Guide to Mexico City Airports

Mexico City is served by three international airports, each with different characteristics, distances, and services. Understanding which is most convenient for you is key to optimizing your arrival.

This system was designed to decongest the legendary Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM), which for decades was the sole entry point to CDMX. With growing tourism and aviation, Mexico invested in two new alternatives:

• AICM (Benito Juárez): The main airport, located in south-central CDMX
• AIFA (Felipe Ángeles): The newest, located in the north, opened in 2022
• Toluca (TLC): The farthest option, to the west, for low-cost carriers

Each airport has advantages and disadvantages. Your choice will depend on your airline, budget, and tolerance for distance.

The Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM), IATA code MEX, is Mexico's main entry point. Located in southeast CDMX, it remains the preferred choice for most international airlines.

Key facts:

• Location: Southeast CDMX, Benito Juárez St.
• Capacity: More than 45 million passengers annually
• Terminals: 2 (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2)
• Flights: Major international and domestic flights

How to get to Roma-Condesa from AICM:

Option 1: Metro (Most economical and popular)

• Stop location: Terminal Aérea Station (Line 1)
• Route: Take Line 1 toward Universidad, exit at Insurgentes or Sevilla Station (5 stops)
• Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cost: $5 pesos (MI card)
• Details: Direct underground connection from Terminal Aérea station. Travel light if possible.

Option 2: Uber or Taxi

• Cost: $250-350 pesos during day, $350-500 pesos at night
• Time: 20-40 minutes (depends on traffic)
• Advantage: Comfort with luggage, direct arrival
• Pickup location: Terminal 1 and 2 exits

Option 3: Metrobús (Line 4)

• Cost: $7 pesos
• Time: 45-60 minutes
• Route: Metrobús Line 4 from stop near terminals toward downtown (less comfortable but cheap)

Services at AICM:

• ATMs and currency exchange in both terminals
• Restaurants, cafes, and duty-free shops
• Mexican handicraft stores (ideal for gifts)
• VIP lounges and rest areas
• Free WiFi throughout the airport

The Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), IATA code NLU, is the newest option. Opened in March 2022, it's part of the decongestion strategy. However, it has limited reach for international tourism.

Key facts:

• Location: Zumpango Municipality, State of Mexico (north of CDMX)
• Distance to center: 45-50 km (60-90 minutes by transport)
• IATA code: NLU
• Flights: Mainly domestic and some limited international routes

Important for international travelers:

AIFA has significant limitations for international travelers:

• Offers mainly Mexican domestic flights
• International routes are few and to specific destinations (mostly toward the US)
• Most major international airlines do NOT have bases here
• NOT recommended for international tourists unless your specific flight departs from AIFA

How to get to Roma-Condesa from AIFA:

Option 1: Direct bus + Metro

• Bus: Benito Juárez (from AIFA to Terminal Aérea or Terminal Norte)
• Bus cost: ~$100-150 pesos
• Total time: 90-120 minutes
• From Terminal: Take metro to Roma-Condesa (25 additional minutes, $5 pesos)

Option 2: Uber/Taxi

• Cost: $800-1,200 pesos (very expensive, not recommended)
• Time: 60-90 minutes depending on traffic

Verdict for tourists:

AIFA is not the best option for most international visitors. Unless your airline has a specific flight from AIFA, it's better to fly through AICM (Benito Juárez).

The Benito Juárez International Airport in Toluca, IATA code TLC, is the third option and is designed mainly for budget national and international airlines like Volaris and Frontier.

Key facts:

• Location: Toluca, State of Mexico (65 km west of CDMX)
• Distance to downtown CDMX: 65-75 km (1 to 1.5 hours of travel)
• Flights: Mainly budget airlines (Volaris, Frontier, connections)

How to get to Roma-Condesa from Toluca:

Option 1: Direct bus (Recommended)

• Poniente Terminal Bus: From Toluca to Poniente Terminal in CDMX
• Cost: $150-200 pesos
• Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
• From Poniente Terminal: Metro Line 1 toward Insurgentes/Sevilla (~$5 pesos, 20 min)
• Total time: 1h 45min - 2 hours

Option 2: Uber/Taxi

• Cost: $1,000-1,500 pesos (very expensive)
• Time: 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic

When is Toluca worth it?

• If your Volaris or Frontier flight departs exclusively from Toluca
• If the ticket savings exceed $1,500 pesos (the extra transport cost)
• If you don't have much luggage (reduces discomfort of long journey)

Important note: Toluca generally is not worth it for international tourists. Travel time and transport costs usually exceed airfare savings. Except in very specific cases, it's better to fly through AICM.

Quick comparison to help you decide:

• AICM (MEX) - Benito Juárez: Distance 20km | Time 25-40 min | Transport cost $5-350 pesos | Recommendation ★★★★★ (best for tourists)
• AIFA (NLU) - Felipe Ángeles: Distance 50km | Time 60-90 min | Transport cost $100-1,200 pesos | Recommendation ★★☆☆☆ (limited for tourism)
• Toluca (TLC): Distance 65km | Time 90-120 min | Transport cost $150-1,500 pesos | Recommendation ★★☆☆☆ (only if major discount)

Summary: For 95% of international tourists, AICM is the best option. It's the closest, best connected, has more international flights, and better transportation infrastructure to Roma-Condesa.

Before you arrive:

• Download the CDMX Metro app (find stations, schedules, and plan your route)
• Download Google Maps (works perfectly for CDMX transportation)
• If you arrive late (after 10pm), Uber is better than metro
• Have small bills or coins if you plan to use metro or metrobús

At the airport:

• Exchange money at airport currency exchange (decent rates, better than on the street)
• If using metro, buy an MI Card at the Terminal Aérea station counter (~$15 pesos with initial credit)
• Check metro schedule if arriving after 11pm (some lines close earlier)

During transportation:

• On metro: keep your bag secure, backpack in front if carrying valuables
• On Uber: verify plate and driver photo match, share your trip with a contact
• Carry cash: not all taxi drivers accept credit cards

Arrival at Roma-Condesa:

• If it's your first time, ask your accommodation for specific instructions
• Marimbas Home properties offer flexible check-in and staff to assist you
• Roma-Condesa is safe and walkable, but familiarize yourself with the area during the day