Getting there
Fly (the move we recommend). Zacatecas has its own airport, General Leobardo C. Ruiz International (ZCL), about 20 to 30 minutes north of the center. It runs domestic flights to Mexico City and a handful of other Mexican cities, plus some seasonal US routes to places with large Zacatecan communities. Flying is the whole safety logic of this trip: it lets you skip long overland hauls across the state. From ZCL, take an authorized airport taxi into town, roughly a half-hour ride and around 300 to 450 MXN (approximate); there is no train and public transit from the airport is not practical with bags.
Bus. Zacatecas is a major stop on the northern network, and the coaches themselves are comfortable and reliable. First-class lines to look for include Ómnibus de México, ETN (the premium, wide-seat option), and connections via Primera Plus. Rough runs: Mexico City about 7 to 8 hours, Guadalajara about 4 to 5, Aguascalientes about 2, San Luis Potosí about 2.5 to 3, Durango about 4. The honest caveat is that a bus means crossing highway distances by land, so travel in daylight and stick to first-class service. Buses arrive at the Central Camionera outside the center, so grab a taxi or ride-hail for the last stretch in.
Drive. Possible, and the toll roads (cuotas) are in decent shape, but this is the option we are most cautious about given the state’s highway security. If you drive, stay on toll highways, travel only in daylight, keep the tank topped up, and check current road conditions before setting out. Do not drive intercity at night.
Getting around
On foot. Once you are in the center, you walk. It is compact, and the cathedral, museums, market and mezcal bars are within about ten minutes of each other. The honest comfort note: this is a vertical city of steep cobbled callejones at 2,400 meters, so your legs and lungs will notice the first day. Wear real shoes with grip, take the climbs slowly, and don’t over-schedule day one while you acclimatize.
Taxis and ride-hail. For anything farther out, getting back to your hotel late, or the terminal and airport runs, use registered taxis or a ride-hail app rather than walking long distances after dark. In-town taxi hops are cheap, roughly 40 to 90 MXN (approximate); agree the fare first if the taxi is unmetered.
Teleférico. The cable car is technically transport as well as a sight, linking the Cerro del Grillo side up to Cerro de la Bufa, and it is the painless way onto the ridge if you would rather not climb.
Rental car. You do not need one for a city stay, and parking in the tight center is a headache. Only rent if you have a specific, daylight, road-checked day trip in mind, in which case see day trips. For why flying beats driving in the first place, see is it safe.