How to Get to Morelia, Michoacán (Bus, Flight, Car)

Getting to Morelia (Michoacan): Complete transportation guide + Tips

Are you planning to visit Morelia, the capital of Michoacan, and you’re wondering what’s the best way to get there?

You’ve come to the right place!

Whether you’re coming from Mexico City, Guadalajara or elsewhere, there are several options for you: bus, plane or car.

Each has its advantages, depending on your budget, the time you have available and your preference of travel comfort.

To help you organize your journey, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to get to Morelia.

Here you’ll find all the transport options, the companies to choose, practical advice and the best tips for safe and easy travel.

• Don’t miss my guide to visiting Morelia in one day!

So, which is the best way to get to Morelia? We’ll find out!

Getting to Morelia by bus

Morelia is well served by several bus companies, offering regular connections from major cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara and León.

Here’s what you need to know to plan your journey:

• From Mexico City: The journey takes around 4 hours. The main companies operating this route are ETN Autobuses, Primera Plus and Futura. Buses leave as early as 6:00 a.m. and run until 11:59 p.m. Ticket prices range from 650 et 800 MXN, depending on the company and class chosen.
• From Guadalajara: journey time approx. 3h45. Primera Plus offers departures every 3 hours. Tickets cost between 434 y 694 MXN, depending on class of service.
• From León: Journey time approx. 3h30. The following companies Primera Plus and Chihuahuenses operate this route, with departures every hour. Tickets cost between 400 y 600 MXN.

Do I need to book my bus ticket in advance?

It depends.

If you’re traveling during busy periods (Day of the Dead, vacations or long weekends), it’s a good idea to buy them in advance, as buses fill up fast. After all, it’s the cheapest way to get to Morelia!

Otherwise, you’ll find seats daily.

Personally, I like to buy my tickets a few days in advance so I can choose my seat!

Are there night buses to Morelia?

Yes, some companies offer night buses, especially from Mexico City and Guadalajara. This is a practical option if you want to make the most of your time and get to Morelia early!

Where is the Morelia bus station?

Morelia has three bus stations, but the main one is the Terminal de Autobuses Morelia TAM “Don Héctor Ruíz Guzmán”. This is where the majority of long-distance and intercity buses arrive.

It is located at Periférico Paseo de la República n° 5555, Colonia Sector República (Morelia), about 15 to 20 minutes from downtown.

What are the opening hours of the Morelia bus station?

Good news: the bus station is open 24 hours a day! Whether you arrive late at night or early in the morning, you can always wait for your bus.

How do I get to downtown from the Morelia bus station?

There are two main options for getting to the city center:

• Taxi: There’s a line of cabs at the exit, but they’re often in short supply, especially during touristy periods like Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). So you may have to wait quite a while for one.

• Uber: I didn’t feel like waiting in the long line, so I ordered an Uber directly. There was a bit of traffic at the station entrance, but it was still better than the cab queue! – It will usually wait for you here (click to see on the map).

What services are available at the Morelia bus station?

• Eating out: there are a few choices for this. To my surprise, Restaurant La Casita is really good, especially for a bus station restaurant. Otherwise, there’s Burger Tasty, Taco Tasty and Pizza Inviaggio for quick options.
• Coffee: If you need some, there’s The Coffee Comfort Station… but to be honest, the coffee isn’t good at all. I´ll admit, it’s great when you need caffeine to start the day, but I couldn’t finish mine.
• ATMs: You’ll find ATMs from several major banks (Santander, Banorte, BBVA, HSBC and others) handy for withdrawing money before you leave.
• Toilets: They’re not particularly clean in my experience, so bring some change and don’t expect great luxury.

Is there luggage storage at the Morelia bus station?

Yes, the Morelia bus station has a luggage storage service accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

📍 Where? The lockers are located near the cab counters in rooms A and B.

💰 Rate: 16 pesos per room per hour.

Getting to Morelia by car

Traveling by car is an excellent option for getting to Morelia, especially if you want to be self-sufficient and explore the area at your own pace.

From Mexico City, the journey takes around 3 hours 14 minutes, from Guadalajara around 3 hours 45 minutes, and from León (Guanajuato) around 3 hours 30 minutes.

Rent a Car to Explore Morelia and Michoacán

Many travelers choose to rent a car to explore Michoacán, and honestly, the advantages are plenty: freedom, speed, and flexibility with your itinerary and schedule.

But like any expense in your travel budget, it’s essential to compare different options to find the best car at the lowest price.

When it comes to car rentals, I personally always go with Booking.com Cars—here’s why:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Booking Cars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

Driving tips

• Tolls: Toll freeways are well-maintained and safer than secondary roads. You can pay in cash or use a rechargeable TAG to avoid stopping at every barrier.

• Prefer daylight driving: Daylight driving is always preferable, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the road.

Is the road to Morelia safe?

People often talk about safety in Michoacán, and it’s a legitimate question. Risk does exist, but mainly outside tourist areas and on secondary roads. If you use the main highways and drive during the day, there’s usually no problem.

I’ve made this journey several times and the road is pleasant. If you take the usual precautions and stay on the main roads, you can travel with peace of mind.

Getting to Morelia by plane

The General Francisco J.Múgica (MLM) International Airport serves Morelia, with flights from several cities in Mexico and the United States.

Airlines such as Volaris, Aeroméxico and Viva Aerobus provide regular connections to Mexico City, Tijuana, Monterrey, Chicago and Los Angeles.

To find a cheap flight to Morelia as well as the best flights within Mexico, I recommend using our flight comparator in partnership with Skyscanner. You’re guaranteed to pay the best price!

How do I get to downtown Morelia from the airport?

The airport is about 30 kilometers from downtown. There are several options for getting to Morelia:

• Official cabs: Taxis are available at the terminal exit. The journey takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare to the historic center (Zone 2) is 395 pesos.
• Shared shuttle (colectivo): A more affordable option, with fares from 170 MXN per person to the historic center. The journey can be longer due to multiple stops, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re in a hurry.
• Car rental: If you want to be self-sufficient, there are several car rental agencies available. This is a good option if you plan to explore the Morelia area. – Compare cars here!

Where to Stay in Morelia

Finding a great place to stay in Morelia is easier than in some other cities—prices are generally more accessible for the quality you get.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly stay, here are my top recommendations:

• OYO Hostal Mich: This budget-friendly hostel is located in the historic center of Morelia, near the Plaza de Armas. They have lockers, fans, and free Wi-Fi. The price starts from 13$ per night for a bed in a dormitory or 20$USD per night for a private room.

• Casa Jose María: This lovely hotel is a colonial house with a garden and a terrace. It is located in the historic center of Morelia, near the Museum of Natural History and the Aqueduct. The rooms are bright and comfortable, with wooden furniture and floral motifs. They have a private bathroom, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The price starts from 50$USD per night, breakfast included.

• Casa Vieja Hotel Boutique: This boutique hotel is a restored 18th-century house with a terrace and a garden. It is located in the historic center of Morelia, near the Conservatory of Music and the Museum of Contemporary Art. The rooms are modern and stylish, with wooden furniture and original artworks. They have a private bathroom, a coffee maker, and a flat-screen TV. The price starts from 180$USD per night, breakfast included. Strong points: The artistic vibe, the comfortable beds, the spacious rooms, and the central location.

• Hotel de la Soledad: This 5-star hotel is a beautiful colonial mansion with a courtyard and a fountain. It is located in the heart of Morelia, close to the cathedral and the main square. The rooms are cozy and charming, with wooden floors and colorful tiles. They have a private bathroom, a safe, and a flat-screen TV. The price starts from 260$USD per night, breakfast included. Strong points: The traditional decor, the friendly staff, the delicious breakfast, and the tranquil atmosphere.