Mexico City International Airport - Wikimedia, Sharon Hahn Darlin

Mexico City International Airport is the main arrival point for international flights into the capital. Officially named Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (MEX), it has two terminals serving domestic and international airlines. The airport is east of Roma Norte, Condesa, Polanco, the Historic Center, and other neighborhoods where visitors commonly stay.

A pre-arranged private transfer is our preferred way to reach the hotel. Your driver meets you after baggage claim and takes you directly to your hotel, avoiding the decisions that come with arriving in a busy airport for the first time. This guide covers the terminals, transfer options, expected travel times, and what to know before leaving the airport.

Mexico City International Airport At A Glance

Terminal 2 at Mexico City International Airport - Wikimedia, Luis Alvaz

Mexico City International Airport has two passenger terminals. Terminal 1 handles airlines including American, United, Air Canada, and several European carriers. Terminal 2 is used primarily by Aeroméxico and other SkyTeam airlines.

Both terminals have separate arrival areas. Confirm your arrival terminal before booking a private transfer or arranging to meet someone at the airport.

Private Airport Transfers

Guests arriving at a Mexico City hotel

We recommend arranging a private airport transfer before you arrive. Your driver meets you after baggage claim, helps with your luggage, and takes you directly to your hotel. There is no need to find a taxi rank, compare ride options, or navigate the airport after a long flight.

Private transfers work especially well for hotels in Roma Norte, Condesa, Polanco, the Historic Center, and Coyoacán. The price is confirmed when you book, and your driver tracks your flight if it arrives later than scheduled.

Choosing The Right Hotel Area

Parque México is at the heart of Condesa's hotel district - Diane Shaskin

Roma Norte, Condesa, and Polanco are our recommendations for a first stay. All three neighborhoods have strong hotel choices, restaurants within walking distance, leafy streets, and easy access to Chapultepec, Reforma, and the Historic Center. Polanco has the city’s largest concentration of 4- and 5-star hotels, with museums, shopping, and formal dining nearby.

The Historic Center puts the Zócalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and major museums within walking distance. Coyoacán is a quieter part of the city with plazas, markets, and tree-lined streets.

Airport Taxis

Authorized airport taxis are available outside both terminals. Fares are prepaid at official taxi booths inside the airport, with the price based on your destination. Drivers then collect passengers from the designated taxi ranks.

We still recommend booking a private transfer before you arrive. Your driver meets you after baggage claim, the price is confirmed in advance, and you head directly to your hotel without stopping at a taxi counter.

Uber From The Airport

Uber pickups at MEX are not allowed at the airport terminal. Airport rules mean that the Uber pickup location is a ten-minute walk outside the airport.

We use Uber throughout Mexico City, but not from the airport. After a long flight, a pre-arranged transfer that meets you after baggage claim is simpler than walking outside the airport with luggage to find your driver.

Before You Leave The Airport

ATMs are available in both terminals. Use an ATM operated by a bank and decline any optional currency conversion so your own bank handles the exchange rate.

SIM cards are sold at airport shops and mobile-phone counters. Travelers with compatible phones can arrange an eSIM before departure and connect as soon as the flight lands.

Currency exchange counters are located in the arrivals areas. They are useful for a small amount of cash, although an airport bank ATM is generally the better choice for withdrawing pesos.

Mexico City uses Central Standard Time, UTC−6, throughout the year. The city does not observe daylight saving time.

Restrooms are available throughout both terminals, including the baggage-claim and arrivals areas.