Licenciado Benito Juárez International Airport is Mexico's main air hub (45.4 million passengers in 2024), located in the heart of Mexico City, just kilometers from the historic center.
It is an access point to the capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its Zócalo and museums, as well as a departure base for Teotihuacán and the country's main routes.
How to get to Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to MEX
Parking near Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport
The terminal is flanked by a multi-level parking structure.
Rates are in line with standards of a major Latin American hub.
How to get to Mexico City from MEX
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
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From MEX to the most sought-after destinations
| If you want to... | Choose | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spend less | Metro Line 5 (Terminal Aérea station) | 5 pesos |
| Arrive at the Historic Center as quickly as possible | Metrobús Line 4 «Quetzalcóatl» (45 min, stop Pino Suárez) | 30 pesos |
| Reach Polanco, Roma Norte or Condesa | Licensed taxi or Uber/DiDi app | ~300-600 pesos depending on area |
| Heavy luggage or a late-night flight | Taxi at official counters at fixed rates per zone | ~260-450 pesos |
Benito Juárez → Historic Center and Zócalo
The Metrobús Line 4 «Quetzalcóatl» is the most direct route: it stops at Pino Suárez near the Museo de la Ciudad, just steps from Zócalo and Bellas Artes, with a journey of about 45 minutes and no transfers.
Benito Juárez → Polanco
This district of offices, luxury hotels and boutiques is not directly served by metro or metrobús: licensed taxi or an app like Uber/DiDi remain the most practical choice, with fares around 450-600 pesos depending on traffic.
Benito Juárez → Roma Norte and Condesa
For these neighborhoods of galleries and venues, licensed taxi or a ride-hailing app remain preferable to public transport, with indicative fares between 300 and 450 pesos.
Benito Juárez → Buenavista
Buenavista Station, terminus of Metrobús Line 4 and hub of Metro Line B, is the reference point for those continuing with suburban trains or intercity buses toward the country's interior.
Car rental at Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport
The arrivals area hosts desks for major car rental brands.
The documents to have are driver's license, passport, credit card, plus an IDP in nearly all cases.
Hotels near Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport
At the airport
The Hilton Mexico City Airport is inside Terminal 1, on the third level; the Camino Real Aeropuerto is linked to T1 by a covered pedestrian bridge and to T2 by a free shuttle running 24 hours.
Best for: Dawn flights, one-night layovers and late arrivals when all you want is a bed near check-in.
- You walk to the check-in desk, with no traffic or taxis
- The Camino Real has a round-the-clock shuttle to T2 if you depart from there
- The metro's Terminal Aérea station is a few minutes' walk away
- Mostly busy roads around and little to do in the evening
- To see the city you still need a taxi, the metro or the Metrobús
- Rooms and services designed for people in transit: little holiday atmosphere
Recommended hotels
- Hilton Mexico City Airport Inside Terminal 1, on the third level, reached from gate 8 by escalator and lift: from bed to the check-in desks without leaving the building. View availability
- Camino Real Aeropuerto México Covered pedestrian bridge to Terminal 1 and a free round-the-clock shuttle to Terminal 2; indoor pool and gym, 600 rooms. View availability
Centro Histórico and Zócalo
Metrobús Line 4 from the airport to Pino Suárez, a short walk from the Zócalo, in about 45 minutes with no changes; by authorised taxi or app 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.
Best for: First-time visitors who want the Cathedral, Templo Mayor and Bellas Artes on foot.
- From the Zócalo you can walk to the main monuments of the centre
- Metrobús L4 runs with no changes, handy with light luggage
- Many historic buildings turned into hotels with terraces over the square
- In the evening, away from the main streets, the roads empty out
- The Metrobús with big bags and at rush hour is uncomfortable
- Rooms on the square are exposed to noise from events and demonstrations
Reforma and Alameda
By authorised taxi or app from the airport, 20-40 minutes depending on traffic; the area is close to Buenavista, the terminus of Metrobús L4.
Best for: Business trips and short stays with an easy departure to the airport, between Alameda and Zona Rosa.
- Alameda Central and Bellas Artes are within walking distance of the Hilton Reforma
- Zona Rosa and Reforma have many restaurants open late
- The taxi to the airport is a direct ride, with no changes
- Traffic on the main roads can double the journey time
- Metro L5 is impractical with suitcases
- At weekends some streets around empty out after dinner
Roma Norte and Condesa
Authorised taxi or app from the airport, 20-40 minutes depending on traffic: no direct metro or Metrobús link to the airport.
Best for: Those who have already seen the monuments and prefer cafés, galleries and dinners along tree-lined streets.
- Restaurants, bars and bookshops on foot, even in the evening
- Parque México and Avenida Amsterdam for quiet walks
- Small hotels, often in period houses, with plenty of character
- With no direct link, the return depends on a taxi or app
- Morning traffic can lengthen the trip to T1
- The hotels are small (13-40 rooms in the two listed): book in advance
Recommended hotels
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 17
- with Priority Pass
- 9
- open 24 hours
- 6
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The two terminals (T1 and T2, connected by an internal people mover) handle the country's most intense traffic.
Those departing on international flights should arrive 3 hours early.
Map of Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is it true that Uber can no longer pick up passengers inside Mexico City airport?
Yes, since March 2026 Uber and DiDi can no longer pick up inside the terminal: use the authorized taxis at the official counters, or check the designated ride-hailing pickup zones.
Q. How much does a taxi from the airport to downtown cost?
Authorized taxis charge fixed rates by zone: roughly 260-320 pesos for the Centro Histórico, 380-450 pesos for Polanco.
Q. How do you get from the airport by metro?
The Terminal Aérea station on metro Line 5 connects the airport directly to the city network, with a ticket costing just 5 pesos.
Q. Do you need a visa for Mexico?
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the United States and Canada don't need a tourist visa for stays of up to 180 days, but all visitors must fill out the FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple).
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
9 lounges, including Celeste Lounge (T1), Lounge 19 (T1), The Gate Priority Club (T1), The Grand Lounge Elite (T1), The Lounge Mexico (T1) and VIPort Lounge (T1).
Q. Are any lounges open 24 hours?
Yes: Lounge 19 (T1), The Grand Lounge Elite (T1), The Lounge Mexico (T1), VIPort Lounge (T1), The Harmony Lounge (T2) and VIPort Lounge (T2).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
Nearby Airports
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Mexico City: Frida Kahlo Museum or Casa Kahlo Entry Ticket
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Xochimilco: Traditional Boat Sightseeing Tour, Culture and Fun.
