Getting around in Mexico
Once you’ve made it through immigration, and have a WiFi connection and some cash, it’s time to head into the city and start your adventure! Check out your options below to help you get around Mexico….
Airport Transfer
If you are arriving in Mexico by plane, you can book your ride to the hotel in advance. You can choose between two service levels- Standard and VIP. Standard ride is for up to ten people in a suburban van, while VIP service is exclusive to your group, taking you directly to your hotel. Both service levels are available from all of Mexico’s main airports and comfortable.
Taxi/ Ride Share
My preferred method is Uber for your airport transportation needs! (actually for all around Mexico City as well) It’s super easy and convenient, just download the Uber app you already know and tap a button to request a ride to and from Mexico City International Airport, also known as Benito Juarez. If you have a lot of luggage, you can request an Uber XL for extra trunk or cargo space! Uber will even confirm the door you’re waiting at before arrival. However, in smaller city airports, Uber may be restricted and cab services may need to be used, like my experience in Oaxaca. If you prefer to take a taxi, it’s best to use taxis from taxi ranks (Sitios) or from an App-Taxi service instead of hailing a cab from the street. Cabs in many provincial cities don’t have meters, and in those cases, be sure to agree on a price beforehand with the cab driver.
Metro
El Metro is the main rail-based mass transport system in Mexico City. The trains run primarily underground, although there are several stretches where the train runs above ground. Approximately four-and-a-half million people use Mexico City’s Metro system each weekday. The system has twelve lines which crisscross the capital. The Metro connects most major areas of the city, and where the Metro doesn’t reach, Micros run frequent axis routes from the Metro stations.
The Mexico City Metro Card is officially known as the “Integrated Mobility Card.” It’s the only card you need, and often the only payment accepted, on the Mexico City Metro, Metrobús, and Ecobici.
The Metro Card can be purchased at:
Any Metro station ticket window, from the light rail ticket windows, or from the machines in any Metrobús station.
Cost for the Metro Card is $15 MEX Pesos. Passengers pay the price of the card, plus the balance you want available on your new card. So, if you pay 100 pesos total, you’ll receive a Metro Card with a balance of 85 pesos, after the price of the card is deducted from your total payment.
metro Bus
Line 4 of Mexico City’s Metrobus was introduced in the spring of 2012, as a special Metro Bus that connects the downtown area of the city with the capital’s airport. The buses on this line are only two-thirds as long as the articulated ones that run on lines one, two, and three, and the stops are like traditional bus stops. Whereas, the older Metrobus lines have stations accessible via turnstiles. Payment will also be made using electronic cards, but these will be read by a machine on the bus. You can take a direct bus from there to some famous cities like Cuernavaca, Puebla, and Queretaro. Also, you can take a bus to the airport in Toluca, where you can find other cheap flights.
The Mexico City Metro Card is officially known as the “Integrated Mobility Card.” Is accepted, on the Mexico City Metro, Metrobús, and Ecobici.
The Metro Card can be purchased at:
Any Metro station ticket window, from the light rail ticket windows, or from the machines in any Metrobús station.
Cost for the Metro Card is $15 MEX Pesos. Passengers pay the price of the card, plus the balance you want available on your new card. So, if you pay 100 pesos total, you’ll receive a Metro Card with a balance of 85 pesos, after the price of the card is deducted from your total payment.
Bike rentals
Bike rentals in Mexico City are easy and affordable through Ecobici! Ecobici is the public bicycle rental system of Mexico City that has integrated the bicycle as an essential part of mobility. Download the app to become a registered user for access to take a bicycle from any cycle station and return it to the nearest one to your destination. Those who want to access the Ecobici system can choose from plans for one year, one week, three days, or one day. Several stations are sprinkled throughout the city, specifically close to many major tourist sights.
The Mexico City Metro Card, officially known as the “Integrated Mobility Card.” can be used to purchase a 1-, 3-, or 7-day Ecobici plans. These are only from the Integrated Mobility Ecobici bike stations shown on Ecobci the map.
Now that you have a full understanding of how to enter, exit, and navigate Mexico, you can focus on exploring and discovering!
Make sure to check out my locals guide for a 4 day itinerary for Mexico City, below, and keep checking my blog posts for the latest adventures!
