How to get from Mexico City Airport to the city centre

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.

There are 4 ways to travel the 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Mexico City Airport to the city centre. You can choose between the Metrobus, minivan, private transfer and Metro. The journey takes 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by private transfer. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by metro with tickets starting at 5 MXN ($0.30).

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 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

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.

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 30 MXN ($1.50) 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.

A private transfer from Mexico City Airport to the city centre is the easiest and most convenient option to start your trip. The journey takes 30 minutes - 2 hours, 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 the city centre. They are usually the most budget-friendly option, with prices starting at 310 MXN ($15.70) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 38 MXN ($1.90) 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 300 MXN ($15.30). 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 320 MXN ($16.30) but the convenience is hard to beat.

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 the city centre costs around 370 MXN ($18.80), and the journey takes about 40 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic and your destination.

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