5 Reasons to Choose ETN: A First-Class Bus Experience in Mexico
The following content is a transcription of a video from our YouTube channel. It captures the experiences and insights shared in the video, detailing a journey on the ETN bus line in Mexico. This transcript has been edited for clarity and readability to better suit our blog audience.
ETN BUS REVIEW
Traveling by bus in Mexico can be an exciting experience, especially with a first-class service like ETN. In this review, I’ll compare ETN to another bus line, Primera Plus, which I’ve taken before. You can find a link to my Primera Plus review in the description below. Let’s see how ETN measures up!
Exploring Puerto Vallarta Before Boarding
Before we board the ETN bus, I want to continue from last week’s episode by exploring a different area of Puerto Vallarta. Let’s dive in!
Currently, I’m near the Nissan dealership in Puerto Vallarta, heading north along the beachfront. The beach is to my left, and the rest of Vallarta is to the right, near the hotel zone. You’ll spot some fancy hotels, like the Sheraton, and I think the Hilton is further ahead.
I chose to stay in a very authentic Mexican neighborhood, which I absolutely loved. There was a sushi restaurant on the corner that I visited several times for its great food. There was also a nice coffee shop I frequented in the morning. I was only in this area for two nights before heading back to Ajijic on the ETN bus. I love finding unique coffee shops!
Related: Book Bus Transportation Using BusBud
Arriving at the Bus Station
After leaving my neighborhood, I took an Uber to the Puerto Vallarta bus station, where I caught the ETN bus. Puerto Vallarta feels like a second home to me; I can navigate the city quite easily, and transportation is readily available in various forms.
Upon arriving at the bus station, I noticed it wasn’t huge, but there were always taxis out front to take you wherever you need to go. Inside, the station is filled with restaurants and different bus lines where you can purchase tickets. I headed over to Puerta number two.
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Comfort and Luxury in the Bus Station
One thing I love about the lounge is the comfy chairs with plenty of space between each couch. You can store your luggage without any problem. They also have TVs and a glass window where you can look outside while waiting for your bus.
ETN is a first-class bus line in Mexico, and I’ve taken it twice now. Each time, I had a fantastic experience. Let’s break down why it was so great!
From the start, ETN is impressive. It’s a double-decker bus, perfect for viewing the city and the landscape of Mexicon (not all ETN buses are double-decker). The seats are luxurious, resembling leather, and they recline with a footstool for maximum comfort. Every time I choose ETN, I opt for the second floor for the views—it feels like riding on a cloud, allowing me to see so much of the city.
Booking Your ETN Ticket
There are several ways to book an ETN ticket. You can book online on their website, though sometimes there are issues with accepting foreign credit cards. Alternatively, you can purchase a ticket at an OXXO convenience store right before your trip. This is the method I chose, selecting my seats with the help of an OXXO associate, paying in pesos, and printing out my ticket. I’ve heard ETN requires paper copies instead of electronic ones, but on a recent trip from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City, I used an electronic ticket without issues.
Finally, you can buy your ticket at the bus station, though this might be risky since your desired seat might not be available, or worse, there may be no bus with your preferred schedule or route.
Comparing ETN and Primera Plus
When comparing ETN to Primera Plus, ETN tends to be slightly more expensive but offers excellent service. Upon check-in, I was given headphones, and the friendly staff assisted me with my luggage. They can also help if you’re not familiar with Spanish and ensure you’re on the right bus. The ETN website is user-friendly and available in English.
The buses have been on time every time I’ve used them. I was initially nervous about this, but they tend to be punctual. The buses often wait in the back of the parking lot and drive up to the stop right before departure, about 15 to 20 minutes beforehand.
Enjoying the Scenic Route to Guadalajara
Now, let’s continue the journey. The bus ride from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara takes a little over five hours. The route goes through Bucerias, climbing higher in elevation until it peaks in the city of Compostela. The scenery is breathtaking, with views of mountains and trees that make the five-hour trip fly by. The seats are so comfortable, making it easy to relax, watch movies, or listen to podcasts. The bus offers Wi-Fi, so you can access your phone or laptop.
The journey continues to climb through the mountains until reaching Compostela, where it begins its descent into Guadalajara. Although the road is windy, the views are worth it. We made a stop in Guadalajara before reaching our final destination.
Upon arrival, there are plenty of taxis and Ubers to take you to your next stop.
Conclusion: Why Choose ETN?
I highly recommend ETN for its comfort, service, and overall experience. If you’re traveling in Mexico and looking for a reliable bus line, ETN should be at the top of your list!
