Puebla is a city of 2 million people located 120 kms east of Mexico
City. It has a national airport but with reduced traffic. Practically
all foreign visitors arrive through Mexico City airport.
Transportation from the Mexico City airport to Puebla: there is
a comfortable bus service by "Estrella Roja" which runs from Mexico City
airport to the city of Puebla every 30 minutes (from 6:00am to 0:30am).
These leave from the airport zone E-1, one floor above the International
Arrivals. Search the sign
"zona de autobuses" and go through the tunnel. The fare is $130.00 Pesos
The ride takes about two hours. Those
wanting to see the volcanoes (once outside the optically thick Mexico City's
atmosphere) should sit on
the right hand side of the bus.
Buses departing on the hour (13:00, 14:00, 15:00, etc...) arrive
to the Puebla bus station, known locally as CAPU, while those departing
on the half-hour (13:30, 14:30, 15:30, etc...) arrive to the Puebla bus
station of "4 Poniente" located nearer to Puebla's downtown.
A sign with "CAPU", or "4 Pte" is placed in the bus front window
at Mexico City airport, so you will easily identify the correct bus. The
last bus from the airport to Puebla/CAPU is at 23:00 hrs, and the last
to Puebla/"4 Poniente" is at 00.20 hrs. However please click
here for a complete timetable. We recommend you to take the bus
to Puebla/CAPU, where taxis have fixed prices.
If arriving to CAPU we recommend that you take a regulated
taxi (white and yellow cars). You must buy a ticket to Tonantzintla
(about $100 Pesos) from one of the
kiosks with a TAXIS AUTORIZADOS sign on it. You buy the
ticket before you get into the taxi. The ride to INAOE,
Tonantzintla takes some 25 minutes. In Tonantzintla,
state that you are going to El Observatorio if the driver does not
appear to recognise INAOE.
If you arrive at the "4 Poniente" bus station in Puebla then
there are only standard (black) taxis. It is recommended to fix the prize
in advance (it should also be less or equal to $120 Pesos to Tonantzintla).
We strongly advise you against taking taxis from Mexico City airport to
Puebla as the fare will be astronomical (at least 1000 pesos).
Upon arriving at INAOE (at the main gates), ask for your "GH
Workshop" welcome package from the guards (on duty 24 hours). The
welcome package will contain keys to your bungalow and office, a
map of the campus (indicating how to find you bungalow, office and meeting
rooms), the most current scientific programme, and other useful information
(including cell-phone numbers for assistance).