Your Guide to Taxis in CDMX

Mexico City Airport (MEX) › Mexico City Taxis

​The Available CDMX Taxi Options

Although Mexico City taxis once had a bad reputation for scamming, overcharging, or even robbing customers, they are now considered a much safer transit option. There are several types of taxis available, with some CDMX taxi categories being more reliable than others. Specifically, the taxi system in Mexico City includes the following types:

• Sitios: The regular pink and white taxis are lining up at the taxi ranks located in the central parts of the city, the commercial streets, and close to the major CDMX hotels and popular attractions. They are part of taxi companies and are strictly regulated by the government. Operating via a taximeter, they offer safe and efficient services. 
• Authorized taxis: They are primarily pink and white taxis belonging to companies that are authorized to operate at the airport and the major transportation hubs (bus stations, railway stations). They provide flat fares, paid in advance.
• Radio taxis: These are also pink and white taxis that can be called by phone or through an app. Their services are efficient and trustworthy, but are somewhat costlier than sitios as their fares include a booking fee.
• Libre taxis: official taxis that can be hailed from the street. Although they are licensed, they are less regulated than pink and white taxis. They also charge according to a taximeter but are individually owned and not part of a cab company, meaning they don’t meet the same standards. Thus, the city’s visitors aren’t advised to use those taxis to avoid being overcharged or facing communication problems, as many taxi drivers often don’t speak English. That being said, if you avoid scams, they tend to be the most affordable option.

Overall, more than 140,000 taxis cruise around Mexico City, making the Mexican capital one of the cities with the largest number of taxicabs in the world. Moreover, efforts have been made to reduce the environmental impact of Mexican taxis by introducing numerous hybrid and electric vehicles. While the public transit system is effective, catching a taxi in Mexico City is a widely favored choice by travelers who value comfort and door-to-door rides to their destinations.

Our Tip: Apart from taxis in CDMX, several ride-hailing companies (such as Uber) are operating in the city as well. Customers can easily book their rides through the relevant apps, benefiting from slightly lower fares and the convenience of card payments.

Identifying Taxis in Mexico City

To ensure your safety, it’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of your taxi in Mexico City. Indeed, numerous unlicensed taxis (taxis piratas) are present in Mexico City, being a certainly risky choice, especially for first-time visitors. Therefore, you should under no circumstances catch a Mexico City taxi unless you are certain it’s official. So, how can you distinguish a licensed CDMX taxi?

Official taxis in Mexico City have their taxi number displayed on their sides and hoods. Moreover, their license plates are white and consist of one capital letter (A or B) and five numbers. It’s important to check that the number on the plate is the same as the one written on the hood and the side of the vehicle. Additionally, the driver’s ID must be clearly displayed inside the vehicle. Carefully compare the information and photo on the ID to the driver. The ID should be in color and include official stamps. Avoid taking the cab if you spot only a photocopy of the ID.​

CDMX Taxi Prices and Fares

Taxi fares and prices are government-regulated. Therefore, Mexico City taxis charge via their taximeters according to set rates. Catching a taxi in CDMX is considered fairly affordable. In detail, taxis in Mexico City charge as follows:

Night rides (from 11:00 pm to 06:00 am) are 20% pricier.

In general, cash is the most common payment method when it comes to taxi rides in Mexico City. Thus, it is advisable to carry pesos with you, particularly in small bills, to avoid getting scammed while getting back the change. Plus, CDMX taxi drivers often don’t have enough change for large bills. A few taxi drivers also accept payment in U.S. dollars, but this is by no means the rule. On the other hand, while card payments are accepted by some taxi drivers, this isn’t always the case. Therefore, you should check with your driver before picking up the taxicab. As for tipping, it isn’t obligatory. Still, it is customary for metered rides, unlike set-fare journeys. 

​How to Hire a Taxi in CDMX

If you want to hire a taxi in Mexico City, you can either call one or use a taxi app, hail a cab from the street, or catch the first one in line at the nearest taxi rank. However, it is far from advised to hail your taxicab from the street. Street taxis (libre taxis) are the least regulated, which makes them the most likely to scam or overcharge passengers. Furthermore, many libre-taxi drivers can’t communicate in English, making rides even more challenging. Hence, the safest way to catch a cab in Mexico City is to go to one of the official taxi stands and hire a sitio taxi or to call one.

Mexico City Taxi to Mexico City Airport

Catching a Mexico City airport taxi to Mexico City Airport is certainly one of the most convenient ways to reach the airport for your upcoming flight. However, you should plan your journey wisely to ensure you arrive at the airport on time. In this case, opting for a radio taxi is highly recommended. Be sure to take into account the heavy traffic levels in Mexico City during rush hours, which may significantly increase the duration of your travel. Overall, taxi rides from  Mexico City to Benito Juarez Airport last around 20 minutes and cost about MXN370 ($18.90/€16.60). During peak hours, journeys can be significantly longer (even up to 45 minutes).

Useful Guidelines about Mexican Taxis

• Mexico City taxis are, in general, metered. Thus, you should check that the taximeter works properly before beginning the ride.
• Many streets and districts in Mexico City have similar names. This fact, combined with communication problems when taxi drivers don’t speak English, makes rides challenging. Therefore, you should have the exact address of your destination written down.
• Use a GPS to ensure that the driver follows the correct route to your destination and doesn’t try to take longer routes.
• Traffic congestion is common during rush hours, that is from 06:00 am to 09:00 am and from 05:00 pm to 07:00 pm.
• Scamming incidents are more likely to occur during the night shift. Hence, travelers are advised to avoid using taxis at night, as safety concerns are greater during those hours.

FAQs

Are taxis in Mexico City expensive?

​Taxis in CDMX aren’t considered expensive. Rates are regulated by the government, and all rides, except those from the airport, railway stations, etc., are metered. In detail, the flag fare for sitios (the white-pink taxis queuing up at the taxi ranks) is MXN13.10 ($0.67/€0.59), while they charge MXN1.30 ($0.066/€0.058) per 250m or 45 sec. Night rides are costlier. Indeed, journeys from 11:00 pm to 06:00 am are 20% pricier.

Are taxis reliable in Mexico City?

Although scamming incidents do occur, Mexico City taxis are a reliable transit option. Still, it isn’t recommended to catch your cab from the street, as libre taxis are the least regulated by the government. Plus, travelers are advised to avoid using taxis during the night shift.

Do you need cash for taxis in Mexico?

Overall, Mexico City taxi drivers prefer cash payments. Moreover, many CDMX taxis aren’t equipped with POS terminals, meaning that card payments aren’t accepted. Therefore, if you want to take a taxi, it is recommended to carry pesos or check that the driver accepts card payments before starting your ride.

Is there Uber in Mexico City?

Uber and several other ride-hailing companies are present in Mexico City, providing safe and efficient services. They offer cashless payments, and all drivers speak English, leading to smoother journeys with no communication issues. Therefore, travelers who want to use Uber can book their rides through the relevant app.