Transportation Services

Taxis, buses, rental cars, gas stations, boat storage, towing and mechanics in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Taxis

Taxi fares are regulated and all taxis should carry a rate sheet either visible or close at hand. Nevertheless, it is always the best policy to ask the price before entering the cab. Rates are charged according to fixed areas, so even though you may not be going far, if your trip spans two areas, you will most likely be charged the full rate posted for travel between them. If you do have doubts, don’t hesitate to ask to see that e rate sheet (tabla de tarifas autorizadas). Be aware that fares increase from midnight through 5 a.m. by 30-40%. Calling in a radio taxi service rather than flagging one down in the street or taxi stand will also mean an additional $5 or $10 peso surcharge.

Ixtapa Taxis

Taxis are everywhere, though, and are relatively inexpensive, starting at a minimum within-centro cost of $20 pesos and going up from there; i.e., from Centro to La Ropa is $35 to $40, to Ixtapa Hotel zone and golf courses, in the range of $55-$80 pesos; up to about $115 if going to the Playa Linda and Isla Ixtapa pier area. Taxis can be contracted to take you to Troncones and Barra de Potosi (in the range of some $350 pesos) and other beaches but it’s best to contact individual drivers for rates or negotiate an hourly rate for those more remote locations.

Currently (2010), a taxi from downtown Zihuatanejo to the airport will run you around $120 – $150 pesos. If you have any doubts about what a taxi might charge you, ask for and negotiate the price before getting into the cab.

Taxi Unions providing service in our area, and phone numbers for them:

• APAAZ – (755) 554-3680 & 554-8809
• UTAAZ – (755) 554-3311 & 554-4583
• UTZI – (755) 554-4763

Ground Transportation at Airport

Only official Airport Taxis are allowed to pick up passengers within the airport. Rates are posted at the arrivals lounge, where tickets can be purchased for either private transportation (per vehicle rate) or Colectivo transportation (shared transportation at a per person rate).See the airport information page for Airport Transfers

Transport within Troncones

Troncones now has its own taxi, with shuttle buses that run back and forth to the highway where one can connect to inter-city buses running to and from Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo. Troncones taxis run visitors between the restaurants and hotels on Playa Troncones and Manzanillo Bay and can be hired for special outings.

• Ramiro Nuñez, Tel. 553-2822
• Taxi Express – Santiago Morales, Tel. 553-2868
• Teresa Solis, Tel. 553-2841, 553-2842

Micros (town buses)

Zihuatanejo Microbus

Combis, vans and mini-buses, known as “Micros”, that run on regular routes around Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa are very economical, with in-town fares a minimum of $5 pesos. Between Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, micro buses run at 6 to 8 pesos. These run on a set route and have regular and controlled stops. The best way to learn the routes is to ride them, beginning near the corner of Benito Juarez & Blvd. Morelos one block from the food market in Zihuatanejo, which is the main bus stop where most routes converge.

Water Taxis

Water Taxis make regular runs from the municipal pier to Playa las Gatas across the bay. Tickets are available at the stand at the base of the pier and are for round-trip fare. Public water taxis run throughout the day until about 5 p.m.

Bus Lines

For longer trips in Guerrero and other parts of Mexico, there are 2 bus stations in Zihuatanejo with economical and first class service up and down the coast and points farther afield. These bus stations are both located on the main highway through Zihuatanejo leading from the airport to Ixtapa (Heroico Colegio Militar), on the corner of Paseo de la Parota, butting up against the back of the Comercial Mexicana supermarket.

Autobuses Parhikuni give service to Morelia and Uruapan in Michoacan and El Bajio.

Autobuses Primera Plus provide bus service from Zihuatanejo to Aguascalientes, Celaya, Irapuato, Leon, Moroleon and Queretaro

Estrella de Oro Buses give service to Acapulco, Taxco, Cuernavaca, Mexico City. Near Plaza del Sol on way to airport, Zihuatanejo. (755) 554-2175. Autobuses Mexico Toluca,
Paseo de Zihuatanejo Ote., Centro N-41. (755) 554-3008

Grupo Estrella Blanca – Includes Turistar, Futura, Elite, Transportes Chihuahuenses, Transportes del Norte, Cuauhtemoc, Flecha Roja and more, with service to points in Guerrero, Oaxaca, Michoacan, Puerto Vallarta and points north along the Pacific coast to the border, as well as Nation-wide package delivery service. Tel. (755) 554-3476. Located in the Central de Autobuses (main bus station) on the Ixtapa-Acapulco highway.

Car Rental Agencies

Car Rentals are expensive in Mexico, and the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo area is no exception. Often the best rates can be obtained by reserving online prior to arrival. Unfortunately, local rent cars can sometimes by poorly maintained so be sure to check for a spare tire and quantity of gasoline in the tank before taking them off-pavement or on extended trips.

• Alamo Rent a Car – Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Intl Airport, Tel: (755) 554-8429, Fax: (755) 554-0206. Ixtapa Office – Centro Comercial Los Patios Local #19, Ixtapa 48860. Phone: (755) 553-0206, Fax: (755) 553-0206
• Alquiladora de Vehiculos Automoviles S.A. de C.V. – Nicolas Bravo No. 13, Local 10, Centro Zihuatanejo. Trel. (755) 554-2590
• Budget Rentacar – Paseo Ixtapa s/n, Ixtapa. Tel. (755) 553-0397
• Dollar Rent a Car – Zihuatanejo Airport, (755) 5537050
• Europcar – Carr. al Aeropuerto s/n, Local 30. Tel. (755) 553-1758
• Hertz – Zihuatanejo International Airport. Tel. (755) 554-2952, 554-3050
• Thrify Car Rental – Aeropuerto Internacional de Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Int. 32. (755) 553-7020. Hotel Krystal Ixtapa: (755) 553-3019. Toll free: 01-800-021-2277

Car Washes

• Autolavado Express – Calle Carteros, next to H. Colegio Militar, Zihuatanejo. (755) 554-4074. Cell 044-755-558-2610
• Autolavado Superturbo – Oyamel 9, El Hujal (beside IMSS), Zihuatanejo. (755) 554-3027
• Car Wash Ixtapa – Paseo del Palmar s/n. (755) 553-3528. In Zihuatanejo, next to El Cacahuate store on Avda. Morelos.

Gas Stations (Pemex)

Pemex station

Pemex is the sole supplier of all commercial gasoline (petrol/diesel) stations in Mexico. All petrol stations, although labeled Pemex, are concessions that are strictly full-service…

The grades of Pemex gasoline are “Magna” (regular unleaded 87 octane—green pump handle) and “Premium” (92 octane—red pump handle). Previously, Pemex offered a leaded gasoline called “Nova”, but this has been discontinued for environmental reasons and due to stringent health regulations.

Pemex. (2010, March 13). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21:34, March 30, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pemex&oldid=349555116

• Gasolinera Aeropuerto – Highway 200, Km 9+700, Airport. (755) 554-8070
• Gasolinera Tulipanes – Highway 200 Km. 5, Los Tulipanes. (755) 554-7999
• Gasolinera Gonzalez – Highway 200,. (755) 554-8438
• Gasolinera Ixtapa 5165 – Highway 200, exit to Ixtapa. (755) 554-8873

Mechanics & Auto Servicing

• Chocastes – Auto parts and replacements. Paseo de Zihuatanejo Pte 70, Mz 49, Lt 4 (highway to Ixtapa). Tel. (755) 112-1823.
• Clinica de Autos Sanhdez – General mechanic. Computer diagnostics. Calle del Cedro 13, El Hujal, Zihuatanejo. Tel. (755) 554-9305
• Gezumiro – General Auto Mechanic – (755) 554-2569, on Highway 200 near the Fuente el Sol, El Hujal
• Orbelli Montaño – Tire shop – fuel injection – Paseo de Zihuatanejo Ote. 191, El Hujal. (755) 554-0442
• Auto Basic Alarmas – Car Alarms. Highway 200 in Nuevo Amanecer. (755) 554-2718
• Multiservicio Rivera – Lubricants, cleaning, general servicing. Av. Paseo de Zihuatanejo (Highway 200) 140. (755) 554-2301.

Towing Services

• Apside – Zona Comercial Lt. 8. (755) 554-3411, 554-4276