Is it too dangerous to drive in Mexico?

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Ancient Oaxaca is, for many travellers, the highlight of Mexico

Q We fancy a two-week trip to Mexico in March. The concept involves a few days in Mexico City, then hiring a car to drive to Puebla and on to Oaxaca. Nowhere is entirely safe, but are well-meaning friends’ warnings of robbery, kidnappings, etc, likely to prove exaggerated? We would follow UK government advice to drive only in daylight hours and where possible on toll roads. Or would we do better to only use public transport, giving up the chance to stop and investigate whatever we think might be interesting along the way?

Ronnie S

A Mexico is one of my favourite countries, but it is not crime-free. Your starting point is a spectacular, fascinating and friendly city, yet according to the US State Department: “Criminal incidents in the capital city occur at a significantly higher rate than much of the rest of Mexico. Pay particular caution to areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.”

Your choice of itinerary is excellent, though. The city of Puebla is a good place to experience “real” Mexican life, while ancient Oaxaca is, for many travellers, the highlight of Mexico. But to travel between them I urge you to use the excellent buses rather than the higher cost, higher risk strategy of renting a car.

The UK government advice says: “Avoid isolated roads and use toll roads (‘cuotas’) whenever possible. Keep car doors locked and windows closed, especially at traffic lights.” It also warns of “violent car-jackings and robberies along the Pacific Highway”. Self-drive also brings with it the problems of manic traffic (the latest World Health Organisation figures indicate a death rate on the roads four times higher than in Britain), confusing laws administered by police officers who seem keen to fine errant foreign motorists, and finding secure parking.

Yet this is a country with outstanding bus services. If you opt for the premium services such as those run by ADO, there is a fair amount of security and comfort. Buses run every few minutes on ADO from Mexico City to Puebla, taking two hours and costing around £6. Similar high-frequency, low-cost options are available for the onward leg to Oaxaca.

Agreed, without a rental car you surrender the chance to stop wherever you like – but if you were to stick to toll roads, you would not have many opportunities. Better to base yourself in a city and then hire a taxi to explore, getting expertise and local knowledge along with transportation.

Every day, our travel correspondent, Simon Calder, tackles a reader’s question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder