Monterrey, Mexico

R

ryskey

100+ Posts
I'm trying to find a place to meet some Euro friends coming up from around Mexico City. I proposed meeting halfway (geography isn't their strong suit) in Monterrey. But I only suggested that because I want to drive. Now, you're all probably thinking I'm crazy, but there's a toll road from the Texas border into Monterrey. I think there's also one that connects Monterrey with Saltillo. I'm thinking it's pretty safe, but I could be assuming wrong. Actually that's pretty likely.

So, has anyone done that before? And if/when I get my truck to Monterrey, I guess that's when the real adventure begins?
 
I'm interested in this thread. I've been thinking about going to Monterrey at some point.

If it is possible to drive (not sure I would either way), how long of a drive is it from Austin?
 
my parents drive down into Mexico every year either to San Miguel de Allende or a place near Ciudad Victoria. every year i worry about them but they have made it out unscathed so far.

they only got stopped by the policia once and my dad refused to pay the $50 and told the cops to take him to their jefe. the cops talked about it and just let him go. but of course he is old.
 
The toll is very expensive for a toll road. I think it is around $50 - dollars,not pesos. That said, the road well be relatively empty, and very safe.
 
About 5 years ago, we took a bus from Laredo to Saltillo. Just wanted to check it out. Two couples and no worries in the world, and we took outta Nuevo Laredo one afternoon. Bus stopped in Monterrey for a few minutes, then on to Saltillo. If I remember correctly, it was no more than 3-4 hours to Saltillo from Laredo. It was great going down! We were on the "executivo" clase bus on the way down...movies in subtitles, only about 8 people on the bus, we had a cooler of beer and limes that we bought in Nuevo. Life was good. Hotel was great....hotel rancho el morillo was sort of hacienda style hotel. Had a great 3 nights in Saltillo. Cool town, mountains surrounding, had the colonial style "paroquia" or square. Ate good, drank better! Going home, we were on the "primera clase" bus which wasn't quite as nice. It stopped at the main bus station in Monterrey, then on back to Nuevo. After I got back, I found out about all sorts of cool places to stay in the mountains surrounding Monterrey. If I had it to do all over again, I'd probably head to the mountains outide of town and skip saltillo. Check out Montreal Golf and Ski Club outside of Saltillo.

Nothing against Saltillo at all. It was cool in its own way. But, as a city, it was a little more industrialized and larger than I had expected. I was expecting something more along the lines of San Migel which is absolutely AWESOME. But, it was a cool trip and I'd do it all again. The bus was easy, and worry free. My advice would be to know "poquito" Espanol if you do it, and by all means, pay more for "executivo" clase bus.
 
I drove from Austin to Monterrey about 5 years ago. It was no big deal, but the cuotas (tollways) are expensive. Keep in mind you need to buy Mexican insurance and pay for a permit to drive your car anywhere outside of border towns.
 
Take the bus. It'll be more interesting and it's completely safe. It'll probably be a lot cheaper because the toll roads are expensive.

I've taken the bus from Austin to Mexico City before and it was totally fine and really convenient.

Is there much to do in Monterrey? You should do yourself a favor and just take the bus to Mexico City and meet them there. It's amazing.
 
How far from Nuevo to Mexico City? And can I park my truck somewhere for a couple weeks in Laredo or Nuevo if I take the bus?

I know some Spanish. Enough to get around.

Thanks for the replies. Very informative.
 
Do you really want to drive to Laredo, park, then take a bus to Mexico City? A flight really isn't that expensive. And Mexico City is an awesome place, despite the smog and the 28 million people.
 
It took 21 hours on the bus from Austin to Mexico City, so I'm guessing it's about 15 hours from Nuevo Laredo...?

I'm pretty sure you could park your truck in a hotel lot in Nuevo Laredo (work something out with mgmt. or whatever) and do it that way. I've heard of people doing that without any problem.

FWIW, the bus station I left from was on Caesar Chavez, a few blocks west of Juan in a Million. Buses left daily to Mexico City @ 10pm and arrived at one of the big bus terminals in Mexico City at 7pm the following night. There was a transfer or two to make, but I spoke no Spanish when I made the trip and had no problem. The ticket was $100.

And yeah, you could fly, but it'll be more money and not as much fun.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Recent Threads

Prediction Results Threads

2024 Schedules

Back
Top