Mexico City Airport Transfer Guide — AICM & AIFA Ground Transport

Mexico City has two airports. AICM (Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez, code MEX) is the main airport, 12 km east of the city centre in the Venustiano Carranza borough. AIFA (Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Ángeles, code NLU) is a newer facility 60 km north of the city in Santa Lucía, opened in 2022. Most international arrivals land at AICM — check your booking confirmation before arranging ground transport.

Getting from AICM to the City Centre

Authorised Airport Taxis

The safest and most straightforward option. Inside AICM arrivals (both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2), look for the official TAXIMEX or TRANSPORTACIÓN TERRESTRE booths. You pay a fixed fare based on destination zone before exiting the terminal — the price includes the complete journey, no negotiating required.

Approximate fares from AICM as of 2026:

• Centro Histórico / Doctores: approximately MXN $280
• Roma Norte / Roma Sur / Condesa: approximately MXN $330
• Polanco / Anzures: approximately MXN $370
• Santa Fe / Observatorio: approximately MXN $420
• Airport to airport transfers (AICM to AIFA): approximately MXN $600+

Journey time: 25–45 minutes to central neighbourhoods in light traffic; 60–90 minutes during morning or evening rush hour (7–10 am, 5–8 pm).

Important: Never accept transport offers from people approaching you inside the terminal. Official taxi touts are persistent at AICM — ignore all of them and go directly to the official booth.

Uber and DiDi

Both Uber and DiDi operate from AICM but pickup is via designated app zones only — not from the arrivals kerb. In Terminal 1, follow signs to the Zona de Aplicaciones (ground level). In Terminal 2, the app pickup area is outside the main exit.

Approximate fares as of 2026:

• To Roma / Condesa: MXN $150–250
• To Polanco: MXN $180–280
• To Santa Fe: MXN $250–380

Fares surge during peak hours and when rain affects traffic. DiDi is typically 10–15% cheaper than Uber in Mexico City.

Metrobús Line 4

The cheapest option but not suitable for heavy luggage. Metrobús Line 4 runs directly between Terminal 1 of AICM and Buenavista station (connecting to metro lines 6 and B, and the Suburbano commuter train). Single fare: approximately MXN $30.

Journey time: 30–50 minutes depending on traffic. The buses have limited luggage space. For budget travellers with a backpack and comfortable Spanish, this works well. Not recommended for late-night arrivals.

Mexico City Metro

The metro does not connect directly to AICM Terminal 1 or 2. Terminal Aérea station (Line 5) is a 10-minute walk from Terminal 1 via a covered walkway. Fare: MXN $7. Fast during off-peak hours, very crowded and pickpocket-prone during rush hours. Only use this with minimal luggage.

Getting from AIFA to the City Centre

AIFA is significantly further from the city (60 km), and transport options are more limited.

AIFA Official Shuttle: Operates between AIFA and Terminal Norte (Autobuses del Norte bus terminal, near metro Autobuses del Norte, Line 5). Approximately MXN $150–200, journey time around 60 minutes in light traffic. From Terminal Norte, take the metro or a ride-share to your hotel.

Ride-shares from AIFA: Uber and DiDi operate from AIFA. Fare to central neighbourhoods: approximately MXN $400–600. Journey time: 75–120 minutes depending on traffic. Significantly longer and more expensive than from AICM.

Important: Allow at least 3 hours for the AIFA-to-city-centre journey during peak hours. Plan early morning departures from the city if catching a flight from AIFA.

Which Option to Choose

Method	Cost	Time	Best For
Authorised taxi	MXN $280–420	30–75 min	First arrival, groups, heavy luggage
Uber / DiDi	MXN $150–280	30–75 min	Solo travellers, cost saving
Metrobús Line 4	MXN $30	35–55 min	Budget travellers, light luggage
Metro Line 5	MXN $7	30–50 min	Very budget, no luggage

Hotel Zone Distances

Roma Norte / Condesa: 12–16 km from AICM. The most popular area for independent travellers. Both taxi and ride-share take 30–45 minutes in normal traffic.

Polanco: 15–18 km. Upscale neighbourhood near Chapultepec Park. 40–60 minutes.

Centro Histórico: 10–12 km. Closest major area to AICM. 25–40 minutes.

Santa Fe: 25–30 km (west side). Business district. 45–75 minutes.

Practical Tips

• Luggage: AICM arrivals halls have luggage storage (approximately MXN $80–150 per piece per day) near both terminals if you need to wait for hotel check-in.
• Currency: You can exchange currency at AICM — rates are poor but acceptable for initial cash. ATMs (Santander, HSBC) are available in both terminals; withdraw MXN before taking a taxi if you have no local cash.
• Night arrivals: AICM is open 24 hours and official taxis run all night. Avoid the metro after 11 pm.
• Terminal connection: Terminals 1 and 2 at AICM are connected by a free monorail (approximately 5 minutes). If your onward connection is in a different terminal, allow 20–30 minutes including the monorail and security re-screening.

Related City Guides

• Mexico City Travel Guide
• Things to Do in Mexico City — what to do once you arrive
• 3 Days in Mexico City — a complete itinerary for a short CDMX trip
• Mexico City Digital Nomad Guide — neighbourhood guide for longer stays
• Getting Around Mexico — intercity buses, trains, and domestic flights from CDMX