//
State of central Mexico
Photo: Mike Sharp - User: (WT-shared) 2old at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mexico State (Spanish: Estado de México), often referred to locally as Edomex, is one of the country's 31 states. It surrounds Mexico City on three sides. The state has several densely populated suburban municipalities near the city, but becomes very rural further away with the western part of the state being particularly mountainous as the peaks of the Sierra Madre dominate the landscape with volcanoes, forests, and small towns. To the northwest of Mexico City is the Valley of Mexico, an industrial engine of Central Mexico.
By air
By bus
Mexico State is very easy to reach by bus with service to every larger population center by first-class bus and every small town by at least a second-class bus.
By train
The Ferrocarril Suburbano is a commuter rail system that connects downtown Mexico City with northern Mexico State municipalities.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Toluca · International · TLC
Loading places around the airport…
capital of the state, known for its botanical gardens and many museums
has been designated a "Magic Town" for its traditional architecture full of alleys and houses with wide patios and corridors, buildings supported by columns and cobbled streets
small town near the volcanoes Popocatepetl and Ixtaccihuatl
a small city known for its thermal baths, a designated Pueblo Magico ("Magic Town")
ancient pre-colombian settlement with many archaeological sites nearby, known for its black Christ figure and for shamans and dark magic
a touristy town known for its pottery
picturesque historic gold mining town, it is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos
small town that preserves Otomi cultural traditions
small town southeast of Mexico City, site of Desierto del Carmen, a national park and 18th century Carmelite convent
charming small city on the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, designated as one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos
an important site for Catholic religious tourism and UFO fans
small colonial town with caverns and natural attractions
town on the shores of Lake Avondaro, close to butterfly sanctuaries and thermal spas
impressive pre-Columbian archaeological site with massive pyramids
twin volcanoes east of Mexico City on the border with Puebla state
snow-capped volcano near the state capital
an outdoorsman's playground with numerous rivers and streams feeding into 4 large man-made lakes. Aside from trout fishing, there's plenty of water sports like swimming, sailing, and kayaking. Landlubbers will find miles of hiking trails, camping, rapelling, and opportunities for nature watching.
a ceremonial place of the Otomí people. This modern temple was built in 1981 and was used in the James Bond movie License to Kill, as the villain Sánchez's headquarters. You can walk through the park or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. There is a restaurant and a market. Access is easy by bus from Mexico City (e.g., Cuatro Caminos, 90 min) to Temoaya and from there a local bus (20 min).
Camino Real de Tierra Adentro is the historic silver mining route established by Spanish settlers in the 16th century. It begins in downtown Mexico City and runs through the several states in Mexico for 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) before crossing what is now the United States border at Juarez/El Paso and extending 650 km (404 miles) north to Santa Fe where it ends at San Juan Pueblo.
Articles and travel topics about Mexico State and Mexico.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
InspirationExplore the best places to visit in November across autumn foliage, mild desert warmth, southern spring blooms, and off-peak travel bargains.
6 min read
ItinerariesPlan your Isla Holbox trip with our complete Mexico guide. Explore sand streets, Punta Cocos bioluminescence, whale sharks, beach clubs, and ferries.
8 min read
Travel tipsIs it safe to travel to Mexico right now? Compare safety in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mexico City, and Oaxaca with official travel advisories and local tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.