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.
If you prefer to skip the voucher queue entirely, Welcome Pickups offers pre-booked transfers with a named driver meeting you in arrivals, fixed prices, and automatic flight tracking.
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.
Pre-Booked Private Transfers
For many travellers - especially those arriving late at night, with families, or for the first time in Mexico City - pre-booking a private transfer removes the hassle of navigating the taxi booth queues or waiting for a ride-share surge to subside.
How it works: Private transfer companies meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, track your flight in real time (delays do not affect the booking or the price), and take you directly to your accommodation. The driver speaks enough English to handle basic hotel directions. Payment is made in advance online.
Approximate prices for private transfers from AICM (as of 2026):
| Route | Pre-booked private | Authorised taxi | Uber/DiDi |
|---|---|---|---|
| AICM → Roma / Condesa | approx. MXN $350–500 | approx. MXN $330 | MXN $150–250 |
| AICM → Polanco | approx. MXN $400–550 | approx. MXN $370 | MXN $180–280 |
| AICM → Centro Histórico | approx. MXN $320–450 | approx. MXN $280 | MXN $120–220 |
| AICM → Santa Fe | approx. MXN $500–700 | approx. MXN $420 | MXN $250–380 |
Private transfers cost a small premium over the official taxi booth but the difference is negligible against the total trip cost, and the benefit of a named driver and guaranteed vehicle is meaningful for first arrivals. Book a private transfer from AICM.
Flight delay policy: Reputable transfer providers monitor your flight and adjust pickup automatically - you will not be charged for flight delays. Confirm this policy at the time of booking; some budget providers charge waiting fees after 30 minutes.
Driver meeting point: For private transfers at Terminal 1, drivers wait in the outer arrivals zone beyond the taxi booth area, typically at the far end of the hall. At Terminal 2, the meeting area is immediately outside the arrivals exit. WhatsApp communication is standard - most drivers will confirm the pickup point on the day via message.
Getting Back to the Airport
Timing: Allow at least 90 minutes from central neighbourhoods (Roma, Condesa, Polanco) to AICM in normal daytime traffic. For morning peak (6–9 am) or evening peak (4–8 pm), allow 2 hours minimum. Check Google Maps live traffic before leaving.
Uber / DiDi: The most flexible option - open the app, request a ride, and track the driver. Surge pricing is common between 5–8 pm on weekdays. Book in advance using the scheduled ride feature if your flight is early morning.
Authorised taxi from your hotel: Your hotel concierge can arrange an authorised taxi (tarifa fija) to AICM for a fixed price comparable to the airport taxi voucher rate. This is the most reliable option for early-morning departures when fewer ride-shares are available.
Metrobús Line 4 return: The same Line 4 that connects AICM to Buenavista runs in both directions. From the city to the airport, board at Buenavista and exit at Terminal 1 (the final stop). Journey: 35–50 minutes, approximately MXN $30. Only practical for Terminal 1 with light luggage.
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.
Plan your trip: airport transfers · travel insurance.
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
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
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