The Bus: Frequent, Comfortable, and Usually the Smartest Choice
For most travellers I would book an executive bus. You avoid Mexico City's notorious congestion, arrive at CAPU refreshed, and the total door-to-door time is often comparable to driving once parking and rental paperwork are included. Buy tickets at the terminal or online a day ahead for weekend departures; morning services before 9am are least affected by traffic. If you are staying in Roma or Condesa, TAPO is a 20–30 minute taxi ride; from Polanco or Reforma, Terminal del Norte is usually closer. Allow 45 minutes at the terminal for security and boarding.
Driving: Flexible but Seldom Faster
A car makes sense if you plan to continue beyond Puebla—to Cholula, Atlixco or the volcanoes—or if you are travelling with family and luggage. For a straightforward city-to-city trip, I would skip the rental: navigating Mexico City's circuits and Puebla's one-way centro streets is more stress than it is worth. If you do drive, use the toll road rather than the libre route through Chalco and Puebla's outskirts, which is slower and more congested. Fill up before leaving the city and carry coins or a tag for the casetas.
Arriving in Puebla: Terminals, Taxis and Where to Stay
Book your Puebla hotel early for weekends and during the September–October fiestas, when demand rises. The best months to visit are March to May and October to November, when days are warm and rain is less frequent; June to August brings afternoon showers. If you are combining both cities, consider staying in Mexico City first (where demand is highest) and taking a morning bus to Puebla for two nights—enough for the cathedral, the barrio streets and a day trip to Cholula's pyramid.
Which Should You Book?
Timing matters more than mode. Leave Mexico City after 9am to miss the worst of the morning rush, or take an evening bus and arrive in time for dinner. On the return, avoid Sunday evenings when weekend traffic into the capital peaks. Whichever you choose, reserve your hotel in Puebla before you book transport—central rooms near the Zócalo fill first, and a confirmed address makes the final taxi or drive simpler.