Polanco and Chapultepec, Mexico City's most prestigious residential and cultural district, lie about 15 km west of the airport. The 30-60 minute journey reaches the city's museum mile, luxury shopping, and one of the world's great urban parks.

About Polanco / Chapultepec

Polanco is Mexico City's most upscale neighborhood, often called the 'Beverly Hills of Mexico,' with tree-lined Avenida Presidente Masaryk serving as its luxury shopping spine. The avenue and surrounding streets house flagship stores of Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci, and Mexican designer boutiques, alongside some of the city's finest restaurants — Pujol (consistently ranked among the world's best), Quintonil, and Dulce Patria among them.

Adjacent Chapultepec Park is one of the largest urban parks in the Western Hemisphere, spanning 686 hectares — more than double the size of New York's Central Park. The park is crowned by Chapultepec Castle, the only royal castle in the Americas, perched atop a hill with commanding views of the city and Paseo de la Reforma. The castle now houses the National Museum of History.

Chapultepec Park is home to Mexico City's greatest concentration of museums, including the National Museum of Anthropology (housing the Aztec Sun Stone and the world's finest collection of pre-Columbian artifacts), the Museum of Modern Art, the Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum, and the Rufino Tamayo Museum. The park also contains a zoo, botanical garden, lakes for boating, and the Audiorama — a peaceful outdoor reading space with classical music piped through speakers hidden in the trees.

Nearby Landmarks

National Museum of Anthropology Chapultepec Castle Av. Masaryk Paseo de la Reforma

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost MXN 280-350
Time 25-40 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, take Metro Line 5 from Terminal Aérea station
2. Transfer at La Raza to Line 3 (olive green), ride to Auditorio station
3. Exit at Auditorio for Chapultepec Park and the Museum of Anthropology
4. For Polanco shopping district: take Line 7 to Polanco station instead
5. Total metro journey: approximately 35-45 minutes (MXN 5)
6. Pre-paid taxi from airport to Polanco: MXN 300-450 ($18-27), 30-60 min

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi MXN 280-350 25-40 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Metro runs until midnight with stations at Auditorio, Polanco, and Chapultepec. Polanco is one of Mexico City's safest neighborhoods at night, with restaurants and bars along Masaryk open until midnight or later. Uber and DiDi are readily available throughout Polanco. Late-night ride-shares to the airport cost MXN 200-400 ($12-24). Chapultepec Park closes at dusk and should not be entered at night.

Luggage Tips

Polanco hotels are among Mexico City's finest (W, St. Regis, JW Marriott, Hyatt Regency) with full bellman and luggage services. If visiting Chapultepec Park or museums, leave luggage at the hotel. The National Museum of Anthropology has a coat/bag check. Metro Line 7 to Polanco is less crowded than Line 1, making it more practical with luggage. Masaryk street is wide and flat for rolling luggage.

Accessibility

Polanco's wide sidewalks are among Mexico City's most wheelchair-friendly. The National Museum of Anthropology is fully accessible with ramps and elevators. Chapultepec Castle has an accessibility elevator. The Metro has limited accessibility — use taxis for wheelchair transport. Most luxury hotels in Polanco exceed accessibility standards. Chapultepec Park's main paths are paved and relatively flat.