How to get fromMexico City to Teotihuacan (and back)

What to expect when visiting 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.

3 ways to get from Mexico City to Teotihuacan

The 3 ways to travel the distance of 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Mexico City to Teotihuacan are by: bus (1 hour 20 minutes), Organised day trip (9 hours) and private transfer (1 hour). The journey duration ranges between 1 to 9 hours and the quickest way is by private transfer. The lowest priced tickets start from 52 MXN ($2.60) for the bus.

The bus is the only public transport you can take between Mexico City to Teotihuacan. Apart from being cheap, the great thing about taking the bus and doing this trip on your own is that you can explore the complex at your own pace.

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

When you arrive at the bus station, look for module 8. The company operating from Mexico City to Teotihuacan is called Autobuses Teotihuacanos. They don’t have the option to book online so you’ll need to buy your tickets directly at the counter at the bus terminal.

If you’re returning on the same day, you can buy a round-trip transportation ticket for 105 MXN ($5.20). If not, a one-way ticket costs 52 MXN ($2.60). The bus journey takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.

Buses from Mexico City to Teotihuacan depart every 15 to 20 minutes and run from 06:00 to 22:00. Keep in mind that the opening hours for the pyramids are from 08:00 to 18:00. We recommend heading out early for an early morning tour, before the rush hour traffic and ahead of the tourists that often flock to the area.

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

If you didn’t buy a return journey ticket, you can buy one directly on the bus for 52 MXN ($2.60).

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 22:00.

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 is a convenient way to visit Teotihuacan, especially if you’re coming from Mexico City Airport with all your luggage. With a private ride, you’ll be brought straight to your hotel in Teotihuacan in just around an hour.

We highly recommend booking your ride through BookAway for guaranteed comfy cars and professional drivers. A 3-seater private transfer from Mexico City Airport to Teotihuacan costs 2,950 MXN ($145).

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:

• Shared round-trip transfers (from and to a specific pick-up/drop-off point)
• A tour of the Teotihuacan pyramids with a local guide
• Entrance tickets to the ancient city
• Liquor tasting

We recommend joining GetYourGuide’s Teotihuacan Early Access Tour, which also offers an obsidian workshop with a Teotihuacan family. Ticket prices start from 815 MXN ($40) and the group tour takes around 9 hours.

A private tour from Mexico City to Teotihuacan offers almost the same inclusions as a group tour – the only difference is that you’ll have your own private ride to and from the Teotihuacan pyramids. Also, you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel’s doorsteps.

• Private round-trip transfers (from and to your hotel in Mexico City)
• Guided tour of the Teotihuacan complex
• Entrance ticket to the impressive archaeological site
• Liquor tasting

A Private Full-Day Teotihuacan Archaeological Tour costs 4,570 MXN ($225). It’s worth noting that the bigger the group, the lower the cost per person.

There is also an option to view the massive pyramids of Teotihuacan 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 the balloon flight, you will also have an option to visit the complex and explore the Teotihuacan 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 and to designated points in Mexico City
• Coffee break at the Balloon Port
• Shared/private 45-minute hot air balloon ride (depending on the option booked)
• Buffet breakfast at the Balloon Port
• Honor toast and flight certificate
• Optional transfer to the archaeological site

If you decide to take this Teotihuacan Air Balloon Flight & Breakfast, expect to pay 2,700 MXN ($135) per person. Note that this does not include actual entrance tickets to the famous pyramids, which costs 80 MXN ($4).