Mexico City International Airport (Benito Juárez) (MEX) Guide
Quick summary
Latin America's busiest hub and Aeroméxico's home base, sitting right inside the city in the Venustiano Carranza borough. Note it's the downtown Benito Juárez airport (MEX) — not the newer, far-out AIFA/Felipe Ángeles (NLU).
The bottom line on MEX
The mistake that catches travelers at MEX happens before they land: booking the wrong airport, since this is downtown Benito Juárez (MEX) and not the distant Felipe Ángeles field (AIFA, code NLU) far north of the city. The second trap is the terminals themselves, about 3 km apart and not walkable, with the free Aerotrén reserved for connecting passengers who hold a boarding pass and carry-on only, so a self-transfer between T1 and T2 needs generous time.
For getting into town, skip the touts and buy a fixed-price ride at an official Taxi Autorizado counter in arrivals, roughly MXN $250 to $350 to the historic center. Metro Line 5 from Terminal Aérea beside T1 is almost free at MXN $5, but with no luggage space it only works well if you are travelling light.
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Traps most travelers fall for at MEX
- The biggest mistake happens before you land: booking the wrong airport, since this is downtown Benito Juárez (MEX), not the distant Felipe Ángeles field (AIFA, code NLU) far north of the city.
- Skip the touts and buy a fixed-price ride at an official 'Taxi Autorizado' counter in arrivals (roughly MXN $250-350 to the historic center) rather than accepting street offers.
- The two terminals are about 3 km apart and not walkable, and the free Aerotrén is reserved for connecting passengers with a boarding pass and carry-on only — allow generous time for a self-transfer.
Terminals at MEX
Mexico City's Benito Juárez has two terminals: Terminal 1 (T1), the older and larger one serving most international carriers plus many domestic flights, and Terminal 2 (T2), used mainly by Aeroméxico and its SkyTeam partners. The two terminals are about 3 km apart and not walkable. Connecting passengers can use the free Aerotrén (AirTrain) — a small elevated people-mover that runs airside roughly 5:00–23:00 — but it is only for passengers connecting between flights who hold a valid boarding pass and carry-on only. Everyone else must travel between terminals by paid inter-terminal bus, taxi, or Metro, so allow generous time if you change terminals.
MEX parking rates & options
| First 30 minutes | About MXN $30 |
| Up to 1 hour | About MXN $60 |
| 24-hour maximum | About MXN $391 per day |
| Metro Line 5 (Terminal Aérea) — one ride | MXN $5 |
| Authorized airport taxi to downtown | About MXN $250–350 |
Where the money actually goes at MEX
The gap between the cheapest and dearest parking here is $386 a day — $5 at the metro line 5 (terminal aérea) — one ride versus $391 at the 24-hour maximum. Over a week that is $2,702, for the same trip.
Calculated from the published rates in the table above — not an estimate. Rates change, so confirm before you book.
🚆 Getting to & from the airport
The cheapest option is Metro Line 5 (yellow line): the Terminal Aérea station sits right beside Terminal 1 and a single ride is just MXN $5, but it has no dedicated luggage space and can be crowded — better with light bags. For safety and simplicity most visitors use an authorized airport taxi: buy a fixed-price ticket at an official 'Taxi Autorizado' counter in the arrivals hall (roughly MXN $250–350 to the historic center) rather than accepting street offers. Rideshare apps (Uber/DiDi) also operate but have designated pickup points and can face restrictions — confirm the current pickup zone on arrival. Metrobús Line 4 also serves both terminals, running to the historic centre and Buenavista, but it requires a prepaid rechargeable card and has limited luggage room.
MEX vs IAH vs DFW: which airport is easier?
How the traveler experience compares, side by side.
🛋️ Lounges
MEX has more than a dozen lounges spread across both terminals. Priority Pass members have wide access, including options like the Grand Lounge Elite and The Lounge Mexico in Terminal 1. Airline and card lounges include the American Express Centurion Lounge, American Airlines Admirals Club, Avianca Lounge, and multiple Aeroméxico Salón Premier lounges (especially in T2). Most accept pay-at-the-door entry, prepaid passes, or eligible airline/cabin status, and many offer showers.
📶 Wi-Fi
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals — connect to "CDMX_AICM" in Terminal 1 or "AICM_T2" in Terminal 2.
😴 Layovers & overnight
For long or overnight layovers, be aware the airside amenities are decent but the terminals get very busy and seating for sleeping is limited. izZzleep sleep capsules operate in both terminals (booked by the hour, two-hour minimum, with showers and luggage storage). Directly connected hotels include the Hilton Mexico City Airport at Terminal 1 and the NH Collection Mexico City Aeropuerto at Terminal 2 — the most comfortable choice for an overnight. Because the two terminals are far apart and the Aerotrén is connections-only, avoid booking tight self-transfers between T1 and T2.
Insider tips
- This is MEX/Benito Juárez in the city — don't confuse it with the distant AIFA (NLU) airport.
- Always buy authorized taxis at an official 'Taxi Autorizado' counter, never from touts outside.
- Metro Line 5 at Terminal Aérea is dirt cheap (MXN $5) but best only with light carry-on luggage.
- The free Aerotrén between T1 and T2 is for connecting passengers with a boarding pass only.
- Allow plenty of time to change terminals — T1 and T2 are ~3 km apart and not walkable.
MEX airport — FAQ
＋ − How do I get from Mexico City Airport to downtown?
The cheapest way is Metro Line 5 from Terminal Aérea station beside Terminal 1 for MXN $5, though it's crowded and lacks luggage space. Most visitors buy a fixed-price authorized taxi at an official 'Taxi Autorizado' counter in arrivals (about MXN $250–350 to the historic center). Uber/DiDi also operate from designated pickup points.
＋ − How much is parking at Mexico City Airport?
Short stops run about MXN $30 for the first 30 minutes and MXN $60 for up to an hour, while the 24-hour maximum is about MXN $391 per day. Both terminals have their own parking structures with prepaid pay stations.
＋ − How do I get between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Mexico City Airport?
Connecting passengers with a valid boarding pass and carry-on can use the free Aerotrén (AirTrain) airside, running roughly 5:00–23:00. Everyone else must use a paid inter-terminal bus, taxi, or the Metro, since the terminals are about 3 km apart and not walkable.
＋ − Is Wi-Fi free at Mexico City Airport?
Yes. Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available in both terminals — connect to "CDMX_AICM" in Terminal 1 or "AICM_T2" in Terminal 2.
＋ − Is MEX the same as the new AIFA airport?
No. MEX is the original Benito Juárez International Airport located inside Mexico City. The newer Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA, code NLU) is a separate airport well north of the city, so double-check which one your ticket uses.
Sources & official links
This guide is independent and not affiliated with Mexico City International Airport (Benito Juárez). Parking rates, terminal layouts, and transit options change often — always confirm on the airport's official website before you travel.