ADO GL Travel Tips

"What can I carry on a bus in Mexico?"

That's one of the most frequently asked questions by travellers unfamiliar with Mexico's vast bus system, the largest in the world.

Here are some guidelines from ADO GL, the major deluxe class bus company for eastern and southern Mexico, including the Yucatan. Their guidelines include:

Can I travel with pets?

Yes, but they must go in the baggage compartment. They should be kept in a special kennel and they should be given a sedative in case it is a long trip. Travelling with a pet will be free of charge.

How much weight can a person take?

That will be up to 25 kilos free of charge and a small luggage that can fit in the compartment that is inside the bus. In case the baggage is heavier, then the exceeding weight should be paid at the counter according to the fare and a receit will be given to the passenger.

Do you accept any service orders?

We do. ADO GL has an agreement with some govenrment departments so that we can accept them. You can contact us in case you need any additional information.

Do you have any transportation that will take me to my house, my office, the hotel and so forth after arriving to Mexico City?

We do. In the TAPO Bus Station we have some small buses that are like an extension of our service and it takes you to different places in the city. We have some executive Taxis, some taxicabs that are authoruzied and there is the subway, which is the San Lázaro Station where the Lines 1 and B are. There are some authorized taxis in the Taxqueña Bus Station and there is the subway, which is the Taxqueña Station and where the Line 2 is. In the Central del Norte Bus Station there are some authorized taxicabs and the subway, which is the Autobuses del Norte Station and there is the Line 5.

How long before should I get to the bus station so that I can get on my bus?

The ideal thing should be to get there 30 minutes before during the low season and 45 minutes ahead of time during the high season.

Do they accept any credit and debit cards in the bus stations?

We do. We always accept the credt and debit cards as soon as they are Visa and Master Card and we also accept American Express in most of them.

Can I pay for an extra seat for myself when I travel on my own?

Yes, but the total amount of what the ticket costs should be paid.

Can I smoke inside the bus or in the bus stations?

You cannot. It is not allowed to smoke because of an official regulation.

Are there any promotions for the passengers that travel in the ADO GL buses?

All the promotions from the Line are shown in the Information Menu and in the Benefit Menu where you can find all the discounts that some hotels and restaurants have.

Which articles are not allowed in the ADO GL buses?

According to the Firearms and Explosives Law, the following articles cannot be taken:

  • Pistols, revolvers, riffles, shotguns, cartridges and explosive substances
  • Pistols that send some bright signals
  • Axes
  • Tholepins
  • Fulminating capsules or detonators
  • Shotguns and diabolos
  • Bows and arrows
  • Weapons that have compressed air
  • Knives, folding knives, a small razor, stilletos, daggers
  • Letter openers, disposable razors, penknives
  • Pepper protecting sprays, some stinging powders, etc
  • Spades, sables, foils, machetes and similars objects
  • Tear gas
  • Toys that will look like weapons or some real replicas
  • Electric paralyzers or some protective objects
  • Lighters and articles that will hide some sharp objects

    What sort of articles are not allowed to be transported in the ADO GL buses?

  • Acids and Corrosive substances
  • Damp batteries
  • Butane and propane gas
  • Cartridges filled with carbon dioxide
  • Firecrackers and all sorts of gunpowder
  • Flammable liquids
  • Gasoline
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Insecticides
  • Kerosene
  • Fluid for the lighters
  • Matches (in quite some important quantities )
  • Bottled oxygene
  • Paints
  • Solvents
  • Acetone (up to 250 mililiters)
  • Radioactive Material

    Which is the sort of luggage that is considered to be fragile?

    The following articles are considered to be fragile: In order to have these articles transported they should be packed very carefully and the passenger will assume responsibility.

  • Calculators, writing machines and dictation equipment
  • Musical instruments such as the guitars, violins, trombones and drums.
  • Televisions, radios, stereos and any other kind of entertaining articles like the monitors, amplifiers, loudspeakers and tape recorders.
  • Ceramic articles, porcelain and tropheys.
  • Paintings, sculptures and antique furniture.
  • Photographic and movie equipment such as lenses, cameras, flashes and projectors.
  • Video equipment such as cassette players and videocameras.
  • Precision instruments such as microscopes, measuring gadgets, etc.
  • Glassware such as mirrors, crystal and Chinese porcelain.
  • Glass containers for liqueur, wine, beer or perfume.

    What sort of electric gadgets can I use during my trip?

    All sorts of laptops, palms, cellular phones, videogames, and so forth.