Mexico City to Mexico City

How to Get From Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre

4Options
30mFastest
$0.30From
MaartenElaSeleneWritten by Maarten · Reviewed by Ela, Selene · Updated 2 weeks ago

Metro · Metrobus · Private Transfer · Minivan

Mexico City Airport sits just east of the centre, unusually close in for a capital. The metro is the cheapest way to get from the airport into Mexico City, at $0.30 (5 MXN). The Metrobus takes 45 minutes. A private transfer or a minivan costs more.

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4 ways to travel from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre

There are four ways to travel from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre. You can choose between the train, bus, private transport, and minivan. The journey takes 30m–50m and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $0.30 (5 MXN).

MetroDuration50mPricefrom$05 MXN

Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre by Metro

Travelling light? The Metro is the cheapest way to get from Mexico City International Airport to the city centre. But there are two things to keep in mind before deciding if it’s the right option for you:

  • Bulky luggage is not allowed in the Metro.
  • There is no direct Metro line from Mexico City Airport to the city centre. Depending on where you’re heading, you may have to make a few transfers.

If these aren’t an issue, let’s get to the more detailed guide!

How to take the Metro from Mexico City Airport

The nearest Metro station to Mexico City Airport is Terminal Area Station (Line 5). This train station is just 500 m away from Terminal 1. Head to the exit gates, turn left and follow the signs to the Metro.

If you’re coming from Terminal 2, you’ll first have to take the Aerotren to Terminal 1.

Metro transfers to Mexico city centre

Metro Line 5, the yellow line, only goes as far as Pantitlán Station, where you’ll need to transfer. From here, the most common route for tourists is to transfer to Line 1 (pink lane).

If you’re heading to the main square (Zocalo), get off at Pino Suarez Station and then transfer to Line 2 (blue lane). Zocalo is only one stop away.

It’s best to check which Metro station is closest to your hotel before setting off!

Metro operating hours and fares

The Metro operates from 05:00 to midnight on weekdays. It opens a bit later on weekends — 06:00 on Saturdays and 07:00 on Sundays and holidays.

You can buy your tickets at the vending machines in the Metro station. A ticket costs $0.30 (5 MXN). Travel time with the Metro from Mexico City Airport to the centre is around 50 minutes.

Use the Metro if your hotel is outside the city centre

The Metro is often faster than the Metrobus for long distances since it runs underground and avoids traffic.

Both the Metro and the Metrobus have maps where you can check your location, but we recommend using apps like Moovit or Google Maps. These apps can help you find the best route, switch metro lines or locate the nearest stop to your accommodation.

Moovit is a transport app that provides real-time updates, including bus and Metro schedules, alternative routes and service disruptions. It’s especially useful if you have a local data plan.


Google Maps is great for planning routes, but it may not always show real-time service changes like Moovit does.

Mexico City Airport
Mexico City
MetrobusDuration45mPricefrom$230 MXN

Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre by Metrobus

If you’re heading to the city centre, the easiest and most direct option is Metrobus Line #4. Metrobus stops are located right outside both airport passenger terminals:

  • Gate 7 at Terminal 1
  • Gate 2 at Terminal 2

The Metrobus runs every day from 05:00 to 00:00, and the rate is $1.70 (30 MXN) for a single ticket from Mexico City Airport to the centre.

To ride, you'll need a Mexico City Transit Card, officially called the Integrated Mobility Card (MiCard). This rechargeable card works on the Metro, Metrobus and Ecobici bike-sharing system. You can buy one from the vending machines at the airport.

After around 45 minutes on the Metrobus, you’ll reach Republica de Argentina, the closest stop to the main square called Zocalo. It’s best to check in advance which stop is nearest to your hotel to avoid any inconvenience.

Other Metrobus stops within the city centre are Republica de Chile, Teatro Blanquita, and Bellas Artes.

Mexico City Airport
Mexico City
Private Transfer1 departure · 4 companiesDuration30m+Pricefrom$16270 MXN

Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre by Private Transfer

A private transfer from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre is the easiest and most convenient option to start your trip. The journey takes 30m - 2h, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Taxi apps like Uber and Didi are available on this route from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre. They are usually the most budget-friendly option, with prices starting at $16 (270 MXN) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $3.90 (68 MXN) each.

Just keep in mind that Uber pick-ups can take a while, especially during busy hours. Some drivers may also cancel if they don’t want to wait in the airport queue.

Another option is to prepay for an airport taxi at one of the official counters inside the terminal. Fares are fixed based on your destination and usually start from $17 (300 MXN). Note that the queue for airport taxis can get quite long during peak times.

If you’d rather skip the hassle altogether, BookAway is a great alternative. You can book your ride in advance, and a driver will be waiting for you at the airport — no need to queue or search for your car. It’s a bit more expensive, with fares starting from $19 (320 MXN) but the convenience is hard to beat.

Private transport options from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre

Uber
UberX 4 PAX
$8.70 (150 MXN)
$2.20 (37.5 MXN) per person
No Online Tickets
Mexitours
Drop-off in Hotel Zone 1 & 2
$16 (270 MXN)
per person
Mexitours
Drop-off in Hotel Zone 3
$17 (295 MXN)
per person
Mexitours
Drop-off in Hotel Zone 4
$20 (350 MXN)
per person
Maritur
Standard Car 3 PAX
$68 (1,180 MXN)
$23 (390 MXN) per person
Maritur
Standard Minivan 9 PAX
$100 (1,760 MXN)
$11 (195 MXN) per person
Maritur
SUV Car 4 PAX
$120 (2,040 MXN)
$30 (510 MXN) per person

Private transport tickets are available on Bookaway.

Private transport options from Mexico City Centre to Mexico City Airport

30m - 2h$8.70 (150 MXN)
Uber
UberX
$2.20 (37.5 MXN)
per person
No Online Tickets
Mexitours
Standard Car 3 PAX
$68 (1,180 MXN)
$23 (390 MXN) per person
Mexitours
Standard Minivan 9 PAX
$100 (1,760 MXN)
$11 (195 MXN) per person
Mexitours
SUV Car 4 PAX
$120 (2,040 MXN)
$30 (510 MXN) per person
Maritur
Standard Car 3 PAX
$68 (1,180 MXN)
$23 (390 MXN) per person
Maritur
Standard Minivan 9 PAX
$100 (1,760 MXN)
$11 (195 MXN) per person
Maritur
SUV Car 4 PAX
$120 (2,040 MXN)
$30 (510 MXN) per person

Private transport tickets are available on Bookaway.

Mexico City
Minivan22 departures · 2 companiesDuration40m+Pricefrom$19325 MXN

Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre by Minivan

You can also go to the city centre from Benito Juarez Airport (MEX) with a shared minivan.

We don’t really recommend using the shared minivan to get to downtown Mexico City. Some companies charge rates comparable to taxis or Uber, meaning you won’t save much, and the trip might take longer if other passengers are dropped off before you.

But if you’re travelling alone and staying outside the main city centre, a shared minivan can be a good option. It saves you from switching lines on the Metro or Metrobus and drops you off directly at your accommodation for a lower price than a taxi.

Shared minivans are also a safer choice than public transport if you're arriving late at night.


The ride from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre costs around $19 (325 MXN), and the journey takes about 40m - 2h 30m, depending on traffic and your destination.

There are two companies operating on this route: Shuttle Central and Mexitours.

Minivan schedule from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre

40mShuttle CentralShuttleMexico City Airport (MEXMexico City - Any hotel00:0001:0002:0003:0004:0005:00+9$19325 MXNTickets
2h30mMexitoursStandardMexico City Airport (MEXMexico City - Any hotel in Hotel Zone 500:0000:3001:0001:3002:0002:30+9$26450 MXNTickets
Available atBookaway

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Booking Tip

Booking a shared minivan on BookAway? Make sure to pick the correct Hotel Zone. If you're heading to the north and east zones of Mexico City, you can select Hotel Zone 5 — where hotel drop-off is free. If you're heading to the south zones, expect additional charges.
Mexico City

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STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Mexico City

Here are our favourite places to stay in Mexico City for every budget.

Casa Emilia
Treat Yourself

Casa Emilia

Staying at Casa Emilia will make you feel like you’re staying in a cosy jungle retreat, rather than in a massive metropolitan city. All of the spaces around the hotel are designed for ultimate comfort and luxury, which it certainly achieves. You can relax on the terrace, in access hall or in the hotel’s sunroom.

Two of our favourite experiences at the hotel are the delicious breakfast and the huge, comfy beds offering a great night’s sleep. If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the place to do it.

  • Incredible breakfast
  • Cosy jungle design
  • Bike rental available
  • Excellent location

Double rooms start from $80 (1,380 MXN) per night

Check availability
Casa Pancha
Treat Yourself

Casa Pancha

Located in the neighbourhood of Condesa, Casa Pancha mirrors the atmosphere of the area. The hotel’s culture is certainly one of its selling points, offering simplicity, originality, community and connection.

With a mixture of dorms and private rooms, it’s an easy place to meet people whilst maintaining privacy. The hotel is bright and natural throughout, with both a backyard and a balcony area to relax in. The staff are super friendly here and their love for the hotel quickly spreads through the space.

  • Dorms and private rooms available
  • Private garden and balcony
  • Amazing staff
  • Perfect location

Double rooms start from $80 (1,380 MXN) per night

Check availability
Stanza Hotel
Mid-Range

Stanza Hotel

If there’s any neighbourhood that you want to stay in Mexico City, La Roma should definitely be up there. And that’s where Stanza Hotel is located. It puts you close to the tree-lined streets that are brimming with hip cafes and bars.

The hotel rooms are clean and modern, offering everything that you could ask for. The beds are also huge and super comfy. If you don’t fancy leaving the hotel one night for dinner, the onsite restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean-Mexican fusion food.

  • Great location
  • Clean and modern rooms
  • Onsite Mediterranean-Mexican fusion restaurant
  • Helpful, English-speaking staff

Double rooms between $40-$80 (690-1,380 MXN) per night

Check availability
Casa Indigo
Budget

Casa Indigo

This place gets booked out fast (we’re talking months in advance)! The location is perfect and it’s super affordable. Casa Indigo is close to the historic centre, plus the rooms are clean and beautifully decorated.

The host, Salvador, will make your stay unforgettable with his friendliness and warm welcome. On top of all of that, you can enjoy a large roof terrace offering stunning views over Mexico City.

  • Great location
  • Huge roof terrace
  • Friendly host
  • Fully equipped kitchen

Double rooms between $15-$40 (260-690 MXN) per night

Check availability

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Mexico City?

Mexico City is a destination that will keep any type of traveller entertained for days on end. Interesting history, rich culture, endless shopping and vibrant nightlife are just a few of the many things Mexico City has to offer.

A fun fact, with over 150 museums, Mexico City has the highest number of museums in the world. When you’re museumed-out, there are plenty of other things to do in Mexico City. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, explore Frida Kahlo's house, or take a boat trip along the canals of Xochimilco.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre, roughly apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $0.30 (5 MXN). The quickest trip takes 30m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to get from Mexico City to Mexico City?

Journey times from Mexico City to Mexico City overlap: metro 50m, metrobus 45m, private transfer 30m - 2h, minivan 40m - 2h 30m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.

What is the cheapest way to get from Mexico City to Mexico City?

The cheapest way to get from Mexico City to Mexico City is by train with ticket costs starting from 5 MXN.

About the Authors

Maarten
Maarten

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

Ela
ElaReviewer

Senior Travel Writer

Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.

Aleksandra
AleksandraReviewer

Travel Writer & Editor

Aleksandra is a writer and editor who recently moved from Hong Kong to London. She's worked and studied in four countries (and counting) and picked up a new hobby in each of them. She's a big fan of long train journeys so you can count on her to take the scenic route, finding a few hidden gems along the way.

Selene
SeleneReviewer

Travel Writer

Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.

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