Mexico City Airport Guide

Mexico City International Airport (MEX), officially Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez Ciudad de México, is the principal airport serving the capital and Aeroméxico's main hub. It lies east of the historic centre.

The airport has two terminals:

• Terminal 1 handles domestic and international flights for a broad mix of airlines and has a long, linear passenger layout.
• Terminal 2 handles Aeroméxico and other domestic and international services. Airline and gate assignments can change, particularly during the airport's phased modernization, so check the operating airline and live flight displays.

The two terminals are separate. The automated Aerotrén/AirTrain is free but restricted to eligible connecting passengers and crews presenting flight documentation. A paid public bus provides an alternative between the terminals. Neither is an airside transfer: expect the applicable security and border formalities.

Note on Felipe Ángeles Airport (NLU): NLU is a separate airport north of the city with its own ground-transport journey. Confirm the IATA code on every booking; a connection between MEX and NLU requires collecting baggage and traveling landside across the metropolitan area.

Key fact: Terminals 1 and 2 are not connected airside. Eligible connecting passengers may use the free Aerotrén by presenting flight documentation; other travelers use the paid public inter-terminal bus or an authorized road service.

Terminal Layout

Both terminals process domestic and international flights. T1 is a long linear building with multiple security and gate areas; T2 has north and south boarding areas. Renovation work has changed some passenger routes and checkpoints, so use the live flight display and on-site signs instead of a fixed gate-letter map.

Getting Between Terminals

• Aerotrén: free for eligible connecting passengers and crews with a reservation, ticket, or boarding pass. AICM's dedicated service page publishes operation from 05:00 to 23:00; check current notices because another airport page displays inconsistent closing-hour information.
• TETSA/public bus: boards at T1 door 7 and T2 door 4 and operates beyond the Aerotrén's hours according to AICM. It is open to the general public and charges a fare.
• Walking: there is no supported pedestrian route between the terminals.

Use the minimum connection sold or accepted by the airline for a protected itinerary. Generic time and walking tables are unreliable, particularly during the ongoing modernization. Separate tickets and terminal changes need a much larger buffer for bags, road transfer, check-in, and security.

International Arrivals Process

If arriving internationally and connecting to a domestic flight:

1. Exit aircraft at your arrival gate
2. Clear immigration
3. Collect checked baggage at carousel
4. Complete customs procedures
5. Re-check bags at airline transfer desk if connecting
6. Use Aerotrén if eligible, or the public bus, if connecting to the other terminal
7. Clear security at your departure terminal

Whether bags can be returned at a connection desk and whether Aerotrén staff will accept the travel documents depends on the itinerary. Confirm with the airline before leaving the customs area.

MEX is east of Mexico City's historic centre. Metrobús Line 4 serves both terminals and runs toward the Centro Histórico/Reforma corridor. Metro Line 5 serves Terminal Aérea station near T1; T2 has no station at the terminal. Authorized taxis and app-based vehicles are road alternatives, with journey times and prices affected by traffic and demand.

Uber, DiDi, and other mobility apps operate in Mexico City, but pickup within the airport's federal forecourts is restricted and the regulatory position has been contested. Follow the app to its current meeting point outside the controlled terminal roadway; do not ask a driver to stop at an unauthorized curb.

Tips:

• Request only after confirming the exterior meeting point and whether the walk suits your luggage and mobility
• Do not accept an off-app solicitation inside the terminal
• If the app does not offer a compliant pickup, use the authorized prepaid taxi counter or public transport

Authorized Airport Taxis:

Pre-paid taxi tickets are sold at kiosks inside arrivals halls. Safer than hailing street taxis.

• Purchase ticket at booth (state your destination)
• Fixed rates by zone

Warning: Only use a company listed in AICM's authorized taxi directory and purchase at its official counter. Do not accept rides from solicitors in the terminal.

Metro Line 5 (Terminal 1 only)

The closest Metro station is Terminal Aérea on Line 5, outside T1. It does not serve T2 and Line 5 does not run directly to the Centro Histórico.

Station: Terminal Aérea (Line 5 - yellow line)

Use the official Metro map to plan the necessary interchange and check service notices before travel. Payment uses the city's integrated-mobility system; current fares and operating hours may change.

Note: Metro is extremely crowded during rush hours. Avoid traveling with large luggage during peak times. The Metro is not recommended for travelers with heavy bags.

Metrobús Line 4

Metrobús Line 4's airport branch serves both T1 and T2 and continues toward the Centro Histórico and Reforma corridor.

Integrated-mobility card machines are near T1 doors 7–8 and T2 doors 3–4. The official airport route guide lists current first and last departures and central stops, including 20 de Noviembre for the historic centre and Amajac for Reforma/Line 7 connections.

Terminal 2 Public Transit

Terminal 2 has no Metro station, but it does have direct Metrobús Line 4 service. Use Aerotrén only if eligible and if T1/Metro Line 5 is genuinely the best route; otherwise use Metrobús, the public inter-terminal bus, or an authorized road service.

MEX offers parking at both terminals operated by ASUR:

Terminal 1 Parking

Lot	Hourly Rate	Daily Max	Notes
Covered (close)	MXN 60/hr	MXN 380/day	Walking distance
Open air	MXN 35/hr	MXN 250/day	Short walk

Terminal 2 Parking

Lot	Hourly Rate	Daily Max	Notes
Covered	MXN 60/hr	MXN 380/day	Adjacent to terminal
Open air	MXN 35/hr	MXN 250/day	Free shuttle available

Tips:

• First 30 minutes free in covered parking
• Pay at automated kiosks before returning to car
• Book online at asur.com.mx for discounts on multi-day parking
• Valet parking available at both terminals (~MXN 500/day)

MEX has improved its dining significantly, with a mix of Mexican favorites and international chains.

Terminal 1:

• Tortas Frontera (after security): Mexican tortas by celebrity chef Rick Bayless
• Pujol To Go: Grab-and-go from one of Mexico's top restaurants
• El Fogoncito: Traditional tacos and Mexican classics
• La Casa de Toño: Pozole and traditional soups
• Sanborns: Mexican chain with full breakfast and meals
• Starbucks, McDonald's: International chains throughout

Terminal 2:

• Aeromexico Lounge restaurants: Premium dining for lounge guests
• VIPS: Full-service Mexican restaurant
• El Portón: Traditional Mexican food
• Grab-and-go options: Variety of snack bars and cafes
• Sanborns: Another location of the Mexican classic

Best food tip: Tortas Frontera in T1 is worth seeking out for authentic, high-quality Mexican food at reasonable prices. Arrive early as lines can be long.

Note: Airside food prices are 30-50% higher than city prices. For budget travelers, eat before clearing security.

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals:

Network name: "Infinitum"

How to connect:

1. Select "Infinitum" network
2. Open browser - redirect to registration page
3. Enter email address
4. Accept terms and connect

Details:

• Duration: Free, unlimited
• Speed: Adequate for browsing and email; may buffer on streaming
• Coverage: Throughout both terminals

Paid option: Some lounges offer faster premium WiFi

Tip: If free WiFi is slow, many restaurants and cafes have their own networks.

SIM cards are available at multiple locations:

Terminal 1 Arrivals:

• Telcel store (Mexico's largest carrier)
• AT&T Mexico kiosk
• Movistar kiosk

Terminal 2 Arrivals:

• Telcel store
• AT&T Mexico

Major carriers:

• Telcel: Best coverage nationwide, largest network
• AT&T Mexico: Good urban coverage, competitive data plans
• Movistar: Budget-friendly options

Typical costs:

• Prepaid SIM with 3-5 GB data: MXN 200-300 (~USD $11-17)
• Monthly prepaid with 10+ GB: MXN 350-500 (~USD $20-28)

Tips:

• Bring passport for SIM registration (required by law)
• Telcel has the best coverage outside major cities
• Consider eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) activated before arrival for immediate connectivity
• US T-Mobile plans include Mexico roaming at no extra charge

ATMs are located throughout both terminals, before and after security.

Banks with ATMs at MEX:

• Banamex (Citibank affiliated)
• BBVA
• Banorte
• Santander
• HSBC

Locations: Near arrivals exits, inside departure halls, and throughout concourses.

Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN). As of January 2025, approximately MXN 17-18 = USD $1.

Tips:

• Withdraw pesos from ATMs for best exchange rates
• When ATM offers "conversion" to your home currency, always decline and choose pesos
• ATM fees vary: MXN 30-60 per transaction typical
• Many places in tourist areas accept US dollars, but at poor rates
• Credit cards widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard preferred; Amex less common)

Currency Exchange: Casas de cambio in terminals offer poor rates (5-10% markup). Use ATMs instead.

MEX offers duty-free and general shopping in both terminals:

Duty-Free (Dufry/Mexico Duty Free):

• Stores in both terminals after security
• Tequila and mezcal: Excellent selection of premium Mexican spirits
• Mexican crafts and souvenirs
• Perfumes and cosmetics
• Liquor allowances: Check your home country's limits

Terminal 1 highlights:

• Liverpool Duty Free: Department store with Mexican brands
• Pineda Covalin: High-end Mexican fashion and accessories (silk scarves, ties)
• Tane: Mexican silver jewelry
• Sanborns: Books, magazines, Mexican gifts

Terminal 2 highlights:

• Fonart: Government-run Mexican handicraft store with authentic items
• Duty-free shops: Standard airport retail
• Aeromexico branded store: Airline merchandise

Best buys:

• Tequila/Mezcal: Premium bottles often cheaper than abroad
• Mexican vanilla: Pure vanilla extract (verify authenticity)
• Talavera ceramics: Traditional Puebla-style pottery
• Silver jewelry: Taxco silver at reasonable prices
• Chocolate: Mexican chocolate brands (Abuelita, Ibarra)

Tip: Fonart in T2 is excellent for authentic handicrafts at fixed, fair prices without bargaining.

Priority Pass Lounges

Terminal 1:

• Salon Premier Aeromexico (domestic): Available to Priority Pass. Near Gate A. Snacks, drinks, WiFi. Can be crowded.
• The Lounge by Global Lounge Network (near Gate F): International departures. Hot food, full bar. Decent quality.

Terminal 2:

• Salon Premier Aeromexico: Priority Pass access available. Standard amenities.

Airline Lounges

Aeromexico Salón Premier (multiple locations):

• Terminal 1: Gates A (domestic) and F (international)
• Terminal 2: Multiple lounges including Flagship lounge
• Access: Aeromexico Club members, SkyTeam Elite Plus, Business Class
• Quality: Good Mexican food, tequila selection, showers in premium locations

American Airlines Admirals Club (Terminal 1):

• Near Gate D
• Access: Admirals Club members, Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald, AA premium cabin
• Standard Admirals Club amenities

United Club (Terminal 1):

• Near Gate E
• Access: United Club members, Star Alliance Gold, United premium cabin

Day Passes

Day passes available at most lounges:

• Aeromexico Salón Premier: MXN 600-800 (USD $35-45)
• Third-party lounges: MXN 500-700 (USD $28-40)

Book through LoungeBuddy or at lounge reception.

At the Airport:

• NH Hotel Aeropuerto T2: Inside Terminal 2, accessible without leaving secure area. Ideal for long layovers or early departures (~MXN 2,500-3,500/night, ~USD $140-200). Day rooms available.

• Hilton Mexico City Airport (Terminal 1): Connected to T1 via covered walkway. Full-service business hotel with restaurant, fitness center, pool (~MXN 2,800-4,000/night, ~USD $160-230).

• Camino Real Aeropuerto: Adjacent to Terminal 1. Classic Mexican hotel with excellent service (~MXN 2,200-3,200/night, ~USD $125-180).

Budget options near airport:

• Fiesta Inn Aeropuerto: Reliable Mexican chain with free shuttle (~MXN 1,400-2,000/night, ~USD $80-115).

• One Aeropuerto: Budget option with basic amenities, free shuttle (~MXN 800-1,200/night, ~USD $45-70).

In the City (20-40 min by taxi):

For longer layovers, consider staying in:

• Zona Rosa/Reforma: Business district with excellent hotels (30 min)
• Condesa/Roma: Trendy neighborhoods with boutique hotels (25 min)
• Centro Historico: Historic center, walking distance to Zócalo (20 min)

Tip: The NH Hotel T2 is unbeatable for very early departures or tight connections - you can sleep until 30 minutes before your gate opens.

Mexico City (CDMX) is one of the world's great megacities, rich with history, culture, and gastronomy. The airport's central location makes exploring easy.

Historic Center (Centro Historico) - 20-30 min from MEX:

• Zócalo: One of the world's largest public squares, flanked by the National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral
• Templo Mayor: Aztec ruins in the heart of the city
• Palacio de Bellas Artes: Stunning art nouveau/art deco performance hall
• Alameda Central: Historic urban park, perfect for people-watching

Must-see Museums:

• Museo Nacional de Antropología (Chapultepec): World-class collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. Don't miss the Aztec Sun Stone.
• Museo Frida Kahlo (Coyoacán): The Blue House, Frida's birthplace and home
• Museo Soumaya (Polanco): Carlos Slim's free museum with European masters

Neighborhoods to Explore:

• Condesa & Roma: Tree-lined streets, cafes, Art Deco architecture, excellent restaurants
• Coyoacán: Bohemian vibe, plazas, street food, Frida Kahlo's neighborhood
• Polanco: Upscale dining, shopping, embassy district
• San Angel: Saturday bazaar, colonial charm, upscale artisan market

Day Trips:

• Teotihuacan (1 hour): Climb the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Go early to avoid crowds and heat.
• Xochimilco (45 min): Colorful trajineras (boats) through ancient Aztec canals
• Puebla (2 hours by bus): Colonial city, mole poblano, Talavera ceramics

Food & Drink Essentials:

• Tacos al pastor: Pork tacos carved from a spit, pineapple on top
• Tlacoyos: Blue corn masa boats with beans, nopales, cheese
• Quesadillas: Get them with huitlacoche (corn fungus) or flor de calabaza (squash blossoms)
• Mezcal: Visit a mezcaleria in Roma or Condesa
• Cafe de olla: Traditional sweet, cinnamon-spiced coffee

Practical Tips:

• Altitude: At 2,240m (7,350 ft), take it easy on your first day. Stay hydrated.
• Water: Drink bottled water only. Ice in restaurants is generally safe (purified).
• Safety: Use Uber/DiDi or Sitio taxis (radio-dispatched). Avoid hailing street cabs.
• Language: Basic Spanish helps enormously. English is limited outside tourist zones.
• Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants. Small tips (MXN 10-20) for hotel staff and drivers.
• Best weather: November to April (dry season). June-September sees afternoon rains.

Getting Around:

• Uber/DiDi: Ubiquitous and affordable
• Metro: Extensive but very crowded. Good for Centro and Chapultepec.
• Metrobús: Useful for Reforma corridor
• Walking: Excellent in Roma, Condesa, Centro, Coyoacán