Overview
The Mexico City Metro (Spanish: Metro de la Ciudad de México) is a rapid transit system serving Greater Mexico City and parts of the State of Mexico. Operated by the Sistema de Transporte Colectivo (STC), it is the second-largest rapid transit system in North America. The system comprises 12 lines, 195 stations, and just over 200 kilometres of route. All lines operate daily from 5 a.m. to midnight. Ten of the lines use rubber-tired trains, a technology adopted because of Mexico City's unstable soils.
To ride the Metro as a visitor, you purchase or load a reusable fare card at station machines or ticket windows, tap it at the turnstile to enter, navigate by colour-coded line and station name, transfer freely between lines with no extra charge, and exit via marked salida (exit) doors. Trains run frequently—typically every 5–6 minutes—making it the fastest way to move around the city.
The network
Metro lines
The Metro operates 12 numbered lines and two lettered feeder lines, identified by colour and end-station names on signage. The 12 main lines are:
- Line 1 (Pink) – runs from Observatorio to Pantitlán
- Line 2 (Blue) – runs from Cuatro Caminos to Tasqueña
- Line 3 (Brown) – runs from Indios Verdes to Universidad
- Line 4 (Purple) – runs from Martín Carrera to Santa Anita
- Line 5 (Yellow) – runs from Politécnico to Pantitlán
- Line 6 (Red) – runs from El Rosario to Martín Carrera
- Line 7 (Orange) – runs from Tacuba to Barranca del Muerto
- Line 8 (Green) – runs from Garibaldi to Constitución de 1917
- Line 9 (Brown-purple) – runs from Pantitlán to Tacubaya
- Line A (Teal) – runs from Pantitlán to La Paz in the State of Mexico, using steel railway tracks instead of rubber tyres
- Line B (Orange-brown) – a feeder line serving outer areas
- Line 12 (Gold) – another recent addition to the network
Of the 195 stations, 44 serve two or more lines as transfer stations (marked by "Correspondencia" signs). Many stations are named after historical figures, places, and events in Mexican history. The first cars of trains are designated for women and children under 12 and marked "Mujeres y menores de 12 años".
Suburban rail (Tren Suburbano)
The Tren Suburbano is a regional rail service connecting Mexico City with outlying areas and Felipe Ángeles International Airport. Trains run from Buenavista station in central Mexico City to the airport (40-minute journey) and onward to suburban destinations.
Light rail and tram (Tren Ligero)
The Tren Ligero (light rail) provides tram service to Xochimilco in southern Mexico City. It connects to the Metro at Taxqueña station (south end of Line 2).
Bus rapid transit (Metrobús)
Metrobús is a bus rapid transit system with dedicated lanes, operating across 5 lines with unlimited transfers. Some Metrobús lines serve the airport terminals.
City buses
Regular city buses (camiones) complement the Metro network across Mexico City, requiring separate payment but available as an alternative for journeys not well served by rapid transit.
Tickets & fares
Fare card system
All rapid transit in Mexico City uses an integrated reusable smartcard called the Integrated Transit Card (Integrated Mobility Card). A new card costs 10 pesos; you then load credit onto it. One card can be used by multiple people per trip.
Metro fares
A single Metro journey costs 5 pesos, regardless of distance. You receive unlimited free transfers throughout the entire Metro system, including transfer stations. Paper tickets are available at all stations but are less convenient than the reusable card.
Metrobús fares
Metrobús costs 6 pesos per trip, with a rechargeable card required (no paper tickets). The card costs 10 pesos initially, plus 1 fare credit. Some Metrobús Line 4 buses serve both airport terminals at 30 pesos.
Light rail (Tren Ligero) fares
Tren Ligero costs 3 pesos per trip and uses the same integrated fare card as the Metro and Metrobús. The card is available at Metro stations.
Suburban rail (Tren Suburbano) fares
Tren Suburbano uses a separate, non-transferable fare card. Fares are 6.50 pesos for journeys up to 12.8 km, or 15.50 pesos for 12.9–25.6 km. A new card costs 13 pesos plus the fare. The card must be scanned at both entry and exit turnstiles for proper fare deduction.
Where to buy cards and load credit
Integrated Transit Cards are available at train stations, Metrobús stops, and some shops. Vending machines at stations accept cash and make change; many machines offer an English-language option. For Tren Ligero, cards can be purchased and recharged at Metro stations.
Tourist passes
No specific tourist day pass or multi-day pass is mentioned in current official sources. However, you can load any amount of credit onto your Integrated Transit Card and use it for as many journeys as you need during your stay.
From the airport
Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX)
Benito Juárez is Mexico City's main airport, located in the eastern part of the city and the most convenient arrival point for most visitors. Public transport options into the city centre include:
- Metro Line A: The airport has a Metro station. Line A runs underground to Pantitlán, where you can transfer to other Metro lines. This is the cheapest option at the standard 5-peso Metro fare, though heavy luggage is not permitted on Metro trains.
- Taxi: Taxis are available at taxi stands. Journey time to downtown is approximately 15 minutes in light traffic, though traffic is typically heavy; allow 30–60 minutes in normal conditions.
- Ride-sharing: Apps such as Uber operate from the airport.
- Bus: A bus terminal inside the airport provides connections to nearby cities.
Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU, also called Santa Lucia)
Felipe Ángeles Airport opened in 2022 north of Mexico City. It is 49 km from the city centre; allow at least 90 minutes for travel to downtown. Public transport options include:
- Tren Suburbano: An AIFA train station was completed in April 2026 and is served by Tren Suburbano trains running to Buenavista station in central Mexico City (40-minute journey, 11.50–26.50 pesos). At Buenavista, you can transfer to Metro Line B.
- Vivabus: Shuttles serve the North and South bus terminals (Central de Autobuses del Norte and Central de Autobuses del Sur) in the city. Check online timetables in advance.
- ADO, Futura, and Conexion buses: These connect to Benito Juárez Airport (MEX), the North bus terminal, and Pachuca (approximately 1 hour; around 150 pesos).
- Mexibus and public transit: Mexibus shuttles connect the airport to Ojo de Agua (40 minutes) and Ciudad Azteca, where you can transfer to Metro Line B. A Mexibus card costs 19 pesos and includes credit; you will need 28 pesos in exact change for two journeys.
- Taxi: Fixed-price taxis to the city centre cost approximately 750 pesos.
Licenciado Adolfo López Mateos International Airport (TLC, Toluca)
Toluca Airport is 50 km southwest of Mexico City. As of 2024, there are no international flights. Reaching it from central Mexico City is time-consuming except from the west (Santa Fe area). Options include:
- Taxi: Caminante taxis offer service to central locations (around 650 pesos to Metro Observatorio station).
- Viva Transfer shuttle: Viva Aerobus offers a shuttle service (around 76 pesos from Metro Observatorio).
- Tren Insurgente: This new intercity rail system connects Toluca with Mexico City, with service as of 2026 terminating at Observatorio station, where you can connect to the Metro or intercity buses.
Etiquette & customs
Queuing and boarding
Queue in an orderly line at platform entrances before boarding. Do not push onto trains; wait for your turn.
Escalators and stairs
When using escalators, stand on the right side to allow others to walk past on the left. Be aware that not all stations have escalators; many require climbing stairs.
Priority seating
The first cars of all trains are reserved for women and children under 12 (marked "Mujeres y menores de 12 años"). These cars are typically less crowded. Prioritize seats for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and those with disabilities.
Eating, drinking, and luggage
Eating and drinking on the Metro is not recommended and may be discouraged. Heavy or large luggage is not permitted on Metro trains, so use alternative transport (taxi, ride-share, or airport buses) if you have substantial baggage. Keep backpacks in front of you and bags closed.
Rush hours and crowding
Avoid travelling during peak rush hours (7:30–9:30 a.m. and 5:30–8 p.m. on weekdays) and during or after heavy rain, when trains are extremely crowded and pickpocketing risk increases. Also avoid travelling during large city events.
Safety practices
Keep your wallet in your front pocket, not your back pocket. Wear your backpack on your front rather than your back. Police are present at stations. Use standard urban safety precautions and stay aware of your surroundings.
Official links
Survival terms
- Metro / Tren (Spanish) – Metro / Train – the rapid transit system
- Boleto / Tarjeta (Spanish) – Ticket / Card – how you pay for your fare
- Línea (Spanish) – Line – the colour-coded routes
- Entrada (Spanish) – Entrance – where you tap your card to enter
- Salida (Spanish) – Exit – where you exit the station
- Correspondencia (Spanish) – Transfer – a station connecting two or more lines
- Tarifa sencilla (Spanish) – Single fare – one journey on the Metro
- Tarjeta de transporte (Spanish) – Transport card – the reusable smartcard for all fares
Download the Citymapper or Google Maps app before your trip to navigate the Metro system in English, as many stations have Spanish names and signage is primarily in Spanish.