Mexico City Airport: Clear Security Process For Travelers

Mexico City International Airport, officially known as Benito Juárez International Airport, is one of the busiest airports in Latin America. The airport serves as a hub for several major airlines and offers connections to destinations worldwide. When travelling through this airport, passengers often have questions about customs and immigration procedures. So, does Mexico City Airport have a clear system in place for these processes?

Mexico City Airport is officially called Benito Juarez International Airport (AICM)

Mexico City International Airport, officially called Benito Juarez International Airport (AICM), is Mexico's most important airport. It was inaugurated in 1931, based on a project drawn up in the 1910s. The airport has undergone several significant renovations and expansions since then to accommodate the growing population of the capital and the increase in Mexican tourism.

Between 1949 and 1951, the airport expanded with a new runway, a control tower, and administrative offices. In 1952, a renovated passenger terminal was opened, and by 1956, the airport was operating with four runways. In 1963, the airport's name changed from "Aeropuerto Central" to "Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México" (Mexico City International Airport).

In the 2000s and 2010s, political initiatives aimed to establish nearby airports as supplementary options to serve the Mexico City area, known as the Metropolitan Airport System. Terminal 2 was inaugurated in 2007, increasing the airport's capacity and number of gates. In 2014, Mexican authorities declared the airspace around Mexico City Airport saturated, and President Peña Nieto's administration proposed the Texcoco Airport project. However, this project faced opposition, and the Santa Lucía expansion was chosen instead, resulting in the Felipe Ángeles International Airport, which opened in 2022 as Mexico City's secondary airport.

Mexico City International Airport has domestic and international gates, with various VIP lounges and hotel services within Terminal 1. The airport provides parking facilities for 5,500 vehicles and is easily accessible by bus and metro, with connections to the rest of Mexico and neighbouring countries.

The airport has two terminals, which are too far apart to walk between

The Mexico City Airport, officially known as Benito Juarez International Airport (AICM), is a bustling aviation hub serving the capital of Mexico. One notable aspect of this airport is that it has two distinct terminals that are quite a distance apart. In fact, the distance between the terminals is so significant that walking from one to the other is not feasible.

The vast expanse between the terminals can be attributed to the airport's size and layout. Mexico City Airport is a large and busy airport, handling a significant volume of passenger traffic and flight operations. To accommodate the high volume of passengers and aircraft movements, the terminals are spaced apart to provide ample room for infrastructure and support facilities.

To navigate between the terminals, passengers can utilize a convenient train system. This intra-airport transportation option efficiently connects the two terminals, ensuring that travellers can move between them comfortably and promptly. The train ride offers a quick and seamless connection, making it a preferred choice for those transferring between flights or needing to access different areas of the airport.

Each terminal at Mexico City Airport has its own unique characteristics and serves specific functions. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are designated with distinct door numbers, namely Puerta 7 and Puerta 3, respectively. These doors serve as important landmarks for passengers, providing clear indicators for entry and exit points. The ground floor of each terminal is where passengers can conveniently access the metrobus service, which offers efficient transportation to and from the airport.

The metrobus service at Mexico City Airport provides a direct connection to the city centre. Passengers can board the big red bus from the designated stop, identified by the prominent "MB" symbol. This bus service operates from both terminals and offers a swift 30-minute journey time to downtown Mexico City, making it a convenient option for travellers heading to the city centre or seeking accommodation in the area.

The airport has a dedicated Metrobus line, Line 4, which takes around 30 minutes to get downtown

Mexico City's Metrobús Line 4 is a bus rapid transit line that connects the Mexico City International Airport in the east of the capital with the city's downtown area. The line has a total of 43 stations and a length of 40.5 kilometres, divided into two routes: North and South. The North route takes passengers from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 of the airport to Buenavista station in the city centre, where they can connect with metro lines 1 and 3, as well as suburban trains. The South route takes passengers to the San Lázaro station, where they can switch to the Metro or take intercity buses to other cities from the TAPO bus station.

The Metrobús Line 4 is a convenient and affordable way to get from the Mexico City International Airport to the city centre, with buses departing from outside of entrance 7 at Terminal 1 or outside entrance 2 at Terminal 2. The service costs 30 pesos per passenger, per ride, and operates 365 days a year. Passengers can use the same prepaid Metro Card used for the Metro to board the Metrobús, which can be purchased at machines inside the airport terminal.

The Metrobús is a rapid transit system that has drastically reduced traffic and pollution in Mexico City over the past 15 years. The big red, often articulated double buses can be seen rolling down the middle of avenues, even when all other traffic is at a standstill. The system currently operates seven lines, each of which connect with the Metro. While the Metrobús can get crowded at peak times, it is often the fastest way to get from one point to another.

The trip from the airport to the city centre on Line 4 takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the time of day. The buses on Line 4 have reserved spaces for wheelchairs and luggage, making it a convenient option for tourists with baggage. Overall, the Metrobús Line 4 offers a fast, efficient, and affordable way to get from the Mexico City International Airport to the city centre, providing a seamless connection to the city's public transportation network.

Immigration and customs must be cleared at the airport if it is your first point of entry into Mexico

If Mexico City is your first point of entry into Mexico, you will need to clear immigration and customs at the airport. This is true whether you are flying into Benito Juarez International Airport (AICM) or Cancun International Airport.

At Benito Juarez International Airport, there are two terminals, and the time it takes to get from one to the other can vary from 30 minutes to longer, depending on how busy it is. If you are transferring to another destination in Mexico, you will need to clear immigration and customs in Mexico City before flying to your next destination. This process can also take a variable amount of time, from 30 minutes to several hours, or even longer during busy Mexican holidays. Therefore, it is important to ensure you have enough time between flights.

When clearing customs, you will need to have your bags with you for the possibility of inspection. At Benito Juarez International Airport, you will clear customs before exiting through Door 7 (Puerta 7) in Terminal 1 or Door 3 (Puerta 3) in Terminal 2. After exiting, you will see the MB symbol, which indicates the stop for the big red metrobus.

It is worth noting that exchange rates at airports, including Mexico City Airport, are typically unfavourable. If you need to exchange currency, it is recommended to wait until after clearing customs, where you can compare rates at different booths and make a more informed decision.

The airport has currency exchange booths, but rates are typically poor compared to outside the airport

Mexico City Airport has several currency exchange booths, with many sources stating that they are located after entering the main hall of Terminal 1. However, some travellers have noted that the exchange rates at these booths are typically poor compared to those outside the airport.

While currency exchange booths at the airport are convenient, especially for small amounts of money, they may not offer the best value for money. Some travellers have reported that the exchange rates are surprisingly good and competitive due to the high number of booths available. However, others have suggested that exchanging money at the airport is a common way for travellers to be scammed, with unattractive exchange rates and additional fees.

To avoid potential scams and poor exchange rates, some travellers recommend using an ATM over currency exchange booths. ATMs can be found in most cities in Mexico and typically offer better exchange rates. It is important to note that some ATMs in Mexico may charge a fee for withdrawals, and your bank/credit card company may also add a foreign currency conversion fee. Therefore, it is advisable to use a debit card at an ATM, as credit cards often charge higher interest rates.

If you plan to use a significant amount of cash during your trip, consider bringing traveller's cheques, which some banks offer without additional fees. Alternatively, you can exchange money at your final destination, either at a commercial bank or a bureau of exchange, which may offer more competitive rates than the airport currency exchange booths.

Frequently asked questions