ETN Bus Travel to Manzanillo on Mexico’s Pacific Coast
Take an ETN Turistar bus to Manzanillo and experience Mexico's 'Pearl of the Pacific.' This relaxed beach town is ideal if you want peace and quiet, far from busy resorts. Manzanillo is famous as the 'Sailfish Capital of the World' and offers beautiful beaches, top-notch sport fishing, and a friendly coastal vibe. Our luxury buses from Guadalajara get you there in about 4.5 hours, with executive-level comfort.
Whether you want to go fishing, explore the calm twin bays, or just relax on golden beaches like Playa Miramar and Playa La Audiencia, Manzanillo gives you a true Pacific coast experience. Enjoy fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants, play golf on championship courses, or take an eco-tour nearby. This port city combines natural beauty with modern comforts. Book your bus to Manzanillo today and discover one of Mexico's best-kept coastal secrets.
Why Visit Manzanillo?
Relaxed Beach Atmosphere: Manzanillo is quieter than Puerto Vallarta or Cancún, and offers an authentic Mexican coastal experience.
World-Class Sport Fishing: Called the 'Sailfish Capital of the World,' Manzanillo is a top spot for deep-sea fishing for sailfish, marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi.
Twin Bay Beaches: Santiago and Manzanillo bays both have calm waters, making them perfect for swimming.
Championship Golf: Play on top golf courses with ocean views and tropical scenery.
Fresh Seafood Paradise: Try local dishes like Colima-style ceviche and enjoy fresh seafood from the Pacific.
Family-Friendly: Safe beaches, comfortable resorts, and activities for all ages.
Getting to Manzanillo by Bus
Departure: Central Camionera, Guadalajara
Perfect Weekend Getaway: With easy access from Guadalajara, Manzanillo is a great choice for a beach weekend.
Activities & Adventures
- Charter boats available daily.
- Peak season runs from November to May.
- Target species: Sailfish, marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi.
- Full-day and half-day options
- Snorkeling at La Audiencia
- Scuba diving on Pacific reefs
- Kayaking in calm bays
- Paddleboarding
- Beach volleyball
- Championship courses with ocean views
- Year-round perfect weather
- Resort courses at Las Hadas and La Mantarraya
- Cuyutlán Lagoon mangroves and bird watching
- El Salto waterfall hiking
- Sierra Madre mountain tours
- Whale watching (December to April)
- Barra de Navidad: Charming beach town 1 hour north
- Colima: Colonial capital with volcano views (1.5 hrs away)
- Comala: White village and coffee plantations
Manzanillo's Culinary Scene
You’ll find great places to eat at beachfront palapas, downtown restaurants, resorts, and local markets.
Northern Mexican cuisine with bold flavors and meat-centric dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Colima-style ceviche: Fresh fish with lime, tomatoes, and local spices
- Pescado zarandeado: Grilled whole fish marinated in spices
- Colima-style pozole: Traditional red pozole soup
- Fresh oysters: Straight from Pacific waters
- Camarones: Shrimp prepared multiple ways
Local Specialties:
- Picadillo tamales: Meat-filled corn tamales
- Coconut alfajores: Sweet coconut desserts
- Tamarind bites: Tangy-spicy candies
ETN Bus Service to Manzanillo
Comfort
- Executive 2+1 reclining seats with legroom
- USB charging ports and WiFi
- Climate-controlled cabin
- Onboard restroom facilities
- Checked luggage included (25 kg)
Convenience
- Multiple departures from Guadalajara
- 4.5-hour scenic journey
- Central terminal location
- Digital tickets via email
Perfect for
- Weekend beach getaways
- Fishing trip transportation
- Family vacations
- Romantic escapes
How to Book Your Trip
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Book online at etn.com.mx/english. Select Guadalajara to Manzanillo, pick your date and seat.
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Use the ETN Turistar app (iOS & Android) to book and manage your tickets easily.
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Buy your ticket at the Guadalajara Central Camionera ticket counter.
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Tip: Book 5–7 days ahead during high season (Nov–Apr). Morning departures give you a full afternoon at the beach.
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
- High season runs from November to April, with perfect weather, great fishing, and dry months.
- Visit in May or October for great deals and fewer crowds.
- Summer, from June to September, brings warm weather, afternoon showers, and the lowest prices.
Getting Around
- You can reach the beaches by taxi or local bus.
- Downtown walkable Malecón and Zócalo
- For day trips, join a tour or rent a car.
- Book fishing charters right from the marina.
Where to Stay
- Santiago Bay: Resorts and hotels
- Manzanillo Bay: Downtown, budget-friendly
- Las Hadas area: Upscale resorts
- Playa Azul: Quieter beach zone
How Long to Stay
- For a weekend visit, plan to stay at least 2 to 3 days.
- The ideal trip length is 5 to 7 days.
- If you’re coming for fishing, plan for 3 to 5 days.
Manzanillo vs. Other Beach Destinations
Why Choose Manzanillo
| Why Choose Manzanillo | Advantage | Details |
|---|---|---|
| More Relaxed than Puerto Vallarta |
✓ | Fewer crowds |
| ✓ | More authentic local atmosphere | |
| ✓ | Better value for accommodations | |
| ✓ | Less commercialized | |
| Better for Fishing |
✓ | Sailfish capital reputation |
| ✓ | More charter options | |
| ✓ | Year-round fishing | |
| Family- Friendly |
✓ | Calmer beaches (twin bays) |
| ✓ | Safer swimming conditions | |
| ✓ | More affordable resorts | |
| ✓ | Less party atmosphere |
FAQ - Travelling to Manzanillo
How do I get to Manzanillo by bus?
You can take the ETN luxury bus from Guadalajara to Manzanillo, which takes about 4.5 hours. Buses run several times a day.
How much does a bus ticket cost?
Tickets from Guadalajara start at $45 USD, but prices may change depending on when you book.
Is Manzanillo safe for tourists?
Yes, Manzanillo is considered safe for visitors and is known as a family-friendly beach spot with low crime rates.
What's included on ETN buses?
ETN buses offer reclining seats, USB charging ports, WiFi, air conditioning, restrooms, and allow you to check up to 25kg of luggage.
Where does the bus arrive?
The bus arrives at the Central de Autobuses in Manzanillo. From there, you can take a taxi to any beach area, which usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Best time to visit Manzanillo?
The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is ideal for the beach and it’s peak fishing season.
What should I not miss?
Don’t miss deep-sea fishing, relaxing at Playa Miramar, trying fresh seafood, taking a sunset walk along the Malecón, or making a day trip to Barra de Navidad.
Is Manzanillo crowded?
No, Manzanillo is less crowded than Puerto Vallarta or Cancún, making it a great choice for a peaceful beach vacation.
Manzanillo Routes
Popular Connections:
Other Pacific Beach Destinations
Keep exploring the Pacific Coast:
Are you ready for a relaxing getaway?
- Pearl of the Pacific beaches
- Sailfish Capital of the World
- 4.5 hours from Guadalajara
- Fresh seafood & coastal cuisine