Cafés on pedestrian Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen

Working remotely in Mexico: the best bases by ADO bus

Q: Can I charge my laptop on an ADO bus?

Yes, on ADO Platino and ADO GL, which have power sockets and USB ports. The bus type is shown for each departure when you search.

Q: Which Mexican cities are best for remote work?

Mérida, Playa del Carmen, Oaxaca, Puebla and Mexico City are popular, with coworking spaces, good internet and easy bus links.

Q: How long can I stay in Mexico as a visitor?

Up to 180 days on a visitor permit (FMM), but the immigration officer decides the number of days at entry and it can't be extended. A visitor permit doesn't allow paid work in Mexico.

Q: Is it safe to bring my laptop on the bus?

Keep it with you in your hand luggage, never in the hold, and keep it close when you leave your seat.

Q: Can I book my ticket in English?

Yes. With ADO International you can book ADO tickets online in more than 12 languages and pay in more than 15 currencies. Digital boarding passes are sent by email, so you usually do not need to print your ticket. Keep your phone charged and your booking confirmation ready before boarding.

Q: How much luggage can I bring?

Each passenger can usually take up to 25 kg of checked baggage free of charge with ADO, plus one carry-on bag. Checked luggage travels in the compartment under the bus; keep your baggage tag until arrival. Keep your passport, valuables, electronics, and medication in your carry-on. Baggage policies can change, so check the latest conditions before travel.

Q: Do I need an ID to board?

Carry a valid government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your ticket. International travelers should carry their passport; Mexican citizens can use an official ID such as the INE. ID may be required for boarding checks, ticket changes, or cancellations.

Q: Can I cancel or change my ADO bus ticket?

ADO tickets can usually be rescheduled up to 60 minutes before departure at an ADO ticket office. You normally need the original ticket and an official ID matching the name on the ticket. Refunds may be issued as Saldo Max credit , not necessarily to the original payment method. Discounted advance-purchase tickets are usually more restrictive and may be non-refundable. Policies can change and may vary by fare type, route, and sales channel, so check the conditions shown when booking.

Wi-Fi and a power socket at every seat on ADO Platino, and cities with coworking spaces, good coffee and fast connections. Where to base yourself, how to move between cities and what to know about your stay.

Remote work at a glance

Stay connected while you travel:

ADO Platino: Wi-Fi, a power socket and USB ports at every seat

Bases with coworking spaces: Mérida, Playa del Carmen, Oaxaca, Puebla and Xalapa

Playa del Carmen to Mérida by Platino from about US$63

Remote work and bus travel: the essentials

Working on the bus

ADO Platino has satellite Wi-Fi, a power socket and USB ports at every seat, and wide seats with space for a laptop.
ADO GL has power sockets and USB ports; Wi-Fi is available on some buses.
On standard ADO buses, Wi-Fi is only on some units, so download what you need before you board.
Bus Wi-Fi is fine for email and messages. Don't plan video calls on the road: coverage drops in rural areas.

Sample Platino routes

Cancún to Mérida: 11 Platino buses a day, about 4h 20min–4h 50min, from about US$61.
Playa del Carmen to Mérida: 6 Platino buses a day, about 4h 10min–4h 40min, from about US$63.
Mexico City to Oaxaca: 12 Platino buses a day, about 6h 50min–8 hours, from about US$86.
Mexico City to Xalapa: 12 Platino buses a day, about 4h 20min–5h 20min, from about US$61.

Your stay in Mexico

Most visitors enter with a visitor permit (FMM) for up to 180 days. The immigration officer decides the number of days at entry, and it can't be extended.
A visitor permit doesn't allow paid work in Mexico. Check the current rules with Mexico's immigration authority (INM) or a Mexican consulate for your situation.

Bus times, fares and onboard features on this page come from the ADO booking flow for Saturday, December 5, 2026, and can change. Discounts, luggage rules and accessibility services are set by ADO and can change too: check the conditions shown when you book, or ask at the ADO ticket office. Entry fees and opening hours are set by each site.

Five bases for remote workers

Good connections, coworking spaces and easy ADO links:

Mérida

By bus: from Cancún or Playa del Carmen, about 4–5 hours, with ADO Platino

Safe, affordable and well connected, with coworking spaces around Paseo de Montejo and the centre. Weekend trips to cenotes, ruins and Campeche. Budget getaways from Mérida.

Playa del Carmen

By bus: from Cancún and its airport, about 1 hour, buses every few minutes

A long-standing remote-work hub with several coworking spaces and cafés off Quinta Avenida, and the beach after work.

Oaxaca

By bus: from Mexico City, about 6–8 hours, 12 ADO Platino buses a day

A creative city with a mild climate, a growing number of coworking spaces and some of Mexico's best food.

Puebla

By bus: from Mexico City, about 2 hours, over 150 ADO buses a day

Big-city connections at lower prices than the capital, with coworking spaces in the historic centre.

Xalapa

By bus: from Mexico City, about 4h 20min–5h 20min, with ADO GL and Platino

A green university city with a café culture, cool mountain air and easy trips to the coffee towns.

Mexico City

By bus: hub for buses to Puebla, Oaxaca, Veracruz and beyond

Mexico's biggest coworking scene, and the starting point for weekend trips. Budget getaways from Mexico City.

How remote workers use the bus

Travel mid-week: buses are quieter and fares are often lower than at weekends.
Pick daytime Platino departures to answer email on the way, and night buses for longer jumps when you don't need to work.
Bring a power bank and download offline maps, documents and music.
Keep your laptop with you in your hand luggage, not in the hold.
Test your accommodation's internet on day one and keep a local SIM with data as a backup.