The gateway to Mexico is at the palm of your hand when you visit la central. I grew up in this city and grew up traveling to visit relatives and we always use this bus station. Over the years there have been some drastic improvements for the best. I remember when I was little this was so small and crowded and a bit confusing to navigate. Now it is the opposite, it's big and open, more security screenings and clear signs labeling bathrooms, exits, taxis, etc. There are two main waiting areas so there is no confusion where to wait but you will have to pay attention as one of the waiting areas only service certain bus lines.
When you walk in there is one giant customer service desk but only certain agents can help you buy tickets for their bus line only. So if you wanna travel with estrella you have to go to that agent, if you wanna travel OMNIbus you have to go see that ticket agent. Certain bus lines only travel to certain states so keep that in mind when booking. When you travel to the bus loading area there are electric marquees labeling which location each bus is heading to. Before you depart you will be checked by the crew for tickets and proper forms of ID. Also, make sure you bring some spare change to tip the bag boys who load the luggage. If you are leaving or arriving at this station there are some aggressive luggage guys at the front of the station that will try to rip your bags away from you in terms of you tipping them for 'helping you out' so beware and just say no thanks.
There is a small food court in here with picnic-style tables but not a big variety. There is also a small convenience store inside that sells your normal travel goodies. Next to the store, there is a kiosk where you can hire a safe taxi. This means you pay a higher rate for a taxi with a flat rate to certain areas of the city. What this comes with is a certified driver whos gotten a background check and fingerprints run through the city and has been deemed as 'safe'. In the previous years, the war on drugs has overflowed to many aspects of everyday life for regiomontanos and at one point the bad guys were disguising themselves as taxi drivers and causing all kinds of horrific crimes. With 'safe taxi' it gives the customers peace of mind knowing the taxi driver is not affiliated with organize crime and has been working for many years in this profession.
But if you are feeling like you are untouchable and just wanna wing it there is a taxi stand right outside the station that is not 'safe taxi' meaning you are taking a taxi right off the street and that driver has not been background screened or fingerprinted like the ones inside the station 'safe taxi' stand. Or if you choose to arrive/depart on bus there are plenty of bus lines running infron of the station. There is also the metro if you want a quick and cheap way of traveling. The metor does have a 'no luggage' rule meaning you cant bring rolling bags with you only stuff you can carry over your shoulders. During rush hour space on the metro is limited and having no rolling luggage will be the best thing you can do.
Overall it's your average bus station just beware of panhandlers and homeless people trying to pickpocket you (especially if you look foreign or have blue/green hair haha) read more
