Overview
Puebla is one of Mexico's most captivating colonial cities, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its hand-painted Talavera tiles, baroque churches and celebrated cuisine (this is the birthplace of mole poblano). Sitting at over 2,100 metres above sea level on a high plateau ringed by volcanoes, including the still-active Popocatépetl, Puebla offers UK travellers a slower, more authentic alternative to Mexico's beach resorts, with easy access to Mexico City and the ancient pyramid site of Cholula next door. There are no direct flights from the UK to Puebla, so most journeys involve flying into Mexico City and continuing overland or by a short domestic hop, but the payoff is a beautifully preserved city that rewards a few unhurried days.
Best time to fly to Puebla
Thanks to its altitude, Puebla enjoys a mild climate year-round, so it's a comfortable destination whenever you can get away. The dry season, from November to April, brings warm days, cool evenings and the clearest skies for volcano views, making it the most popular window for UK travellers. May to October is the rainy season, with short, heavy afternoon showers rather than all-day washouts, and lush green surroundings. Early November is especially atmospheric thanks to Day of the Dead celebrations, while the city's own Cinco de Mayo festivities (marking the 1862 Battle of Puebla) are well worth building a trip around. Use the When to book chart above to see how fares shift across the year.
Airlines and routes
There's no nonstop service between the UK and Puebla's own airport, so the standard route is a nonstop flight from London to Mexico City (around 11-11.5 hours with carriers such as British Airways or Aeromexico), followed by either a short connecting flight to Puebla or, more commonly, a comfortable road transfer of around two hours, since the two cities are so close. Travellers connecting via other European or US hubs will find a wider choice of airlines and fare combinations. Compare the airline and routing options in the price charts on this page to find the best fit for your dates.
Things to do in Puebla
Puebla's compact historic centre is made for wandering, but a few sights shouldn't be missed:
- Puebla Cathedral and the Zócalo: the city's grand main square and one of Mexico's tallest cathedrals, framed by porticoed colonial buildings.
- Great Pyramid of Cholula: the world's largest pyramid by volume, topped incongruously by a Spanish colonial church, a short taxi ride from the centre.
- Biblioteca Palafoxiana: the first public library in the Americas, a beautifully preserved baroque reading room.
- Callejón de los Sapos: an atmospheric lane of antique shops, cafés and a lively weekend flea market.
- Talavera pottery workshops: visit a working studio to see the region's famous hand-painted ceramics being made.
At Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC)
Puebla's own airport, Hermanos Serdán International Airport, sits around 20km northwest of the city centre in the town of Huejotzingo. Taxis and pre-booked private transfers are the easiest way into Puebla, typically taking 25-35 minutes depending on traffic, and are widely available at arrivals. If your UK itinerary routes through Mexico City instead, first-class coach services run regularly between Mexico City's airport and Puebla's main bus station, a straightforward and scenic way to complete the journey.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Puebla
- Book ahead: fares on the London-Mexico City routing tend to be best when booked several months in advance, particularly for travel around Day of the Dead or Christmas.
- Fly midweek: departing on a Tuesday or Wednesday is often cheaper than weekend travel.
- Stay flexible on dates: shifting your trip by even a few days can unlock a noticeably lower fare, as shown in the price charts on this page.
- Compare connection points: routing via Mexico City, Madrid or a US hub can throw up different price and journey-time trade-offs, so it pays to compare a few options.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders don't need a visa for tourist visits to Mexico of up to 180 days; you'll simply need a valid passport and a completed tourist card (FMM), which is usually arranged as part of the immigration process on arrival. The currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN); cards are widely accepted in central Puebla, though it's worth carrying some cash for markets and taxis. No vaccinations are mandatory for entry, but because Puebla sits at high altitude, it's sensible to take it easy and stay hydrated for your first day or two.
