Benito Juárez International Airport

Mexico City International Airport (MEX), officially Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez, is Latin America's busiest airport and the primary hub serving Mexico's capital. Located just 5 km (3 miles) east of the historic city center, MEX handles over 50 million passengers annually and serves as the main hub for Aeromexico.

The airport has two terminals:

• Terminal 1: The larger, older terminal handling most international carriers, domestic airlines, and Star Alliance/SkyTeam partners. Organized into six gates areas (A through F).
• Terminal 2: Built in 2007, this is Aeromexico's dedicated hub. Also handles Aeromexico partners, Delta (SkyTeam), and some domestic carriers.

Critical note: The two terminals are not connected airside. A free inter-terminal shuttle bus (Aerotren) runs between T1 and T2, taking 3-5 minutes. Plan 20-30 minutes minimum for terminal changes including waiting time.

Altitude warning: MEX sits at 2,230 meters (7,316 feet) elevation. The thin air affects aircraft performance, which can impact departure times and connection planning, especially during hot afternoons when density altitude is highest.

Note on Felipe Angeles Airport (NLU): Mexico City opened a second airport, Felipe Angeles International (NLU), in 2022. Located about 45 km north of the city, some low-cost carriers (primarily VivaAerobus) operate from NLU. Confirm which airport your flight uses when booking.

MEX is located 5 km (3 miles) east of Mexico City's historic center (Centro Historico), making it one of the most conveniently located major airports in the world.

Method	Time to Centro	Time to Zona Rosa/Reforma	Cost
Taxi (authorized)	20-40 min	15-30 min	MXN 250-350 (~USD $14-20)
Uber/DiDi	20-40 min	15-30 min	MXN 150-300 (~USD $8-17)
Metrobús	40-60 min	35-50 min	MXN 6 (~USD $0.35)
Metro	35-50 min	40-55 min	MXN 5 (~USD $0.30)

Traffic warning: Mexico City traffic is notoriously unpredictable. Morning rush (7-10 AM) and evening rush (5-9 PM) can double travel times. The Circuito Interior (ring road) near the airport often congests.

Uber and DiDi operate at MEX and are generally the best value:

Uber/DiDi Pickup:

• Terminal 1: Meet driver at designated rideshare area on arrivals level (look for "Uber/Aplicaciones" signs)
• Terminal 2: Rideshare pickup area outside arrivals

Typical fares:

• Centro Historico: MXN 150-250 (~USD $8-14)
• Zona Rosa/Paseo de la Reforma: MXN 130-220 (~USD $7-12)
• Polanco: MXN 180-280 (~USD $10-16)
• Condesa/Roma: MXN 150-250 (~USD $8-14)
• Santa Fe: MXN 300-450 (~USD $17-25)

Tips:

• Request ride from inside terminal, then walk to pickup
• Cash payment available in Uber Mexico
• DiDi often slightly cheaper than Uber
• Wait times typically 5-15 minutes

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
• Typical fares to Centro: MXN 250-350 (~USD $14-20)
• Credit cards accepted at most booths

Warning: Only use authorized taxis (yellow and pink with airport logo) from official stands. Do not accept rides from solicitors in the terminal.

Metro Line 5 (Terminal 1 only)

The cheapest option but only serves Terminal 1:

Station: Terminal Aérea (Line 5 - yellow line)

Fare: MXN 5 (~USD $0.30)

How to reach Centro from T1:

1. Exit arrivals and follow "Metro" signs
2. Purchase a reloadable Metro card at the station
3. Take Line 5 (yellow) toward Pantitlán
4. Transfer at Pantitlán to Line 1 (pink) toward Observatorio
5. Exit at Zócalo for Centro Historico

Journey time: 35-50 minutes including transfer

Operating hours: 5:00 AM to midnight (6:00 AM on Sundays)

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 (Terminal 1 only)

A better option than Metro for most travelers:

Station: Outside Terminal 1, arrivals level

Fare: MXN 6 (~USD $0.35), rechargeable card required

Route: Runs along Eje 1 Norte to Buenavista (near Reforma)

Journey time: 40-60 minutes to central stops

Key stops:

• Buenavista (transfer to Metrobús Line 1, Suburban train)
• Hidalgo (near Alameda Central)
• Revolución
• San Lázaro

Operating hours: 4:30 AM to midnight

Tip: Purchase a Metrobús card (MXN 16 for card + fare) before boarding. Cards work on all Metrobús lines.

Terminal 2 Public Transit

Terminal 2 has no direct Metro connection. Options:

• Take the free Aerotren to T1, then use Metro/Metrobús
• Use rideshare or authorized taxi (recommended)

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