Mexico City International Airport
Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México Benito Juárez · AICM
Mexico City, Mexico · Since 1931
Last updated:
About MEX
Mexico City International Airport, officially Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez, is the busiest airport in Latin America and the main gateway to Mexico. Located just 5 kilometers east of the historic city center, it is remarkably close to downtown Mexico City. The airport operates from two terminals connected by the Aerotrén monorail, handling domestic flights to all Mexican states and international flights to destinations across North America, Central America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Despite its aging infrastructure, the airport remains the critical hub for Mexican aviation and Aeromexico's main base of operations.
Why "MEX"?
MEX is the IATA code from Mexico, specifically Mexico City (Ciudad de México). The airport is officially named after President Benito Juárez.
Hub For
Airlines Operating
Aeromexico, Aeromexico Connect, Volaris, VivaAerobus, Interjet, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Air Canada, Copa Airlines, Avianca, LATAM, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Iberia, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, ANA, Korean Air, Air China, Aeromar
Terminals
Terminal 1
Larger terminal handling most domestic carriers and many international airlines. Connected to Metro Terminal Aérea station and Metrobús.
Terminal 2
Opened 2007 for Aeromexico and SkyTeam partners plus some international carriers. Connected to T1 by free Aerotrén monorail (3 min).
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at MEX
Showing 8 of 24 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Metrobús Line 4 connects T1 and T2 to city center (MXN 30, 45 min). Metro Terminal Aérea (Line 5) near T1 (MXN 5 but not recommended with luggage). Authorized airport taxis from booths inside terminals (MXN 250-350). Uber available from T1 and T2. Aerotrén monorail connects T1 and T2 (free). ADO buses to Puebla and other cities.
Taxi
MXN 250-350 (~$14-20) authorized taxi
20-40 minutes to city center
Public Transport
MXN 30 (~$1.70) Metrobús
45 minutes to Centro Histórico to city center
Parking at MEX
Parking at both terminals: short-stay and long-stay. T1 has multi-level garage. Pre-booking not widely available....
T1 Multi-Story
T2 Parking
Economy Lot
Valet Parking
Airport Lounges
Aeromexico Salón Premier
Aeromexico's flagship lounge in T2 with Mexican cuisine, tequila selection, and comfortable seating.
Salón Premier American Express
Amex-operated lounge available in T1 and T2 with Mexican food and drinks.
United Club
United lounge in T1 with snacks, beverages, and a work area.
Global Lounge T2
Independent lounge in T2 with Mexican cuisine and tequila bar.
VivaAerobus VIP Lounge
Basic lounge with snacks, drinks, and WiFi for budget airline passengers.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
NH Collection Mexico City Airport T2
Connected to T2
Premium hotel connected to T2 with modern design, restaurant, and direct terminal access.
Courtyard by Marriott Mexico City Airport
Connected to T1 via covered walkway
Modern Marriott hotel directly connected to T1. Soundproofed rooms, gym, restaurant. Day rooms available.
Hilton Mexico City Airport
Connected to T1 via covered walkway
Upscale hotel directly connected to T1 with pool, spa, and fine dining. Excellent soundproofing.
Nearby Hotels
Holiday Inn Express Mexico City Airport
5 minutes by shuttle
Budget-friendly option with complimentary breakfast and regular airport shuttle.
Food & Dining
Tortas Don Polo
Mexican
Famous Mexican torta (sandwich) shop offering authentic Mexican flavors.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Punta del Cielo
Café
Mexican coffee chain serving excellent Mexican-grown coffee and pastries.
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
McDonald's
Fast Food
Fast food available in both terminals.
24/7
La Casa de Toño
Mexican
Beloved Mexican chain famous for its pozole (traditional hominy soup) and sopes.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Taco Inn
Mexican/Tacos
Quick-service taco restaurant with classic Mexican fillings.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Chili's
American/Mexican
American-Mexican casual dining with burgers, fajitas, and margaritas.
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Car Rental
Hertz
T1 and T2 arrivals
Counter in both terminals. Full insurance strongly recommended for Mexico.
Avis
T1 and T2 arrivals
Major brand with reliable vehicles. Be aware of Mexico City driving - the "Hoy No Circula" restriction may apply.
National Car Rental
T1 and T2 arrivals
Good for road trips to Puebla, Cuernavaca, or Teotihuacán.
Europcar
T1 arrivals
International brand. Make sure to get Mexican liability insurance.
Alamo
T1 arrivals
Budget-friendly. Reserve online for best rates. Check vehicle condition carefully at pickup.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Duty-Free Shopping
Shop for tequila, mezcal, Mexican chocolate, talavera pottery, and silver jewelry at the duty-free shops in both terminals.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Zócalo & Historic Center
Metrobús to the main plaza to see the National Palace (with Diego Rivera murals), Metropolitan Cathedral, and Templo Mayor ruins.
Museo Nacional de Antropología
One of the world's greatest museums of anthropology, featuring the Aztec Sun Stone and extensive Mesoamerican collections in Chapultepec Park.
Chapultepec Castle
Taxi to Chapultepec Park to visit the only royal castle in the Americas, now a history museum with panoramic city views.
Street Food Tour in Coyoacán
Visit the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán for tacos, churros, and the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul). Book museum tickets in advance.
Visit Teotihuacán Pyramids
Take a bus (1 hour) to the ancient city with its massive Pyramid of the Sun and Moon. One of Mexico's most impressive archaeological sites.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●○○○
- Power Outlets: Type A, Type B (US-style)
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: From MXN 120/day (~$7)
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
Money & Currency
- Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN/$)
- Exchange: Exchange houses in both terminals in arrivals and departures. Banks and ATMs throughout.
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Tipping: Tipping 10-15% at restaurants is customary. Tip taxi drivers, porters (MXN 20-50 per bag), and hotel staff.
Airport exchange rates are worse than city center. Withdraw pesos from ATMs for better rates. Use bank ATMs (Citibanamex, BBVA) rather than independent ones to avoid high fees.
Smoking Areas
No indoor smoking. Designated outdoor areas outside terminal buildings.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +52 55 2482 2424
Lost and found offices in both terminals. Contact +52 55 2482 2400.
Entry Requirements
Visa Information
Citizens of many countries can enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days as tourists. US, Canadian, EU, UK citizens do not need a visa.
Valid passport required. FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) tourist card provided on arrival or online. No visa needed for most Western nationalities for stays up to 180 days.
When to Fly
Best time: March-May for dry weather before rainy season
Peak seasons: December-January (Christmas/New Year), Easter week (Semana Santa), summer holidays (July-August)
Insider Tips
Only use authorized taxis from the airport booths inside the terminal - never accept rides from people approaching you. The Aerotrén monorail is the easiest way to transfer between T1 and T2. Metrobús Line 4 is cheap and connects to the metro system for onward travel. Mexico City altitude (2,240m) can cause mild altitude sickness - stay hydrated. The airport is centrally located making taxi rides short but traffic can be terrible during rush hours. T2 handles Aeromexico and partners.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Two terminals connected by Aerotrén monorail (free, 3 min). Duty-free shops in both terminals. Multiple airline lounges. Free WiFi (can be slow). Left luggage in both terminals. Chapel. Medical services. Various dining options from Mexican cuisine to international chains. Pharmacy. Banks and ATMs.
Official Website
Phone
+52 55 2482 2424