I traveled from Mexico City to Zihuatanejo on first class buses and found the experience to be very good. The only difficulty was initially finding the right bus to board, at that time it wasn’t very clear as the buses were kind of lined up in a giant parking lot.

Honestly, I couldn’t imagine driving in Mexico City – it makes Paris look perfectly civilised.

Lily

Renting a car in D.F. has all kinds of risks associated with it. For the most part, public transport is safe in Mexico, just don’t flaunt expensive belongings (cameras, watches, designer clothes, laptops).

Of the people I know who have gotten robbed in Mexico, most have been either at the airport or in traffic (in a stopped car)....both in broad daylight and with plenty of people around.

Also, Mexican drivers take traffic lights, stop signs, and speed limits more as suggestions than actual regulations…yet another reason not to rent a car in Mexico.

I would suggest checking out a “tour” company at your hotel in D.F. They can arrange for a private bus to pick you up at your hotel. It will be more expensive than public transport, but you (and the hotel) will have an audit trail of where you’ve been, and who picked you up. Kidnapping is a serious problem in Mexico City.

Driving in Mexico City is very difficult, you have to be aware of everything going on around you and drive very defensively, but also aggressively or you won’t ever be able to move.
Outside of the city it’s much easier; the driving style is similar, but with fewer cars there’s less to worry about. However, if you get into an accident it can be a lot of hassle to take care of.
A bus is much easier, and if you go with a first class bus like Lily suggested, it should be a nice ride. However, it will be a longer trip since the buses stop.
Another alternative is taking cheap flights, there are many minor airlines that only fly between Mexico City, Ixtapa and Acapulco, you may be able to find a 3-stop flight for $150. It’s MUCH quicker, about the safest you can get, and while it costs more, you get more days to enjoy yourself at your destinations.

go on a bus. Ask people where the buses are, it’s not that hard to find them. Unlike in the US, buses leave on time and there’s no mad rush to get 100 people on a bus that sits 50 (i’m still angry at greyhound for their poorly run company..heh). They usually yell out what bus is leaving from where (you’ll using La Central del Sur, if, correct me if i’m wrong, Acapulco is south of Mexico City. La Central Del Norte is a lot bigger and easier to get lost in.)
Acapulco has public transporatation, and it’s very worth it to get around by foot.
As for Mexico City…if you’re used to driving in a really congested city and have nerves of steel, go for it.

...you should definitely take the bus..
it cost around:
>>450 pesos from MX to ZHJO
>>120 pesos from ZHJO to ACAP
>>320 pesos from ACAP to MX
...here’s the link about the buses.. you can see the routes, prices, schedules, and more useful info:
http://www.estrellablanca.com.mx

Good luck!! ...and don’t forget to bring pictures!

Buen viaje!!

zihuatanejo is only 4 hours away from Acapulco, you can either rent a car or go on a Bus, it depends of your budget.

A bus will costo you only 115 pesos and every hour there are departures. For further info check this bus line
www.estrelladeoro.com.mx
www.estrellablanca.com.mx

you can buy your ticket before with credit card.

Now if you decide to go on car be sure to be a good driver because Acapulco is a busy city, lots of Traffic.

From Acapulco there is new airline called Interjet that has very good prices to Toluca.. city just 40 minutes away from Mexico city and you can 50% instead of arriving directly to Mexico citys Airport.

If you need to buy ticket visit
www.interjet.com.mx
or recommend travel agency in zihuatanejo called Viajes America where you can get ticket and more infomation, i recommend it.

Hope you find this info usefull.

Do not bother to rent a car in Mexico city. It will be more expnsive and you will hate the experience of trying to drive here. Also, the booth toll to Acapulco is expensive and hitting the road in a rented car might only be more convenient if you are taking with you a large family, but if you are going by yourself or with someone else then the bus is the way to go. The buses depart from the south central, located just a few steps outside the subway station named “Taxqueña”.

Once in Acapulco/Zihuatanejo, you might want to rent a car depending of what you want to do. If you just want to hang around the most popular beaches and explore the night life then public transport would be better, but if you want to hit the roads and explore the small towns and natural sorroundings then renting a car is worth the money.

I agree; driving in Mexico is not for the faint-hearted, your best bet is to take public transportation.