Ruth Haines
Mexico City International Airport, also known as Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), is located about 5 miles from the city's historic centre. There are several ways to get from the airport to the city centre, including bus, metro, taxi, shuttle, rental car, and rideshare services like Uber and Didi. The best option for you will depend on your budget, travel time, and personal preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance | 11 km or 5 miles |
| Travel Time | 20-50 minutes |
| Transport Options | Taxi, Uber, Shuttle, Metro, Metrobus, Rental Car |
| Taxi Capacity | 3-4 passengers |
| Taxi Cost | €13-€16 (MXN 250-350 or $15 USD) |
| Uber Cost | $10-12 USD |
| Shuttle Cost | $9 USD |
| Metro Cost | €0.30 (MXN 5 or MXN 20) |
| Metrobus Cost | €1.60 (MXN 30 or $1.50 USD) |
| Metro Operating Hours | 5 am-midnight (weekdays), 6 am-midnight (Saturdays), 7 am-midnight (Sundays and public holidays) |
| Metrobus Operating Hours | 4:30 am-midnight (Mon-Sat), 5 am-midnight (Sun and public holidays) |
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What You'll Learn
Taking the Metrobus: A safe, affordable, and frequent service
Mexico City Airport (MEX) is just 11 km from the city center. The Metrobus is a safe, affordable, and frequent service that connects the airport to the city. Here is everything you need to know about taking the Metrobus from Mexico City Airport to the city:
Purchasing Tickets
To board the Metrobus, you must purchase a Metrobus Smart Card, also known as a Metro Card. These cards are available at vending machines in the Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrival halls or boarding areas. The one-way fare is typically around €1.60 (MXN 30).
Boarding Points
The Metrobus Line 4 operates from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at the airport. In Terminal 1, the bus stop is located between gates 7 and 8, with access to the first level of lobby F. In Terminal 2, the bus bay is next to the building, with access to hall D, next to gate 4, and the domestic arrivals area.
Operating Hours and Frequency
The Metrobus operates from 4:30 am to midnight, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays and public holidays, the service starts an hour later, at 5:00 am. The buses depart every 15 minutes, with a journey time of approximately 30 to 45 minutes to the city center.
Convenience and Accessibility
The Metrobus offers a comfortable and fast connection to the city, with exclusive lanes that help bypass traffic. However, it may not be the most convenient option if you have large suitcases, as space can be limited. During peak hours, the buses can get crowded, and there have been reports of pickpocketing.
Connections
The Metrobus Line 4 connects to the city's Historic Center, and you can transfer to other Metrobús lines within 2 hours. For those wishing to use the metro, you can transfer at the San Lázaro Metro terminal to metro line 1 and reach the historic center.
Taking the Metrobus from Mexico City Airport to the city is a straightforward, cost-effective, and relatively quick option. It is a good choice for those seeking an affordable and frequent service.
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Using the metro: The cheapest option, but be wary of pickpockets
The metro is the cheapest option to get from Mexico City Airport to the city centre, costing just €0.30 (MXN 5) for a one-way ticket. However, the metro station isn't located inside the airport, and it can be a bit of a walk to get to it. From Terminal 1, turn left in the arrivals hall towards Gate A and walk through the terminal until you see a large covered sidewalk. Keep walking until you see the large Metro logo, which indicates the entrance to the Terminal Aérea station. From Terminal 2, take the Aérotren to Terminal 1, which takes about 5 minutes.
The metro is also one of the quickest ways to get to the city centre, with a journey time of around 50 minutes. However, during rush hour (6-9 am and 6-9 pm, Monday to Friday), the metro can get extremely busy, so it's best to avoid travelling during these times if possible. Additionally, it's important to note that large luggage is not permitted on the metro, so if you have bulky luggage, you may want to consider another mode of transportation.
While the metro is a great option for budget travellers, it's important to be wary of pickpockets. Mexico City is a busy place, and the metro can be crowded, providing the perfect opportunity for thieves to target unsuspecting tourists. Always keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings to minimise the risk of becoming a victim of pickpocketing.
If you're travelling with a lot of luggage or are concerned about safety, there are other transportation options available, such as taxis, Ubers, airport shuttles, or the Metrobus. Taxis and Ubers can be convenient and reasonably priced, especially if you're travelling with a group, as you can split the cost. The Metrobus is another budget-friendly option, with a one-way fare of €1.60 (MXN 30), but it can get crowded and doesn't have much space for luggage. For a more comfortable and direct journey, an airport shuttle might be a better choice, although it will likely cost more, with tickets priced at around MXN 180 ($9 USD) per person.
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Airport taxis: Safe and convenient, but can be expensive
Mexico City Airport (MEX) is just 11 km from the city centre. There are several ways to get from the airport to downtown Mexico City, including taxi, airport transfer, bus, metro, and rental car. Taking a taxi is generally considered a safe and convenient option, but it can be expensive compared to other methods of transport.
Taxis are available 24 hours a day outside Terminals 1 and 2, and the journey to the city centre should take around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. The official airport taxis are easily recognisable by their red and gold or pink and white markings. It is best to avoid unlicensed taxis and to only use authorised airport taxis, such as Sitio 300 or Yellow Cab, to ensure a safe and hassle-free journey.
The cost of a taxi from the airport to the city centre typically starts from 300 MXN (around $15 USD), but prices may vary depending on your final destination within the city. Each taxi can carry up to 3-4 passengers, and they charge a flat rate based on the zone you are travelling to. You can pre-purchase your ticket at the "`Transporte Terrestre`" kiosk in the airport before heading to the designated taxi rank.
While taking a taxi can be more expensive than other options, it is a good choice for those travelling in groups, as you can split the cost. Taxis are also a convenient option for those with bulky luggage or for visitors who don't speak Spanish, as you can pre-pay for your ride and avoid the need for negotiation. Additionally, taxi drivers often have local knowledge and can offer tips or suggestions for your stay in Mexico City.
Overall, while airport taxis in Mexico City can be pricey, they offer a safe, convenient, and reasonably quick way to get from the airport to your destination in the city centre.
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Ubers: A good option for groups with luggage, but pricier
Mexico City International Airport (MEX) is just 11 km from the city centre, and there are several ways to get there. While Uber is a pricier option, it is a good choice for groups with luggage.
Uber is available 24/7 for arrivals and departures at Mexico City Airport. The ride-sharing service offers a convenient and stress-free way to get to your destination, especially if you have bulky luggage. Uber rides typically cost between $10-12 USD for a trip from the airport to the city centre, although the price will depend on factors such as the type of ride, the length and duration of the trip, tolls, city fees, and demand for rides.
UberX rides can usually accommodate up to four passengers and two suitcases, while UberXL rides can hold up to seven passengers and three suitcases. However, it's important to note that luggage space is not guaranteed and may depend on the number of passengers and the vehicle type. To ensure that your ride can accommodate your group and luggage, it's recommended to contact your driver-partner through the Uber app after you've been matched.
Using the Uber app, you can easily request a ride and receive step-by-step directions to meet your driver. You can also schedule your ride in advance, which is helpful for early or late flights and ensures that you have a ride available when you need it. Uber drivers know the shortcuts, and you can also request a specific route if you prefer. Additionally, you can conduct the entire transaction through the app, which is convenient if you don't speak Spanish.
Compared to other options, such as the metro or bus, Uber is more expensive. The metro costs around MXN 5 ($0.20) per journey, but large luggage is not permitted, making it less ideal for groups with bulky items. The bus is another affordable option, with a one-way fare of around €1.60 (MXN 30), but it may not be as comfortable or convenient as Uber for groups with luggage.
While taxis are also available at the airport, they may have limited luggage space and typically carry up to three or four passengers. The cost of a taxi starts from MXN 300 ($13-15 USD), making it a pricier option, especially if you're travelling alone.
In conclusion, while Uber is a more expensive option for getting from Mexico City Airport to the city centre, it offers convenience, ease of use, and peace of mind for groups with luggage. With Uber, you can ensure a comfortable ride and avoid the hassle of navigating public transportation or fitting your luggage into a taxi.
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Shuttle services: Cost-effective for solo travellers
Mexico City International Airport, officially known as Benito Juárez International Airport, is the busiest airport in Latin America. It is located just 11 km from the city centre, and offers a range of transportation services to get you from the airport to the city.
One of the most cost-effective ways to travel from the airport to Mexico City as a solo traveller is by shuttle service. Shuttle services from the airport to the city centre cost around MXN 180 ($9 USD) per person. This is a good option for solo travellers, as taxis and Ubers will usually only cost a little more, so it is more cost-effective to take a shuttle if you don't have other people to share the cost with. Shuttle services are also a great way to save time, as you can book your ride in advance and avoid the stress of finding transportation upon arrival. Prime Time Shuttle, for example, offers seamless shuttle services with a team of friendly and professional drivers who will ensure a smooth and stress-free pickup experience.
While shuttle services are a convenient and affordable option for solo travellers, it is worth noting that they may take longer than other forms of transportation due to multiple drop-offs. The shuttle journey from the airport to the city centre typically takes 40-60 minutes, compared to 20-30 minutes for taxis and Ubers.
If you are looking for other cost-effective options, the metro is also a good choice, with tickets costing only MXN 5 ($0.20 USD) per journey. The Metro Line 5 will take you directly into the city centre in about 50 minutes. However, it is important to note that large luggage is not permitted on the metro, so this may not be the best option if you are travelling with bulky bags.
Another affordable option is the bus, with the Metrobus Line 4 offering a convenient and fast service to the city centre for only MXN 30 ($1.60 USD). These buses operate from 04:30 to 00:00 on weekdays and from 05:00 to 00:00 on weekends and public holidays, with a 15-minute waiting time between buses. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
So, whether you choose a shuttle service, the metro, or the bus, there are several cost-effective options for solo travellers looking to get from Mexico City Airport to the city centre.
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Frequently asked questions
The fastest way to get from the airport to the city is by taxi. The journey takes around 20 minutes, but can take up to 30 minutes or even 45 minutes during rush hour.
Yes, you can also take the Metrobus Line 4, the Metro Line 5, or an Uber.
A taxi ride to the city centre costs between $13 and $16 USD.
The Metro is known for pickpocketing, so it's important to keep an eye on your belongings. It's also advised to avoid unlicensed taxis.
