Mexico City Airport Transportation 2026: Best Way to the City Center, Roma, or Polanco
If you are asking how to get from Mexico City Airport to the city center, Roma, Condesa, Reforma, or Polanco in 2026, the honest answer is still simple. For most arrivals at MEX/AICM, buy the authorized Sitio taxi inside the terminal. Expect roughly 300 to 380 MXN to Roma or Condesa, 260 to 320 MXN to Centro Histórico, 260 to 340 MXN to Reforma/Buenavista, and 380 to 450 MXN to Polanco. If you land at Terminal 1 with only a backpack, Metro Line 5 from Terminal Aérea is still the cheapest real option. If your ticket says NLU, you are not landing at the main city airport at all, so the normal move is the Aerofaro shuttle to Buenavista before taking Metro or a taxi onward. If you are still choosing a base, compare Where to Stay in Mexico City, the Mexico City neighborhoods guide, and Getting Around Mexico City before you book.
How to Get From Mexico City Airport to the City Center in 30 Seconds
- Landing at MEX and staying in Roma, Condesa, Centro, Polanco, Coyoacán, or San Ángel? Buy the authorized Sitio taxi inside arrivals.
- Landing at MEX with just a backpack and arriving at Terminal 1? The Metro Line 5 is the cheapest real option.
- Landing at NLU? Take the Aerofaro shuttle to Buenavista, then continue by Metro or taxi.
- Trying to use Uber at AICM arrivals? Treat it as unreliable in 2026 because the airport is actively enforcing the pickup ban.
- Going from your hotel back to the airport? Uber and DiDi still work for departures.
Mexico City has two international airports: Benito Juárez (MEX/AICM), about 7 to 8 km from Centro Histórico and roughly 13 km from Roma Norte and Condesa, and Felipe Ángeles (NLU), 45km north in the state of Mexico. Most tourists use MEX, but a surprising number accidentally book NLU and end up much farther from the city than expected. This guide covers both airports, the real April 2026 price ranges, and which option actually makes sense for your neighborhood.
What Is the Best Way From Mexico City Airport to the City Center?
For most travelers, the best answer is still the authorized Sitio taxi from MEX or the Aerofaro shuttle from NLU. The only time public transit clearly wins is when you land at Terminal 1, pack light, and are comfortable making a connection.
| Destination area | Best option from MEX | Typical cost | Best option from NLU | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centro Histórico | Sitio taxi or Metro | 260 to 320 MXN or 6 MXN | Aerofaro + Metro/taxi | Centro is the easiest zone where rail can still make sense |
| Roma Norte / Condesa | Sitio taxi | 300 to 380 MXN | Aerofaro + taxi from Buenavista | Dragging luggage after a Metro connection is rarely worth it |
| Reforma / Buenavista | Metrobus Line 4 or Sitio taxi | ~30 MXN or 260 to 340 MXN | Aerofaro direct to Buenavista, then short taxi | Buenavista is the one corridor where airport transit stays fairly efficient |
| Polanco | Sitio taxi | 380 to 450 MXN | Aerofaro + taxi | Too many connections for most first-time visitors |
| Coyoacán / San Ángel | Sitio taxi | 380 to 450 MXN | Aerofaro + taxi | Long cross-city ride, awkward by transit |
How Much Is a Taxi From Mexico City Airport to Roma, Centro, Reforma, or Polanco?
This is the price question most travelers actually mean. At MEX, you buy the fare inside arrivals at the official Taxi Autorizado / Sitio booth before you walk outside.
| Area | Typical Sitio taxi fare | Real-world fit |
|---|---|---|
| Centro Histórico | 260 to 320 MXN | Best if you have luggage or arrive late |
| Roma Norte / Condesa | 300 to 380 MXN | Best default for most first-time visitors |
| Reforma / Buenavista | 260 to 340 MXN | Metrobus can work, but taxi is easier with bags |
| Polanco | 380 to 450 MXN | Best practical choice unless someone is picking you up |
| Coyoacán / San Ángel | 380 to 450 MXN | Worth paying for the direct ride |
If someone outside arrivals offers you a cheaper unofficial taxi, skip it. Buy the fixed-price ticket inside and keep the receipt until you arrive.
⚠️ April 2026 Update: AICM banned Uber and DiDi from picking up passengers inside the terminal as of March 12, 2026, deploying National Guard units to enforce the rule. Uber is contesting the ban in court, but in practice, rideshare pickups at AICM are unreliable. For arrivals, plan on the authorized Sitio taxi or Metro. Uber and DiDi still work for departures from your hotel to the airport.
First: Which Airport Are You Using?
This is the most important question — and most guides skip it entirely.
| Airport | Code | Location | Distance to Centro | Who Uses It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benito Juárez International (AICM) | MEX | Iztacalco, CDMX | 13km east | Most tourists — US carriers, Aeroméxico mainline, European flights |
| Felipe Ángeles International (NAICM/NLU) | NLU | Zumpango, Estado de México | 45km north | VivaAerobus, Volaris, some budget routes, military transfers |
How to check: Look at your ticket. If the airport code is MEX, you’re at Benito Juárez (AICM) — the one everyone means when they say “Mexico City airport.” If it says NLU, you’re at Felipe Ángeles, a completely different facility 45km north. Jump to the Felipe Ángeles section below.
Best Mexico City Airport Transportation by Traveler Type
| If you are… | Best option | Typical cost | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time visitor staying in Roma Norte / Condesa | Authorized Sitio taxi | 300–380 MXN | Easiest direct ride, no app uncertainty |
| Staying in Centro Histórico with light bags | Authorized Sitio taxi or Metro | 260–320 MXN or 6 MXN | Taxi is easiest, Metro works if you pack light |
| Staying in Polanco | Authorized Sitio taxi | 380–450 MXN | Public transit needs multiple connections |
| Heading to Coyoacán / San Ángel | Authorized Sitio taxi | 380–450 MXN | Long ride with awkward transfers otherwise |
| Landing at Terminal 1 with only a backpack | Metro Line 5 | 6 MXN | Cheapest real option |
| Landing at Felipe Ángeles (NLU) | Aerofaro shuttle to Buenavista | 100–150 MXN | Standard official connection into CDMX |
| Leaving your hotel for the airport | Uber or DiDi | Usually 180–350 MXN | Reliable for drop-offs, unlike terminal pickups |
If you just want the fast answer, use the official taxi booth inside arrivals at MEX, use the official shuttle at NLU, and use Uber or DiDi only for the ride to the airport.
Best Mexico City Airport Option by Hotel Area
| Hotel area | Best arrival option | Typical cost | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centro Histórico | Sitio taxi or Metro | 260–320 MXN or 6 MXN | Cheapest central arrival if you pack light |
| Roma Norte / Condesa | Sitio taxi | 300–380 MXN | Direct and much easier than dragging bags after a Metro connection |
| Polanco | Sitio taxi | 380–450 MXN | Public transit takes multiple changes |
| Reforma / Buenavista | Metrobus Line 4 or Sitio taxi | ~30 MXN or 260–340 MXN | Metrobus works best if you travel light and stay near its stops |
| Coyoacán / San Ángel | Sitio taxi | 380–450 MXN | Long ride and awkward by transit |
| Anywhere from NLU | Aerofaro shuttle to Buenavista, then taxi or Metro | 100–150 MXN + onward | Best default link into the city from Felipe Ángeles |
If you are still choosing your base, compare Where to Stay in Mexico City, the Mexico City neighborhoods guide, and Getting Around Mexico City before you book.
Best Mexico City Airport Option by Arrival Problem
| Arrival problem | Best move | Typical cost | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late-night arrival at MEX with checked bags | Authorized Sitio taxi | 300–450 MXN | Fastest legal door-to-door option when Metro and app pickups feel worst |
| Terminal 1, backpack only, staying near Centro | Metro Line 5 | 6 MXN | Cheapest working option if you can handle one transfer |
| Staying near Reforma or Buenavista with light luggage | Metrobus Line 4 | ~30 MXN | More direct than Metro for the north-central corridor |
| Landing at Terminal 2 and hoping to use rail | Sitio taxi unless you really need to save money | 300–450 MXN | T2 adds the shuttle-to-T1 step before Metro becomes useful |
| Accidentally booked NLU instead of MEX | Aerofaro shuttle to Buenavista, then taxi or Metro | 100–150 MXN + onward | Standard official connection into CDMX from Felipe Ángeles |
| Going from your hotel back to either airport | Uber or DiDi | 180–350 MXN to MEX, higher to NLU | Drop-offs still work normally even though AICM pickups do not |
This is the real split most travelers need: Sitio taxi for easy arrivals at MEX, Metro only if you are traveling light from Terminal 1, Metrobus mainly for Centro/Buenavista, and the NLU shuttle if you booked the wrong airport or intentionally flew into Felipe Ángeles.
Best Mexico City Airport Option by Arrival Time
| Arrival timing | Best option | Typical cost | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning or midday, Terminal 1, light bag | Metro Line 5 or Metrobus Line 4 | 6 to 30 MXN | Cheapest workable window before crowds and luggage friction matter more |
| Rush hour to Roma, Condesa, or Polanco | Authorized Sitio taxi | 300 to 450 MXN | Still easier than dragging bags through packed transfers |
| Late-night arrival after public transit starts thinning out | Authorized Sitio taxi | 300 to 450 MXN | Most reliable legal option when you just need to reach the hotel safely |
| Hotel departure back to MEX | Uber or DiDi | 180 to 350 MXN | Drop-offs still work normally even though terminal pickups do not |
| Landing at NLU at any hour | Aerofaro shuttle to Buenavista, then taxi or Metro | 100 to 150 MXN + onward | Default official link into the city from Felipe Ángeles |
If your hotel is in Roma Norte, Polanco, or the Historic Center, the biggest mistake is overvaluing the cheapest option and underestimating how annoying the last connection feels after a long flight.
Benito Juárez Airport (MEX/AICM): All Options at a Glance
| Option | Cost (MXN) | Cost (USD) | Time to Roma/Condesa | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authorized Sitio Taxi | 250–450 | $12–22 | 25–50 min | Most tourists (April 2026 best option) — fixed price, no app needed |
| Unreliable | Unreliable | — | Banned at AICM since Mar 12 — see note below | |
| Metro Line 5 | 6 | $0.30 | 35–50 min + connection | Ultra-budget, light bags, off-peak |
| Metrobus Line 4 airport service | 30 | $1.50 | 35–55 min | Better for Centro, Reforma, or Buenavista than Roma/Condesa |
| ADO Bus | 100–200 | $5–10 | 40–60 min to TAPO | Onward travel to other Mexican cities |
Short answer for most tourists arriving in April 2026: Use the authorized Sitio taxi — buy the fixed-price ticket at the official booth inside arrivals. No app, no negotiating, driver assigned to you.
Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2 at AICM
AICM has two terminals connected by a free shuttle bus (Transbordo) that runs every 10–15 minutes, 24 hours. Both terminals have all transport options except Metro — that’s Terminal 1 only.
| Feature | Terminal 1 (T1) | Terminal 2 (T2) |
|---|---|---|
| Airlines | Aeroméxico (some), budget airlines, many international | Aeroméxico mainline, many US/European carriers |
| Metro Line 5 | ✅ Yes (Terminal Aérea station) | ❌ No |
| Metrobus Line 4 airport service | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Uber/DiDi pickup | ⚠️ Not reliable after March 2026 enforcement | ⚠️ Not reliable after March 2026 enforcement |
| Authorized taxi booth | ✅ Inside arrivals | ✅ Inside arrivals |
| ADO bus | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Car rental desks | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
If you arrive at T2 and want Metro: Take the free Transbordo shuttle to T1 (follow signs). Takes about 15 minutes including wait time.
Option 1: Authorized Sitio Taxi (Recommended for Most Arrivals)
With Uber and DiDi effectively banned at AICM since March 2026, the authorized Sitio taxi is now the best door-to-door option for arrivals. It’s legitimate, fully licensed, and uses fixed zone pricing bought at an official booth.
How it works:
- Look for the “Taxi Autorizado” or “Sitio” booth inside the arrivals hall — before the exit doors
- Tell the attendant your destination address or neighborhood
- Pay the fixed price (cash only, exact change helpful)
- Receive a receipt — hand it to the driver outside
- The driver is assigned to you; don’t let anyone else approach
Fixed-rate pricing zones (approximate 2026):
| Zone | Neighborhoods | Price (MXN) |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Centro Histórico, Tepito | 250–300 MXN |
| Zone 2 | Roma Norte, Condesa, Doctores | 300–380 MXN |
| Zone 3 | Polanco, Lomas, Del Valle | 380–450 MXN |
| Zone 4 | Santa Fe, Pedregal, Perisur | 500–600 MXN |
| Zone 5 | Coyoacán, San Ángel, Xochimilco | 380–450 MXN |
Prices are per trip, not per person — splitting with a travel companion makes this cost-competitive with what Uber used to charge.
What Happened to Uber and DiDi at AICM?
As of March 12, 2026, Mexico City’s airport (AICM) deployed National Guard units to enforce a longstanding federal rule that bars ride-hailing apps from picking up passengers inside airport terminals. The crackdown was announced ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico co-hosts.
Current situation:
- Uber and DiDi pickups at AICM are unreliable — drivers risk fines and confrontation with National Guard
- Uber is contesting the ban in court citing a judicial injunction, but enforcement is active
- In practice: some rideshare drivers may still attempt pickups outside the perimeter, but this is risky and unpredictable
- Drop-offs are unaffected — you can still take Uber/DiDi from your hotel TO the airport
What this means for you:
- For arrivals: Use the Sitio taxi (booth inside arrivals) or Metro (6 MXN). Don’t count on Uber.
- For departures from your hotel: Uber/DiDi still work normally — the ban is pickups only at the terminal.
- Prices to your hotel by taxi are comparable to what Uber charged before — the price difference was never dramatic.
This situation may change if Uber wins its court case. We’ll update this page when that happens.
Option 2: Metro Line 5 (6 MXN — Cheapest, but only for light travelers)
The Metro costs 6 MXN (about 30 cents USD) per ride, which makes it the cheapest option by far. The catch is that the airport station is on Line 5, not one of the lines that drops most tourists directly in Roma, Condesa, Polanco, or Coyoacán. You usually need at least one connection, which is why this works best for travelers with just a backpack.
Access:
- Terminal 1 only — the station is called “Terminal Aérea” on Line 5 (yellow line)
- From Terminal 2, take the free Transbordo shuttle to T1 first (~15 min)
- The station is just outside T1 arrivals. Follow the signs for Metro
How to reach key neighborhoods:
| From Terminal Aérea | Practical route | Time | Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centro Histórico | Line 5 → Pantitlán → Line 1 to Pino Suárez, then walk or connect to Line 2 | ~35–45 min | 1–2 |
| Roma Norte / Condesa | Line 5 → Pantitlán → Line 9 to Centro Médico or Chilpancingo, then short taxi or walk | ~40–50 min | 1 |
| Polanco | Line 5 → Pantitlán → Line 9 → Line 7 | ~55–65 min | 2 |
| Coyoacán | Line 5 → Pantitlán → Line 9 → Line 2 | ~55–65 min | 2 |
| Buenavista / Reforma north | Line 5 → Pantitlán → Line 1 / onward connection | ~45–60 min | 1–2 |
Why the caveats matter:
- Rush hours 7–9 AM and 6–8 PM: Line 5 and the transfer stations get crowded fast
- Pickpocket risk: Keep valuables in front pockets and do not flash phones in packed cars
- Large suitcases: The Metro is cheap, but not pleasant with checked luggage
- Terminal mismatch: If you land at T2, the free shuttle to T1 adds friction before the train even starts helping you
Bottom line: Metro is excellent if you are traveling light, arriving at Terminal 1, and comfortable making one connection. For most first-time visitors with luggage, the Sitio taxi is still the better arrival move.
Option 3: Metrobus Line 4 Airport Service
Metrobus Line 4 is the better public-transit option if you are heading toward Centro, San Lázaro, Reforma, or Buenavista and want something simpler than the Metro.
- Terminals: T1 and T2
- Cost: about 30 MXN from the airport section (higher than the normal city fare)
- Route: Airport → San Lázaro → Centro / República de Argentina corridor → Buenavista
- Best for: Travelers with light luggage staying near Centro, Reforma, or Buenavista
Honest assessment: Metrobus is more useful than the Metro if your hotel is actually near its stops. It is still weaker for Roma, Condesa, Polanco, or Coyoacán, where you will usually end up needing a second ride anyway.
Option 4: ADO Bus (Onward Travel to Other Cities)
If you’re arriving at AICM and continuing immediately to another city, ADO operates direct buses from the airport to TAPO (Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente) and other bus terminals.
| Destination | Frequency | Travel Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAPO (central bus terminal) | Frequent | 20–40 min | 100–150 MXN |
| Norte bus terminal | Hourly | 30–50 min | 100–150 MXN |
| Puebla (direct) | Several daily | ~2 hrs | 280–350 MXN |
| Cuernavaca (direct) | Several daily | ~2 hrs | 250–320 MXN |
If you’re only transiting CDMX to catch a bus to Oaxaca, Guadalajara, or Puebla — ADO from the airport direct to TAPO is the simplest option.
If You Land at Felipe Ángeles (NLU)
Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) opened in 2022, 45km north of Mexico City in Zumpango, Estado de México. It primarily serves budget carriers (VivaAerobus, Volaris) on domestic routes and some international low-cost flights.
Transportation from NLU to Mexico City:
| Option | Cost | Time to Centro | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerofaro Shuttle Bus | 100–150 MXN | ~75–90 min to Buenavista | Official shuttle, runs to Buenavista CDMX station |
| Aerofaro to TAPO/Airport | 200–250 MXN | ~90–120 min | Direct to TAPO bus terminal or AICM |
| Uber/DiDi | 400–700 MXN | 60–90 min | Traffic-dependent; long distance |
| Rental Car | From 500 MXN/day | 60–90 min | Good option if continuing to other states |
The Aerofaro shuttle is the standard option. Buy tickets inside NLU arrivals. The shuttle goes to Buenavista — from there, take the Metro or Metrobus to your hotel.
Important: NLU is not a quick, cheap trip into the city. Budget 90–120 minutes total travel time and plan accordingly. If you’re flying budget airlines, factor this in when comparing fares — the 45km difference is significant.
Best Option by Neighborhood
Roma Norte and Condesa
For most first-time visitors staying in Roma Norte or Condesa, the authorized Sitio taxi is the right call. The fixed fare is usually 300 to 380 MXN, and the ride takes around 25 to 45 minutes outside heavy traffic. Metro can work from Terminal 1, but once you add the walk from Insurgentes or Sevilla with luggage, the savings rarely justify the hassle.
If you are still deciding where to base yourself, see Where to Stay in Mexico City and the full Mexico City travel guide.
Centro Histórico
Centro is the easiest neighborhood to reach cheaply. A taxi is normally 260 to 320 MXN, while Metro can get you there with one transfer for 6 MXN. If you land outside rush hour with one bag, Metro is realistic. If you arrive tired, late, or with checked luggage, take the taxi.
Polanco
Polanco is where public transit becomes less attractive from the airport. The taxi fare is usually 380 to 450 MXN, but it saves you from awkward transfers and a final walk with bags. For business travelers or anyone with hotel luggage, taxi wins clearly.
Coyoacán, San Ángel, and southern neighborhoods
Southern Mexico City takes longer from the airport and usually involves at least one compromise if you try to save money. The simplest move is still the authorized taxi, usually 380 to 450 MXN depending on zone and traffic. If you are heading there for a longer stay, also bookmark Getting Around Mexico City because once you are settled, Uber and Metro become more useful than airport taxis.
Prices by Neighborhood from AICM (Quick Reference)
| Neighborhood | Uber/DiDi | Authorized Taxi | Metro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roma Norte | 180–260 MXN | 300–380 MXN | 6 MXN + walk/taxi |
| Condesa | 180–270 MXN | 300–380 MXN | 6 MXN + walk/taxi |
| Polanco | 220–320 MXN | 380–450 MXN | 6 MXN + transfers |
| Centro Histórico | 160–230 MXN | 250–320 MXN | 6 MXN + 1 transfer |
| Coyoacán | 250–380 MXN | 380–450 MXN | 6 MXN + transfers |
| Santa Fe (business) | 380–550 MXN | 500–600 MXN | Not practical |
| San Ángel | 300–420 MXN | 380–450 MXN | 6 MXN + transfers |
| Tepito/Tlatelolco | 150–220 MXN | 250–300 MXN | 6 MXN |
Prices are one-way, per ride (not per person). Traffic adds time — not usually price for Uber/taxi.
The Scam That Catches Thousands of Travelers
Every week, tourists exiting AICM arrivals are approached by men offering taxi rides. These are unofficial, unlicensed drivers who will quote you a “special price” of 150–200 MXN and then charge 500–1,500 MXN once you reach your destination, or worse.
How to avoid it:
- Buy your transport inside the terminal, not outside
- For taxi: only use the official Sitio booth (before the exit doors)
- Do not rely on Uber pickups at AICM right now. Use the official Sitio taxi booth or Metro instead
- Never follow someone who approaches you unsolicited in arrivals, the parking area, or outside
- Don’t let anyone carry your bags unless you asked them to — unofficial porters also operate at the airport
This isn’t to alarm you — it’s easy to avoid once you know about it. Thousands of travelers pass through AICM daily without incident.
Best Option by Traveler Type (April 2026)
| Traveler | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveler, light bags, off-peak | Metro (6 MXN) | Fastest, cheapest, no traffic |
| Solo or couple, regular luggage | Sitio taxi (250–450 MXN) | Uber/DiDi unreliable at AICM now |
| Family with kids and bags | Sitio taxi or private transfer | Fixed price, no app drama |
| Large group (4–5 people) | Authorized taxi — cost splits well | Zone price per ride, not per person |
| No smartphone / no data plan | Authorized taxi | Fixed price, no app needed |
| Business traveler to Santa Fe | Sitio taxi Zone 4 | ~500–600 MXN, reliable |
| Rush hour arrival (7–9 AM or 5–8 PM) | Metro or budget 90+ min for taxi | Roads gridlock around AICM |
| Continuing to another city by bus | ADO to TAPO | Skip the taxi entirely |
| Landed at NLU not MEX | Aerofaro shuttle to Buenavista | Budget 90–120 min total |
| Departing to airport from hotel | Uber/DiDi still works | Ban is pickups only, not drop-offs |
Car Rental from AICM
Car rental desks are in both terminals (T1 and T2). Major companies: Hertz, Avis, National, Budget, Sixt, Europcar, and local option Dollar.
Should you rent from the airport?
- Yes if: You’re driving immediately to another state (Puebla, Valle de Bravo, Teotihuacán, Taxco, Cuernavaca)
- No if: You’re spending time in Mexico City first. Driving in CDMX is stressful, parking is expensive ($150–250 MXN/hour in tourist areas), and you don’t need a car for anything in the city
Best practice for road-trippers: Stay in CDMX without a car, then rent one the day you leave. Pick up and drop off at the airport.
From AICM to popular day-trip destinations by car:
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teotihuacán | 50km | 45–75 min | Take MEX-132D north |
| Puebla | 135km | 1.5–2.5 hrs | MEX-150D, good toll road |
| Valle de Bravo | 155km | 2–3 hrs | MEX-15D west, mountain scenery |
| Taxco | 185km | 2.5–3.5 hrs | MEX-95D south via Cuernavaca |
| Cuernavaca | 90km | 1.5–2 hrs | MEX-95D south |
| Xochimilco | 25km | 30–60 min | Urban traffic |
| Tula, Hidalgo | 90km | 1.5–2 hrs | MEX-57D north |
Search rental cars from Mexico City Airport →
How to Get TO Mexico City Airport (Departures Guide)
Good news for departures: Uber and DiDi still work fine for getting from your hotel TO the airport. The March 2026 ban only covers pickups at the terminal — drop-offs are permitted. This makes departures easier than arrivals.
| Option | Cost | Time from Roma/Condesa | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uber/DiDi ✅ | 200–350 MXN | 20–45 min | Still works for departures — best option |
| Metro Line 5 | 6 MXN | 35–55 min | T1 only, best with one bag |
| Metrobus Line 4 airport service | ~30 MXN | 40–60 min | Best if you are already near Centro, Reforma, or Buenavista |
| Authorized taxi (hotel) | 280–500 MXN | 25–50 min | Reliable, tip the hotel |
| Rental car | Varies | 20–35 min | Return to airport desk |
Key rules for departures:
- Allow 90 minutes from Roma/Condesa/Polanco during weekday rush hour (7–9 AM, 5–8 PM). Traffic around AICM can be brutal.
- Use Uber before checkout — request the car from your hotel lobby, not the street. Hotel taxi queues add 15–20 min.
- For early morning flights (5–7 AM): Uber is available 24/7 and traffic is minimal. 20–25 min from Roma Norte.
- Metro is fine for 6 AM flights if you have one bag: arrive at Terminal Aérea on Line 5 at T1, then transit to T2 via the free Transbordo shuttle if needed.
- T1 vs T2 dropoff: Your airline tells you. Taxis and Uber can drop at either — just tell the driver T1 or T2.
Practical Tips for AICM
Currency exchange: Airport exchange booths have poor rates — typically 10–15% below street rates. Use an ATM (Citibanamex or HSBC inside the terminal are reliable) for pesos, or pay Uber directly with card. Avoid the exchange booths if possible.
SIM cards: Telcel, AT&T Mexico, and Oxxo-branded counters sell SIM cards inside arrivals. A 30-day Telcel SIM with 15–30GB data costs 200–350 MXN — worth it for the week. This is where you’ll want a Mexican number for Uber.
Luggage storage: Both terminals have left-luggage facilities (short-term, ~100–200 MXN/item/day). Useful if you have an afternoon flight out and a morning checkout.
Food: Arrivals-level food options are expensive and mediocre. Get to your hotel first.
ATMs inside AICM: Reliable at T1 and T2. Use Citibanamex or HSBC to avoid DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) — always choose to pay in MXN, not your home currency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uber still available at Mexico City Airport in 2026? Not reliably. As of March 12, 2026, AICM banned ride-hailing apps from picking up passengers at the terminals and deployed National Guard to enforce it. Uber is contesting the ban in court, but pickups are unreliable — drivers risk fines and may cancel. For arrivals: use the authorized Sitio taxi (fixed price booth inside arrivals). For departures from your hotel to the airport, Uber/DiDi still work normally.
How much is a taxi from Mexico City Airport to the hotel zone? An authorized airport taxi (Sitio) from AICM costs 250–450 MXN ($12–22 USD) depending on destination, set by zone at the booth inside arrivals. To Roma Norte: 300–380 MXN. To Polanco: 350–420 MXN. To the Historic Center: 260–320 MXN. Buy the ticket at the booth before exiting — never negotiate with drivers directly.
How do I get from Mexico City to the airport? Four main options: (1) Uber/DiDi from your hotel — 180–350 MXN, 20–45 min depending on traffic. (2) Metro Line 5 to Terminal Aérea station (T1 only) — 6 MXN, avoid rush hour. (3) Metrobus Line 4 airport service from the center / Buenavista corridor — about 30 MXN. (4) Authorized taxi booked through your hotel — 280–500 MXN. Allow 90 minutes from tourist neighborhoods during weekday rush hour (7–9 AM, 5–8 PM).
What is Felipe Ángeles Airport and how do I get to Mexico City from there? Felipe Ángeles (NLU/NAICM) is Mexico City’s second airport, 45km north in Zumpango, Estado de México. Take the Aerofaro shuttle bus (100–150 MXN) to Buenavista station in CDMX, then Metro or taxi to your hotel. Total travel time: 90–120 minutes. Check your ticket — MEX and NLU are completely different airports.
Can I take the Metro from Mexico City Airport? Yes, from Terminal 1 (T1) only — the station is Terminal Aérea on Metro Line 5. Cost is 6 MXN. It works best with one bag and off-peak timing. From Terminal 2, take the free Transbordo shuttle to T1 first. Getting to Centro, Roma, or Condesa usually takes 35–50 minutes and at least one connection.
Which Mexico City bus terminal goes to the airport? TAPO is the closest major bus terminal to AICM — about 10 minutes by taxi or Metro (Balbuena station). Take a taxi from TAPO directly (100–150 MXN). Other terminals: Terminal Norte and Terminal Poniente are farther but served by Metro and Metrobus connections to AICM.
How do I get from Mexico City airport to Valle de Bravo? Rent a car at AICM — Valle de Bravo is 155km west via MEX-15D, about 2–3 hours. Private transfers run approximately 2,500–4,000 MXN. For bus travel, go to Terminal Poniente first (about 50 MXN taxi from AICM area), then catch a direct bus to Valle de Bravo (2–2.5 hrs, 150–250 MXN). Total by bus: 3–4 hours.
Plan Your Mexico City Trip
- Mexico City Travel Guide 2026 — what to see, eat, and do
- Where to Stay in Mexico City — choose between Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Centro, and Coyoacán
- Getting Around Mexico City — Metro, Uber, taxi, day-to-day transport
- Things to Do in Mexico City — 35 best activities ranked
- Day Trips from Mexico City — Teotihuacán, Xochimilco, Puebla, Valle de Bravo
- Mexico City Neighborhoods Guide — which areas are worth your time
- Mexico City Food Guide — markets, tacos, fine dining
- Mexico Travel Tips 2026 — ATMs, safety, apps, transport nationwide
- Getting Around Mexico 2026 — ADO buses, Uber cities, colectivos, Maya Train explained