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Myth: I'll Have to Share the Bus with Chickens
"You're going by bus? Why?" "Are you crazy?" "What about banditos?" "What about sharing your seat with chickens and pigs?"

Okay...now let's get serious... 

Myth-stake: Actually, traveling by bus is one of the most efficient, frequent and economical ways to get around in Mexico. In fact, bus travel in Mexico is among the finest in the world...comparable to European train depots. Mexico has excellent, safe and cheap, long-distance, in-country buses, as well as many local buses ranging from not-so-converted school buses to mini-vans and/or shared taxis. 'Chicken' buses are named because they head to and from rural locales and sometimes host an animal or two, but livestock-on-bus sightings are far less common than some travel guides would have you believe...darn it. I think it would be a great photo-op!

Local Buses
Some local buses are similar to conventional city buses in the U.S.A. or Canada. However, they could also be a 'Colectivo' (VW microbus), a 'minibus,' or an old school bus, depending on the size of the village or city you're in. You generally pay when you get on, usually a few pesos. Ask a local which bus goes to your destination—most buses have the route and major stops on the front windshield. To stop a passing bus, wave your hand up and down, with palm down. To get off, tell the driver 'La esquina, por favor.' (The corner, please), or 'Aqui, por favor,' (here, please).

Major long-distance bus lines. 
Classes of Service: Some bus lines offer more than one class of service.

Second and Third Class Buses: 'Segunda Clase'
These vary from school buses to old over-the-road buses. They tend to stop in each village or when flagged down. In many cases, these buses are the only service available to smaller towns. Second Class buses may offer air-conditioning on some routes, but will be less comfortable than first and executive buses, so unless your budget is really tight, try to avoid these for long journeys. Another disadvantage of second class buses is that they take longer to arrive at their destination because they tend to be indirect, some with very frequent stops, possibly adding several hours to your journey time.

First Class Buses: 'Primera Clase'
These are equivalent to Greyhound, probably a bit nicer, with reserved seats and baggage check available. They may have toilets and television. First Class buses offer many of the services offered on the executive service such as air-conditioning, on-board toilet and entertainment, although the seat configuration will be less generous, meaning that there will be less room for stretching out and sleeping. First and higher class buses stop infrequently, usually less than once per hour. They connect cities, and do not generally stop in villages. In some cases, the higher class bus may use the expensive and faster toll road, while lower classes may use the slower free road.

Plus Class Buses: 'Plus Clase'
These usually have TVs and toilets, and the seats are reserved. The movies on Mexican buses are usually action flicks dubbed in Spanish. Baggage check is available. They may provide a drink and a sandwich when you board.

Luxury buses: 'Clase Executivo'
The fanciest buses may be called - 'Clase Lujo' or 'Clase Executivo.' This is the next step up with the same amenities plus more leg room and often complimentary soft drinks and water. These buses make few or no stops along the route.

There are a few companies that operate luxury buses with 2+1 seats across which almost lie flat, similar to long-haul first class airline seats. These are luxurious buses; the latest in bus technology and comfort. Inside, the passenger cabin is closed off from the driver's cockpit; windows are double-glazed, the cabin is air-conditioned and the suspension is excellent. Some provide a lunch-bag type snack with sandwich and cookie, and a permanent drink station in the back of the bus with hot water for tea and coffee. A toilet is available, and TV screens also feature films during the journey. Some companies even offer headphones to avoid forcing everyone to listen to the film.

If you're still unsure, always ask for local advice and/or look at the vehicles the bus company uses with your own eyes. Another way to choose buses is by cost, as you do generally get what you pay for. If one bus line has a higher ticket price, it probably has better buses and better service.

Not all routes offer a selection of class of service, especially on shorter journeys. Longer journeys almost always offer a first or executive class option; shorter distances (less than 100km) may only offer an equivalent of second-class, but will be adequate for the journey time.

When traveling by bus, you may want to carry water and perhaps a few snacks with you, and if you're on a night service, be sure to dress warmly--even though it may feel warm and muggy outside. Night buses in particular tend to keep their a/c up high (maybe to help the driver stay awake!) and it can become uncomfortably chilly if you don't have a sweater or jacket around your shoulders and socks on your feet. As always when you travel, dress in layers!

And, last but not, least as friend Kathleen Crislip says, "I rode Mexico luxury bus line ETN's comfortable coach from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, last month, and it was something to write home about. It was a smooth, easy trip, inexpensive ($37 USD one way for a first-class Mexico bus ticket--which means a luxury [and very safe] bus). I watched the absolutely lovely land roll by from a reclining seat which ranked with any airplane's business class, watched two videos, and consumed some complimentary food (more than steerage class airline seats offer). Sweet way to travel."

So...don't believe everything you hear...bus travel in Mexico is very safe and very cheap. Alas...no chickens!