Mexico City (CDMX) Airport To City Center Transfer Options

Are you looking for ways to travel from Mexico City Airport to the city center? 

Ciudad de México (CDMX or Mexico City) is the capital and largest city of Mexico, and one of the country’s 32 federal entities. One of your first impressions of Mexico will be of its vibrant capital city.

Mexico City is home to a hundred museums such as the Anthropology Museum, the Frida Kahlo House, and the Xochimilco floating gardens. It is one of the oldest cities in North America, known for its Aztec history, distinct Mexican culture and rich culinary heritage.

When you arrive in Mexico, your plane will land at Mexico City International Airport, officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez. Serving Greater Mexico City, it is the busiest airport in Mexico and Latin America. This airport is only 11 kilometres away from the city centre. It is equipped with two terminals.

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Terminal 1 is the largest terminal on the continent, serving both domestic and international flights. Meanwhile, low-cost carriers such as Aeromexico use Terminal 2.

There are various options for getting from Mexico City International Airport to the city’s historic centre. You have the choice of taking the bus, metro, taxi, Uber or renting a car. Here are some transportation options and prices when travelling from CDMX Airport to the city centre.

Mexico City (CDMX) Airport to City Center Transfer Options

CDMX Airport to City Center By Bus

A convenient way to get from CDMX Airport to the city centre is by bus which runs between 4:30 a.m. and 0:00 a.m. Even though the buses leave every 15 minutes, the service is extremely fast and convenient.

However, if you’re travelling with a lot of luggage, you may want to consider taking a different mode of transportation. Another disadvantage of taking the bus is that once you get to the city centre, you may have to switch to another mode of transportation to get to your hotel.

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Bus Transport Details

Cost/Fare: 1.40€ (30 mxn) one-way.

Schedule: from 4:30 to 00:00 daily and take only 30 minutes to reach the Mexico City centre.

Route: bus service runs from the airport to the city centre, via Metrobus line 4.

Location: The bus will be waiting for you outside doors 6 or 7 in Terminal 1. Outside of Door 3 on the lower level of Terminal 2, you’ll also find a Metrobus stop. At Mexico City’s airport, the Metrobus departs every 15 minutes from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Where to book/buy tickets: Purchase a Metrobus Smart Card and top it up with the 1.40€ one-way fare, you can board the Metrobus (30 mxn). These cards can be obtained from machines in the arrival halls of Terminals 1 and 2, which are marked.

Mexico City Airport to City Center By Metro

Terminal Aérea metro station is just 10 minutes away from Terminal 1 of Mexico City Benito Juarez (MEX) airport and serves metro line 5. However, taking the metro from Mexico City’s Benito Juarez airport is the least convenient way to travel to the city centre.

Taking the metro not only requires you to walk out of the airport to the station, but you will also have to change lines to reach the city centre, which takes more time.

Metro Transport Details

Cost/Fare: A one-way ticket costs just 0.23€ ($5 mxn).

Schedule: The metro runs from 5:00 to 00:00 Monday to Friday and 7:00 to 00:00 on the weekends.
There is a waiting time of 5 minutes for the metro.

Route: CDMX Airport to the city centre

Location: You’ll need to walk through the long covered walkway from Terminal 1’s arrivals hall. To get to Terminal Aérea, keep going until you see a large Metro logo indicating its entrance. You’ll find yourself on the platform of metro line 5 if you take the stairs down.
There is a 5-minute Aérotren ride required to get to Terminal 1 if you’re coming from Terminal 2.

Where to book/buy tickets: Terminal Aérea Metro station has an automated ticket machine or booth where you can buy a metro ticket.

CDMX Airport to City Center By Taxi

With 24-hour service, airport taxis in Mexico City are an excellent option for getting into the city. The official city cabs are all pink and white or red and gold, making it easy to tell them apart from the private taxis. They charge a flat fare based on where you’re going in Mexico City (MEX) Airport, which can hold up to four passengers each.

Taking a taxi from CDMX Airport to Mexico city centre is not only the most convenient, safest, and most comfortable option; it is also very affordable. You’ll be able to unwind, safe in the knowledge that you and your belongings are travelling securely.

Taxi Transport Details

Cost/Fare: the airport to the city centre costs 11.60€ ($250 mxn) and take around 20 minutes in regular traffic.

Schedule: day time (05:00–24:00), night time (00:00–05:00)

Route: CDMX Airport to the city centre

Where to book/buy tickets: You must purchase a taxi fare at the “Transporte Terrestre” booth before proceeding to the taxi stand. You’ll tell the operator where you’re going, and they’ll give you a paper ticket to show to your driver when you get in the taxi.

Note: Since not all drivers at Mexico City International Airport speak English, you must write down your address or show him a map. You should always wear your seatbelt at all times when riding in a taxi in Mexico City, as the roads can become a little chaotic at times.

CDMX Airport to City Center By Car

Those who plan to rent a car and drive from the airport to Mexico City’s historic centre will be pleased to learn that the distance is quite short.

As you exit the airport, keep an eye out for signs pointing you toward Route 1. Héroe de Nacozari is the first right after Parque Aguascalientes, where you’ll join Route 3 and turn left. You can get close to the historic centre of Mexico City if you follow this road to República de Venezuela.

If you want to reserve a car ahead of time and pick it up at the airport, you can do so with any of these companies: Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, and Alamo.

Car Rental Details

Cost/Fare: Car hire is reasonably priced, starts at 15€ per day

Route: CDMX airport to anywhere in Mexico City

Where to book/buy tickets: online then pick up at the airport. Available car rental agencies are at the airport, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, and Alamo.

Buy your ticket online here.

Mexico City Airport to City Center By Uber

Another option for getting from the CDMX Airport to downtown is to take an Uber. Once you’ve downloaded the Uber app and entered your pickup and drop-off details, you’ll be able to pay for the service using your card.

Whenever a vehicle approaches your current position, the app notifies you of the vehicle’s make, model, and color, as well as the plate number. Since you’ve already paid for the trip online, there aren’t any unpleasant surprises waiting for you when you get to your destination. Uber drivers also know the shortcuts, so you’ll get to your destination promptly.

Tipping Uber drivers is not permitted in Mexico City, and most drivers will refuse if you try to give them even a small amount. Aside from transporting you from CDMX Airport to the city centre, Uber drivers frequently provide local knowledge along the way.

Uber Transport Details

Cost: Approximately 8-10€ USD

Route: CDMX Airport to the city centre

Location: Exit baggage claim and meet your driver at the curb. All Uber driver-partners at MEX meet travellers for pickup here.

Where to book: through the Uber app