The Wayro route from Metepec to Zimapán is 155 miles (249 km), about 3 h 23 min of driving without stops.
| Distance | 155 mi (249 km) |
|---|---|
| Driving time, no stops | 3 h 23 min |
| Main roads, in order | MEX-55 → MEX-55D → MEX-M40D → MEX-45 → MEX-85 |
| Mexican states on the route | State of Mexico (Level 2), Hidalgo (Level 2) |
| Toll roads | MEX-55D, MEX-M40D |
| Fuel estimate (car at 25 mpg) | about 6.2 gal; actual use varies by vehicle and traffic |
| Stops listed below | 5 |
Driving this route in a car with U.S. plates
| Temporary vehicle import permit (TIP) | Required: this route is outside the zones where U.S.-registered cars can skip the temporary import permit (Baja California, Baja California Sur and part of Sonora) |
|---|---|
| Mexican auto insurance | Required for all vehicles: buy a Mexican policy before you drive |
Sources: U.S. State Department, Mexico travel information (updated August 11, 2026); permits are issued by Banjercito.
What the drive from Metepec to Zimapán is like
MEX-M40D (44 mi) and MEX-55D (29 mi) carry about 47% of the 155 miles. MEX-55D, MEX-M40D are toll highways (cuota); MEX-55, MEX-45, MEX-85 are free federal roads (libre). It runs through 2 states: State of Mexico, Hidalgo. Of the 5 stops listed below, 3 are within a mile of the road.
The route from Metepec to Zimapán, road by road
| Road | Route miles (from–to) | Length, mi | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| local roads | 0–3 | 3 | State of Mexico |
| MEX-55 | 3–14 | 11 | State of Mexico |
| MEX-55D | 14–43 | 29 | State of Mexico |
| connecting roads | 43–45 | 2 | State of Mexico |
| MEX-M40D | 45–89 | 44 | State of Mexico, Hidalgo |
| local roads | 89–126 | 37 | Hidalgo |
| MEX-45 | 126–130 | 4 | Hidalgo |
| MEX-85 | 130–150 | 20 | Hidalgo |
| local roads | 150–155 | 5 | Hidalgo |
- Mile 78 of this route: State of Mexico → Hidalgo (state line)
Stops between Metepec and Zimapán
- Right off the route (under 1 mile): Cathedral of Atlacomulco (mile 44), Tula (mile 92), Sala Histórica Quetzalcóatl (mile 92)
- Nature and outdoors: Parque Estatal Sierra Morelos (mile 8)
- Museums and history: Calixtlahuaca (mile 9), Cathedral of Atlacomulco (mile 44), Tula (mile 92), Sala Histórica Quetzalcóatl (mile 92)
Parque Estatal Sierra Morelos
This Toluca park, one of the State of Mexico's protected natural areas, is home to more than 500 species of plants and animals. Families come for the axolotl center, bat house, small farm and jogging track.
Calixtlahuaca
Spread over the slopes of Cerro Tenismó near Toluca, this site's standout is the round Temple of Ehécatl-Quetzalcóatl, rebuilt in four phases. Nearby, a Mexica-era skull rack displays stone skulls set into cross-shaped walls.
Cathedral of Atlacomulco
Atlacomulco's cathedral, the Catedral de la Divina Providencia, is the seat of the Diocese of Atlacomulco and is dedicated to Divine Providence, making it the town's principal Catholic church.
Tula
Once the Toltec capital, the Tula archaeological zone is best known for its Atlantes, basalt warrior figures over four meters (13 feet) tall crowning the main pyramid. Visitors also see a ball court, the Burnt Palace and the Coatepantli wall, carved with snakes devouring skeletons.
Sala Histórica Quetzalcóatl
The Sala Histórica Quetzalcóatl is an archaeological museum located in Tula de Allende, in the Mexican state of Hidalgo.
More drives to Zimapán
- Celaya to Zimapán
- Tlalpujahua to Zimapán
- Moroleón to Zimapán
- Pénjamo to Zimapán
- Zitácuaro to Zimapán
- Cuitzeo to Zimapán
From Metepec to other places in Mexico
- Metepec to Valle de Bravo
- Metepec to El Oro
- Metepec to Ezequiel Montes
- Metepec to Tócuaro
- Metepec to Cotija
- Metepec to Pinos
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Metepec to Zimapán?
About 3 h 23 min of driving without stops, over 155 miles.
How far is Zimapán from Metepec by car?
About 155 miles (249 km) on the Wayro route. Other map services may show a few miles more or less, depending on where they start and end in each city.
Do I need a permit to drive my U.S. car from Metepec to Zimapán?
Yes. A temporary vehicle import permit (TIP) is required for a U.S.-registered car on this route, which is outside the zones where it can be skipped. Mexican auto insurance is required for every vehicle.
Is it safe to drive from Metepec to Zimapán?
The U.S. State Department rates State of Mexico Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution; Hidalgo Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (advisory issued May 29, 2026). Read the full advisory before you go.
What roads does the drive from Metepec to Zimapán use?
In order: MEX-55, MEX-55D, MEX-M40D, MEX-45 and MEX-85. The road-by-road table above shows the route miles and states for each one.
What are good stops between Metepec and Zimapán?
Closest to the road: Cathedral of Atlacomulco (catholic cathedral, mile 44, 0.1 mi from the route); Tula (archaeological site, mile 92, 0.2 mi from the route); Sala Histórica Quetzalcóatl (museum, mile 92, 0.3 mi from the route). All stops are described above.
How we put this guide together
Wayro calculates the route from OpenStreetMap road data; mile numbers are positions along this route, not highway mile markers, and "from the route" distances are straight-line, so the real detour depends on access roads. Stops are chosen from parks, natural sites, museums, historic sites and attractions close to the route (roughly 2 to 7 miles depending on the type, farther for World Heritage sites): at least one strong stop for each stretch of the drive, then the best-known places nearest the road, with no more than five of one type, up to nine in all. Places that are closed, private or not open to visitors are removed. Place and city descriptions are written by the Wayro team from official park, museum, tourism and government websites and other published sources. Safety levels and entry rules were checked against the U.S. Department of State on September 29, 2026. Conditions change, so check the linked sources before you travel.
Route data © OpenStreetMap contributors.