How to get to Malinalco
Malinalco lies in the south of the State of Mexico, surrounded by mountains. Here are the driving and bus routes from Mexico City, Toluca and Metepec, Querétaro and Cuernavaca.
Approximate driving times
| From | Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | 2 h – 2 h 30 | ≈ 100 km |
| Toluca and Metepec | ≈ 1 h – 1 h 30 | ≈ 50–60 km |
| Querétaro | ≈ 3 h 15 – 3 h 45 | ≈ 250 km |
| Cuernavaca | ≈ 1 h 30 | ≈ 60–70 km |
Choose your starting point
From Mexico City
By car
- Take the Mexico–Toluca toll highway (15D) heading west.
- At La Marquesa, take the exit toward Tenango del Valle / Santiago Tianguistenco.
- After Jajalpa, follow the signs to Malinalco on the state road. The last stretch is a winding mountain road.
- The Mexico–Toluca highway has toll booths.
By bus
From the Terminal Poniente (Observatorio), Autotransportes Flecha Roja has departures to Malinalco or to Chalma. If your bus goes to Chalma, take a connecting bus or taxi there to Malinalco (about 10 km). The trip takes around 2 to 3 hours.
From Toluca and Metepec
By car
- Head south on the Toluca–Tenango road (Mexico 55).
- Near Tenango del Valle, take the turnoff toward Joquicingo.
- Continue through Joquicingo and follow the signs to Malinalco.
- The Toluca–Tenango stretch has toll booths.
By bus
There is no direct bus. The easiest option is to get to Tenango del Valle and continue by taxi or local transport to Malinalco. Check schedules at the terminal before you go.
From Querétaro
By car
- Take the Mexico–Querétaro highway (57D) south.
- At Palmillas, take the highway toward Atlacomulco and then Toluca (55D), so you avoid Mexico City.
- Go around Toluca and head south on the road to Tenango del Valle.
- Turn off toward Joquicingo and follow the signs to Malinalco.
By bus
There is no direct bus. You can take a bus from Querétaro to Toluca and continue to Tenango del Valle and Malinalco, or travel to Mexico City (Observatorio) and take Flecha Roja.
From Cuernavaca
By car
- Leave Cuernavaca heading west, toward Chalma.
- The road crosses forest and mountains: drive calmly, and in daylight if possible.
- At Chalma, continue about 10 km to Malinalco.
By bus
There are buses from Cuernavaca to Chalma. From Chalma, take a connecting bus or taxi to Malinalco, about 10 minutes.
Tips for the road
On weekends and long weekends, traffic at La Marquesa and leaving Mexico City can add an hour or more.
Sunday afternoon is the busiest time to head back. If you can, leave before 3 pm or after 7 pm.
The last stretch is winding and can be foggy in the rainy season. Drive in daylight and with care.
Fill up before leaving the main highway and bring cash: not every business takes cards.
Malinalco on the map
Approximate times and distances in normal traffic. Check your route in real time before you leave, and confirm bus schedules directly with the bus line.