Monterrey's historic core, including the Macroplaza, Barrio Antiguo, and Avenida Ocampo, is walkable and offers plenty of attractions within a compact radius. Sidewalks in this area are usually wide, though they may be uneven in some spots, especially around older buildings. Comfortable shoes are recommended. The streets are well-lit and patrolled into the evening, and walking after dark in the main tourist areas is generally considered safe. Beyond the core, however, distances increase rapidly and the city becomes more car-centric, so transit or taxis are a better option for most travelers venturing farther than a mile.

Monterrey's Metrorrey system includes three lines as of June 2025. Line 1 runs east-west from San Bernabé to Exposición, serving Fundidora Park and the Centro. Line 2 travels north to south between Sendero and General I. Zaragoza, intersecting Line 1 at Cuauhtémoc. Line 3, the newest line, connects downtown with the San Nicolás and Guadalupe areas.

Trains run from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., with short headways during peak hours. Fares are 4.50 MXP (about $0.25 USD) per ride, payable at vending machines in each station. Signage is in Spanish only, and ticket machines do not accept foreign cards, so have pesos on hand. While most stations are staffed and have basic security, we recommend reviewing a system map beforehand if you're unfamiliar with the city's layout.

Taxis in Monterrey are white with red accents and a "TAXI" sign on the roof. Most taxis operate without meters and use set rates determined by distance and zone. It is best to agree on a fare before boarding. Taxis can be hailed on the street or found at official ranks, but for safety and convenience, we suggest having your hotel or restaurant call a sitio cab on your behalf. Drivers usually do not accept credit cards, and English is not widely spoken. Fares around central Monterrey average 60-120 MXP ($3-6), while longer trips to the airport or San Pedro Garza García may cost 200-350 MXP ($10-17.50).

The Ecovía BRT corridor spans 30 km along Avenida Lincoln and Avenida Ruiz Cortines, offering a dedicated-lane transit option that connects the western and eastern suburbs through the city. Fares are also 4.50 MXP, and payment is made via rechargeable card or onboard cash machines (exact change required). Ecovía stations are covered and marked with real-time displays, but the system operates only in Spanish. While reliable, Ecovía does not serve the historic core directly, so tourists may find it more useful for accessing secondary areas or as a supplement to light rail.

Both Uber and DiDi are fully operational across Monterrey, including airport pickups and returns. These apps are often cheaper than taxis, and pricing is shown in advance. Expect to pay between 50-100 MXP ($2.50-$5) for short city rides, or 200-300 MXP ($10-$15) to get to more distant suburbs. Vehicles are generally clean and air-conditioned. While tipping is optional, small gratuities are appreciated. Rideshares are especially useful after dark, when bus and rail service may be reduced or feel less comfortable.

While Monterrey's surface bus system is vast, it is not intuitive for travelers. Multiple companies run overlapping routes with inconsistent signage, often only displayed via handwritten placards. Bus stops rarely post route maps or timetables, and services are almost entirely in Spanish. Colectivos or shared minibuses operate in outer districts and serve working commuters, but they tend to be crowded and confusing for newcomers. For visitors unfamiliar with the language or layout, it is easier to rely on light rail, rideshare, or hotel-arranged transport.

The Santa Lucía Canal connects the Macroplaza to Fundidora Park via a 1.5-mile waterway. Small tourist boats run regularly and provide a relaxed, narrated ride through the heart of Monterrey. These boats are especially popular on weekends and holidays. Tickets cost approximately 70 MXP (~$3.50) and can be purchased at either end of the canal. This is one of the city's most pleasant sightseeing options.