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How to Get to Saltillo

How to Get to Saltillo

Saltillo Coahuila, Mexico Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Saltillo Plan de Guadalupe International Airport (SLW) is the main local airport, located about 15-20 km east of the city center. General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (MTY) in Monterrey, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes drive north, offers more flight options and better international connectivity.

Flight Information

  • SLW is served mainly by Aeromexico Connect and VivaAerobus, with flights to Mexico City (MEX).
  • MTY has major domestic airlines (Aeromexico, VivaAerobus, Volaris) and international carriers (American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest).
  • Direct international flights to SLW are limited. MTY offers direct flights to several U.S. Cities.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

SLW is a small airport with basic services: check-in, baggage claim, car rental, snack bars, and taxis. MTY is larger and more up-to-date, with multiple terminals, diverse dining and shopping, currency exchange, and lounges.

Transfer Options

  • From SLW to Saltillo: Taxis (official airport taxis), ride-sharing (Uber/DiDi), car rental.
  • From MTY to Saltillo: Private transfer services, bus (Grupo Senda, Frontera to Saltillo's Central de Autobuses), car rental.
  • Flight prices are higher during local holidays (Easter, summer, Christmas). Book flights well in advance, notably during high season. Dollar Flight Club can help with deals.

Affordable Flights

Consider flying during shoulder or low seasons for more affordable fares. Use Skyscanner for comparisons.

Airport Experience

SLW offers an uncomplicated and quick airport experience as a result of its smaller size. MTY provides a full range of ground transit services.

Modern Amenities

MTY features duty-free shopping, various car rental options, ATMs, and airline lounges.

Transfer Options from MTY to Saltillo

Convenient Choices

  • Private Transfer Services: Many companies offer pre-booked private transfers, providing convenience.
  • Bus: Several bus companies (e.g., Grupo Senda) operate many direct routes from MTY to Saltillo's Central de Autobuses.
  • Car Rental: Widely available at MTY, offering flexibility for exploring.
  • Ride-sharing: Uber and DiDi from MTY to Saltillo are possible and generally more affordable than airport taxis.

What to Expect

  • Taxi: An expensive option for this distance. Confirm the fare prior to your departure.
  • Travel time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • Look for bus ticket counters inside the MTY airport terminal.
  • Pre-booking private transport or car rentals is recommended.

Airport Facilities

SLW Saltillo

A small airport with core services: check-in, baggage claim, car rental, snack bars, and taxi services.

MTY Monterrey

A larger, more current airport with extensive facilities, multiple terminals, diverse dining, shopping, and airline lounges.

Duty-Free & Exchange

MTY features duty-free options, various car rental companies, ATMs, and currency exchange services.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Bus Travel

Saltillo's Central de Autobuses acts as a major hub for bus travel. Numerous companies run routes connecting Saltillo to cities across Mexico, offering an affordable and comfortable travel method.

Bus Companies & Services

  • Grupo Senda & Frontera: Extensive routes within northern Mexico (Monterrey, Torreón, Zacatecas).
  • Coahuilenses: Focuses regarding area routes within Coahuila.
  • Omnibus de México, Estrella Blanca: Connections to central and in the south Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara).

Bus Classes & Amenities

Bus classes range from economy (segunda clase) to luxury (primera plus, ejecutivo). Luxury buses offer a high level of comfort for long journeys.

Typical Amenities

  • Reclining seats for comfort.
  • Air conditioning.
  • On-board restrooms.
  • Sometimes Wi-Fi or individual entertainment screens on luxury buses.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving yourself to Saltillo, especially from the U.S., offers flexibility but requires preparation. DiscoverCars.com for rental options.

Requirements for Drivers

  • Valid driver's license from your home country.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for translation purposes.
  • Major credit card in the driver's name for hiring a car.

Road Conditions & Safety

Mexican mandatory liability insurance is a legal requirement. Purchase this before crossing the border. Major highways connecting Saltillo are generally well-maintained toll roads (cuotas).

Driving Safety Tips

  • Road signage is in Spanish. Speed limits are in kilometers per hour (km/h).
  • Be aware of speed bumps (topes), often unmarked on smaller roads.
  • Avoid driving at night on unfamiliar roads due to potential hazards.

Border Crossing Information

  • Major border crossings from the U.S. Include Laredo/Nuevo Laredo, Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras.
  • Passport, FMM (tourist card), mandatory Mexican auto insurance, and Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle (if traveling beyond border zone) are needed.
  • Obtain Mexican auto insurance before crossing, as U.S. Policies are not valid.
  • No passenger train services directly serve Saltillo. Rail transport mainly moves cargo.
  • Ferry services and cruise ports are not applicable; Saltillo is a landlocked city.
  • Plan your drives for daylight hours.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

The Mexican departure tax (TUA - Tarifa de Uso de Aeropuerto) is usually included in your airfare for international flights. Verify this with your airline or travel agent. If not included, you may pay it at the airport before departure.

Land Departure Fees

  • No specific exit fees apply for tourists departing Mexico by land.
  • Your FMM (tourist card) must be in order.
  • Do not overstay your authorized period.

Departure Procedures & Timing

Recommended Arrival Times

  • Air Travel (SLW): At least 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights. Procedures are typically quick.
  • Air Travel (MTY): 2-3 hours before international flights; 1.5-2 hours for domestic. MTY is busier.
  • Bus Travel: At least 30 minutes prior to leaving from Saltillo's Central de Autobuses.

SLW Facilities

Basic waiting areas and some food/drink options characterize Saltillo's airport.

MTY Facilities

Extensive facilities include shops, restaurants, lounges, and duty-free options.

Bus Terminal

Saltillo Central de Autobuses features waiting areas, places to buy tickets, small shops, and food stalls.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

This data is not applicable. Saltillo is an inland city and does not have access to sea or river ports for commercial passenger traffic.

No Maritime Connections

  • Saltillo is far from any major body of water.
  • No ferry services operate to or from Saltillo.
  • Cruise ports do not exist in the region.

River Transportation

This information is not applicable. Saltillo does not have significant navigable waterways for public transport.

No Riverine Access

  • The rivers near Saltillo are not suitable for passenger transport.
  • No boat on the river taxis or public water transport systems.
  • Water-based travel does not figure into local transit.

Connections to Land Transportation

Inland City

Saltillo’s location means all inbound and outbound passenger travel is based on air or land methods.

No Seaport Procedures

Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for tourists to Saltillo.

Focus on Air/Bus/Car

Travel planning should prioritize airports, bus terminals, and road networks for transport.

Departure Reminder

Always reconfirm your flight or bus schedule 24-48 hours before departure.