What to expect when visiting 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.
4 ways to get from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre
There are 4 ways to travel the distance of 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre by Metrobus (45 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes), minivan (40 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes), private Transport (30 minutes - 2 hours) and Metro (50 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by private transport. The lowest priced tickets start from 5 MXN ($0.30) for the metro.Where to stay in Mexico City?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Mexico City at the bottom of this page.
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 note to know whether taking the Metro is for you:
- Bulky luggage is not allowed in the Metro.
- There is no direct Metro line going to the city centre. Depending on where you’re heading, you may have to make a few transfers.
If you don’t mind any of these restrictions, let’s get to the more detailed guide!
The nearest Metro station to Mexico City Airport is Terminal Area Station (Line 5). This train station is just a 7-minute walk from Terminal 1. Head to the exit gates. Once you’re outside of Terminal 1, 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 get to Terminal 1.
Now on to the train transfers. Metro Line 5 (yellow lane) can only take you up to Pantitlan. From here, the most common route for tourists is to transfer to Line 1 (pink lane). If you’re heading to the main square, get off at Pino Suarez Station and then transfer to Line 2 (blue lane). The next stop is already Zocalo. It’s best to know the train station nearest to your hotel before setting off!
The Metro operates from 05:00 to midnight on weekdays. On weekends, it opens a bit later — 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 5 MXN ($0.30). 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
While the Metrobus uses its own lane on the road, the Metro is an underground rail, which is faster to cover long distances.
Both the Metro and the Metrobus have maps to check your location, but we recommend using apps like Moovit or Google Maps. These apps can be very helpful when planning your route and switching metro lines or finding the nearest stop to your accommodation.
Alongside showing you suggested routes, Moovit is a dedicated transport app that also allows you to explore bus lines and stations, allowing you to look for alternative routes on your own.
Moovit also notifies when bus lines are not operating or when schedules change, so this can be a better tool than Google Maps as long as you have a local data plan on your phone.
Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre by Metrobus
If you’re heading to the city centre, the easiest and most direct option is to take Line #4 of the Metrobus. You’ll find the Metrobus stops right outside of both airport passenger terminals:
- Gate 7 on Terminal 1
- Gate 2 on Terminal 2
The Metrobus runs every day from 05:00 to 00:00 and the rate is just 82 MXN ($4.20) for a single ticket from Mexico City Airport to the centre. You can buy your tickets at the ticket machine at the bus stop.
After around 45 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes on the Metrobus, you’ll reach Republica de Argentina, the closest stop to the main square called Zocalo. It’s best to research beforehand which bus stop is the nearest to your hotel to avoid any inconvenience.
Other stops within the city centre are Republica de Chile, Teatro Blanquita, and Bellas Artes.
Other Bus options from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre
Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre by Private Transport
The most convenient way to get from Benito Juárez International Airport to the city centre is to take a taxi, but it’s also the most expensive.
You’ll need to prepay for your taxi at one of the counters inside the airport. The rate will depend on the distance to your destination, but it usually starts from 300 MXN ($15.40).
If you have internet access, a more affordable option is to use Uber. A ride to the city centre costs around 200 MXN ($10.30).
For trusted drivers and excellent customer service, we recommend booking your ride online through BookAway. Rates start from 305 MXN ($15.70) for Mexitours, but you must book for at least two passengers.
For private transport options, the time to reach the city centre is around 30 minutes - 2 hours.
Private transport options from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre
Private transport options from Mexico City Centre to Mexico City Airport
Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre by Minivan
A shared minivan ride costs around 365 MXN ($18.80). The minivan journey takes about 40 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
There are two companies operating on this route: Shuttle Central and Mexitours.
Shared Minivan for solo travellers heading outside the city centre
We don’t really recommend using the shared minivan to get from Mexico City International Airport to the centre. 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 shared minivans can be a good option if you are travelling alone and staying in other areas located further away from the airport like Condesa, Polanco or Coyoacan. You will avoid the hassle of switching lines on the Metro or Metrobus and will be dropped off directly at your accommodation at a lower rate than a taxi.
Also, if you are arriving late in the evening, shared minivans are a safer option than public transport.
Shared minivans are available 24/7 and depart every hour. You can book this service on BookAway with rates starting from 315 MXN ($16.20) for areas outside the city centre. Travel time is 30 to 50 minutes depending on where your hotel is located.
Best places to stay in Mexico City
Casa Emilia - Treating Yourself
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 per night
Casa Pancha - Treating Yourself
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 per night
Stanza Hotel - Mid Range
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 per night
Casa Indigo - Budget Friendly
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 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre
What is the distance from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre?
The distance from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre is 10 kilometers (6 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre?
The fastest way to get from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre is by private transport and takes 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre?
The cheapest way to get from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre is by metro with ticket costs starting from 5 MXN ($0.30).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City Centre. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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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.
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.
