Exploring Toluca Airport: Activities And Nearby Attractions

what to do in toluca airport

Toluca International Airport (TLC) is located less than 50 kilometres from Mexico City and has been serving the city's air traffic since 1984. The airport is open 24 hours a day and offers a range of services and facilities, including car rental, taxi stands, parking, check-in, security, a VIP lounge, snack bars, shops, immigration and customs facilities, baggage claim areas, and a departure concourse. While the airport does not have dedicated sleeping areas, it provides free WiFi, ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shopping, and 24-hour food options. Transportation options include car rental agencies such as Europcar and Hertz, taxi services, and Uber, with plans for a shuttle connection to the Toluca-Mexico City train line in the future.

Characteristics Values
Terminals Two (one for international flights and one for domestic flights)
Airlines Volaris, VivaAerobus, FedEx Express, Interjet, Aerolíneas Ejecutivas, Aeromaan, Aviesa, Flymex, and TUM AeroCarga
Transportation Car rental, taxis, and Uber
Facilities Parking, check-in, security, a VIP lounge, snack bars, shops, immigration and customs facilities, baggage-claim areas, car rental services, taxi stands, and a departure concourse
Services Currency exchange, duty-free shopping, airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels

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Eat at the snack bars and restaurants

If you're feeling peckish, there are snack bars and restaurants available in both terminals at Toluca Airport. The airport's single-story passenger terminal includes standard services such as snack bars, shops, and a VIP lounge. While limited, food is available in both terminals, and there are 24-hour food options.

Although specific restaurants and snack bars at Toluca Airport are not listed, you can find a small selection of shops operating at various hours. Basic services are available, including ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shopping, and free WiFi.

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Shop at the duty-free and other stores

Toluca International Airport offers a range of shopping options for travellers looking to indulge in some retail therapy during their time at the airport. Here is some information to guide your shopping experience:

Duty-Free Shopping:

The airport features a small selection of duty-free shops, allowing travellers to take advantage of tax-free prices on a variety of products. Duty-free shops typically offer a range of items, including fragrances, cosmetics, alcoholic beverages, confectionery, and tobacco products. You can purchase items for personal use or as gifts for loved ones back home. Remember to check the duty-free allowance for your destination country to ensure you stay within the permitted limits.

Other Shops:

In addition to duty-free, Toluca Airport also has a variety of other shops operating at different hours. These shops cater to travellers' last-minute needs and convenience. You can find shops selling books, magazines, newspapers, and travel essentials. If you forgot to pack something or need a quick snack for your flight, these shops have you covered. The shops at Toluca Airport aim to provide a convenient and efficient shopping experience for travellers on the go.

Shopping Near the Airport:

If you have a longer layover or some time to spare before your flight, you can explore the shopping options near Toluca Airport. Plaza Sendero Toluca, located nearby, offers a diverse range of stores, eateries, and entertainment venues. You can browse through various shops, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy some leisure activities. Additionally, Toluca's historic centre, Centro Histórico, boasts colonial architecture, museums, and vibrant markets. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local culture, browse artisanal crafts, and purchase unique souvenirs to commemorate your trip.

Airport Lounges:

For a more relaxed shopping experience, you can consider accessing the airport lounges. These lounges often offer a quiet and comfortable environment, providing a break from the bustling terminal. Some lounges may have their own duty-free shops or boutique stores, allowing you to browse in a more exclusive setting. Additionally, lounges typically provide additional amenities, such as food, beverages, and comfortable seating, enhancing your overall airport experience.

Remember to keep an eye on flight information displays and give yourself ample time to reach your gate, especially if you're returning from a shopping excursion outside the airport. Enjoy your shopping experience at Toluca International Airport and the surrounding areas!

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Withdraw cash from ATMs

When travelling, accessing cash can be a challenge, especially when you are in a foreign country. Luckily, travellers passing through Toluca International Airport in Mexico can withdraw cash in Mexican pesos from ATMs available at the airport.

Toluca Airport is located about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) northeast of Toluca city centre and 30 kilometres (19 miles) west of affluent neighbourhoods like Santa Fe in Mexico City. The airport is officially named Aeropuerto Internacional Licenciado Adolfo López Mateos (Licenciado Adolfo López Mateos International Airport) and is often referred to by its airport codes TLC or MMTO.

ATMs are located in the landside area of the airport, which is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Fees may apply when using the ATMs, so it is essential to check your bank's fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit, especially if you are travelling internationally. You may also need to notify your bank of your travel plans to ensure that your card works smoothly at the ATMs.

In addition to the ATMs, currency exchange services are available at the airport through CAA. These currency exchange services are also located landside and operate from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day.

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Exchange currency at CAA

If you need to exchange currency at Toluca International Airport, you can do so at CAA, which provides currency exchange services. The CAA currency exchange desk is located in the landside, non-secure zone of the airport, before security. It is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week.

It's important to note that the airport only serves domestic flights as of 2024, and the official currency in Toluca is the Mexican Peso. Therefore, if you're travelling internationally, you may need to exchange your money into the local currency.

When exchanging currency, it's recommended to check your bank's fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit for international transactions. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Additionally, consider the amount of currency you need. If you're exchanging a large sum, banks may offer a more favourable rate. However, some money exchange services do not charge currency exchange fees or commissions, which could be more cost-effective for smaller amounts.

Toluca Airport also has ATMs available, but fees may apply. The airport is open 24 hours a day, and while there are no dedicated sleeping areas, there are lounges accessible by purchasing a pass or through membership programs. Nearby hotels are also available for those seeking a more comfortable stay.

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Charge your phone and use the airport's WiFi

If you're looking to charge your phone or connect to the airport's WiFi while at Toluca International Airport, here are some things to keep in mind:

Charging Your Phone

Toluca International Airport offers mobile charging points for travellers. These charging points are available at various locations within the airport. You can find them in the airport lounges, as well as near the food options and gates. Make sure you carry your charging cable with you, and consider purchasing a portable charger if you're anticipating a busy day of travel.

Using the Airport's WiFi

Toluca International Airport provides free WiFi for its passengers and visitors. To connect, simply select the airport's WiFi network and follow any on-screen instructions. The WiFi is available throughout the terminal, so you shouldn't have any issues connecting from different areas within the airport. This can be a great way to stay connected with your loved ones, catch up on work, or simply entertain yourself during any layovers or waiting periods.

It's always a good idea to ensure your device's battery is topped up before travelling, but it's equally important to be aware of the available resources at the airport. Knowing that you can charge your phone and access WiFi at Toluca International Airport can provide peace of mind and help you stay connected throughout your journey.

Remember to follow basic cybersecurity practices when using public WiFi, such as avoiding sensitive activities (like banking) and securing your connections with a trusted VPN if needed.

Frequently asked questions

The primary transportation to and from the airport is by road. Car rental services are available from companies such as Europcar and Hertz, and taxis can be found outside the Domestic Arrivals Hall. Uber also services the airport.

The airport has all the standard services, including parking, check-in, security, a VIP lounge, snack bars, shops, immigration and customs facilities, baggage-claim areas, car rental services, and a departure concourse. There are also lounges that can be accessed by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a lounge membership program.

The airport currently lacks consistent public transport, private shuttles, and bus services. However, a shuttle connecting to the Toluca-Mexico City train line El Insurgente is expected to start in 2024.

Yes, there are hotels near Toluca Airport, although their names are not provided. For more options, you can visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels in Toluca, search for deals, and read traveller reviews.

As of August 2024, Toluca Airport only serves domestic flights. However, it previously offered international services to the United States and Spain.

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