4 Ways to Travel from Mexico City Airport to the city centre - by Metrobus, Minivan, Private Transfer and Metro

In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 10 kilometre distance from Mexico City to Mexico City. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.

There are 4 ways to get from Mexico City to Mexico City. You can choose between the metro, private transfer, minivan, metrobus. The most affordable option is by metro, starting from $5. The fastest route is by metrobus (0h 45m).

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Transport	Duration	Price	Best For
MetrobusFastest	45m	($30)	--
MetroBudget	50m	($5)	--
Private Transfer	2h	($16)	--
Minivan	2h 30m	($19)	--

Route Overview

Mexico CityMexico City10 km

Via "airport"Via "any hotel"

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Metro

50 minutesFrom ~$5

Travelling light? The Metro is the cheapest way to get from Mexico City International Airport to the city centre. But there are two things to keep in mind before deciding if it’s the right option for you:

Bulky luggage is not allowed in the Metro.
There is no direct Metro line from Mexico City Airport to the city centre. Depending on where you’re heading, you may have to make a few transfers.

If these aren’t an issue, let’s get to the more detailed guide!

How to take the Metro from Mexico City Airport

The nearest Metro station to Mexico City Airport is Terminal Area Station (Line 5). This train station is just 500 m away from Terminal 1. Head to the exit gates, turn left and follow the signs to the Metro. If you’re coming from Terminal 2, you’ll first have to take the Aerotren to Terminal 1.

Metro transfers to Mexico city centre

Metro Line 5, the yellow line, only goes as far as Pantitlán Station, where you’ll need to transfer. From here, the most common route for tourists is to transfer to Line 1 (pink lane).

If you’re heading to the main square (Zocalo), get off at Pino Suarez Station and then transfer to Line 2 (blue lane). Zocalo is only one stop away.

It’s best to check which Metro station is closest to your hotel before setting off!

Metro operating hours and fares

The Metro operates from 05:00 to midnight on weekdays. It opens a bit later on weekends — 06:00 on Saturdays and 07:00 on Sundays and holidays. You can buy your tickets at the vending machines in the Metro station. A ticket costs . Travel time with the Metro from Mexico City Airport to the centre is around .

Use the Metro if your hotel is outside the city centre

The Metro is often faster than the Metrobus for long distances since it runs underground and avoids traffic. Both the Metro and the Metrobus have maps where you can check your location, but we recommend using apps like Moovit or Google Maps. These apps can help you find the best route, switch metro lines or locate the nearest stop to your accommodation.

Moovit is a transport app that provides real-time updates, including bus and Metro schedules, alternative routes and service disruptions. It’s especially useful if you have a local data plan.

Google Maps is great for planning routes, but it may not always show real-time service changes like Moovit does.

Ready to book your metro?

From ~$5 · 50 minutes

KEY LOCATIONS

Departure & Arrival Stations

Via "airport"

Mexico City Airport (MEX)

Via "any hotel"

Mexico City - Any hotel

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Mexico City?

Mexico City is a destination that will keep any type of traveller entertained for days on end. Interesting history, rich culture, endless shopping and vibrant nightlife are just a few of the many things Mexico City has to offer. A fun fact, with over 150 museums, Mexico City has the highest number of museums in the world. When you’re museumed-out, there are plenty of other things to do in Mexico City. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, explore Frida Kahlo's house, or take a boat trip along the canals of Xochimilco.

TRUST

How We Research

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ROUTES RESEARCHED

Every route is personally traveled and documented by our team, covering Southeast Asia's most popular and off-the-beaten-path connections.

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BY TRAVELERS

Tips and corrections from our community of travelers help keep routes accurate between team visits. Your experience makes this guide better for everyone.

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Carbon Footprint

This 10 km journey produces approximately 1 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.

Luggage Safety

Some stops on this route involve luggage storage or transfers. Keep valuables in your carry-on and use a lock on checked bags.

Traveller Reviews

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4.36 reviews

Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
O
Oliver S.November 2025
Ferry

Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.

Jenny L.Jan 2026

Train

The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.

Carlos V.Oct 2025

Bus

Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.

Maya R.Dec 2025

Train

Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.

David H.Feb 2026

Bus

Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.

Sophie K.Jan 2026

Flight

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STAY

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.

Treat Yourself

Casa Emilia

Staying at Casa Emilia will make you feel like you’re staying in a cosy jungle retreat, rather than in a massive metropolitan city. All of the spaces around the hotel are designed for ultimate comfort and luxury, which it certainly achieves. You can relax on the terrace, in access hall or in the hotel’s sunroom. Two of our favourite experiences at the hotel are the delicious breakfast and the huge, comfy beds offering a great night’s sleep. If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the place to do it.

Incredible breakfast
Cosy jungle design
Bike rental available
Excellent location

Double rooms start from $80 per night

View on Booking.com

Treat Yourself

Casa Pancha

Located in the neighbourhood of Condesa, Casa Pancha mirrors the atmosphere of the area. The hotel’s culture is certainly one of its selling points, offering simplicity, originality, community and connection. With a mixture of dorms and private rooms, it’s an easy place to meet people whilst maintaining privacy. The hotel is bright and natural throughout, with both a backyard and a balcony area to relax in. The staff are super friendly here and their love for the hotel quickly spreads through the space.

Dorms and private rooms available
Private garden and balcony
Amazing staff
Perfect location

Double rooms start from $80 per night

View on Booking.com

Mid-Range

Stanza Hotel

If there’s any neighbourhood that you want to stay in Mexico City, La Roma should definitely be up there. And that’s where Stanza Hotel is located. It puts you close to the tree-lined streets that are brimming with hip cafes and bars. The hotel rooms are clean and modern, offering everything that you could ask for. The beds are also huge and super comfy. If you don’t fancy leaving the hotel one night for dinner, the onsite restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean-Mexican fusion food.

Great location
Clean and modern rooms
Onsite Mediterranean-Mexican fusion restaurant
Helpful, English-speaking staff

Double rooms between $40-$80 per night

View on Booking.com

Budget

Casa Indigo

This place gets booked out fast (we’re talking months in advance)! The location is perfect and it’s super affordable. Casa Indigo is close to the historic centre, plus the rooms are clean and beautifully decorated. The host, Salvador, will make your stay unforgettable with his friendliness and warm welcome. On top of all of that, you can enjoy a large roof terrace offering stunning views over Mexico City.

Great location
Huge roof terrace
Friendly host
Fully equipped kitchen

Double rooms between $15-$40 per night

View on Booking.com

How to Get from Mexico City to Mexico City

Compare Your Options

Metro

How to take the Metro from Mexico City Airport

Metro transfers to Mexico city centre

Metro operating hours and fares

Use the Metro if your hotel is outside the city centre

Ready to book your metro?

Departure & Arrival Stations

Why Visit Mexico City?

How We Research

Traveller Reviews

Leave a Comment

Private Transfer

Ready to book your private transfer?

Minivan

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Metrobus

Ready to book your metrobus?

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Casa Emilia

Casa Pancha

Stanza Hotel

Casa Indigo