Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport: where to stay, areas…

The historic centre is only a few kilometres from the runway, but Mexico City traffic turns that distance into 20-40 minutes by taxi and about 45 minutes by Metrobús. With a flight before 8 or a one-night connection it makes sense to stay right by the terminals, where two hotels are reachable on foot. If you have a few days, though, you gain by sleeping in the neighbourhoods: Centro Histórico for the monuments, Reforma and Alameda for convenience, Roma and Condesa for restaurants and cafés. For an early-morning trip back to the airport, it is best to book an authorised taxi the evening before.

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.

Pros

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

Cons

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 in this area

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.
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.

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Centro Histórico and Zócalo

Near the airport link · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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

Recommended hotels in this area

Gran Hotel Ciudad de México: A building from 1895 overlooking the Zócalo, with the great Art Nouveau stained-glass ceiling of 1908 in the lobby and a terrace with a view of the Palacio Nacional.

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Reforma and Alameda

Neighbourhood · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Mexico City Reforma: Facing the Alameda Central, about 650 metres from the Palacio de Bellas Artes and two blocks from Paseo de la Reforma; rooftop pool.

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