USA Travel Recommendations to Attend the 2015 ABS Annual Meeting and Conference in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico

There are two popular airports to use for your arrival near Xalapa, Mexico on flights from the USA: Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) and Veracruz City’s Las Bajadas Airport (VER). Of course, the best flights arrive in MEX. While in the main terminal, pick up some snacks, water to drink and at least $200 in pesos at a money exchanger or use your ATM card at an ATM machine (cajero).

You already passed through customs so keep your passport safe for the return home. Exchange rate is about – 15 pesos = 1 $. It is best not to go out the main entrance of the airport as quite confusing with tourist businesses, taxis, etc. Stay inside the airport and follow the directions below,

Option 1: Arriving at Mexico City Airport

The airport has a big bus station at Door (puerta) 8. Here, buses go to many major cities, but not Xalapa. Follow these specific directions to go to the ADO shuttle/bus terminal and the direct bus to Xalapa.

From Terminal 1, the ADO shuttle/bus station is across the access road and street via raised causeway above door 4 (puerta). To get there, go up to the upper level at door 4 to sala B, find the causeway and go across the overhead walkway. The ADO shuttle is at the end of overhead walkway to your right from the main terminal building

See map - http://140mexico.com/ciudad-de-mexico/terminal-de-autobuses-ado-aeropuerto-mexico/

The green teardrop pointer is the ADO shuttle terminal. (See Option 1 Maps A and B) At the Mexico City airport ADO shuttle terminal purchase a ticket for one of the small buses that leave every few hours (see OPTION 1 – C) to Xalapa. The ride is direct and takes about 4 - 5 hours depending on traffic. Your destination is the Terminal de Autobuses Xalapa (CAXA). After arrival (llegada) at the bus terminal in Xalapa, walk down the exit (salida) and purchase a taxi ticket to your hotel. There is always a cab ready and waiting out front. Taxi prices are very reasonable.

Another route for more experienced travelers. if you take a taxi from the Mexico City airport: "ADO bus website is ado.com.mx, it can be translated to English by Google Chrome search engine. It will ask you to translate on top right, you click on top right to the left of the star or you right click on page. If you do not use Google Chrome, some sections on the website are available in English and Spanish. Buses leave often from the Mexico City main bus terminal-TAPO. Driving by car takes 3 1/2 hours to Xalapa, by bus not a whole lot longer."

OPTION 1 – A GOOGLEARTH map with red circle showing Door 4 and the causeway from Terminal 1, 2nd floor to the ADO Shuttle/Bus

OPTION 1 – B Terminal map with red circle showing Door 4 and the causeway to the ADO Shuttle/Bus

OPTION 1 – C Table showing -Hour of Departure, Cost in Pesos, Travel Time, No Stops from Mexico City ADO Airport Terminal

Option 2: Arriving Veracruz Airport

Renting a car and driving from Veracruz Airport - Veracruz airport is small and comfortable. USA flights all come from Houston (IAH). Domestic USA flights will all fly to Houston and connect you to the Veracruz flights. After customs you will go into the main lobby area where you can pick up a previously booked rental car. Some local car rental companies may also have cars available. The 1 ½ hour drive to Xalapa is easy once you get on the highway. Using ADO bus/shuttle from Varacruz Airport - ADO maintains a ticket booth one the right hand side of the car rental counter. After arrival in Xalapa CAXA bus terminal see instructions above to take taxi in the to your hotel. OPTION 2-A Googlearth showing Veracruz Airport and ADO Shuttle Desk

OPTION 2 – B ADO Schedule from Veracruz Airport Terminal