Transfer Options from Mexico City Airport to Downtown
Most passengers arriving at Benito Juarez Airport have the Centro Histórico, the Historic Center of Mexico City, as their journey’s end. Indeed, the heart of the city, where many of the major attractions, such as Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución), the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, Templo Mayor, and many more, can be found, is the destination for the majority of travelers landing at MEX Airport. Fortunately, the city center of CDMX lies relatively close to the airport. So, how will you make your way from Mexico City Airport to downtown? In other words, what are the available Mexico City airport transportation options? Airport taxis and private airport transfers are the most convenient and reliable alternatives. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more affordable option, you should consider catching the metro or opting for a bus ride. Last but not least, travelers who enjoy autonomous journeys typically rent a car from Mexico City Airport.
| Options | Price (MXN) | Price ($) | Price (€) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 370 | 18.90 | 16.60 | 20-25 min |
| Metro | 10-20 | 0.51-1 | 0.45-0.90 | 35 min |
| Bus | 45 | 2.27 | 2 | 60 min |
Mexico City Airport to City Center by Taxi
In the past, Mexico City airport taxis were associated with scamming incidents. That being said, they are today government-regulated, providing safe services. Thus, they are a reliable and comfortable way to travel from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City. Only authorized companies are allowed to operate at the airport. As a result, all the pink-white taxis in MEX Airport are part of those companies.
You should always deny offers by individual drivers at the airport and catch your cab only from the official taxi ranks.
You’ll find two types of taxis at Benito Juarez Airport: standard vehicles that can carry up to 4 passengers and executive taxicabs that can accommodate up to 8 passengers. Expectantly, executive taxis are more expensive than regular cabs. All airport taxis charge according to a zone-based system. Hence, passengers must reach the taxi counters located at both terminals’ baggage claim zones and in front of the gates where the taxi ranks can be found and pay the fare to their destination, depending on the zone it belongs to. Payments can be made in cash and via bank cards. Once travelers collect the ticket, they must show it to the taxi driver to begin the ride. Therefore, journeys are prepaid and not paid to the driver. Passengers can only tip the driver. That being said, tipping is optional.
The taxi ranks at MEX Airport are situated at the Arrivals level of each terminal. In detail, terminal 1 features a taxi stand near Gate 1 (Domestic Arrivals) and another one near Gates 9 and 10 (International Arrivals). On the other hand, the taxi ranks of terminal 2 are located within a close distance from Gate 4 (Domestic Arrivals) and Gate 3 (International Arrivals). During peak hours, there may be waiting lines for a cab at the airport taxi stands.
Have you settled on a taxi ride for your Mexico City airport transportation to the city center? You should expect a 20-25-minute journey. Still, if roads are congested, you may need up to 45 minutes to reach your destination. In any case, the cost of the ride will be around MXN370 ($18.90/€16.60) for a standard cab and MXN560 ($28.50/€25.10) for an executive vehicle. Prices may vary slightly depending on the taxi company you choose. Please keep in mind that many streets around Mexico City are similarly named. Therefore, you should have the exact address of your destination written on paper and show it to the taxi driver.
Our Tip: Ride-hailing companies are also present at Mexico City International Airport. However, since they are not among the authorized taxi companies, their pick-up points are located slightly farther from the terminals.
Mexico City Airport to City Center by Metro
The MEX airport metro line is the cheapest way to get from Mexico City Airport to downtown. That being said, it doesn’t offer direct routes from MEX Airport to the city center and often gets crowded. Hence, metro rides can be tiring, especially after long flights, and pickpocketing is a common concern. Additionally, there are restrictions regarding luggage inside the carriages. Although the restrictions aren’t strictly enforced, passengers are officially allowed to carry one suitcase that doesn’t exceed 25kg. In any case, the metro is the most affordable Mexico City airport transportation alternative and isn’t subject to traffic. Plus, it features designated carriages for women, ensuring safer travel for solo female travelers.
The CDMX metro operates from 05:00 am to midnight during the weekdays, from 06:00 am to 00:00 am on Saturdays, and from 07:00 am to midnight on Sundays and public holidays. The subway station at Mexico City International Airport (Terminal Aérea Station) is located within close distance from terminal 1’s Ground level. In detail, it lies near Gate A. Thus, passengers landing at terminal 2 have to travel to terminal 1 to catch the subway. Unfortunately, there isn’t a free-of-charge transportation option from one terminal to the other. Therefore, you’ll need to either catch Metrobus 4 from T2 to T1, paying MXN30 ($1.53/€1.34), or take the Tetsa Bus, which runs between terminals from 05:00 am to 01:00 am at a 15-minute frequency. It departs from the bus stop located on the Ground level of T2 and takes around 10-25 minutes to reach the MEX airport terminal 1, depending on traffic conditions. Its ticket is priced at MXN25 ($1.19/€1.08) and can be bought from the driver inside the bus.
The Yellow Line 5 runs from Terminal Aérea Station. You’ll have to catch the route heading to Pantitlan and alight at that station. Your ride from Benito Juarez Airport to Pantitlán will last around 5 minutes. From Pantitlán Station, you’ll change to Metro Line 1 towards Observatorio. Your final stop will be Pino Suárez, 10 minutes away from Zocalo and Centro Historico on foot. The journey to Pino Suárez will take about 16 minutes. Thus, the total journey from Mexico City Airport to downtown will last around 35 minutes, including the 10-minute walk to Zocalo, but not the waiting time.
The paper metro ticket costs MXN5 ($0.25/€0.22). Hence, if you buy a paper ticket for each metro ride, you’ll pay a total fare of MXN10 ($0.51/€0.45) for the Mexico City airport transportation to the city center. Alternatively, you can buy a rechargeable smart card. The Mexico City Integrated Card (MI Card) costs MXN15 ($0.76/€0.67), is valid for rides on the subway, Metrobus, light rail, etc., and can be purchased from the automatic machines located inside the terminals and the airport station. Since the automatic machines don’t give change, if you don’t have the exact amount of money, you should purchase your card and metro ticket at the station’s ticket counters. If you choose to pay for your metro fares using the MI Card, you’ll be entitled to change between metro lines in the same direction within two hours from the first ticket validation. Therefore, you’ll pay a total of MXN20 ($1/€0.90) for the journey from Mexico City Airport to Mexico City (the cost of the MI Card plus a metro ticket). Children younger than 5 travel for free.
Our Tip: You only need to tap your card or ticket when entering the subway station. Thus, you don’t have to tap it when exiting your alighting station.
Mexico City Airport to City Center by Bus
The Mexico City airport bus line is another option for the ride from MEX Airport to Mexico City. Indeed, Metrobus 4 links the airport to the city center, providing efficient services. Although routes depend on traffic levels, there are dedicated lanes for the bus. Thus, in sections of the route with dedicated lanes, Metrobús Line 4 isn’t affected by traffic congestion. Moreover, the buses are accessible, facilitating travel for passengers with disabilities. On the other hand, they have limited luggage storage space.
The Metrobus Line 4 runs from both AICM terminals. If you arrive at terminal 1, you’ll spot the bus stop close to Gate 1 on the Ground floor, while buses stop near Gate 2 of T2, right between the Domestic and International Arrivals. You’ll find available routes approximately from 04:42 am to midnight.
Metrobús Line 4 splits into two branches at San Lázaro Station: north and south. You’ll continue your journey on the north branch without having to change buses. Your disembarking stop will be República de Argentina, a 10-minute walk from the Zocalo area. In general, the bus ride from Mexico City Airport to the city center lasts around 50 minutes. If you add the 10-minute walk, you should expect to reach your destination in about one hour. Therefore, the bus is a value-for-money yet time-consuming transfer option in Mexico City Airport.
The bus fare from Mexico City Airport to downtown is MXN30 ($1.53/€1.34). Children up to 5 years old don’t have to pay for the bus journey. However, you’ll also have to buy a rechargeable smart card, the Mexico City Integrated Card or MI Card, and load it with money to pay for the bus fare. MI Cards can be bought and recharged from the ticket machines inside the two MEX airport terminals. Please keep in mind that the automatic payment machines don’t give back change. The reloadable cards cost MXN15 ($0.76/€0.67) and can be used for rides on CDMX public transportation, such as the metro, Metrobus, light rail, etc. Therefore, the cost of the Mexico City airport transfer to downtown via bus will be MXN45 ($2.27/€2).
Car Rental from Mexico City Airport to Downtown
Mexico City airport car rentals are a widely chosen transportation option by travelers who enjoy independent rides. With a car rental, you can explore CDMX and other popular Mexican destinations at your own pace and even reach remote areas, difficult to access otherwise. However, it isn’t recommended to rent a car if you don’t plan to travel outside Mexico City. Traffic jams are common in the city center, making rides time-consuming and tedious. Indeed, although the journey with a Mexico City car rental from MEX Airport to the city center lasts around 20-25 minutes, you may need 45 minutes to reach downtown during rush hours. Moreover, parking in CDMX is difficult. Unless your hotel offers parking services, it’s advisable to book a spot in one of the city’s car parks, as street parking is both challenging and carries a risk of damage.
Benito Juarez Airport houses several car hire companies. Hence, if you choose a rental car for your Mexico City airport transportation to CDMX, you’ll find many available options. You should check them out and choose the most suitable one for you. Keep in mind that early reservations typically come with better prices. What’s more, booking your rental car well in advance gives you a greater variety of vehicles and car models.
Private Mexico City Airport Transfers to Downtown
What is the most luxurious way to travel from Mexico City Airport to the city center? If you are looking for a convenient, safe, and lavish transportation option, you should consider private Mexico City airport transfers. In addition to meet-and-greet services at the airport, direct journeys, and many additional amenities, private Mexico City airport transfers offer journeys with highly skilled drivers and well-maintained, fully equipped vehicles. That being said, their biggest advantage is the tailored services they provide. Customers can set all the details of their journey, selecting the right vehicle for their needs and adding extras like luggage racks and child seats to ensure a smooth and pleasant ride. As expected, booking a private airport transfer is somewhat costlier than catching a regular taxicab. Still, the quality of the services provided makes the extra cost worthwhile.
FAQs
How do I get from Mexico City Airport to the city?
There are various ways to travel from Mexico City Airport to downtown. Travelers who set comfort as their priority during their journeys choose to travel via taxis or private Mexico City airport transfers. Conversely, those on a budget opt for a bus ride or a cheaper but indirect metro journey. Finally, airport car rentals are also available at AICM Airport, ideal for trips beyond the CDMX limits.
How far is Mexico City Center from the airport?
The heart of CDMX isn’t far from Benito Juarez Airport. It lies around 6km/3.7 miles from MEX Airport. Hence, a car ride from Mexico City Airport to downtown typically lasts approximately 20-25 minutes. However, if traffic levels are high, you should expect a 45-minute journey.
How much is a taxi from Mexico City Airport to downtown?
Mexico City airport taxis offer flat fares for rides from the airport. Thus, a taxi journey from Mexico City Airport to the city center costs around MXN370 ($18.90/€16.60). Prices vary depending on the selected company, but there isn’t much difference.