As you may know, there is a lot in the news these days about Mexico / U.S. relations, and the subject of Central Americans crossing borders. And how to respond to that.
Long distance bus travel in Mexico is a lot more common than in the U.S. The quality of service ranges for acceptable to borderline elegant, with some routes offering reclining seats that rival first class found on airlines.
If you are in the small minority of foreigners that do travel by bus, be aware of something new. Mexico is starting to require long distance bus travellers to provide full identification.
In the past, I have travelled by bus across a lot of Mexico. I kind of enjoy not having a car, or it’s expenses, on some trips. And yes, I have always been expected to present I.D. before. It seems that you personally will not get in trouble if you don’t have I.D., but the bus companies are subject to serious fines if they slip up. So they will be more picky about letting you ride.
What identification to have if you are bussing it, say, from Nogales to San Carlos (which is a route commonly used by Gringos with residences in that seaside Mexican town)?
A list published by one company, Autobuses De Oriente, includes –
Passport
Voter Registrtion Card
Military ID
Visa
Drivers license
Professional Credentials card
Two bus companies service Puerto Peñasco. TAP which heads west to Mexicali, and Albatros, going east the length of the State of Sonora through Hermosillo to Navojoa. From here, connections to other bus lines can take you to pretty much anywhere in the country.
