Find out which bus or combination of buses will take you to your point of destination. The buses, or "camiones" as they're called in Mexico, go by different alphanumeric names and have distinct vehicle models according to their route. For this reason, it's best to be absolutely clear whether you need to catch the 629-A vs. the 629-B (or 629-1, or -2, etc.), for example. Each route has a varies slightly according to its number and letter.
Wait for the "camion" at the bus stop. On main avenues, bus stops are indicated by street signs or benches. More commonly, there is no indication at all that a bus stop exists; that's why it's best to ask a fellow commuter exactly where the bus passes.
When you see your bus coming toward the stop, flag it down as you would a taxi. Buses stop only for passengers who are getting off or passengers on the street who wave their arm in the air--not for people standing idly on the corner.
Board the bus and pay after it stops. Bus fares are raised periodically, but all routes cost the same, except in the case of privately owned transportation companies (see Tips). Have pesos ready; hand them to the driver, and he will give you a small paper ticket. Exact change is not required, but drivers usually don't accept big bills.
Find a seat, or in the case that no seat is available, grab hold of the closet railing and don't let go. Protocol requires that the first passenger to sit in an empty row of seats occupies the aisle seat, and the second to arrive must make her way across to the window seat.
To get off the bus, press the "stop" button located on the railing near or just above the rear door. Do so with fair warning so the driver has time to pull over. Step down quickly and glance to your right, as some motorcycles and bikes choose to use the bus lane for lack of a better option.
