As the sun set on Sunday, April 20, 2025, a wave of travelers made their way back to Mexico City, marking the end of Semana Santa 2025. Many families, having enjoyed a brief holiday in popular destinations such as Acapulco, Guerrero, and Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, faced heavy traffic on their return journeys. This annual migration is a familiar sight, as parents prepare to return to work on Monday, while students in kindergarten, primary, and secondary schools still enjoy a few extra days off, according to the 2024-2025 school calendar set by the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP).
Traffic was notably congested on several highways leading into the capital, including the México-Cuernavaca, México-Puebla, México-Toluca, and México-Querétaro routes. The heavy influx of vehicles prompted Caminos y Puentes Federales de Ingresos y Servicios Conexos (CAPUFE) to issue warnings to drivers. They advised motorists to take precautions, respect speed limits, and adhere to traffic directions to ensure safety during this busy travel period.
By 17:00 hours on April 20, the México-Cuernavaca highway and the Autopista del Sol were among the most congested routes, filled with returning vacationers. CAPUFE reported an incident at kilometer 98 on the Cuernavaca to Acapulco highway, which they promptly addressed. Additionally, an accident on the México-Puebla highway at kilometer 64 was managed by authorities, allowing traffic to resume normal flow.
Earlier in the day, at 15:00 hours, a fire involving a truck impacted traffic on the México-Puebla highway, also at kilometer 64, further exacerbating the congestion. The toll booth at Amozoc on this highway registered significant vehicular load, attributed to the vacation period.
As the day progressed, reports indicated that the México-Cuernavaca highway experienced heavy traffic from kilometer 76 to 46 by 13:00 hours. Furthermore, at 11:30 hours, there was a partial closure on the México-Querétaro highway due to a grassland fire, adding to the challenges faced by drivers.
Despite the congestion, CAPUFE noted that there were no incidents reported on the México-Cuernavaca highway from kilometer 64 to 31, or on the Autopista del Sol, which connects Mexico City with Acapulco, where heavy traffic was recorded from kilometer 104 to 96. Drivers using the free road from Cuernavaca to Mexico City were also cautioned about an accident near kilometer 90.
As travelers navigated these busy routes, the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) remained operational without any flight cancellations reported as of 11:00 hours on April 20. Passengers were encouraged to check their flight statuses through airline apps, social media, or airport personnel.
The return of tourists from regions like Morelos and Guerrero to Mexico City resulted in significant traffic congestion on the México-Cuernavaca highway. CAPUFE reported intense vehicular load in the direction of the capital, with specific mentions of high traffic at kilometer 65 due to an accident and near the Tepoztlán toll plaza. Social media users shared videos and images showcasing the slow-moving cars on the highway, even in sections where three lanes were available for traffic.
In addition to the congestion on the México-Cuernavaca route, CAPUFE also reported heavy traffic on the Cuernavaca-Acapulco highway, particularly between kilometers 104 and 95, with no incidents noted. The Guardia Nacional, responsible for monitoring the highways, shared that the vehicle flow at the Tlalpan toll booth was approximately 23 vehicles entering the capital for every eight leaving, indicating a significant influx of returning travelers.
While many were concluding their vacation on April 20, others were set to enjoy an extended break until April 27, 2025. This division in vacation schedules contributed to the varying levels of traffic on the highways as families returned to their daily routines.
The end of Semana Santa not only signifies the conclusion of a holiday for many but also highlights the seasonal challenges of road travel in Mexico. As families return home, the authorities remain vigilant, ensuring that the highways are monitored and that drivers are kept informed of any incidents or delays. With a mix of caution and anticipation, commuters navigate the busy roads, eager to reunite with their lives in Mexico City.
