Things to do in Puebla: The 25 Best Places to Visit

If you’re looking for a great destination near Mexico City, you should visit Puebla de Zaragoza, the capital of the state of Puebla.

This charming colonial city is located at 7,005 ft above sea level and surrounded by majestic volcanoes like Popocatepetl, Iztaccihuatl and La Malinche. It’s famous for its colorful buildings, its traditional talavera pottery, and its rich history and culture.

Puebla has so much to offer that you’ll never run out of things to do!

To make sure you have the best experience possible, I’ve created this guide, with the 25 best places to visit in Puebla and its surroundings.

I’ve also included all the practical information you need to get to Puebla, a suggested itinerary for a day in Puebla, and my recommendations for restaurants and hotels for all budgets.

So, what are the best things to do in Puebla? Where to stay?

1. The Zócalo

One of the must-see places in Puebla is the zócalo, the heart of the historic center and a  World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

This is where Puebla’s history and culture come alive, as you can admire its impressive buildings (the cathedral, the municipal palace), and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the restaurants, shops and cafes that line the square. You’ll definitely want to visit the zócalo during your stay!

If you need tourist information about Puebla, such as maps, guides, etc., you can go to the Palacio Municipal (Portal Hidalgo 14), where you’ll find a helpful staff. Very handy.

2. The Cathedral

You can’t miss the basilica cathedral, also known as Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepción, when you visit Puebla: it’s the second largest cathedral in Mexico!

This magnificent building was constructed from the 16th to the 17th centuries, with a stunning Renaissance-style façade and a lavish Baroque interior. It houses many artworks, such as paintings, sculptures, gold and silver work, three organs and exquisite woodwork.

I was especially captivated by the Altar de los Reyes, which is full of intricate details.

• Open Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm
• Free entry

4. Biblioteca Palafoxiana

The Palafoxiana Library is a treasure for book lovers and history buffs alike. It’s the first public library on the American continent, and it has a collection of 43,000 volumes, ranging from the 15th to the 20th century, covering various topics such as history, philosophy, theology, and literature.

This library is located on the second floor of the Casa de Cultura de Puebla, in a beautiful vaulted room. It was founded in the 17th century by Bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza, who donated his personal library of 5,000 volumes to the schools of San Pedro and San Juan.

He also made a very progressive decision for that time: he allowed anyone who could read to access his books. 😍

The library became a museum in 1981, and today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Puebla.

• Address: 5 Oriente 5, corner with 16 de Septiembre, Puebla
• Open Tue-Thurs 10am to 5pm, Fri-Sun 10am to 6pm. Admission 45 pesos
• Facebook Page

5. Amparo Museum

The Amparo Museum is one of the places you can’t miss in Puebla. It’s located in a historic palace and hospital from the colonial era, and it has a huge collection of Mexican art: 7 rooms dedicated to the pre-Hispanic era, 3 rooms showcasing the colonial era and the nineteenth century, and exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.

There are also temporary exhibitions of national and international artists.

I highly recommend downloading the free Amparo Plus app (Android, iOS) which gives you information about the exhibitions (audio, video, etc.).

You can also go up to the terrace where there is a cafeteria with a nice view, perfect for taking photos of the historic center.

You can have breakfast here (Wednesday to Monday from 9am to 12:30pm) or have a drink in the evening (Friday to Saturday until 10pm). There are even concerts sometimes.

• Address: Avenida 2 Sur 708, Downtown, Puebla
• Open every day from 10am to 6pm, except Tuesdays when it is closed
• Admission 85 pesos
• Web page

6. Barrio del Artista (Artist Quarter)

Barrio del Artista is a must-visit in Puebla, where art comes alive right on the streets.

Here, you can casually stroll among local artists at work, each piece a unique reflection of the city’s vibrant spirit. It’s also the perfect spot for a relaxing coffee break, either on the quaint plaza or a terrace, as you soak in the artistic atmosphere.

7. The gastronomy of Puebla

Puebla is famous for its delicious cuisine, which is recognized throughout Mexico. It is the home of the famous mole poblano, a sauce made with different chiles and spices, which is usually served with chicken.

Another iconic dish is the chile en nogada, a chile stuffed with meat and fruit, covered with a nut sauce and pomegranate seeds. The colors are reminiscent of the Mexican flag -green, white and red- and that’s why it is widely offered by restaurants in September, the month of independence.

And, of course, street food in Puebla also has some tasty surprises: cemitas, tacos árabes, chalupas.

Personally, I really like the cemitas poblanas, which are sandwiches with avocado, cheese, onion, meat, papalo, red sauce, all served on a bread with sesame seeds.

If you want to enjoy the best of Puebla’s cuisine, I recommend you take this food tour in Puebla: 

8. Calle de los Dulces (Street of Sweets)

Puebla is not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the taste buds. You have to try its famous sweets, which have been made since colonial times.

Puebla’s sweets are so important that they even have their own street: Calle 6 Oriente, also known as Calle de los Dulces (or Calle del Dulce) in the historic center.

There is a lot to choose from, but the most famous sweets in Puebla are sweet potatoes, macaroons, muégano, jamoncillo, borrachitos, cocadas, coconut-filled lemons, alegrías and tortas de Santa Clara, my favorite.

They are cookies created in colonial times by the nuns of the Santa Clara convent. They are made with flour, butter, sugar and egg yolk, and they have a delicious almond flavor.

If you want to taste these and other traditional sweets in Puebla, you can go to La Gran Fama, the first confectionery that opened in the 19th century, and to Dulcería Santa Clara, another Puebla institution, open since 1907.

They are a perfect souvenir to take home or to enjoy on the spot. 😋

9. Museum of the Revolution

This is the home of the 4 Serdán siblings (Carmen, Natalia, Aquiles and Máximo) who joined the revolutionary movement led by Francisco Madero against Porfirio Díaz in 1910.

The place is considered the cradle of the Mexican Revolution and the facade still has many bullet holes.

There are 26 rooms on 2 floors where you can learn about the family’s daily life and different aspects of the revolution (documents, photographs, weapons, objects)

• Address: Av 6 Ote 206, Downtown, Puebla
• Open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 5 pm; Fridays and Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm
• Admission 40 pesos or 20 pesos for children under 12 years old

10. The talaveras

Talavera is a type of pottery that has made Puebla famous since the 17th century.

The products are mainly plates, vases, pitchers and figurines, but you can also see Puebla talavera on the walls and facades of buildings (like the famous Casa de los Azulejos in Mexico City).

A great place to admire the beauty of talaveras in Puebla is the Casa de los Muñecos (2 Norte #4, Puebla (Zocalo).

This building has a stunning façade decorated with 16 images made of talaveras. They depict different scenes from mythology, history, and literature. They also have a hidden meaning: they represent the 16 councilmen who opposed the construction of the building because the owner wanted it to be taller than the city hall.

You can also visit the church of San Francisco (Address: 14 Oriente corner Blvd. 5 de Mayo, Puebla) which is the oldest convent in Puebla, and has a facade with talaveras. It’s stunning!

You can also discover the manufacturing process -which takes an average of 3 months and can take up to 6 months- in some workshops that offer guided tours.

I recommend, for example, Casa Uriarte (4 Poniente #911, Puebla), the oldest workshop in the city, which has been operating since 1824.

11. Tasting Ancho Reyes

It’s a unique drink, with a sweet and spicy taste, a smoky aroma and 40% alcohol. I like to drink it in a cocktail with ice, but you can also enjoy it neat or mixed with other drinks.

Ancho Reyes is inspired by a traditional liquor that was popular among artists and intellectuals in Puebla in the 1920s. It’s a tribute to that creative and rebellious spirit.

If you want to try Ancho Reyes, you can find it in many bars and liquor stores in Puebla. You can also visit the distillery located in downtown Puebla, where you can learn more about the history and production of this liqueur

• Address: Av 12 Pte 912B, San Pablo de los Frailes, Puebla
• Free visit (1h30), Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. You need to make an Online reservation.

12. The Parián Handicrafts Market

If you’re looking for a place to buy some souvenirs in Puebla, you should check out the Parián Market.

It’s the best place in Puebla to buy talaveras (and other crafts), as there are many shops selling all kinds of traditional crafts, such as talaveras, leather, textiles, jewelry, sweets, ceramics, wooden objects, etc.

The Parián is considered the first craft market in Puebla, as it started in 1760.

• Address: Calle 6 Norte #205, Puebla
• Open every day from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

13. Callejon de los Sapos

The Callejon de los Sapos (street of the toads) has a curious name that comes from a flood: they say that in colonial times, the San Francisco River used to overflow often, causing floods.

Some people decided to take advantage of the situation by installing windmills, which attracted many toads because of the stagnant water.

Today, it is a colorful pedestrian street with restaurants, cafes, antique shops, bars and stores.

14. Explore the secret tunnels of Puebla

One of the most unique and fascinating activities in Puebla is exploring the underground tunnels that were discovered in 2014.

These tunnels are part of a network that was built between the 17th and 19th centuries, and that connected different strategic buildings and churches in Puebla. They have a mysterious history, as they were used for various purposes, such as hiding treasures, escaping enemies, or storing weapons and ammunition.

You can enter the tunnels through the Puente de Ovando, then walk through the Puente de Bubas, which is another bridge that was used as a leper hospital in colonial times. You can also visit some rooms that display historical artifacts and information about the tunnels.

You’ll end your tour with the Pasaje Histórico 5 de Mayo, which is a 16 ft deep passage that commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when the Mexican army defeated the French invaders.

The part of the tunnels that is open to the public is called “The Secrets of Puebla”, but it is estimated that the whole network extends for 6 miles!

• Admission 30 pesos
• Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm
• Address: Blvrd Héroes del 5 de Mayo 8, Barrio de La Luz, Puebla

15. Barrio de Analco

Founded in 1560, Barrio de Analco is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Puebla. Its name means “on the other side of the river”.

Today it is best known for its market that you can explore on Saturdays and Sundays, and where you will find mainly handicrafts (wood, silver, etc.), but also clothing, furniture and even several food stalls.

16. The forts of Puebla

The “Cinco de Mayo” holiday honors the Battle of Puebla, which happened on May 5, 1862.

The Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, beat the French army, who wanted to take over Mexico. The Mexican soldiers were fewer than the French soldiers, but they fought hard and won.

The Fort of Loreto (which houses a museum open Tuesday through Friday, 70 pesos) and the Fort of Guadalupe are symbols of this important battle and allow you to learn more about this part of history.

Also in the same park you can take the Puebla cable car at 58 meters high to see the city. Ticket 57 pesos round trip.

17. Street art in Xanenetla

The Xanenetla neighborhood is a place where you can see the power of art and community. It used to be a neglected area, but now it is a safe and attractive zone, with a network of narrow streets filled with colorful murals.

The murals are the work of Colectivo Tomate, a group of artists who have beautified several cities in Mexico. They always involve the local residents in the creation of the murals, and they reflect the cultural elements of each place.

• I was amazed by the murals of Colectivo Tomate in La Paz (Baja California Sur), where they painted whales, sea turtles, and other marine animals. Here, in Puebla, they painted roosters, virgins, flowers, and other symbols of Puebla’s identity.

 

18. Take a free walking tour of Puebla

If you want to visit Puebla on a budget, you should take a free tour of Puebla with Estación México. You’ll be able to see its main attractions and learn about its history and culture, without spending a lot of money. You’ll visit the Cathedral, the Chapel of the Rosary, the Palafoxiana Library, the Barrio del artista, the Calle del dulce, the Church of San Francisco, and more.

You just need to give a tip at the end, as a sign of appreciation.

I have taken several tours with them, and I can tell you that they are very informative and entertaining. They also offer different tours for different interests, such as gastronomy, art, or nightlife.

• The tour leaves every day at 11:00 am from the Zócalo – Book the free tour here

19. Ride the tourist bus

Taking the double-decker bus is a great option if you have limited time in Puebla.

You’ll be able to see the main attractions in 55 minutes: the cathedral, the municipal palace, the library, Los Sapos and Analco markets, the Palacio de Congreso, the forts, the theater and the Calle de los Dulces.

It’s also a good way to start your tour of the city (departure at 10 am) and see what you want to explore more. Plus, it’s very affordable!

You can book your tickets here:

20. International Museum of the Baroque

This is the perfect museum for a city with so many examples of Latin American Baroque.

Its amazing structure was designed by Japanese architect Toyō Itō and it has several temporary exhibition halls, as well as 7 permanent halls that explore different baroque themes (architecture, painting, theater, music, clothing, etc.).

This museum is very interactive, with many touch screens and video mapping. It is quite large, so you might need 2 hours to see everything.

• Address: Atlixcayotl Territorial Reserve, 2501, Puebla
• Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm
• Price: 80 pesos
• Facebook Page

21. Descend into the world’s smallest volcano

Cuexcomate, the world’s smallest volcano, is only a 15-minute drive from the Zócalo.

But don’t be fooled by its name: it’s actually a geyser that formed after Popocatepetl erupted in 1064. It’s now inactive, but still impressive: it’s 43ft high, 75ft in diameter and 55ft deep.

You can see this unique sight in the middle of the city, and even go inside the crater with stairs!

• Address: 2 Poniente and Ayuntamiento, Colonia La Libertad, Puebla
• Admission: 14 pesos
• Open from Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm

Around Puebla

22. Cholula

Cholula is a charming “pueblo mágico” (magical town) on the outskirts of Puebla, split into San Pedro Cholula and San Andres Cholula. It was once a sacred site for the Toltecs, who built the largest ceremonial center in the region around 500 BC.

In Cholula, you can visit:

–The Great Pyramid of Cholula: this is the world’s largest pyramid by base (over 1300 ft on each side!) and volume (4,500,000 m³). It has 5 miles of tunnels that reveal its different stages of construction and its murals.

–The Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios: this is the church that stands on top of the pyramid, built in the 16th century and remodeled in the 19th century.

–The site museum: this is where you can learn about the history and culture of Cholula since pre-Hispanic times, through an exhibition with ceramics, models, paintings, artifacts, etc.

• How to visit Cholula from Puebla: 20-30 minutes by car, cab (from Terminal CAPU or Terminal 4 Poniente) or bus (from Terminal 6 Poniente)
• How to visit Cholula from Mexico City: you can join a tour that includes Puebla and Cholula. Book the tour here:

23. Zacatlan and Chignahuapan

You can enjoy the beauty of the Sierra de Puebla by visiting these two towns, which are only 2h15 away from Puebla.

I suggest stopping on the way at the Salto de Quetzalapan waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in the state of Puebla (330 ft).

A little further on is the Cascadas Tulimán Recreational Center, which has 3 areas with different activities: hiking trails along the two rivers, waterfalls, local food, hanging bridge, natural hot water pools, zip line.

You can also see the Barranca de los Jilgueros, a 440 yards deep ravine from its glassed-in viewpoint. Green and misty due to its tropical climate, it offers a beautiful natural spectacle.

In Zacatlan you can learn about the process of making local fruit wines, cider and taste its famous traditional cheese bread.

There is also the Clock Museum, the wine museum and the old Franciscan convent.

Chignahuapan is known for its handmade Christmas spheres, which are a great souvenir to buy.

Another attraction is the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, which has a 40 ft high Virgin statue and a colorful Moorish style kiosk in its main square.

24. Cuetzalan

Its name means “the place where the quetzals are abundant”.

Quetzals are colorful birds that were sacred to the ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations. They have long green tail feathers and red chests. Maybe that’s why the typical clothing of the local women is one of the most beautiful in Mexico. 🙂

What to see in Cuetzalan:

-The Parish of San Francisco de Asis, built in the 17th century, which is the symbol of the town

-The Church of the Jarritos or Sanctuary of Guadalupe, a neo-Gothic building decorated with clay pots, whose construction was inspired by those found in Lourdes in France

-The archaeological site of Yohualichan: it was inhabited by several cultures, among them the Totonacs, who later built El Tajin (State of Veracruz) on the same model and became one of the most important cities in Mesoamerica. Admission 70 pesos, open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm

-Its numerous waterfalls (there are about 30!): there are several activities to do such as rappelling or zip-lining at Cascada El Salto, hiking to the magnificent Cascada de Las Golondrinas (Swallow waterfall)

-Poza Pata de Perro: you can swim in this rock formation with natural pools full of water

-The local market: held on Sunday mornings in the Plaza de Cuetzalan. The Nahua people, mainly women, sell all kinds of products (fruits, vegetables, etc.). Look closely and you will notice that the locals use barter among themselves.

How to get to Cuetzalan

• By bus there are several departures from Mexico City per day (6h trip with ADO or AU – leaving from TAPO), and every hour from Puebla (3h trip with VIA)

25. Botanical Cactus Garden

The Helia Bravo Hollis Botanical Garden is a natural wonder in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, 2 hours away from Puebla. It is named after a Mexican botanist who devoted her life to studying cacti.

This garden is home to more than 100 species of cacti, some of them rare and endangered. Some are as tall as 33 ft and as old as 200 years! You can learn about their medicinal and nutritional uses, and how they were valued in ancient times.

You can also admire the birds that live in this area, such as eagles that soar in the sky looking for their prey. You can watch them from the bird watching towers in the garden.

26. Atlixco

Atlixco is a town at the foot of the Popocateptl volcano, known for its mild climate and its large flower production. That’s why it’s also called “Atlixco de las Flores”!

You can enjoy the beauty and color of this town as you stroll through its streets, markets, craft stores and restaurants with terraces. You can also admire the view of the volcano from different spots in the town.

In the main square you can see the Ex-Convento del Carmen, which dates back to the 16th century.

Along with the convents of San Francisco and Santa Clara, they are the three most important religious buildings in Atlixco, but my favorite is the Church of La Merced with its stunning baroque facade.

Where to stay in Puebla?

There are hotels for all budgets in Puebla, but it pays to book in advance, as its proximity to Mexico City makes it a major tourist destination on weekends and holidays.

Hotels that offer good value for money fill up very quickly.

• Hotel Santiago: the ideal hotel for a cheap stay in Puebla, practically on the corner of the Zocalo, with a rooftop terrace offering a beautiful view of the cathedral. Rooms are only 30 $usd per night!

• NH Puebla Centro Historico: a hotel in the historic center of Puebla, with a rooftop terrace that has a swimming pool, a gym, available parking, good wifi and a buffet with breakfast included, starting at 48 $usd per night!

• Hotel Boutique Casareyna: a 16th century mansion next to the Bubas Bridge, converted into a luxury hotel that offers spacious rooms, a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, a gym and spa, parking and a hearty breakfast. Rooms with parking and breakfast start at 105 $usd per night!

• Banyan Tree Puebla: this is my favorite hotel in Puebla, the perfect choice for a romantic stay or to enjoy real luxurious comfort in the heart of the city. There’s a terrace garden, a rooftop, a pool and spa overlooking the volcanoes, a restaurant with a terrace, and a good breakfast. For 226 $usd per night.

To see all hotels in Puebla you can also click on the green button:

7 Best things to do in Puebla with kids

There are also many things to do in Puebla with your family, here are some suggestions:

1. Museum of Viennese Music: it is a replica of the Vienna House of Music (Haus der Musik) with 16 rooms dedicated to music, sound, great international and Mexican composers, 2 rooms with interactive games. Don’t miss the Virto Stage, where you can “conduct” a virtual orchestra. – Temporarily closed

2. Africam Safari: a fun and educational activity for kids in Puebla. You can see 350 different species of animals living in (semi) freedom and drive along paths, without disturbing them. You can also explore a botanical garden and an insectarium on foot, where you can learn about plants and insects. – Buy your tickets here!

3. ArboTerra: it is an interactive conservation project with about 50 different species, mainly birds. There is also a tree house. The visit takes about 1 hour. This is a great place to visit with the family in Puebla, as there is also a themed restaurant on site. Website, open Wednesday to Monday from 10am to 5pm

4. Tactical Rescue: This is a laser tag game where you can choose to be an elephant protector or a poacher. The goal is to either save the elephants or capture them for their tusks. It’s just a game, but it feels very realistic. Website, open Monday to Friday from 1pm to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 9pm

5. Estrella de Puebla: with its 260 ft it is the biggest Ferris wheel in Latin America. When the sky is clear you can even see the volcanoes Popocateptl, Iztaccihuatl, Pico de Orizaba and La Malinche. Admission 40 pesos, open from 4 p.m. – Temporarily closed

6. Museum of Evolution: a museum that explores science, technology and ecology. You can learn about the universe, dinosaurs and human evolution in different thematic rooms. Admission 45 pesos for adults and 23 pesos for children under 12 years old, open Tuesday to Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm

7. Planetarium: right next to the museum of evolution, with interactive games, and an OMNIMAX dome that shows projections from Tuesday to Sunday at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. Facebook page

How much time to visit Puebla?

If you want to see the best of Puebla, you should spend one or two days in the city, but you will need more time to discover the other attractions of the state.

Here is my suggested itinerary to see as much as possible in 1 day in Puebla.

What to do in Puebla in 1 day

You can easily visit Puebla in one day, at least its historic center, since the main tourist attractions are within walking distance.

• In the morning, start at the Zocalo and the cathedral
• Continue to the Biblioteca Palafoxiana
• Continue to the Amparo Museum. You should also go up to the terrace to enjoy the views. And why not have a coffee while you’re there?
• Discover the Callejón de los Sapos
• To buy a souvenir, go to the Mercado del Parián
• Stroll through the Barrio del Artista
• Buy some typical Puebla sweets on the Calle de los Dulces
• Finish at the magnificent Capilla del Rosario 

To help you understand, here’s the 1-day itinerary to Puebla on the map:

Where to Eat in Puebla : 5 restaurants to try

Mercado de Sabores: this is the best place to eat on a budget in Puebla. You can try the cemitas, those huge sandwiches I mentioned before, there are several places, but I recommend Super Cemitas Alex!

Los Globos: located right next to the zocalo, this is a good cheap restaurant in Puebla where you can try some typical dishes (like mole poblano). Calle 2 Sur 509, Puebla.

Clementina cocina Poblana: my favorite place in Puebla! It is a small local restaurant run by very friendly young people, with very good quality and affordable prices. I went with my family and we all loved the different dishes. Personally, I ordered the enchiladas tres moles (159 pesos) and LOVED it!

Augurio: a good restaurant in Puebla, to try to discover the regional cuisine if you have a little more budget. It is best known for its moles and won the 2017 Gourmet Award for best new restaurant in the state. Calle 9 Oriente 16, Puebla.

El Mural de los Poblanos: it isn’t just Puebla’s most famous restaurant; it’s a celebration of the city’s history and cuisine.

Named for Antonio Álvarez Morán’s artwork depicting key historical figures, it’s where I first fell in love with authentic Pueblan food.

Definitely try their ‘degustación’ de moles – it’s a fantastic way to experience the variety of Puebla’s famous sauces, including mole poblano, pipian verde, pipian rojo, adobo, and manchamanteles. And for someone who enjoys mezcal, their selection was just perfect!

How to get to Puebla

How to get from Mexico City to Puebla

1. By bus

The trip from Mexico City to Puebla takes 2h30.

There are several bus companies to Puebla but I recommend ADO, as it is safe, comfortable and reliable in terms of schedules.

There are departures every 20-30 minutes, so it is not necessary to book in advance (but it is a good idea on holidays and weekends), and the price varies depending on the departure time (ticket between 180-220 pesos each way).

There are several bus terminals in Mexico City, but I recommend leaving from TAPO in the center because it is better located to avoid traffic to Puebla.

You will arrive at the CAPU bus station in Puebla which is 20 minutes from downtown.

Here is how to get from the terminal to the Zocalo in Puebla:

• By official cab: there are counters inside to request the service, about 100 pesos. The uber costs a few pesos less.
• By bus: in front of the station you have to take bus 44 (white and yellow) or the one that goes from Boulevard – CU – Xilotzingo (cream and blue), ticket 6 pesos

2. By car

It takes 2 hours (140 km) to drive from Mexico City to Puebla.

• From the historic center: take Calzada Ignacio Zaragoza which becomes Highway 150 Mexico-Puebla
• From the south: the easiest way is to take the Periferico to the highway

There are two tolls:

• Between Mexico City and San Martin Texmelucan (140 pesos)
• Between San Martin Texmelucan and Puebla (44 pesos)

To know the tolls, it is best to visit the Traza tu Ruta website

3. By plane

I don’t think it is the best option for such a short trip, but Volaris and Aeromexico offer a few flights a week.

There are no direct flights, there is always a stopover (Monterrey, Tijuana, Cancun). Sometimes there are even two stops, so be careful when comparing prices.

The shortest trip I found was 4 hours, so arriving by plane is longer than the bus.

Hermanos Serdan International Airport is 15 miles from downtown Puebla. A cab should costs between 330 and 400 pesos

How to get from Oaxaca to Puebla

1. By bus

The trip from Oaxaca City to Puebla takes 5 hours.

Several departures with ADO and AU. Prices vary a lot (between 427 pesos and 676 pesos) depending on the time of day and the length of the trip, as some trips are direct and others are not.

2. By car

To get from Oaxaca to Puebla by car, it takes 4 hours and 15 minutes.

From Oaxaca, take highway 135D to Mexico City, then follow the signs to Puebla/Mexico City to take highway 150D (Orizaba – Puebla/Córdoba – Puebla/Mexico City)

There are five toll booths on the highway:

• Huitzo: 93 pesos
• Suchixtlahuaca: 80 pesos
• Miahuatlan: 33 pesos
• Tehuacan: 46 pesos
• Amozoc: 75 pesos

For updated rates, don’t forget to check the Traza tu Ruta website

Tourist map of Puebla

Do you want to rent a car in Mexico?

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore Puebla and make the most of your stay!

To rent a car, personally, I always use Booking.com Cars, for a few reasons:

• 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:

How to find the best airline ticket to Mexico

To find your cheap flight to Mexico I recommend you to use our flight comparator in partnership with Skyscanner, it’s the guarantee to pay the best price for domestic and international flights!

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico

• Mexico City: The 31 Best things to Discover
• Oaxaca: Top 20 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions!

• Itinerary: 8-10 days in Mexico – From Mexico City to Oaxaca
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month

• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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