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Mexico City, Federal District to Mexicali, Baja California from $90: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Mexico City, Mexico
to
Mexicali, Mexico

How to Get from Mexico City to Mexicali: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$90 by busBest price
2202 kmDistance
4h 57m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Mexico City to Mexicali with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  57m
Estimated price
$92-389
Recommended
Company
Autobuses Elite
Bus
Average Duration
39h  55m
Estimated price
$90-270
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 2202 km
Duration: 4h 57m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
8h  16m
Estimated price
$105-355
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
7h  22m
Estimated price
$106-420
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
28h  15m
Estimated price
$171-920
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
28h  13m
Estimated price
$921-922
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Traveling From Mexico City to Mexicali

The journey from Mexico City to Mexicali offers a striking contrast between the bustling urban life of the capital and the laid-back, desert charm of Mexicali.

Best Neighbourhoods in Mexicali

Mexicali features vibrant neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences and charm.

Centro Histórico
• Home to historical landmarks and museums.
• Bustling markets filled with local culture.
Plaza de la Bandera
• Known for wide avenues and public art.
• Great dining options with local flavors.
Colonia Nueva
• Offers a relaxed atmosphere and parks.
• Popular for trendy cafes and shops.

Best Times To Visit Mexicali's Attractions

Timing your visit can greatly enhance your experience of Mexicali's highlights.

Centro Histórico
Visit early on weekdays to enjoy quieter streets and local shops.
Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station
Tours are less crowded during off-peak hours, typically in the morning.
Mexicali Zoo
Late afternoons on weekdays offer a more relaxed atmosphere and fewer visitors.

Mexicali Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Mexicali enjoys a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. The best times to visit are in the spring and fall when temperatures are more comfortable, allowing for enjoyable outdoor activities.

Dining Recommendation

Try the famous carne asada tacos at Tacos El Chino, where the focus is on simplicity and bold flavors using locally sourced ingredients. This experience contrasts with Mexico City’s vibrant culinary scene by emphasizing a laid-back atmosphere and traditional recipes that showcase Mexicali’s unique culinary heritage.

Mexico City - Mexicali operators

Explore transport companies operating between Mexico City and Mexicali, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
volaris.com

Plane from Mexico City (MEX) to Mexicali (MXL)

Average Duration
3h 25m
Estimated price
$925-926

Plane from Mexico City (MEX) to Tijuana (TIJ)

Average Duration
3h 40m
Estimated price
$929-3890

Plane from Mexico City Santa Lucia Apt (NLU) to Tijuana (TIJ)

Average Duration
3h 31m
Estimated price
$927-928

Plane from Mexico City Santa Lucia Apt (NLU) to Tijuana (TIJ)

Average Duration
5h 22m
Estimated price
$927-928

Plane from Mexico City Santa Lucia Apt (NLU) to Tijuana (TIJ)

Average Duration
6h 40m
Estimated price
$927-928
Website
aeromexico.com

Plane from Mexico City (MEX) to Mexicali (MXL)

Average Duration
3h 46m
Estimated price
$3891-3890

Plane from Mexico City (MEX) to Tijuana (TIJ)

Average Duration
3h 56m
Estimated price
$3892-928
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+52 55 5141 4300
Website
odm.com.mx

Bus from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte to Mexicali

Average Duration
39h 55m
Estimated price
$90-270

Bus from Tijuana to Mexicali

Average Duration
2h 40m
Estimated price
$902-901
Contact phone
+52 664 104 7400
Website
abc.com.mx

Bus from Tijuana International Airport to Mexicali

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
$3896-3897
Contact phone
800 507 5500
Website
autobuseselite.com.mx

Bus from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte to Tijuana

Average Duration
25h 30m
Estimated price
$3898-3899

Bus from Tijuana to Mexicali

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$900-901

Mexico City to Mexicali: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Mexico City and Mexicali offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on an epic road trip from Mexico City to Mexicali, spanning 1611 miles of diverse landscapes and cultural experiences. The journey offers a glimpse into the heart of Mexico, with each mile unraveling something new and exciting. ⛽️ Along the route, drivers will encounter charming towns, bustling cities, and breathtaking natural wonders, making the 28-hour drive a true adventure. The fluctuating prices to reach Mexicali by car, ranging from $260 to $390, provide flexibility for travelers to choose a budget-friendly or more luxurious option.
Average price
$260 - $390
🚆 Experience a scenic train journey from Mexico City to Mexicali spanning over 1 day and 11 hours across 2,408 km with 5 transfers. Start with a bus to Guadalajara before heading to San Jose, Culiacán, Ciudad Obregón, Santa Ana, and finally Tijuana before reaching Mexicali.
🛫 Flying from Mexico City to Mexicali is a convenient and efficient way to travel, with a direct flight taking just 3 hours and 23 minutes. Airlines like Aeroméxico and Volaris provide options for this route. 🌮 Once you arrive in Mexicali, you can explore the vibrant city known for its delicious food and cultural attractions. The flight duration of around 4 hours and 57 minutes allows for a comfortable journey to your destination. 💸 Prices for flights between Mexicali and Mexico City can range from $92 to $389, offering flexibility for travelers with different budget preferences. Booking in advance can help secure the best deals for your trip.
Departure Point
Mexico City Airport
Arrival Point
Mexicali Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Consider arriving at Mexico City Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez) at least 2-3 hours before your flight to handle any potential delays and to ensure a smooth check-in, especially as you are traveling with Aeroméxico or Volaris, which may have different boarding procedures.
• Upon arriving at Mexicali Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de Mexicali), look for the 'Salidas' (Departures) area for quick access to taxis; it's wise to agree on a fare with the driver beforehand, as rides to the city center typically cost around $20 - $25 USD.
• Check local transport schedules and dining options in advance at the airlines' websites; for instance, visit Aeroméxico's page at aeromexico.com and Volaris at volaris.com to see potential meal options onboard and any updates on baggage policies.
🚌 Traveling from Mexico City to Mexicali by bus is a long journey that takes approximately 39 hours and 55 minutes. The services operate every day, departing from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte in Mexico City. 🌵 The route covers a distance of about 2,420 kilometers with 3 transfers along the way. Passengers will travel through cities like Guadalajara, Phoenix, Hermosillo, before reaching Mexicali in Baja California. 🎫 Prices for buses between Mexicali and Mexico City can range from $90 to $270. Travelers can choose from various bus operators such as Autobuses Elite and Omnibus de Mexico for a comfortable and scenic journey across Mexico.
Departure Point
Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte station
Arrival Point
Mexicali station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Arrive early at Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte in Mexico City; lines can get long, especially during peak travel times, so plan to be there at least an hour before your departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.
• During your long journey, take advantage of the amenities offered by both Autobuses Elite and Omnibus de Mexico; pack snacks, download movies or books to read on your device, and dress in layers for the variable climate as you'll encounter different temperatures along the route.
• Upon arriving at Mexicali station, head towards the information desk to get a map of the area; it's quite busy, and the staff can guide you on transportation options such as taxis and local buses to reach your final destination.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Mexico City to Mexicali.

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The distance between Mexico City and Mexicali is approximately 1368 miles or 1612 miles by road. If you prefer to travel by plane, it takes around 4 hours and 49 minutes to reach Mexicali from Mexico City. However, if you choose to drive, the travel time is significantly longer, with a car journey taking approximately 28 hours and 10 minutes. Alternatively, taking a bus from Mexico City to Mexicali would take around 39 hours and 55 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Mexico City to Mexicali would be by bus, which costs approximately $80-$170. However, this method of transportation takes a significantly longer time, approximately 39 hours and 55 minutes. If time efficiency is the priority, flying would be the best option as it takes only 4 hours and 49 minutes, but the cost can range from $95-$490. Ultimately, the choice between cost-effectiveness and time-efficiency depends on the traveler's personal preferences and priorities.
The prices for a bus ticket between Mexico City and Mexicali typically range from $80 to $170. The exact price depends on factors such as the type of bus and the class of service chosen. It is recommended to check with different bus operators for the most up-to-date prices and to compare options. Additionally, prices may vary depending on the time of year and any promotional offers that may be available.
To travel from Mexico City to Mexicali without public transportation, you can choose to drive by car. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 1612 miles, and it takes around 28 hours and 10 minutes to reach Mexicali from Mexico City by car. However, please note that the prices for this journey can vary between $260 to $390 depending on factors such as fuel, tolls, and vehicle rental costs.
If you are looking to travel from Mexico City to Mexicali without a car, the best option would be to take a bus via Sonoyta. The journey takes approximately 35 hours and 19 minutes and the cost ranges from $130 to $260. This is a popular and reliable mode of transportation for this route, offering a convenient and affordable way to reach your destination.
Yes, there is a direct link between Mexico City and Mexicali. There is a bus service operated by Autobuses Elite that departs from Mexico City Norte and arrives in Mexicali. The journey takes approximately 39 hours and 55 minutes and the bus services operate every day, with departures every four hours. This is a convenient option for travelers looking to travel directly between the two cities.
The flight duration between Mexico City and Mexicali is approximately 3 hours and 27 minutes on a direct flight. The prices for this flight route tend to vary, ranging from $96 to $490 depending on factors such as the airline, date of travel, and availability of tickets. It is recommended to book in advance and compare prices from different airlines to get the best deal.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Mexicali. With over 80 hotels available, travelers can easily find a place that suits their budget and preferences. Prices start at $46 for basic accommodations, but there are also luxury hotels available for those looking for a more lavish stay. It is recommended to research and compare different hotels to find the best fit for your needs.

Trips from Mexico City