Mexico City International Airport Ground Transportation
Introduction
Mexico City International Airport is served directly by metro, hotel shuttle, van, and limousine, bus, and taxi.
Metro
The metro has a station at Mexico City International Airport within easy walking distance of the baggage claim, but it is a feasible route to downtown only if you are traveling lightly, with a backpack or briefcase.
As you come from your plane into the arrivals hall, turn left toward Gate A and walk all the way through the long terminal, out the doors, and along a covered sidewalk. Look for the distinctive M (metro logo) that identifies the Terminal Aérea station, down a flight of stairs. The station is on Line 5. Follow the signs for trains to Pantitlán. At Pantitlán, change to Line 1 Observatorio, which will take you to stations that are just a few blocks south of the Zócalo (main square) and the Alameda Central: Piño Suárez, Isabel la Católica, Salto del Agua, Balderas.
This is the least expensive choice by far and is a good way around the city during nonpeak hours. Trains pass at a frequency of every ten minutes and do not run after 1:00 am.
Hotel Shuttle, Van, and Limousine Services
Some hotels offer a van service from the airport. It is recommended that you phone the concierge of the hotel to order a private car or limousine to pick you up at the airport. This is a safe and comfortable way to get into Mexico City. Ask about airport shuttle services when making your hotel reservation.
Chauffeured cars (seating four) and vans (seating eight) are also available for travel to nearby cities, such as Toluca, Paluca, and Cuernavaca or Puebla.
Bus Services
Bus companies provide direct routes from the airport to several nearby towns. As there are no bus offices at the airport, you simply exit the domestic terminal near Lounge D and buy a ticket at the booth in front of where the buses park. Bus companies such as Pullman de Morelos drive to Cuernavaca 21 times a day between 6:30 am and 11:00 pm. Estrella Roja drives to Puebla 40 times a day between 6:00 am and midnight. Other destinations are Pachuca (15 times a day between 7:15 am and 9:15 pm), Querétaro (14 times a day between 8:30 am and 9:15 pm), Toluca, San Miguel de Allende, Celaya, León, and Irapuato.
Taxi Services
Travelers at Mexico City International Airport should only employ official airport taxis, since taxi-related crime is a serious concern. For safety and comfort, do not get in an unmarked or independent cab, and avoid Volkswagen "bug" cabs.
The official airport cabs are available after exiting the baggage claim area near the far end of Lounge A and E, right next to the arrival gates, in special booths marked TAXI / TRANSPORTACION TERRESTRE (ground transportation). They are staffed by personnel wearing bright-yellow jackets emblazoned with TAXI AUTORIZADO (authorized taxi). These cabs should be yellow with a white taxi light on the roof and an airport symbol painted on the doors.
Buy your ticket from the clearly marked taxi counters inside the terminal and tell the ticket seller your hotel or destination. Ticket prices are fixed, based on a zone system and depending on the number of passengers. After purchasing your ticket, go outside to the line of taxis where an official taxi "chief" will direct you to the next taxi in line. Present your ticket to the driver. Travel time to downtown Mexico City is about 35 minutes.
