Lois Larson
Mexico City is a sprawling, bustling metropolis with a lot to offer. From ancient ruins to magical villages, and from pre-Hispanic cultures to modern amenities, Mexico City has something for everyone. The capital city is known for its affordability, diverse cuisine, and lively neighbourhoods. Lonely Planet offers in-depth guidebooks, award-winning maps, and expert guidance to help travellers navigate Mexico City and discover its hidden gems. The city's international airport, Benito Juarez, is located about 45 minutes away from the vibrant neighbourhoods of Roma and Condesa, which are known for their historical architecture, bohemian lifestyle, and diverse gastronomical offerings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Airport | Benito Juarez Airport |
| Location | Terminal 1 or 2 of Mexico City |
| Nearby Neighbourhoods | Roma and Condesa |
| Travel Time to Nearby Neighbourhoods | Up to 45 minutes via Uber or taxi |
| Public Transportation Options | Ecobici, Mexico City's public bicycle system service |
| Nearby Hotels | Hotels near Juarez Intl Airport (MEX) |
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What You'll Learn
Getting to Mexico City
There are many ways to get to Mexico City, whether by plane, bus, train, car, or transfer.
By Plane
If you are flying into Mexico City, you will arrive at Mexico City International Airport. From there, you can take the metro, bus, taxi, or a rental car into the city centre. The metro is the cheapest option, with tickets costing less than $0.50 per journey, but it is also possible to take the bus for a similarly low price. Official airport taxis are recognisable by their red and gold or pink and white markings and cost around $13-$15 USD each way.
By Bus, Train, or Car
If you are travelling to Mexico City by bus or train, you will arrive at one of the city's bus or train stations. From there, you can take a taxi, Uber, or the metro to your destination. If you are driving, you can follow Route 1 from the airport and then take Route 3, turning left onto Héroe de Nacozari and then taking the first right.
By Transfer
If you prefer, you can arrange a private transfer to take you directly to your destination in Mexico City.
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Mexico City's neighbourhoods
Mexico City has something for everyone, whether you're interested in history, culture, food, or design. The neighbourhoods in Mexico City are known as colonias, which means colony in Spanish. Each colonia has a specific name used in official documents and postal addresses, and most have their own postal code.
One of the best-known colonias is Centro Histórico, the historic downtown of Mexico City. Here, you'll find colonial palaces, Baroque churches, and the magnificent ruins of the Templo Mayor, the axis of the Aztec empire. Centro Histórico is also home to young chefs and gallerists who are bringing new energy to Mexico City's oldest neighbourhood.
Another notable colonia is Condesa, known for its pretty art deco and Mission-style apartments. Condesa was the city's most cosmopolitan neighbourhood in the 1930s and 40s and remains stylish and elegant today. Nearby is Roma, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Mexico City, which features quirky clothing boutiques and beautiful sidewalks. Both Condesa and Roma are known for their innovative restaurants and design-forward sensibility.
Other popular colonias include Coyoacán, a countercultural neighbourhood in downtown Mexico City that was once a separate town founded by Cortés; Del Valle, an upscale residential neighbourhood that was home to many important people in Mexican history; and San Ángel, a historic residential and shopping area known for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and local art markets.
For those interested in the federal branch of the Mexican government, the Palacio Nacional (National Palace) is located in the Cuauhtémoc borough, which also includes the leafy neighbourhoods of Santa María la Ribera and Condesa.
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Attractions and activities
Mexico City has two main airports: Benito Juarez International Airport and Felipe Ángeles (Santa Lucía) International Airport. If you have a layover at either airport, there are plenty of attractions and activities to keep you entertained.
Dining
Both Benito Juarez and Felipe Ángeles International Airports offer a wide variety of dining options, ranging from grab-and-go snacks to sit-down restaurants. Highlights include Cucara Macara, Casa Avila, La Mansion, and Bistrot Mosaico. Several options in both terminals are open 24 hours, so you can enjoy a meal no matter the time of day.
Shopping
There are dozens of shops at the airport to browse, with many open until 11:00 PM and some even open 24 hours. For a unique local souvenir, try The Silver Designer, which sells jewellery from the nearby city of Taxco, known for its silver. Foodies will appreciate Britt Shop for its chocolates and coffee.
Airport Lounges
If you're looking for a quiet and comfortable space to relax or get some work done, consider purchasing a lounge pass or using your lounge membership to gain access to the airport lounges. Here, you can enjoy all-inclusive food and drinks, comfortable seating, WiFi, and even shower facilities.
Nearby Attractions
If you have a longer layover and want to venture outside the airport, Mexico City has plenty of attractions to offer. The Metropolitan Cathedral, dating back to 1737, is a must-see, along with the nearby Templo Mayor and its accompanying museum, which showcases Aztec ruins. The Palacio des Bellas Artes is also worth a visit, offering a world-class museum in a beautiful building. For a deeper dive into Mexican history, the National Museum of Anthropology is a great option.
Transportation
To explore further, you can arrange transportation from the airport to your desired destinations. Authorized and licensed taxi services, as well as air-conditioned vans with drinks and music, are available to take you to your chosen locations within the city.
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Food and drink
Mexico City International Airport, also known as Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM), is Latin America's busiest airport. Luckily, there are plenty of dining options to choose from, whether you're looking for a sit-down meal, a quick snack, or a cup of coffee.
If you're in the mood for a hearty meal, La Mansion is a popular choice among travellers. For a quick bite, try Salute, or grab a coffee at Starbucks. Other restaurants within the airport include Loma Linda, an Argentine steakhouse with branches in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, serving everything from traditional Argentine cuts to Mexican comfort foods. Tasca Don Quino, located at Gate 12, is perfect for those seeking a quick meal of hearty Spanish tapas and tortas. El Fogoncito is another excellent option for tacos and classic Mexican cuisine.
For those craving Italian, Sbarro offers delicious pizza and pasta. If you're in the mood for a burger, there's Carl's Jr. or one of the many fast-food chains like KFC, McDonald's, Burger King, or Dino Snack Bar & Fast Food.
Convenience stores like OXXO and 7-Eleven in Terminal 1 are perfect for grabbing snacks, drinks, and last-minute travel essentials. So, whether you're looking for a casual bite or a more substantial meal, Mexico City International Airport has something to offer everyone.
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Hotels
Lonely Planet recommends that travellers seeking moderately priced hotels should look in the areas west of the Zócalo and south of the Alameda. One such hotel is the Casanueva, which is located on the west side of the Zócalo. The Casanueva offers individually designed rooms decorated with tasteful arts and crafts, although guests have noted that the walls are thin. Another option is El Asoleadero, located just uphill from Malinalco's main drag. El Asoleadero offers spacious, modern, and airy rooms with stunning views of the pueblito and surrounding cliffs.
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, there are ultra-trendy hotels surrounded by stark high-desert landscapes. One such hotel features bright fan-cooled rooms, a slate pool, intriguing artworks, a seductive indoor-outdoor bar, and a tree house-like restaurant.
If you are looking for a hotel near the airport, the Fiesta Inn is a modern and sleek option with 85 airy and comfortable rooms, a small gym, and a cafe-bar-restaurant in the lobby. There is another branch located near the airport.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, there is a beautiful hotel on the outskirts of town with just six rooms, each decorated with an upscale, home-style aesthetic.
For budget-conscious travellers, there is an ultra-budget option just a few steps from the Zócalo. This hotel offers clean and simple rooms with private bathrooms and TVs.
When exploring the west of Mexico City, a converted ranch-style hotel located just a block from the Zócalo offers a quiet escape from the noise of the city, with a small terrace garden providing views of the surrounding hills.
For those interested in exploring outside of Mexico City, the city of Cuernavaca is located 85km south of the capital and has been a favourite destination for the wealthy and fashionable since colonial times. The old silver-mining town of Taxco, located 180km southwest of Mexico City, offers a picturesque and pleasant escape with its narrow cobbled streets, well-worn buildings, and delightful plazas.
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Frequently asked questions
Mexico City International Airport Benito Juarez. It takes around 45 minutes via Uber or taxi to travel from Terminal 1 or 2 to Roma or Condesa.
Some hotels near the Juarez International Airport include:
- Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral
- Hotels near Terminal Aérea
- Hotels near Zócalo
Some motels near the Toluca Airport include:
- Motels near Juarez International Airport
- Motels near Toluca Airport
Another airport near Mexico City is the Toluca Airport (TLC).
Some hotels near Toluca Airport include:
- Hotels near Toluca Airport
