Most of the countries we travel in have fantastic public transportation systems and are usually very cheap. Mexico is no exception.
When we go from town to town in the Lake Chapala area we usually take the bus. There are two types of buses you can take. Since we live close to the Carre Terra (main road) in Ajijic, we try to take the bigger bus. This bus stays on the main road and does not take any back roads. The cost to ride to the next couple of towns away (10-15 min.) from Ajijic costs about 7 pesos (33 cents). If you want to ride to the town of Chapala (20-30 min) it will cost you 9 pesos (43 cents). This is one way, per person.
The bigger (longer) bus will have all the towns that it stops in on the front window. Some of these longer buses are direct to Guadalajara so if you are not sure, ask the driver. If you want to go to the airport on the direct bus it will cost around 70 pesos ($3.40), and take about 45 minutes. If you don't mind going via Chapala to the airport it will only cost 24 pesos ($1.15), but the ride is about 1.5 hrs.
One very important thing to mention if you go to the airport via the bus. The bus will drop you off on the highway and you will have to walk about a mile to the terminal. If you are carrying large bags then I would not recommend this mode of transportation.
The cost from Ajijic to the WalMart area of town will cost about 50 pesos ($2.40). If you want to go from Ajijic to the town of Chapala it will cost about 80 pesos ($3.85). Remember, these prices are all based on what you can negotiate.
If you want to go the airport the cost will be about 500 pesos ($24). We have a personal driver that we like to use. He will take us to the airport or the Guadalajara bus station for 500 pesos.
There are many first class bus lines to choose from. There are ETN, Omnibus, or Primera Plus to name a few. These buses almost always go direct to your destination with minimal stops.
Prices will vary according to where you want to travel, but comfort and ease is what these first class buses are all about. They are like flying in business or first class on an airline. These buses have in-seat entertainment (they even provide headsets), wifi, huge comfy seats and lunch or breakfast plus a drink is given to you before you depart your destination of origin.
The in-seat movies are in Spanish and don't forget to bring a light jacket if you get cold easily. The buses can sometimes be a bit chilly.
For all those travellers over the age of 60, you get the senior discount. All travel for those seniors is 1/2 price. You can't beat that bargain.
So the next time you are in Mexico, make sure you look into all your options for transportation, and decide what is best for you.
~Randy