Mexico - Mexico-City subway

Hi,

I know what some members said about the subway....

I am not scared at all. I have to do Cancun-Mexico-City-Cancun the same day, and there I have to go to the French Embassy, so I don't have time with traffic.

I already went to MC a few years ago, took only bus and subway, walked in only-Mexican streets, very picturesque. Not only I felt safe, but I found people very friendly. I speak (almost) perfect Spanish, as well as some others. I am a middle + aged lady, don't look Mexican at all, but have lived 11 years in Cancun (doesn't mean I am protected by this fact of course).

I won't wear jewelery nor actually bags, except my ID and my credit card (can fit in a pocket), a sweater or two for the plane, and my necesary documents.

I spent all afternoon looking for directions,maps, getting crazy... and I found this forum by miracle ^.

Anyone could tell me what lines and stations I have to take? Going from MEX airport to Calle la Fontaine (they don't even give directions or travel time :mad:), it is in Colonia Polanco, Chapultepec.

I have to go there on Tuesday or Wednesday, I still don't have my ticket.

I would be very grateful if you could give me some information.

Thanks a lot. :)

Have not been to Mexico City yet, but it looks like the French Embassy is at Campos Elíseos 339 and the closest Metro stop is Auditorio, a bit under 1 km to the east. See map:

Google map link (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Campos+Eliseos+339+,+d.f.+mexico&sll=19.429768,-99.195106&sspn=0.01113,0.017338&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Campos+El%C3%ADseos+339,+Ciudad+de+Mexico,+D istrito+Federal,+Mexico&ll=19.429909,-99.195063&spn=0.01113,0.017338&z=16)

So from MEX, take line 5 stop Terminal Aérea to the end of line stop Pantitlan (going 2 stops total). Then take line 9 from there to stop Tacubaya (so from one end of line 9 to the other, 11 stops total). And from there take like 7 in the direction of El Rosario to stop Auditorio (2 stops total).

Google Maps is often good at finding the closest Metro station in a city, as long as you have zoomed in enough. Unfortunately, Google Maps does not do directions for Mexico City yet, but it is easy enough to compare stops to a Metro system map.

BillJ

Thanks a million times, Bill

I am used to Google maps, there is even one for Cancun! But I couldn't find any for Mexico-City.... maybe I would have better gone to the beach, waiting for a better day :D. I have found a subway map though, so I can refer to something before arriving.

Can you by any chance tell me how long I need? They had told me 1/2 hour, I would be surprised! Is there a bus to go from the subway to the embassy? They never mentioned "Champs Elysees"... but it seems logical ;)

Thanks again

Just be aware that the Terminal Aerea stop is at Terminal 1 - if you're arriving at Terminal 2, it looks like you'll have to walk from there to Pantitlan. They will not allow you to take the inter-terminal tram to change terminals.

Just be aware that the Terminal Aerea stop is at Terminal 1 - if you're arriving at Terminal 2, it looks like you'll have to walk from there to Pantitlan. They will not allow you to take the inter-terminal tram to change terminals.

They will with a valid ticket/BP, IIRC.

They will with a valid ticket/BP, IIRC.

Please could you tell me what that means?

And nobody has an idea about the travelling time between the airport and my destination?

I would be very pleased to know. Thanks

If you fly on AeroMexico, you need to transfer to Terminal 1 to use the metro. I understand that if you have a boarding pass or ticket for travel that day, you can use the shuttle for free. If you don't you can't (not even buy a ticket) and have to taxi, bus or walk to T1. Might want to fly Mexicana or some other airline that uses T1 to minimise that risk (or arriving at T2).

Due to the traffic, it'll be much better to take the subway than attempt to go on surface to the French embassy.

In my limited experience of the Mexico metro system, I would allow at least 1 hr station to station.

http://www.metro.df.gob.mx/

You are a very nice and helpful cockroach :D

Thanks for the link, I printed the map, I will fly with Mexicana, so I think I have all info I need, minus the unexpected ;)

Thanks ^

I was there yesterday... nothing unexpected, just the stairs :D. If possible, avoid Pantitlan :(. Horror!

But with my map in my hand and your directions written at the back, everything was perfect. Only... 1h1/2 each way, no time for shopping or sightseeing.

Please, don't be scared of the subway, there is no reason. There are police all over, cameras, and the first cars are (theoretically) reserved for women and children. One trip at around 1 pm, not crowded, the return between 5 and 6 pm, not worse than Paris or London. Just be cautious, like everywhere else.

I had taken all my jewelery off, but many women had theirs on.

I am very grateful for you help, and I hope I will be able to help back! ^