Mexico City Airport Transfers

You can get from the airport to Mexico City by metro, bus or taxi. Here are the options you have to get from one place to another.

Andressa García

Andressa García

10 min read

Mexico City Airport Transfers

Airport Day | ©Cisco

To get from Mexico City airport to the city centre, you have several options such as the metro, bus or taxi. In the case of the metro, you can take lines 5 and 9 to the historic centre. You also have the option of taking one of the buses that provide service from the airport; or if you prefer more comfort, you can use a taxi.

The distance from the airport to the centre of Mexico City is approximately 13 km, so the transfer time may vary depending on the means of transport you use and the traffic on the roads. Whichever option you choose, it's clear that before thinking about the best things to see and do in Mexico City, it's essential to know how to get around.

1. A shared transfer, comfort at a reasonable price

Shared transfer| ©eGuide Travel
Shared transfer| ©eGuide Travel

The car-sharing transfer from Mexico City Airport to the city centre is a valid option that many travellers choose. Basically it is about sharing the car with other passengers who have similar destinations and in this way the price is divided between all of them.

This option undoubtedly offers a good balance between economy and comfort, especially for those who want to avoid public transport or unauthorised taxi drivers at the airport. Of course, as this is a shared service, you will not have a great deal of privacy during the transfer and in many cases you will have to wait for a full capacity. These types of transfers are generally offered in minibuses.

Details of interest

  • Journeytime: In general, journey times are around 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Price: You will have to pay around 11 to 15 euros per person.
  • Advantages of using this method: they offer both comfort and safety. You will share the cost of the service with other passengers. It is cheaper compared to private taxis. You can book this option online.
  • How to book this transport: you can hire this service at the airport or from authorised taxi companies.
  • Recommended if... You are travelling alone and want comfort at an affordable price.

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2. A shuttle, direct transfer at a reasonable price

By shuttle| ©Brian 104
By shuttle| ©Brian 104

When you make your reservation at a hotel in Mexico City, I recommend that you check if they offer a shuttle service, which consists of a private transport that takes you directly from the airport to your hotel. The shuttle bus will pick you and several other passengers with the same destination and offer a door-to-door service, so it's a good option if you want to arrive early for a tour of Mexico City. The good thing about this option is that you can take all the luggage you need.

The price of the service may vary depending on the hotel, while other accommodation sites include it in the cost of the reservation. This is undoubtedly one of the most comfortable ways to travel and is ideal to avoid the stress of public transport. Generally you can share this transport with three or four other people, although it all depends on how many people are going to the same hotel as you.

Interesting details

  • Travel time: It takes between 20-30 minutes to get from the airport to the hotel or accommodation, depending on where the hotel or accommodation is located.
  • Price: this service may be included in the cost of the booking or you may be charged a low price, which may be around 10 euros or a little less.
  • Advantages of using this method: you arrive directly at your hotel without any inconvenience. You can take as many suitcases as you want or need.
  • How to book this transport: to book this option, you have to ask your hotel or accommodation if they have this service when you make the reservation.
  • Recommended if... You are staying in a hotel that includes this service.

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3. A private transfer, comfort and exclusivity

Private transfer| ©Ricky Hernandez
Private transfer| ©Ricky Hernandez

This service is one of the most comfortable you can use, because it basically combines the advantages of a taxi with the exclusivity of a pre-scheduled transfer. With this service you will be able to personalise your transport experience from the airport to your accommodation. In addition, you will have the possibility to choose the language of the driver, the pick-up time and the size of the vehicle you need.

Using this type of transport is a good alternative if you plan to arrive at the airport in the early hours of the morning or if you are travelling with large groups for excursions from Mexico City. One of the great things about this type of transport is that the driver will take you directly from the airport to your hotel or accommodation without any additional stops.

Interesting details

  • Travel time: It will take you between 20 and 30 minutes to get to your accommodation, although this amount of time depends on traffic.
  • Price: You will have to pay approximately 35 euros per person.
  • Advantages of using this method: it is a completely exclusive trip. You can carry as many suitcases as you want. It is a very comfortable transport. It can be booked. It is suitable for several people.
  • How to book this transport: to book this transport you will have to do it online, through a booking company.
  • Recommended if... You are travelling with the whole family and you want an exclusive and comfortable transfer from the airport to the city.

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4. A taxi is a quick way to get to the city

Mexico City Taxi| ©Jeanne Menjoulet
Mexico City Taxi| ©Jeanne Menjoulet

This is the option you should choose if you want to be met at the airport and taken directly to your hotel in Mexico City. In fact, taking a taxi is one of the best options if you plan to arrive late at night, early in the morning or with a lot of luggage. But before you book, you should know that this is the most expensive option.

To get into a taxi you have to look for the taxi rank in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, where the international and domestic arrivals departures are located. These taxis are available throughout the day. Before getting into a taxi, make sure that it is authorised by the Ministry of Communications and Transport, to avoid illegal taxis.

To use this service, you have to buy your ticket at the airport counters that are set up for this function, which are usually located near the exits of each terminal. An advantage of this option is that if you are travelling with a large group, you have the opportunity to request taxis for 8 passengers to share the journey and reduce the cost.

Useful details

  • Journeytime: It will take you between 20 and 30 minutes to reach your destination, depending on how the traffic is holding up.
  • Price: you will have to pay approximately 20 euros.
  • Advantages of using this method: you will be met at the airport gate. You can use this service even in the early hours of the morning. It is exclusive, only you and your group can use it.
  • How to book this transport: to use the taxis you will have to buy the ticket directly at the airport, at the exits of each terminal.
  • Recommended if... You are travelling with a group of friends and want to share the costs.

5. An uber, a cheaper option than a taxi

Using Uber| ©Dan Gold
Using Uber| ©Dan Gold

A good way to get to the centre of Mexico City from the airport is to use the Uber app, which offers you convenience and a more affordable price compared to other services such as traditional taxis. It will take you the same amount of time as with a taxi, but the cost will certainly go down considerably.

One good thing about this service that is available in Mexico City is that by using the app, you will be able to know the exact price of the ride before confirming the request for the service, so you can plan your budget in advance. You can find these designated zones for Uber drivers inside the airport terminals. You also need to know that you don't need to buy tickets, because everything is done through the mobile app.

Interesting details

  • Duration of the trip: the journey takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending mainly on traffic.
  • Price: you will have to pay between 8 and 11 euros.
  • Advantages of using this method: it is a cheaper service than a taxi. You can use it with or without a reservation. You don't need a physical ticket because you can do everything from your mobile phone.
  • How to book this transport: you can request this transport through the Uber app.
  • Recommended if... You are travelling alone or as a couple and you want comfort while paying a low price.

6. The train, the option to save money

Train Mexico| ©David Wilson
Train Mexico| ©David Wilson

The train is one of the cheapest options to get from Mexico City airport to the city centre. It is not the fastest option, but it is efficient, economical and safe. The closest metro station to Terminal 1 is Terminal Aérea, where you can hop on metro line 5. This line will take you to the city centre in about 40 minutes.

Depending on where your hotel or accommodation is located, you may have to transfer to other lines, so your journey may take longer. If you have landed at Terminal 2 of the airport, you can go to the Pantitlán metro stop, which is just a few minutes' walk from the terminal. There you can get on lines 1, 5, 9 and A.

One of the best things about the metro is that the cost of the ticket is fixed and does not change regardless of your destination or the number of transfers you make. The metro has a frequency of about 5 minutes, so you don't have to worry about waiting too long.

Interesting details

  • Travel time: It takes between 40 and 50 minutes to get from the airport to the centre of Mexico City.
  • Price: all tickets, regardless of the route, cost about 0.25 euros, including transfers. But it is also a free service for the over 60s and under 5s.
  • Advantages of using this method: this means of transport is fast. You will have to pay much less than other popular means of transport. The metro has women-only carriages.
  • How to book this transport: you don't book this transport, you just walk to the metro station and buy your ticket to use the service.
  • Recommended if... You are travelling on a budget and want to see the city like a local.

7. A bus for backpackers

Mexico City Bus| ©Tjeerd Wiersma
Mexico City Bus| ©Tjeerd Wiersma

To get to the centre of Mexico City from the airport in a more direct way and without having to change buses, I recommend using the bus. In the city these bus lines are known as Metrobus. To use this service, you'll have to get on line 4, which takes about 30 minutes to Buenavista station.

One of the most interesting things about this service is that the bus runs in an exclusive lane, so you can avoid the city traffic. Line 4 also has other intermediate stops that you can use to get to your accommodation. In this way, this means of transport becomes an ideal option if you need to transfer to the metro.

The Metrobus service runs every day of the year, and operates from 4:30 to midnight on weekdays, and from 5:00 to midnight on Sundays and public holidays. To board the Metrobus, you need to buy a rechargeable transport card, which you can also use on the city's entire metropolitan bus network.

Useful details

  • Travel time: It takes about 30 minutes to get from the airport to Buenavista station.
  • Price: you have to pay around 1,42 euros. Children under 5 years old and over 70 years old travel for free.
  • Advantages of using this method: it is quite cheap. It is less crowded than the metro. You can take a direct route without transfers.
  • How to book this transport: this service is not bookable. What you can do in advance is to buy a rechargeable card with which you can pay for the transfer.
  • Recommended if... You are travelling alone, backpacking and want to save money.

8. A rental car if you're staying for a long time.

Renting a car| ©Brock Wegner
Renting a car| ©Brock Wegner

Renting a car can be considered a very useful alternative if you expect to travel with your family or if you need to carry a lot of luggage, although it is also a good option if you expect to stay for some time in the city and don't expect to travel by metro or bus.

With this means of transport you will have more freedom of movement if you want to visit other places around the city. In general, this is a good option if you are considering adventures such as a trip from Mexico City to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan.

Because Mexico City is known for its high traffic density, this option may not be the most popular or appropriate, but it does depend on your personal tastes. To rent a car, you can go to Terminals 1 and 2 of the airport, where you will find several car rental desks.

Useful details

  • Travel time: It takes between 20 and 30 minutes to get from the airport to the city centre, although this time depends on traffic.
  • Price: the price of the rental car depends on the car hire company, the price of fuel and the conditions, although they usually charge between 8 and 12 euros per day.
  • Advantages of using this method: you will have complete freedom and control over the transfer, the routes you want to follow and the time you want to take.
  • How to book this transport: you will have to do it online at the different car rental websites.
  • Recommended if... You want to visit other places outside Mexico City.

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