How to get to Mexico City

Mexico City is an impressive metropolis in terms of scale and the capital of Mexico, situated in a picturesque high-altitude valley. If you are planning a visit to this city, it is worth studying the available logistics in advance: you can get here in various ways, including by air, bus, or private car. We have prepared a detailed guide on how to get to Mexico City so that you can choose the most convenient and fastest route for your journey.

The main air gateway to the capital is Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX). It is the country's busiest and most important aviation hub, receiving hundreds of daily flights from Europe, the USA, Canada, and Latin American countries. The airport consists of two terminals connected by a monorail and bus service.

A huge advantage for travellers is the airport's location directly within the limits of Mexico City, just a few kilometres from the central districts. Thanks to this, the transfer to your hotel takes minimal time. You can reach the city on a budget via the Metro (Terminal Aérea station) or the Metrobus express buses (Line 4). For those who value comfort, official taxi counters are available in the arrival zones, and ride-hailing services are also accessible.

There is currently no direct passenger rail service to Mexico City, as the capital does not have active stations for long-distance trains. The country's railway network is nowadays focused primarily on cargo transport, so the romance of travel to the sound of wheels will have to be replaced here by comfortable buses or flights.

If you are planning a complex route through the region, it is worth considering the location of nearby major cities that can serve as reference points. Within a radius of a few hundred kilometres from the capital, you will find colourful Puebla, historic Querétaro, and Poza Rica.

Bus service in the country is excellently developed, and a trip on a comfortable coach often becomes a great alternative to flying. One of the most popular directions is the route from neighbouring Puebla: you can cover the distance of 135 kilometres in just two hours, often enjoying views of the volcanoes. Regular services from historic Querétaro are no less in demand; it is separated from the capital by about 220 kilometres and roughly three hours of travel.

For travellers coming from the state of Veracruz, it is convenient to travel from the city of Poza Rica; this journey will take four to five hours, covering a distance of 280 kilometres. Most intercity buses arrive at one of the four main terminals of the metropolis (North, South, East, or West), so before purchasing a ticket, it is worth checking exactly which station your service will arrive at.

Travelling behind the wheel allows you to see a picturesque change of landscapes, and the shortest route lies from neighbouring Puebla: in just two hours you will cover 135 kilometres, often with views of majestic volcanoes. The road from historic Querétaro will take about three hours, during which you will drive 220 kilometres along a modern highway connecting the capital with the northern regions. Those heading from the Gulf of Mexico coast, for example from Poza Rica, should count on 4–5 hours on the road to cover a distance of 280 kilometres.

For comfortable movement, it is recommended to choose toll roads (cuotas), which are distinguished by better surface quality and safety. If you prefer not to drive yourself, you can book an intercity taxi or private transfer, although such a trip will not be cheap: the average cost of the service from the nearest major cities varies from 2,000 to 4,000 pesos (approximately 100–200 USD).

A trip to Mexico City is an exciting adventure that requires a little preparation for maximum comfort. We have collected useful recommendations for you that will help you feel confident in the capital of Mexico and get only positive emotions from your trip.

1. Clothing and Items. The weather in the capital is changeable due to the high altitude. The best choice is the principle of layering: it can be hot during the day, while evenings and mornings are often cool. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, as the historic centre is best explored on foot.
2. Transport. The Metro is the most budget-friendly way to get around, but it is heavily overcrowded during peak hours. For greater comfort and safety, tourists are recommended to use official taxis from stands (sitio) or popular mobile apps for booking cars.
3. Finances. The national currency is the Mexican Peso. Cards are accepted in hotels, major restaurants, and shopping centres, but always carry small denomination cash for buying souvenirs, famous street food, or paying for transport.
4. Health and Safety. Never drink tap water; buy only bottled water. Given the city's altitude (over 2,200 metres), do not physically overexert yourself in the first few days to avoid symptoms of altitude sickness. Stick to tourist districts such as Roma, Condesa, and Polanco.
5. Communication. The main language is Spanish. In tourist places, staff often speak English, but knowing basic phrases of politeness in Spanish will significantly facilitate communication and win the sympathy of locals.
6. Local Etiquette. Mexicans are a very polite nation. It is customary to greet people when entering a shop, lift, or getting into a taxi ("buenos días" or "buenas tardes"). Tips (propina) are welcomed and usually amount to 10–15% of the bill.
7. What to Avoid. Do not wear expensive jewellery or openly display valuable technology on crowded streets. Also, try to avoid walking alone at night in areas remote from the tourist centre.
8. Additional Tip. Most museums in the city are closed on Mondays, so plan your cultural programme for other days of the week. Also note that on Sundays, entry to many museums is free for citizens of the country, which creates long queues.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid common difficulties and focus on the beauty of the architecture, the richness of history, and the unique atmosphere of this grand metropolis.