Passenger numbers at this airport are mind blowing, with an estimated 100,000 people believed to be transiting here, every single day. Yearly, almost 42 million visitors call in/out on Mexico via its main aviation hub. Due to the sheer number of traffic, nearby Toluca Airport sometimes picks up overflow.
T1 and T2 are 3km apart and connected by (free) monorail (Aerotren) and trolleybus. T1, the largest airport terminal in the Americas, comprises 33 departure/arrival gates and services both international and domestic flights. T2, is slightly smaller with only 23 gates. Do note that each airline has its dedicated terminal, so you can easily find out where you’ll be arriving or departing from.
International Airlines to/from Mexico City:
- AeroMexico
- Air Canada
- Air France
- Alitalia
- All Nippon Airways
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Copa
- Delta
- Iberia
- JetBlue
- KLM
- LATAM
- Lufthansa
- Southwest
- Volaris
Domestic flights are mostly handled by:
- Aeromar
- AeroMexico Connect
Information desk: Half a dozen information desks are found airside in Terminal 1 and landside in Terminal 2. They operate between 6.30am and 10pm.
Getting to/from the airport: In total, 5 taxi companies are officially allowed to transport passengers from the airport. You’ll find their dedicated booths just outside the arrivals halls. Each terminal boasts its own dedicated bus depot, with buses connecting to destinations well beyond Mexico City. Metrobus Line 4 is a dedicated coach service which can bring passengers into the city. Do note that cash is not accepted on buses so you’ll have to purchase and top up a smart card before boarding. For greater convenience, and peace of mind, we recommend all tourists to Mexico City pre-arrange private transport to their hotel so they can get in, an out of the airport, swiftly.
Connecting flights: This is a great airport to be stuck in for a few hours, especially if you visit one of the lounges. You can freely move between T1 and T2 on the monorail as long as you have your ticket/boarding pass at hand. Connection times and procedure can vary dramatically, depending on which airline/s you’re travelling with. To avoid time-wasting, request that your luggage be transferred from your point of initial boarding to your final destination. This way, you’ll only have to pick up your new boarding pass at the airport, if that. However, this is not always possible, so check ahead. Your trusted travel agent will help you organise plenty of time in-between your flights but 3hrs tends to be the best option if you must take charge of your luggage and re-check-in.
Hotels: Mexico City International Airport boasts one Hotel in Terminal 2 and three in Terminal 1. Terminal 1 Hotels:
- IZzzleep – Futuristic sleep pods with built-in TV & private bathroom. Near the bus terminal, minimum stay is 2 hrs.
- Hilton Hotel – 3rd floor, next to Gate F1.
- Courtyard Hotel – accessed via walkway in T1, offers free shuttle from/to T2.
Terminal 2 Hotel:
- Hotel NH Collection – 6th floor of Terminal 2, free shuttle bus service.
Currency: Currency exchange booths are found in both terminals although they usually work on rotation. The one located on the ground floor of Terminal 1, however, operates 24/7. You can check current exchange rates between the Mexican Peso and your home country’s currency, right here.
Medical attention: Paramedical services at the airport are on call 24/7. If needed, simply hail down an airport staff member and they will assist you.
Food: At Mexico City International airport, you couldn’t go hungry even if you tried. Plenty of food outlets, of both the fast and slow-food variety, are spread out in both terminals. If arriving (or departing) at some ungodly hour, do note that most 24hr eateries are located in both levels of T1, and the upper level of T2. Mexican cuisine would have to rate as one of the most exported from Latin America. Although everyone thinks they know Mexican cuisine (tacos, anyone?) it is actually a very complex and regional affair, with each part of the country boasting its own particular tastes. Whilst corn, chillies and beans are indeed staples the country over – and have been since Pre-Columbian times – the main ingredients in meals change ever so much, depending on where you visit. Seafood is obviously extremely popular in seaside locations whereas meat features heavily in more mountainous regions. Tostadas, enchiladas, tamales and tacos are among the most adored and popular snack-foods in the country.
Lounges: Several lounges offer respite during long transfers and before flying. They are:
- Avianca Lounge (operated by Global Lounge) – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, next to Gate 31. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Buy a lounge pass (US$ 40.00– 24 hour advance purchase is required).
- American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Concourse H, 2nd Floor. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (US$59) • Admirals Club Membership.
- United Club – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Mezzanine Level, 2nd Floor. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (US$59) • United Club Membership.
- Grand Lounge Elite – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, near Gate H. Showers are available.
- Lounge 19 – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Ground Level, Gate 19. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours.
Wifi: Free Wifi is offered at the airport. Simply connect to the TelMex Network.
ATM’s: The first two levels of both terminals boast plenty of ATM machines.
Left Luggage: You’ll find a Left Luggage Storage office next to Exits 2 and 3, directly after you pass Mexican Customs and exit into the arrivals area of T1. At the time of writing, the fee is approximately USD 7.50 for a 24hr period.
Duty-Free: There’s plenty of Duty-Free shopping to be had in both terminals, with most retailers operating 24/7. The array of outlets includes retail and souvenirs.
Mexico offers a ton of fun, historical, and cultural experiences and is a country totally blessed with natural splendors and an abundance of incredible wildlife. Mexico City International Airport is a brilliant springboard for countrywide adventures, and you can easily reach Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. From the barefoot chic mecca of Tulum to the awe-inspiring pyramids of Teotihuacan: Mexico offers a delectable flavor for every possible taste. A safe and enticing travel destination, this country remains one of the most visited and beloved the world over, for an infinite number of reasons.
So why not come visit?
For comprehensive, specialized, and bespoke tours of Mexico…we’re here to help. Contact us for more info.
Author: Laura Pattara “Laura Pattara is a modern nomad who’s been vagabonding around the world, non-stop, for the past 15 years. She’s tour-guided overland trips through South America and Africa, traveled independently through the Middle East, and has completed a 6-year motorbike trip from Europe to Australia. What ticks her fancy most? Animal encounters in remote wilderness, authentic experiences off the beaten trail, and spectacular Autumn colors in Patagonia.”
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