Getting Around Mexico City: A Practical Transport Guide
Mexico City offers visitors multiple transportation options to navigate the sprawling metropolitan area. The city's public transit network is extensive and heavily subsidized, making it an affordable way to explore. However, be aware that motorized public transportation has safety concerns, particularly regarding assaults, robberies, and harassment, especially of women.
The Metro System
The Mexico City Metro is the largest rapid transit system in Latin America and the most economical way to travel across the city. Each trip costs just 5 pesos, whether you're traveling one stop or many. The metro operates from 05:00 to midnight.
The system includes 12 lines serving the city with frequent service. Metro stations are notable for using icons and glyphs to identify lines and stations, making them easy to navigate even if you don't speak Spanish. Many stations also display pre-Columbian artifacts and architectural remains discovered during construction.
To use the metro, purchase a reloadable card at ticket windows. While the metro is efficient for major routes, remember that heavy baggage is not allowed on metro trains, so plan accordingly if you're arriving with large luggage.
Light Rail and Tram Service
The Xochimilco Light Rail continues from Metro Line 2 along the Calzada de Tlalpan and terminates in Xochimilco in southern Mexico City. This modernized system operates on a route that follows a former streetcar line and provides another rail option for reaching specific areas of the city.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
The Metrobús system offers higher-speed bus service along dedicated routes. These buses have limited stops compared to regular buses and provide a faster alternative when traveling along their corridors. Multiple Metrobús lines now serve different parts of the city.
The Red de Transportes de Pasajeros (RTP) operates various bus networks including regular routes, express services, and night buses. The SVBUS express service uses limited stops and toll roads, connecting areas like Santa Fe with southeastern parts of the city near Xochimilco.
The Mexibús system connects the metro system with suburban areas in the State of Mexico. The Mexibús requires a separate card for payment—a standard metro card will not work. These cards cost around 19 pesos and include initial credit.
Traditional Peseros and Other Bus Services
Mexico City has an extensive network of privately operated minibuses and small buses called peseros. These provide affordable service on numerous routes throughout the city, though they lack the formal structure and safety features of larger bus systems. As dedicated bus rapid transit lines have expanded, some pesero routes have been replaced to reduce pollution and improve service.
Trolleybuses and Electric Transit
The city operates trolleybuses—electric buses with overhead wires—on 14 routes. These typically have exclusive lanes on main avenues, allowing them to move efficiently. Trolleybuses offer an environmentally friendly transit option alongside the metro and other rail systems.
Cable Car Systems
For hilly, densely populated areas, the city operates cable car systems that connect to the rest of the transit network. Cablebús serves the boroughs of Gustavo A. Madero and Iztapalapa with three lines and plans for additional expansion. Mexicable, operated independently but interconnected with the metro, serves areas in Greater Mexico City and has two lines connecting to metro stations and bus lines.
Commuter Rail to Suburbs and Airports
The Tren Suburbano is a suburban commuter rail line serving areas outside central Mexico City. The Tren Interurbano network includes El Insurgente, which links Toluca and Mexico City, terminating at Observatorio station where you can connect to Metro Line 1. The Tren Felipe Ángeles, part of the Tren Interurbano network, connects Buenavista in central Mexico City with Felipe Ángeles International Airport.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Traditional taxis are available throughout the city, though they operate on a meter system and fares can vary. Ride-hailing services like Uber are also available and can be booked through their apps. When traveling from airports, fixed-price taxi stands are available, though fares vary by destination. Ride-hailing can be arranged at some transit stops if you prefer not to use public transport.
Bicycles and Cycling
Mexico City has promoted bicycle use to reduce emissions, resulting in Ecobici, North America's second-largest bicycle-sharing system. With a pre-paid annual subscription of 300 pesos, registered residents can use bicycles for up to 45 minutes per trip. The system has stations across five central boroughs and provides access to dedicated bike paths and lanes, including routes along major avenues like Paseo de la Reforma and Avenida Chapultepec.
Buying Passes and Payment Cards
Most city buses and rail transit use the Transit Card (MI card) system, which you can purchase at metro stations and load with credit. The Mexibús system requires its own separate card. The metro itself uses individual cards as well. It's worth getting these cards early so you can move freely between different transit modes without waiting in ticket lines.
Getting from the Main Airport to the City
Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX): This is Mexico City's main airport and the most convenient for reaching downtown and most city areas. A taxi ride downtown can take as little as 15 minutes in light traffic, though heavy traffic is typical. A bus terminal inside the airport provides easy access to nearby cities. Ride-hailing services are also available from the airport.
Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU): This newer airport, opened in 2022 and locally called Santa Lucia, is located about 49 km from the city. Allow at least 90 minutes to reach downtown. The airport has its own train station served by Tren Suburbano trains, which take about 40 minutes to reach Buenavista station in central Mexico City. Train fares range from about 11.50 to 26.50 pesos. At Buenavista, you can transfer to Metro Line B, though remember that heavy baggage is not allowed on the metro. Fixed-price taxis are available for around 750 pesos to the city center. Bus services also operate from the airport to various destinations, including the North and South bus terminals, though check timetables as departures are not regularly scheduled. Vivabus offers connections to major bus terminals.
Toluca International Airport (TLC): Located 50 km southwest of Mexico City in the city of Toluca, this airport is mainly used for domestic flights. It is most convenient if you're traveling from the west side of Mexico City, such as Santa Fe. Taxi services are available, with fares around 600-650 pesos to central metro stations. Viva Aerobus offers shuttle service for around 76 pesos from the Observatorio metro station. The Tren Insurgente rail system connects Toluca with Mexico City, terminating at Observatorio station where you can access intercity buses or Metro Line 1.
Walkability
Many neighborhoods in central Mexico City are quite walkable, with good pedestrian infrastructure. However, the city is large and sprawling, so you'll need transit to cover significant distances. Using a combination of walking and public transport is the most practical approach for sightseeing and getting around.
Getting Oriented
The metro system is your most reliable tool for major movements across the city. Keep a transit map handy and plan routes that minimize transfers when possible. Buying a Transit Card early gives you flexibility to combine metros, buses, and other transit modes throughout your stay. For journeys to farther suburbs or airports, allow extra time for connections and potential traffic delays on bus routes.