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.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Mexico City to Teotihuacan?
There are 3 ways to travel the 50 kilometre (31 miles) distance 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 ($3.80).
Mexico City to Teotihuacan by Bus
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 ($7.60) and is available if you’re returning the same day.
- A one-way ticket costs 68 MXN ($3.80).
- 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.
The way back by Bus
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 ($3.80).
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.
Mexico City to Teotihuacan by Private Transfer
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 ($33.50) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 150 MXN ($8.40) 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 2,610 MXN ($145).
- 24/7 customer support
Mexico City to Teotihuacan by Organised Day Trip
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!
Option 1: Group tours are the cheapest
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 ($45) and the group tour takes around 9 hours.
Option 2: Private tours are expensive, but more convenient
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 ($545), or 4,870 MXN ($270) 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 ($115) per person.
Option 3: Hot Air Balloon Tour for the ultimate experience
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 ($180) per person.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Mexico City to Teotihuacan. 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!
Frequently Asked Questions about Mexico City to Teotihuacan
How far is Teotihuacan from Mexico City?
How to get to Teotihuacan by bus?
You can get to Teotihuacan by bus from Mexico City. Buses depart from Central Mexico Norte Bus Station, which you can reach by Metro from anywhere in the city.
There are plenty of buses available daily. The Mexico City to Teotihuacan bus schedule is every 20 minutes from 06:00 to 22:00.
How much is a taxi from Mexico City to Teotihuacan?
Can you get an Uber to Teotihuacan from Mexico City?
You can easily hail an Uber from anywhere in Mexico City. Rates for a Mexico City to Teotihuacan Uber ride range between 400 MXN ($22.50) and 500 MXN ($28).
Make sure to key in the right destination, though. There are a number of places named “Teotihuacan” around Mexico City. The best keyword to look for on Uber would be “Teotihuacan Pyramid of the Sun.”
Are there day trips from Mexico City to Teotihuacan?
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.
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.
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.
