The Easiest Way to Get To and From San Miguel & Other Info
To & From
San Miguel doesn’t have its own commercial airport, so most visitors fly into Querétaro (QRO) or León/Guanajuato (BJX).
- Querétaro → San Miguel: about 1 hour 15 minutes by car
- León/Guanajuato → San Miguel: about 1 hour 30 minutes by car
The best way to get to San Miguel, especially if you're traveling alone or with one other person, is Bajío GO.
It’s an airport shuttle service that will pick you up at the airport and drop you right at your accommodation in San Miguel. No figuring out taxis, no getting yourself to a bus station, and no need to rent a car.
For the return journey, they’ll pick you up at your accommodation and take you straight to the airport.
It’s easy, comfortable, and very safe even for women traveling alone. They use clean white vans.
Best of all, if you give them your flight info, they will do the math on the best pick up time to make your flight home.
My Private Driver Pick
If you prefer a private driver, Erik Sanchez is great. I’ve used him for airport transfers and would happily recommend him.
He’s charming, speaks excellent English, and is very punctual, which matters a lot when you have a 3 a.m. pickup to catch an early flight out of León.
I trusted him with that very early departure, and he is always on time. Definitely worth it if you want a reliable private driver.
Erik Sanchez
WhatsApp: +52 415 188 0378
To & From Mexico City
If you're coming from Mexico City, take the bus. Seriously, it’s a really nice experience. ETN is a luxury double-decker bus with big, comfortable seats, plenty of legroom, and a much more premium feel than a typical bus.
At around US$50, it’s incredibly comfortable and, honestly, feels a bit like flying business class without the airplane.
Getting Around San Miguel
San Miguel is a very walkable city, provided you have a good pair of shoes. Prepare for cobblestones, steep hills, and plenty of uneven streets. Those charming streets are part of the magic, but they can be hard on your feet.
Uber is inexpensive and easy to use when you don't feel like walking, especially for getting up one of San Miguel's many hills.
There is also a local bus system, which is inexpensive and used by locals, although I haven't needed to use it myself.
Personally, I walk almost everywhere and use Uber when I need it.
San Miguel Tips
A few things I’ve learned along the way that will hopefully make your visit easier, more comfortable, and a little less surprising.
Bring Really Good Walking Shoes
San Miguel is an incredibly walkable city, but those beautiful cobblestone streets are no joke. Add in the hills, uneven sidewalks and steps, and you’ll quickly discover why comfortable shoes matter.
Leave the cute but impractical shoes at home. Good walking shoes with some grip are your best friend here.
Take It Easy Your First Day
San Miguel sits at about 6,200 feet (1,900 meters) above sea level, and the altitude can take a little getting used to.
I’ve had several guests who needed to lay low their first day while they adjusted. Don’t be surprised if walking around feels a little more challenging than normal, particularly on the hills, or if you have a slight headache.
My advice is to take it easy on day one, drink plenty of water and don't schedule yourself from morning until night. Give your body a chance to adjust.
Bring Earplugs
This is one of my most important San Miguel tips, particularly if you’re a light sleeper.
Fireworks happen. A lot. And at all hours. You can be woken by fireworks early on a Sunday morning, as well as celebrations, weddings, church events and fiestas.
They are part of the rhythm of life here, but if you’re hoping to sleep in, pack the earplugs.
Don't Rent a Car Unless You Really Need One
For most visitors, I don't think a rental car is worth the hassle. The streets around Centro can be narrow, steep and cobbled, and parking can be a challenge.
Carry Some Pesos
Cards are widely accepted around San Miguel, but it's still a good idea to carry some cash. Smaller businesses, markets and some local spots may prefer pesos, and it's always handy to have some on hand.
Bring Layers
Even when the days are warm and sunny, mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cool. A lightweight sweater or jacket takes up very little room, and you'll be glad you packed it.
