Mexico City (MEX) MEX: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to Mexico City International Airport

If you are planning to fly to/from Mexico City International Airport, check out our tips on what’s the best way to travel between the airport and the city center. It’s always good to know, what’s the most convenient way to get to your destination. You can also find some data on the Mexico City International Airport facilities and some local tips on the airport itself.

Arriving at Mexico City International Airport (MEX)

Mexico City International Airport (Benito Juárez International Airport) is the largest, busiest airport in the country. This government-operated facility not only serves Mexico City but also acts as a gateway to Latin America.  The airport opened in May 1931, and Terminal 2 was opened in 2007. Today, the airport is undergoing a $14 billion expansion that could make it the biggest in the Americas and the planet's third-largest. It has two asphalt paved runways and twin terminals that are about 2 miles (3 kilometers) apart and connected by train and bus. Both terminals have 24-hour shopping and dining facilities. Around 30 local and international passenger lines, including Mexico's Aeroméxico, alongside 17 cargo planes, serve the airport. SkyTeam, Aeromar, Volaris, and Interjet call the airport home. On a typical day, over 100,000 passengers use the airport. Per year, it can see about 45 million passengers. 

What's the best way to get from Mexico City International Airport to the city center?

Perhaps the best thing about Mexico City International Airport is the many transport options to the city center. Two bus terminals with round-the-clock transportation services ferry passengers with unrivaled reliability. Travelers will find the Terminal 1 bus station beside the car ramp and the Terminal 2 station near Gate D, near the domestic arrivals exit. Bus ticket desks are available in both terminals. Metrobus also offers transportation services to the city, albeit with multiple stops along the way. Traveling on the Mexico City metro is far cheaper than using shuttle buses. There's a subway station within walking distance of the airport, Terminal Aérea Station, that connects to a metro line running between Politécnico and Pantitlán. There are 11 lines in the network, and the airport metro station is on the yellow 5th line. Taxis and hotel shuttles are also available at the airport. Hotel shuttles stop at Entrance 4 of Terminal 1, and taxis can be ordered in the arrivals hall. Before getting into a taxi, however, travelers should check that it belongs to one of the authorized companies listed on the airport's website. 

How far is the city center from Mexico City International Airport?

From the city center, travelers should take Avenida Fray Servando Teresa de Mier eastbound before turning left on the highway leading to Mexico City Airport. The airport is about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the city center, approximately 15 minutes' drive.  The subway, the fastest travel option to the city, takes less time. Buses and taxis often take longer due to traffic along the way. Terminal-to-terminal trains are free, but can only be used by travelers presenting a flight e-ticket, reservation code, paper ticket, or boarding pass. The trains run from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. There are also terminal-to-terminal buses, which charge a fee.

What services are there at Mexico City International Airport?

Being the busiest in the region, Benito Juárez International Airport operates 24/7. The airport's key facilities include a wide selection of eateries, cafés, and bars, medical care spots, currency exchange shops, banks, ATMs, and duty-free stores.  Other facilities and services at the airport include shoeshine services, hotels, and VIP lounges managed by American Express, Televisa, Centurion Club, Lufthansa, and HSBC. Major restaurants include 100% Natural (Express), Bistrot Mosaico, Casa Ávila, Cúcara Mácara, and lots of other mainstream brands. 

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

The airport offers barrier-free access. All over the airport, ramps, elevators, and accessible toilets are easy to find. Pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone with limited mobility are ensured greater comfort as they arrive at or depart the airport.  In fact, the arrivals section has a path exclusively reserved for wheelchair users, along with ramps that help carry their baggage. Both terminals have plenty of elevators, escalators, and electric ramps, while T1's international departure lounges and the T2's pre-departure lounge have moving walkways.

Local tips: what to know before flying to Mexico City International Airport

Mexico City Airport is immense and can be confusing for first-time and experienced travelers alike. The same goes for the city center. At the airport and throughout the city, travelers should remember to be cautious. By planning ahead, they can make their journey more enjoyable and safe. Upon arrival in Mexico City, travelers shouldn't hop into the first taxi they see. To avoid being overcharged, passengers should verify that the taxi is authorized. Or better yet, they could opt for the subway, bus, or hotel shuttles.