You'll find getting around Mexico relatively easy if you know a little Spanish. Doing so will definitely give you an edge in negotiations for taxi fares and making reservations for buses and ferries. If you speak no Spanish, stick to English-speaking deluxe buses and taxis for hire.

By Bus

Traveling by bus in Mexico can be an adventure, but it can also be extremely pleasant. It all depends on the class of travel you choose. While bus travel is probably the least expensive way to get around the country — buses connect nearly every town and village — it's a good idea to buy your tickets in advance, especially if you're planning to ride around the major holidays.

You can purchase your tickets for cash on a first-come, first-serve basis at bus stations, which resemble airport terminals. Classes available include first, second, and deluxe, and can be labeled in Spanish with a variety of names, such as primera plus, ejecutivo, plus, or de lujo. Often there's little difference between these classes, though first class usually means you'll ride in air-conditioned comfort. It also means a toilet on board and comfortable, less-crowded seating. The new deluxe buses are air-conditioned, usually seat only twenty-six or so passengers, show movies en route, have onboard stewards serving snacks, clean restrooms, and make few stops or may run express from city of origin to their final destination. There's little difference in the price from first class to deluxe, so the extra cost is worth it.

Though you can depend on deluxe and first-class bus schedules, their routes and times can change. You can get current information from local bus stations since there is no national bus directory.

By Taxi

Mexico has a variety of taxis. Before getting into one, however, you should tell the driver your destination and ask the fare — just say “¿Cuánto cuesta ?” To get an idea of what local fares may be, ask the desk clerk or concierge at your hotel. If the fare quoted you isn't what you had been told, or if negotiations aren't going well, just say “No, gracias,” and try another.

Mexico City has had problems with its taxis in recent years, mostly kidnaps and robberies. Even though the situation has improved, it's a good idea to avoid flagging down a taxi. Instead, take those either lined up at a taxi stand (called sitio taxis) or parked in front of a hotel. While the hotel taxis can cost as much as those in the United States, it's better to be safe than sorry.

You can also hire a taxi for a guided tour at an hourly rate. Just make sure the driver speaks English clearly enough for you to understand.

By Rental Car

Renting a car in Mexico is rarely as simple as signing on the dotted line and roaring off into the sunset. The process can go off without a hitch, or it can be an adventure.

You'll probably rent your car from an international car rental firm, either directly or through your travel agent as part of a package. Or you may rent on-site, thinking you'll get a better deal. No matter what your choice is, renting a car in Mexico can be expensive if you don't shop around.

Rates vary greatly from city to city and even from location to location within the same city. Lower prices are generally found with smaller local companies, where the ability to speak Spanish is a definite asset. Discounts are available for smaller cars rented for longer periods and sometimes if you reserve a certain number of days before your arrival — usually seven to fourteen days. You'll also get a break by paying at the time of booking, renting by the week, and returning the car to the same location.

The actual rental procedure is the same as anywhere else in the world. However, the implied meaning may be slightly different. You must have a valid driver's license and be able to convince the rental agency of two things: that you are personally creditworthy (a valid credit card in your name usually will do), and that you will return the car on time.

In addition, the minimum renter age, ranging from twenty-one to twenty-five years, differs from one company to another, even though the minimum driving age in Mexico is eighteen. There may also be an upper age limit of sixty-nine to seventy-five years.

By Ferry

If you're planning to drive down the Baja Peninsula and then continue driving on the mainland, you'll have to take one of the ferries that sail between Baja California and the mainland through the Sea of Cortés. The trip usually takes about twenty-four hours, so you'll need to make advance reservations for your car and your onboard accommodations at the ferry offices. You'll have a choice of three different classes of accommodations: cabina, private cabin with bath; turista, shared bunk beds; and salón, the least expensive, with unreserved reclining seats. Some ferries offer an classe especial, with larger deluxe cabins.

Ferries base their vehicle fares on the length of your vehicle. Passenger fares are separate, with children sailing for half the adult fare. Though salón fares are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis, turista fares can be reserved three or more days in advance and cabina fares a month or more in advance.

The ferry between La Paz in Baja California Sur and Mazatlán in the state of Sinaloa offers the most service. The three ferries that sail this route offer all classes of service, including especial, plus a cafeteria, restaurant with bar, video lounge, and disco. They sail daily in the late afternoon from Mazatlán, except Sunday.

Passenger-only ferries also run between the island of Cozumel and Playa del Carmen on the mainland below Cancún and between the island of Isla Mujeres and Cancún.