If you are looking for something cheaper than flying and less stressful than driving, taking a bus to Huasteca is a good option but you'll need to stay somewhere within the canyon such as the Yage. It definitely can be much more cost effective if you are traveling alone or with just one other person. Sometimes flying to a city in Texas and then busing in can overall be cheaper than an international flight to Monterrey. If opting for the Texas transfer, be sure to check on the cost of the transfer from airport to bus station – if arriving at night getting a taxi can be costly.
Taking the bus to Huasteca is a little less recommended for those without any Spanish – Mexico’s bus system can be poorly marked and largely based on local knowledge. You will most likely find yourself the only non-Mexican onboard; when crossing the border the instructions will all be in Spanish. Being able to ask fellow passengers and the driver for confirmation of your directions is a plus. Taking the bus is an authentic experience.
Arriving From the United States
Greyhound is a popular bus line and provided very regular and reliable service between the U.S. and Mexico. They typically use the partner company “Autobuses Americanos” for inter-Mexico travel, but book the tickets and make the arrangements for you. You can buy your tickets ahead of time online and pick them up at the office or have them mailed to you. A recent (2011) round trip itinerary from San Antonio to Monterrey using Greyhound totalled $70.
When the bus arrives at the US/Mexico border all passengers will be given a chance to get off and purchase tourist visas as needed. The bus will then be subjected to the same traffic light treatment as passenger cars: depending on the red/green results of a stop light, the bus will be able to pass or will first have to be searched by border officials.
You may have to transfer buses once you have crossed the border in Mexico. With Greyhound passengers are dropped off at a bus station in Nuevo Laredo and a Mexican-owned company completes the rest of your journey to Monterrey.
Monterrey’s Bus Station
The Monterrey central bus station (“Central De Autobuses”) is the largest in northern Mexico and can take you anywhere in Mexico. It is also connected by subway to the rest of the city of Monterrey.
After arriving at the Monterrey bus station from the U.S. you will need to either grab a cab or purchase a cheap regional bus ticket to your final destination. Go to the front of the station to the crowded hall full of eager ticket vendors for a bus ticket or head outside and look for one of the many green taxi's. The taxi's are very cheap and also less stressful