Best way to get around Mexico City: Helpful tips and tricks

How to get around in Mexico City can seem overwhelming due to its size and complexity, but the city offers plenty of efficient options. From the Metro to the Cablebús, the best transportation in Mexico City is both affordable and accessible.

Whether you’re visiting iconic Mexico City landmarks like the Zócalo, Chapultepec Park, or Frida Kahlo Museum, understanding how to get around Mexico City is key to making the most of your trip. With reliable public transport, ride-sharing apps, and bike-friendly initiatives, navigating this Mexican metropolis is easier than expected.

Getting around Mexico City: tips and tricks

• Getting to and from Mexico City Airport: Take the Metro Line 5 for budget-friendly travel or the Metrobus Line 4, which directly connects the airport to Downtown. Other options include ride-hailing apps like Uber and authorized airport taxis.
• Metro System: Mexico City’s Metro is one of the largest in the Americas, with 12 lines and 163 stations. Be mindful of peak hours when trains can be crowded.
• Luggage Restrictions: Large luggage is generally prohibited on the metro, especially during peak hours when trains are crowded. It’s advisable to use alternative transportation, such as the Metrobus, which offers more space and is better equipped to handle luggage.
• Women-Only Cars: During peak hours, Metro trains’ first 2-3 cars are reserved for women and children, ensuring a safer and more comfortable ride.
• Metrobús: With 7 lines and 283 stations, the Metrobús complements the Metro by covering areas it doesn’t reach. It’s a reliable option, especially during off-peak hours.
• Try the Cablebús System: The Cablebús, Mexico City’s cable car system, connects remote hillside neighborhoods to the Metro network. With stunning views and affordable fares, it’s a unique, efficient way to travel in areas like Iztapalapa and Gustavo A. Madero.
• Integrated Mobility Card (MI): Purchase an Integrated Mobility card on your first day. It’s the single card required—and often the only payment method accepted—for the Mexico City Metro, Metrobús, and Ecobici systems.
• Sunday Ciclovía: Every Sunday, major streets like Paseo de la Reforma are closed to cars. Rent a bike from Ecobici and explore the city at your own pace.
• Skip Driving During Rush Hour: Traffic in Mexico City is notoriously bad during peak hours (7–9 AM and 6–9 PM). Opt for public transit to bypass gridlock.
• Ride-Sharing Services: Apps like Uber, Cabify, and DiDi are widely available and offer a safe alternative to hailing street taxis.
• Safety Tips: Always be vigilant with your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Avoid using your phone openly in public transit, and be cautious when traveling late at night.
• Accessibility in Mexico City: While public transport offers some accommodations, not all Metro stations are wheelchair accessible. The Metrobus and Cablebús systems provide better accessibility.

Useful apps

• Waze/Google Maps: These apps are perfect for driving in Mexico City. They provide real-time traffic updates, alternate routes, and public transit directions.
• Moovit: A must-have for navigating Mexico City’s public transport, Moovit provides real-time updates, route planning, and schedules for Metro, Metrobus, and RTP buses.
• Metro CDMX: This app offers a detailed map of Mexico City’s Metro system, including station details, travel times, and route planning. It’s great for first-time Metro users.
• Uber/DiDi/Cabify: Reliable ride-hailing apps that are safer alternatives to hailing street taxis. They offer competitive prices and convenient door-to-door service.
• Ecobici: Manage Mexico City’s bike-sharing system with this app, which allows you to locate nearby docking stations, rent bikes, and track your rental duration.
• QuickTaxi: If you prefer a traditional taxi, this app connects you with verified and safe drivers, avoiding the risks of hailing on the street.

1. Getting around by train in Mexico City

Mexico City’s Metro system is one of the largest in the world. It has 12 lines and 195 stations and covers over 200 kilometers. The network connects major parts of the city, including Downtown, Mexico City neighborhoods like La Condesa and Roma, and key destinations such as the airport (via Line 5) and university areas (via Line 3).

The Metro’s affordability and efficiency make it a popular choice, though trains can get crowded during peak hours. Dedicated cars are also available for women and children for added comfort and safety.

How to buy and use metro and train tickets in Mexico City

Tickets for the Metro can be purchased at kiosks or vending machines in stations. Single-use paper tickets are available, but the Integrated Mobility Card is the most convenient option. This rechargeable card works across the Metro, Metrobus, Cablebús, and other transit systems. Simply tap the card on the turnstile reader at the station entrance. Cards can be purchased for a small fee at Metro stations and reloaded as needed at machines or counters.

2. Getting around by bus in Mexico City

Mexico City’s bus system is vast and diverse, offering several options to suit different routes and budgets. While buses can be slower during peak traffic, they provide access to many areas not served by the Metro.

Metrobús

The Metrobús is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system with dedicated lanes, making it a faster alternative to regular buses. It operates on seven lines with over 270 stations, connecting key areas such as the airport (Line 4) and Reforma Avenue (Line 7). Payment must be made using the Integrated Mobility card; cash is not accepted.

Trolebús

The Trolebús is an electric bus system with eight lines that offers a sustainable way to travel in Mexico City. These buses run on overhead wires and are quieter and more eco-friendly than other options. The Trolebús is reliable, inexpensive, and often less crowded, with routes connecting areas like the Historic Center and the southern districts.

You must pay for the bus with your pre-loaded Integrated Mobility card, which you can swipe when you board the bus. Cash is not accepted.

Pesero

Peseros are privately operated minibusses or vans commonly used by locals for short-distance travel. Recognizable by their compact size and often colorful or decorated exteriors, these buses have flexible stops, allowing passengers to board or disembark almost anywhere along the route. Fares are paid in cash directly to the driver, and they’re an affordable option for reaching neighborhoods not covered by other transport systems. However, they can be cramped and may lack clear signage, so it’s best to ask locals for guidance.

How to Buy and Use the Bus System in Mexico City

For the Metrobús and Trolebús, payment is made with the Integrated Mobility card, which can be purchased and reloaded at stations or vending machines. Peseros require cash payment to the driver, so carry small coins and bills. Bus stops are marked, but many systems allow flagging buses down the street. Apps like Moovit can help track routes and schedules for these systems.

3. Take the Cablebús in Mexico City

The Cablebús, Mexico City’s cable car system, is a unique and efficient way to travel, especially in hilly areas. It connects neighborhoods like Iztapalapa and Cuautepec to the Metro system with two lines in operation. The Cablebús reduces travel time and offers breathtaking city views from above.

4. Exploring Mexico City by Bike

Mexico City has embraced cycling as a sustainable mode of transport, with bike lanes and scenic routes in neighborhoods like Condesa, Roma, and along the Paseo de la Reforma. The flat terrain in many areas makes biking a pleasant way to explore the city. While traffic can be heavy, Sunday’s Ciclovía program closes major streets to cars, allowing cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy car-free roads.

Renting a bike

The Ecobici bike-sharing program is a popular option, with stations throughout the city. For a small fee, you can rent bikes for unlimited 45-minute trips. Register through the Ecobici app or at docking stations. Helmets are not provided, so it’s advisable to bring your own. You can pay for the Ecobici bike-sharing program using the Integrated Mobility Card.

5. Exploring Mexico City By Foot

Mexico City’s neighborhoods and historic areas are best explored on foot, especially if this is your first time in Mexico City. Walkable districts like Centro Histórico, Coyoacán, and San Ángel are filled with plazas, colonial architecture, and markets. Popular pedestrian-friendly streets include Madero Street in Downtown and Álvaro Obregón Avenue in Roma.

6. Using taxis and ride-sharing services in Mexico City

Ride-sharing apps like Uber, DiDi, and Cabify are the safest and most reliable options. They’re widely available and more affordable compared to many cities worldwide.

If you opt for a taxi, avoid hailing one off the street. Instead, use authorized “Sitio“ taxis, which can be booked at designated stands or via apps like QuickTaxi. Always ensure the taxi uses a meter or agrees on a fare before starting your journey. Ride-sharing and authorized taxis are ideal for late-night travel or when visiting areas less accessible by public transportation.

FAQs: Getting around Mexico City

How do tourists get around in Mexico City?

Tourists in Mexico City often use Uber or taxis for convenience. The metro is also popular, offering a clean and efficient service for an affordable price. Many major tourist attractions are easily reachable by train.

Is getting around Mexico City without a car easy?

Navigating Mexico City without a car is convenient, thanks to its extensive and user-friendly subway system. It covers most city areas and is an excellent option for avoiding traffic congestion.

Is public transportation efficient in Mexico City?

Mexico City boasts an extensive and efficient public transportation system, regarded as one of Latin America’s finest. The Metro system features 12 lines spanning over 200 kilometers and accommodates millions of passengers daily.

What is the best way to get around in Mexico City?

Public transportation is ideal for short to medium distances. For longer trips within the city, such as to Xochimilco or Tlalpan, using Uber or Didi is recommended. Buses from central stations are convenient for visiting nearby states for a day. For destinations farther from the metropolitan area, flying is a good option.

How do I pay for public transport in Mexico City?

Purchase single tickets at the station’s ticket window or opt for a rechargeable card for convenience. The rechargeable card is valid across the subway, metrobus, and trolleybus systems, making it ideal for frequent travelers.

Is there a subway system in Mexico City?

Mexico City has a Metro system with 12 lines and 195 stations. It’s an efficient and budget-friendly option for traveling around the city. Each line is color-coded, and stations have pictograms, making navigation easy even without Spanish language skills.

Does the metro in Mexico City go to the airport?

Yes, Mexico City’s metro connects to the airport via Terminal Aérea station on Line 5 (Yellow Line). This station provides access to the Mexico City International Airport and nearby neighborhoods like Peñón de los Baños and Moctezuma 2ª sección along Boulevard Puerto Aéreo.

What types of public transportation are available in Mexico City?

Mexico City offers a variety of public transportation options, including taxis, buses, and shared taxis. The metro system is extensive and affordable, while the Metrobús provides rapid transit on dedicated lanes. In the Xochimilco area, trajineras offer a unique boat experience. Though streetcars are no longer operating, the city has an efficient network to help you navigate its bustling streets.