station on Line 5, the Yellow Line. A Metro journey costs 5 MXN or about US$0.27. If you do not already have a Movilidad Integrada card, the card itself costs 15 MXN or about US$0.80, plus the credit you load for your journeys.
Once at the metro station, exit and follow the signs towards the bus terminal connected to the metro station.
By Uber
While the metro is convenient, I recommend Uber, especially when traveling in a group.
As with any time you use Uber, fares will vary depending on your location, traffic, and time of the day.
I stayed in the Roma Norte neighborhood during my visit to Mexico City and took an Uber to Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte. I paid less than 100 MXN or about US$5.31 for the ride. And even with some traffic, the journey took only 20 minutes. That was my fare and journey time, so check the app for your own trip.
Uber takes you directly to the terminal entrance, which can be convenient if you are traveling in a group. Allow extra time for traffic.
Step 2: Arrival at Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte
As mentioned, if you arrive by metro, follow signs towards the terminal connected to the metro station.
If you arrive by Uber, ask your driver to drop you off at the terminal entrance. Like an airport terminal, the bus station is vast, with several waiting halls (salas) and boarding platforms (andenes).
On my visit, I found the Autobuses Teotihuacan ticket counter near Sala 8, toward the left end of the building as I entered. Use the photo above to help you find the counter. The operator describes its location as Andén 7, so ask for Autobuses Teotihuacan if you are unsure. The hall number and your bus platform are separate things.
Step 3: Purchasing Tickets at the Autobuses Teotihuacan Counter
Once you locate the Autobuses Teotihuacan ticket counter, you can purchase bus tickets to the pyramids. Ask for “Pirámides” or “Zona Arqueológica” so staff know you want the archaeological site.
The last bus fare reported by a reader was 75 MXN or about US$3.98 one-way. That report came from Scott’s December 2025 visit, so confirm the current price at the counter. My ticket photo above shows the 67 MXN or about US$3.56 I paid on my own trip.
Bring cash in Mexican pesos, preferably small bills. The operator lists cash payment at its Central del Norte counter. I could not confirm current card acceptance.
My outbound ticket showed the date, departure time, and fare. Check the time on your ticket and ask staff which platform to use.
Ask whether your return ticket lets you take a later departure and which buses it covers. Confirm the conditions when you buy it.
I recommend purchasing a return ticket unless you plan on taking a taxi or Uber back. Ask when the last bus leaves the archaeological site for Central del Norte before you set off. The terminal’s opening hours are not a timetable for the return stop.
During my visit, I only had a few minutes to spare, so I had to rush to catch the bus. If you have more time, you can stop by one of the restaurants or shops in the terminal.
Step 4: Security
Now that you have your ticket, double-check the departure time. After leaving the ticket counter, I headed toward Sala 8 on my left.
I went through a quick security check, similar to airport security. After I passed through, an employee looked at my ticket and pointed me in the right direction.
He told me to exit the terminal, turn right, and head to boarding bay 6. That was the bay used for my departure, and Scott also reported boarding at Bay 6. Ask an employee to confirm the platform for your bus.
Step 5: Boarding the Bus Towards Teotihuacan
Once you’ve got your ticket, walk past the booth toward the boarding platforms (look for signs saying Andenes).
Look for a bus displaying “Pirámides” or “Zona Arqueológica”, and confirm the destination with the driver before boarding. Follow the platform instructions you are given at the counter.
Check the next departure time when buying your ticket. Show your ticket to the driver as you board, and you’re good to go.
Step 6: Riding on the Bus
Check your ticket for a seat number and ask the driver if you are unsure where to sit.
On my visit, there was no air conditioner, but many windows were open, so it never got too warm onboard.
Depending on traffic, and the number of stops the bus makes, the journey should take about 60 to 90 minutes. Now, sit back and relax.
Step 7: Arrival at Teotihuacán
The operator lists stops at Puerta 1 and Puerta 2. I got off at Puerta 2, near the Pyramid of the Sun, and that is the entrance used in this guide. Puerta 1 is also an option if it better suits your route around the site.
Tell the driver you want Puerta 2 and ask them to let you know when you arrive.
The bus stops on a busy street with affordable restaurants and shops near Puerta 2. If you are hungry or thirsty, now is a great time to stop. I went to Restaurante Campestre on my visit, and it was great for a quick meal and drink.
From the street, walk through the parking lot and past the souvenir stalls toward the Puerta 2 entrance. This is where you buy your tickets.
The archaeological-site ticket is separate from your bus ticket. See admission prices and opening hours below before planning your visit.
How to Return to Mexico City From Teotihuacan by Bus
For the return journey described here, leave through Puerta 2. On my visit, I reached the main road, Carr. Pirámides, crossed it, and walked about 100 meters to my right to reach the queue shown in the photo above.
The bus company confirms return boarding at Puerta 2 and lists departures about every 15 minutes. Confirm the current boarding point with staff before crossing the road, and check that the bus goes to Central del Norte.
Reader tip: In his December 2025 comment, Scott suggested exiting through Puerta 3 near the Pyramid of the Moon if you finish your visit there. He reported turning left at the main road to reach the same return stop, between Puertas 2 and 3 but closer to Puerta 2.
Show your return ticket when boarding. Depending on when you leave, these buses can get busy. Allow around 60 to 90 minutes for the journey back, with more time if traffic is heavy.
Before leaving the terminal that morning, confirm the final return departure. Do not assume that buses will keep running after the archaeological site closes.
Back at Central del Norte, you can take the metro or Uber to your accommodation.
Planning Your Visit to Teotihuacan
How Much Is the Entrance Fee to Teotihuacan?
The standard admission price is 210 MXN or about US$11.15 for foreign visitors. Mexican nationals and foreign residents with valid identification pay 105 MXN or about US$5.57. The ticket includes the archaeological site and its museums. You can check the prices and buy through the official link on INAH’s Teotihuacan listing.
On Sundays, admission is free for Mexican nationals and foreign residents with proof of residency. Non-resident foreign tourists still pay the standard rate. I recommend a weekday if you have the choice.
Other exemptions are listed in INAH’s visitor information. Bring the required identification if you qualify.
What Are the Opening Hours?
The archaeological site opens daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. The Museum of Teotihuacan Culture lists hours of 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
How Long Do I Need to Spend at Teotihuacan?
Visiting Teotihuacan, including travel time, requires at least half a day. Allow around 3 to 5 hours at the site, depending on how much you want to see, plus the journeys there and back.
While half a day is doable, I recommend allowing a full day. That gives you more time for the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, Avenue of the Dead, Palace of Quetzalpapálotl, and Temple of Quetzalcóatl.
If you want to visit the museums or stop for a meal, leave extra time and get an earlier start.
Can You Climb the Pyramids?
Climbing the Pyramid of the Sun is not permitted. Access to other structures, including the Pyramid of the Moon, can change. Follow the signs and staff instructions, and check INAH’s current access information before planning your visit around a climb.
What Should I Bring?
Bring water in a reusable bottle, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and cash for the bus. Carry identification if you qualify for discounted or free admission. INAH does not allow food, smoking, or drones inside the archaeological site.
About Teotihuacan
What Is Teotihuacan?
Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Americas.
The site is best known for its well-preserved Mesoamerican pyramids, built in the pre-Columbian Americas. These include the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, linked by the Avenue of the Dead.
Teotihuacan was a sophisticated society with over 25,000 inhabitants. At its peak, the city stretched over 36 square kilometers (14 square miles).
Where Is Teotihuacan?
Teotihuacan is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Mexico City, in a sub-valley of the Valley of Mexico, in the state of Mexico.
The bus company estimates about an hour from Central del Norte in normal traffic. I would allow 60 to 90 minutes, plus the time needed to reach the terminal.
Who Built Teotihuacan?
Due to a lack of historical records, the identity of the people who built Teotihuacan remains unknown.
While humans have occupied the area for thousands of years, it was not until the 1st century that it developed into one of the largest ancient cities in the Americas.
In the 7th century, a fire destroyed the city, causing its abandonment. By the time the Aztecs arrived, the area was in ruins. They named the ruins Teotihuacan, which means “the place where gods were created.”
Last Updated on October 28, 2026
Thank you so much Anthony for these detailed instructions! I got as far as Terminal Norte and wandered around aimlessly so decided to google where in the terminal the tickets are purchased and came across your blog which is perfect and still 100% accurate (November 2024) the bus was even in Bay 6. Thanks again for putting the time and effort into this!
Stephanie,
Thank you for the update! I am glad I was able to help and that the information was still up to date.
Anthony, Thank you so much for this comprehensive and accurate information. This is exactly what the internet should be – nice people helping other nice people and not spewing bile and invective or trying to scam people. Everything here is still accurate as of December 2025. The bus ticket is now 75 pesos and we also boarded at Bay 6. The only thing I would add is that you can enter through Puerta 2 near the Pyramid of the Sun and then, if you want to, exit through Puerta 3 near the Pyramid of the Moon. If you do that, when you get to the main road, you turn left instead of right. Put another way, the bus stop is between Puertas 2 and 3 (although closer to Puerta 2) but you can exit through either one and find it. Thanks, Scott
Scott,
Thank you so much for the kind words and the updates. I will you use your information to update this page. Thanks!