Mexico City International Airport (AICM) sits remarkably close to the Centro Histórico, with the Zócalo main square just 10 km away. The Metro connects both in about 25 minutes, making this one of the most accessible airport-to-historic-center transfers in Latin America.

About Centro Histórico (Zócalo)

The Zócalo (officially Plaza de la Constitución) is one of the largest public squares in the world and the beating heart of Mexico City, built atop the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán. The square is framed by the Palacio Nacional (housing Diego Rivera's epic murals depicting Mexican history), the Metropolitan Cathedral (the largest and oldest cathedral in the Americas, sinking visibly into the ancient lakebed), and the ruins of the Templo Mayor — the main temple of the Aztec empire, discovered accidentally in 1978.

The surrounding Centro Histórico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing over 1,500 designated historic buildings, spanning colonial palaces, baroque churches, Art Nouveau mansions, and Art Deco gems. The Palacio de Bellas Artes, with its stunning Art Nouveau/Art Deco exterior and Rivera/Orozco/Siqueiros murals inside, anchors the western edge of the historic core, while the Torre Latinoamericana offers panoramic views from its observation deck.

The neighborhood buzzes with street food vendors selling tacos al pastor, tlacoyos, and esquites, traditional cantinas like La Opera (with a bullet hole in the ceiling allegedly from Pancho Villa), and the Mercado de San Juan gourmet market. Calle Madero, the main pedestrian street, connects the Zócalo to the Bellas Artes area, passing the ornate Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles) and the Palacio de Iturbide.

Nearby Landmarks

Zócalo Templo Mayor Palacio Nacional Metropolitan Cathedral Palacio de Bellas Artes

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost MXN 250-300 (authorized taxi)
Time 20-35 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. At Terminal 1, follow signs to Metro station Terminal Aérea (Line 5, yellow)
2. Take Line 5 toward Pantitlán, transfer at Pantitlán to Line 1 (pink)
3. Ride Line 1 toward Observatorio, exit at Zócalo station
4. Total metro journey: approximately 25 minutes (MXN 5, about $0.30)
5. Alternative: pre-paid Sitio taxi from the airport terminal counter (MXN 200-300)
6. Metrobús Line 4 also connects Terminal 1 and 2 to the Centro via Buenavista

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi MXN 250-300 (authorized taxi) 20-35 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Metro operates until midnight. After that, authorized Sitio taxis from the airport (pre-paid at terminal counters) operate 24 hours. Uber and DiDi are available but cannot pick up at the airport interior — you must walk to designated pickup areas. Late-night taxi fare to Centro is approximately MXN 200-300 ($12-18). The Centro Histórico has active nightlife in the cantina district around Plaza Garibaldi, but some surrounding streets should be avoided at night.

Luggage Tips

The Metro is manageable with luggage outside rush hours, but Line 1 and transfer stations get extremely crowded during peak times. Authorized Sitio taxis from the airport are the best option with heavy luggage (pre-pay at the booth inside the terminal, MXN 200-300 to Centro). The Centro Histórico has cobblestone streets and many hotels are in converted colonial buildings with stairs. Calle Madero is a wide, flat pedestrian street.

Accessibility

Mexico City's Metro has limited accessibility — many stations have stairs without elevators, and the system is extremely crowded. Authorized airport taxis are the best option for wheelchair users. The Centro Histórico's colonial streets are uneven, though major pedestrian streets like Madero are paved. The Zócalo itself is flat and accessible. Palacio de Bellas Artes has elevator access. The Templo Mayor museum has partial wheelchair access on the ground level.