La Condesa and Roma, Mexico City's trendiest twin neighborhoods, lie approximately 12 km west of the airport. The 25-50 minute journey reaches the leafy, Art Deco-lined streets that have become the epicenter of Mexico City's contemporary food and culture scene.

About Condesa / Roma

Condesa and Roma (officially Colonia Hipódromo Condesa and Colonia Roma) are adjacent neighborhoods that together form the creative and culinary heart of modern Mexico City. Condesa's tree-lined streets radiate from two circular parks — Parque México and Parque España — built on the grounds of a former horse racing track, giving the neighborhood its distinctive elliptical street layout and Art Deco architecture from the 1920s and 1930s.

The restaurant and café scene in these neighborhoods has made Mexico City one of the world's great food destinations. Condesa's Avenida Tamaulipas and Amsterdam are lined with sidewalk cafés, mezcalerías, and innovative restaurants blending traditional Mexican flavors with global techniques. Roma, particularly around Calle Álvaro Obregón and Calle Orizaba, offers art galleries, independent bookshops (like the iconic Cafebrería El Péndulo), and some of the city's best taquerías.

Roma Norte is home to the Casa Lamm cultural center, the MODO (Museum of Design) in a restored Art Nouveau mansion, and vibrant street markets including the Saturday market at Plaza Río de Janeiro (centered around a replica of Michelangelo's David). The area was beautifully depicted in Alfonso Cuarón's 2018 film 'Roma,' bringing international attention to these already beloved neighborhoods.

Nearby Landmarks

Parque México Plaza Río de Janeiro Avenida Álvaro Obregón Casa Lamm

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost MXN 200-300
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 the airport, take Metro Line 5 from Terminal Aérea
2. Transfer at Pantitlán to Line 1, ride to Chapultepec station
3. Walk south from Chapultepec station into Condesa (15 minutes via Av. Tamaulipas)
4. For Roma: transfer at Balderas to Line 3, exit at Hospital General or Centro Médico
5. Total metro journey: approximately 30-40 minutes (MXN 5)
6. Pre-paid taxi from airport: MXN 250-400 ($15-24), Uber/DiDi similar pricing

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi MXN 200-300 20-35 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Condesa and Roma are Mexico City's premier nightlife neighborhoods, with bars, restaurants, and mezcalerías open until 2:00-3:00 AM. The Metro closes at midnight, but Uber and DiDi are abundant in these areas at all hours. Walking between Roma and Condesa is safe and pleasant on main streets at night. Late-night tacos at street stands are a Condesa tradition. Ride-shares to the airport from Condesa cost MXN 150-300 ($9-18).

Luggage Tips

Condesa and Roma hotels and Airbnbs are often in converted Art Deco apartments with narrow staircases and no elevators. Confirm elevator access when booking if traveling with heavy luggage. The neighborhood streets have wide, tree-lined sidewalks good for rolling bags. If arriving by Metro, stations like Chapultepec and Patriotismo are less crowded than central line stations. Most restaurants and cafés have no bag storage.

Accessibility

Condesa and Roma have wide, tree-shaded sidewalks that are relatively flat and wheelchair-navigable, making them more accessible than many Mexico City neighborhoods. However, sidewalks can be uneven in places due to tree roots, and curb cuts are inconsistent. Most newer restaurants have step-free entries. Parque México and Parque España have paved paths. The Metro has very limited accessibility; use ride-shares for wheelchair transport.