How to get from Mexico City to Teotihuacan (and back)

Why visit Teotihuacan?

The ancient city of Teotihuacan is a very well-known destination worldwide because it has some of the most enigmatic archaeological ruins in the world. With enormous pyramids, ancient temples and the iconic feathered serpent, it is also known as the City of the Gods, certainly a must see for anyone visiting Mexico.

Even if you are planning to go to other ruins around Mexico, Teotihuacan stands apart from the rest. The Pyramid of the Sun, its largest pyramid, is also one of the largest in Mesoamerica. Interestingly, there’s very limited information on who built the site. It also hasn’t been identified as part of the Mayan or Aztec empires due to its unique style, leaving it as somewhat of a mystery.

There are 3 ways to travel the 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Mexico City to Teotihuacan. You can choose between the bus, Organised day trip and private transfer. The journey takes 1 to 9 hours and the quickest way is by private transfer. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 68 MXN ($3.60).

The bus is the only public transport option you can take from Mexico City to Teotihuacan, and it’s a great choice if you want to explore at your own pace. Plus, it’s budget-friendly!

Buses depart from the north bus station in Mexico City, Central Mexico Norte, which is easily accessible via the Metro. Take line #5 and get off at Autobuses Norte Metro Station.

Once at the bus station, head to Module 8 and look for Autobuses Teotihuacanos, the company operating this route. Tickets can’t be booked online, so you’ll need to buy them directly at the counter.

The bus journey takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.

Ticket prices and bus schedules between Mexico City and Teotihuacan

• A round-trip ticket costs 135 MXN ($7.30) and is available if you’re returning the same day.
• A one-way ticket costs 68 MXN ($3.60).
• Buses run every 15 to 20 minutes from 06:00 to 21:00.

The Teotihuacan pyramids are open from 07:00 to 17:00. We recommend heading out early. This way, you can start your tour in the morning, avoid rush hour traffic, and beat the crowds that often flock to the site.

Going back to Mexico City from Teotihuacan is easy. If you bought a round-trip public bus ticket, just head to entrance #2 or #3 of the ruins and look for the same bus company that brought you there.

If you didn’t buy a return ticket, you can buy one directly on the bus for 68 MXN ($3.60).

Buses depart roughly every 20 minutes or when they reach capacity. The ride takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes and buses also operate between 06:00 and 21:00.

The bus will drop you off at the same station you departed from, Central Mexico Norte. To return to your accommodation, you can take the Metro via the station Autobuses Norte.

A private transfer from Mexico City to Teotihuacan is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 1 hour, and you’ll be dropped off right at your destination — no need to worry about extra transfers.

The taxi apps, Uber and Didi, are available on this route. They are usually the most budget-friendly option, with prices starting at 600 MXN ($32) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 150 MXN ($8) each.

If you prefer booking in advance, platforms like BookAway or 12GoAsia are great choices. They’re very reliable but come with a higher price tag, starting at 2,720 MXN ($145).

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Organised day trips to Teotihuacan from Mexico City are plenty and you won’t have a hard time finding a tour that suits your taste. GetYourGuide often offers the most competitive rates, although there are also some great options on Viator.

To help you break down all the amazing guided tours available, we’ve already sorted them out for you!

If you’re on a budget, joining a small group tour from Mexico City to Teotihuacan is a great choice. Group tours often include:

• A tour of the Teotihuacan pyramids with a local guide
• Entrance tickets to the ancient city
• A visit to Guadalupe Shrine and Tlatelolco
• A liquor-tasting experience

We recommend joining GetYourGuide’s Teotihuacan, Tlatelolco & Guadalupe Shrine Tour, which includes pick-up and drop-off at designated stops in Mexico City. Ticket prices start from 805 MXN ($43) and the group tour takes around 9 hours.

A private tour from Mexico City to Teotihuacan gives you a more exclusive experience with your own private ride to and from the Teotihuacan pyramids.

• Private round-trip transfers from and to your hotel in Mexico City
• Guided tour of the Teotihuacan complex
• Entrance ticket to the archaeological site
• Tasting of liquor made from cactus

A Private Teotihuacan Archaeological Tour for two starts at 9,700 MXN ($525), or 4,870 MXN ($260) per person. If you’re travelling in a group, the cost per person decreases as more people join. For a group of five, you’ll only pay about 2,080 MXN ($110) per person.

For a truly unforgettable experience, you can also see the massive Teotihuacan pyramids from a hot air balloon. If money is not an issue, then we highly recommend this tour.

A balloon ride through the Teotihuacan Archaeological Zone – the massive Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon and more – is a surreal experience and definitely one for the books.

After your balloon flight, you’ll also have the option to visit the complex and explore the Avenue of the Dead on foot. Here is a breakdown of what you can enjoy with this tour:

• Shared pick-up and drop-off from designated points in Mexico City
• Coffee break before your flight
• Shared or private 40-minute hot air balloon ride, depending on the option booked
• A travel insurance
• Breakfast after the flight
• Honour toast and flight certificate
• Transfer and entrance fee to Teotihuacan Archaeological Zone

If you decide to take this All Inclusive Hot Air Balloon Ride in Teotihuacán, expect to pay 3,200 MXN ($170) per person.