How visitors get around Ciudad López Mateos
Ciudad López Mateos — commonly called Atizapán — is the municipal seat of Atizapán de Zaragoza in the State of Mexico. It sits at a high elevation on hilly terrain, and its public transport is built mainly around road travel rather than rail. For a visitor, that means buses, minibuses, taxis and ride-hailing apps are the practical ways to move around, with Mexico City's metro network reached only by connecting through nearby areas such as Naucalpan.
Rail, metro and tram service
There is no metro or tram station inside Ciudad López Mateos. The Mexico City metro does not reach the city directly; the nearest stations require a transfer to local buses or colectivos, typically in the Naucalpan area. Rail service in this direction is limited, and the city relies mainly on road infrastructure. Historically, a train line called "Montealto" once ended in Atizapán in the early 20th century, but that is no longer part of the transport picture for visitors.
Buses and other public transport
An extensive network of buses and minibuses — known as colectivos — is the main way locals travel within the city, and it is the primary option for visitors too. Many bus lines cross Atizapán, heading mainly to the north, center and southwest parts of Mexico City. Bus services from Mexico City's Northern Bus Terminal (Terminal Norte) run regularly to the center of Atizapán, which makes that terminal a useful arrival point if you are coming from the capital. Fares are typically paid in cash, so keep Mexican pesos on hand for buses and markets.
Taxis and ride-hailing
For taxis, official ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Didi are the recommended choice. Unmarked street taxis should be avoided, especially at night. Using an app gives you a traceable trip and avoids the uncertainty of hailing an unmarked car on the street.
Walkability
The city's hilly terrain and its layout as a large urban area mean walking is best suited to getting around a specific neighborhood or the downtown area rather than covering the whole city. For longer trips between districts, plan on buses, colectivos or a ride-hailing car.
Getting from the airport into the city
Benito Juárez Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is the main airport for reaching Ciudad López Mateos, and it lies roughly 45 km away. A taxi or rental car from the airport takes about an hour in favorable conditions. If you prefer public transport, you can connect via Mexico City's Northern Bus Terminal (Terminal Norte), from which regular buses run to the center of Atizapán. Note that Atizapán de Zaragoza Airport is located in the north of the municipality, but it has minimal use, as no airlines are established there — so it is not a practical arrival point for visitors.
Practical tips
- Carry cash in Mexican pesos (MXN) for buses, colectivos and markets.
- Allow extra time for road journeys: a car or scheduled bus from central Mexico City takes roughly 30–60 minutes via the Viaducto Bicentenario expressway, extending to 1.5–2 hours at peak times.
- Spanish is the main language; English is generally understood in major hotels and restaurants in the upscale Zona Esmeralda neighborhood.
- SIM cards are available at Telcel stores if you want mobile data for ride-hailing apps and maps.
- Tipping around 10–15% is customary in restaurants.
- Drink only bottled water.
- Be aware that smog can occur in the dry season (November to April) because of the city's basin location and traffic; the rainy season runs May to October.