Monterrey

Monterrey traces its modern history to its founding in 1596, when Diego de Montemayor founded the city, together with 12 first families. The story is told by a mural on one of the modern grey concrete and black glass government office towers downtown, just off the Macroplaza. The mural seems odd in its juxtaposition of Spanish conquistadors set next to a modern city of skyscrapers and factories. It does capture the spirit of Monterrey though -- a city that isn't so much a product of its past as it is a product of its future. Monterrey is an aggressively modern city, unlike most destinations in Mexico. Although it does have some colonial era sights, and its Barrio Antiguo district preserves a sense of Monterrey as it was in its once "sleepy town" days, the city is very much a product of the industrial age of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Monterrey has a culture that values education and business ethics. Often referred to as "an industrial giant", the label is more true in the imagination than it is in reality. Monterrey's big steel and iron works have been shut down for almost three decades, and even the concrete, glass, and brewing industries don't dominate the economy as they once did. Instead, people in Monterrey are today more likely to work in retail, in banking, in telecommunications, IT, health care or education. The city enjoys one of Mexico's highest standards of living, and the population is more educated and cultured than average. Monterrey is also a large city.

Monterrey is a large city with a wide variety of transportation options. Bus, plane, or personal car are the most practical ways to get to Monterrey. By plane Monterrey has two airports. All commercial flights use Monterrey International (MTY) -- the city's main airport. Private and cargo carriers use Del Norte Airport. (Monterrey International Airport, MTY) – Daily international flights to Detroit, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Havana. Aeromexico flies direct to Madrid and Incheon (Seoul, Korea). Iberia flies to and from Madrid. The airport has several flights a day to all major Mexican destinations, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Toluca, Cancún, Mérida, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Tijuana. Several low cost airlines fly from Monterrey to different parts of the country, including Volaris and Viva Aerobus. MTY is a hub for Viva Aerobus. The airport is about 30 minutes from downtown, in the suburban municipality of Apodaca. There are ATMs in all terminals. Terminal A is often considered the "main terminal building" and serves both international flights and domestic (national) flights. Terminal B is a new terminal building that serves primarily Aeromexico flights. Terminal C serves only Viva Aerobus flights (both domestic and international), though these may also arrive at Terminal A. As of 2023, a free inter-terminal shuttle is available. By bus See also Bus travel in Mexico. Inside the bus station are Mexican fast food chains like Doña Tota, El Carbonero and El Sabor de Villa de Santiago.

E-hailing and walking are the best choices. Buses are common. The subway is good, but has limited coverage. By e-hailing Uber and Didi serve the city. By taxi Taxis come in two color schemes: older ones are lime green and white, while the newer ones are yellow and white. The difference is just cosmetic as they are both affordable and plentiful. Taxis use meters in Monterrey, and to avoid overcharges, insist that the driver use the meter. By public transport For finding a connection, Moovit and Google Maps cover the city. As of February 2025 bus timetables and routing information on Google maps are incorrect. Moovit seems to have correct routes at least. When possible, take the metro instead of buses. Monterrey is in the process of discontinuing cash payment on public transportation. The fare can be paid either with a 'Me Muevo' card, which is available in metro stations, or with the Urbani app. Both can be recharged in OXXO stores. The app also has a credit card option, but does not seem to support foreign credit cards. City bus One ride costs about M$15 (February 2025). Buses stop only at dedicated bus stops. Not every bus stop has a sign. Just have a look where other people are waiting or ask somebody around where the bus stop is. Buses with route numbers 1-199 are local/urban buses that stay in a certain part of the city. Numbers 200-300 go to most part of the city (multiple colonias/municipalities). 300-502 are minibuses. Also there is a Metrobus service in Guadalupe and San Bernabe area. There are three routes in San Bernabe and one in Guadalupe.

- (Also known as 'Puente de la Unidad San Pedro). Futuristic suspension bridge set against a dramatic backdrop of nearby mountains. You can walk on it and enjoy the view of Monterrey. Do Monterrey offers a wide array of activities, celebrations, and special events. Adrenaline junkies will find ample opportunities for mountaineering activities, including rappeling, caving, canyoneering, mountain biking, and hiking in the mountains and parks surrounding the city. The largest of these parks is the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park (the largest park in the Mexico national parks system). Families will want to check out the and modern architecture downtown. Visit to experience a Mexican amusement park. Events Pal Norte (music festival) - Tecate Pa'l Norte is a music, art, and norteño traditional festival held every year since 2012. The event features some of the best of Latin America's most prominent talents. Pa'l Norte is considered to be one of the most popular music festivals within Latin America, and is one of the top-three most lucrative in México. Festival Internacional Cine (International Film Festival) - since 2005, movies have been the talk of the town during the month of April when film makers come to show off their work. Expo Feria Guadalupe (Guadalupe) - For more than 70 years, Regios have gathered each May for northern Mexico's biggest and boldest livestock show and fair.

Monterrey in the summer can be hot, so you may want to head for higher elevations. Your next destination can be... To the west Saltillo – 90 km Parras de la Fuente – 230 km To the north-west Cuatro Ciénegas – 270 km To the north Laredo (Texas, USA) – 220 km. From there to San Antonio. To the south Real de Catorce – 350 km. A ghost town, which still has several open hotels. Matehuala – 320 km. On the way to San Luis Potosí. San Luis Potosí – 510 km. To see the details of the buses have a look into the Get In section of the SLP article. By air Monterrey has many direct low cost flights, especially from Viva Aerobus and from charter airline Magni. Dirt cheap fares are usually available to Mexico City and all of the major beach resort areas on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Monterrey can be an excellent gateway to every major destination in Mexico. mrkstvns