Getting There & Away: San Cristobal De Las Casas

Air Travel

Main Airport & Connection

Tuxtla Gutierrez International Airport (TGZ), also known as Aeropuerto Internacional Ángel Albino Corzo, serves as the closest gateway to San Cristobal.

Airport Proximity

Location: Approximately 60-90 minutes from San Cristobal.
Convenience: Its proximity makes it the most convenient air arrival point.
International Flights: No direct international flights; connect through major Mexican hubs.

Airlines & Routes

Major Mexican carriers, including Aeromexico, VivaAerobus, and Volaris, operate flights to TGZ from other Mexican cities.

Typical Connections

Direct flights from Mexico City (MEX), Guadalajara (GDL), Cancun (CUN), Monterrey (MTY).
Mexico City (MEX) is the most common hub with high frequency of connecting flights.
Cancun (CUN) also presents numerous connections.

Peak Travel Periods

Flight prices generally rise during Mexican holidays, like Easter, Christmas, and the summer vacation period (July and August).

Flexible Dates

Flexibility with your travel dates can lead to savings on airfare.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

TGZ Facilities

Basic services: Car rental desks, authorized taxi services.
Shared collective vans outside the terminal.
Small shops and cafes, ATM available.
Adequate services for travelers.

Transfer Options to San Cristobal

Shared Shuttle (Colectivo): Most common and cost-effective, approx. 200-250 MXN per person.
Private Taxi: More expensive but direct, approx. 700-1000 MXN. Useful for groups.
Rental Car: Desks at airport. Not always recommended for city navigation or roadblocks.
Duration: Rides typically take 60-90 minutes from TGZ.

Planning Air Travel

Closest Airport

Tuxtla Gutierrez (TGZ) is the main airport serving San Cristobal.

Domestic Connections

Fly into a major Mexican city first, then connect to TGZ.

Pre-Book Transfers

Consider arranging airport transfers in advance for smooth arrival.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Buses

Long-distance buses are the main and most reliable mode of intercity land travel in Chiapas.

Bus Companies

ADO: Premier bus service, comfortable, safe, air-conditioned buses.
OCC: Part of ADO, presents similar services and often has more routes within Chiapas.
ADO GL/Platino: Higher luxury classes with spacious reclining seats and additional amenities.

Popular Bus Routes

San Cristobal's bus terminal is well-served on the southern edge of the city.

Route Examples

San Cristobal to Tuxtla Gutierrez: 1.5 - 2 hours.
San Cristobal to Palenque: 8 - 10 hours (winding, often overnight).
San Cristobal to Oaxaca: 10 - 12 hours (often an overnight bus).

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car in San Cristobal has specific requirements and considerations.

Driving Notes

Requirements: Valid driver's license, passport, credit card for deposit. IDP recommended.
Insurance: Mandatory Mexican auto insurance for foreign vehicles often raises total cost.
Roads: Can be challenging – winding, narrow, poorly maintained, numerous speed bumps.

Road Safety & Security

Exercise caution due to road conditions and potential local issues.

Safety Tips

Roadblocks: Common in Chiapas, potentially causing significant delays.
Night Driving: Outside city limits is highly discouraged due to safety concerns and visibility.
Bus Travel Security: Safer to travel long routes with reputable bus companies (ADO/OCC).

Border Crossings & Trains

Border Crossings: Chiapas shares a border with Guatemala.
Major Points: La Mesilla and Ciudad Cuauhtémoc are closest.
Immigration: Obtain official exit stamp from FMM when leaving Mexico.

Entry Stamp: Obtain an entry stamp when entering Guatemala.
Official Crossings: Use official crossings to avoid scams.
Train Service: No passenger train service to San Cristobal or anywhere else in Chiapas.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

For international air travel from Mexico, an airport departure tax (DNI - Derecho No Inmigrante) is usually included in the price of your airline ticket.

Departure Details

DNI (Derecho No Inmigrante): Typically covered by your flight ticket.
Land Entry Fee: If you entered by land and did not pay FMM fee, you might pay upon air exit.
Confirm: Check with your airline or immigration if unsure.

Departure Procedures

Plan your departure timing to secure a stress-free experience.

Timing Recommendations

Air Travel (from TGZ): Arrive at least 2 hours before your domestic flight.
Buffer Time: Factor in 60-90 minutes travel from San Cristobal to TGZ, plus buffer for potential traffic or delays.
Bus Travel: Arrive at the San Cristobal bus terminal at least 30-45 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Travel Summary

San Cristobal has no direct international air access or train service. Ground transport via bus is the main intercity method.

Getting There & Away