Mexico - Toluca?

Anyone with experience travelling here? It was recommended to me to fly directly into the Toluca airport on CO, but that will involve a lengthy and inconvenient connection at IAH -- as opposed to a nonstop to MEX. I've heard there's only 30 miles between the two airports. Which is more hassle -- connecting or getting there from MEX?

Thanks for the help.

I suppose it all depends where in Mexico City you're headed - if you're headed to the western parts, ie, Sante Fe (the newish business district), or Lomas, then Toluca could be more convenient, as there probably would be less traffic & there is a (for Mexican standards) good, but expenisve, expressway.

That said though, the 30 miles applies to the distance between Toluca airport and the border with Mexico City, the distance between the airports is larger.

Oh... I just re-read your post, and you're actually headed to Toluca or surroundings itself? In that case, yes, it would be a lot easier to just fly there. MEX happens to be on the other side of Mexico City, ie, to get to Toluca, you'd need to traverse the entire city, which can take a loooong time, plus the time on the highway (35-45mins).

Thanks -- yes, the destination is Toluca.

Sounds like the MEX airport would be fairly inconvenient.

I have to beg to differ. Depending on the time of layover in IAH I would opt for MEX and the drive to Toluca.

Once you get out of the Mexico City area the drive to Toluca is great. The highway tops out at about 10,000 feet above sea level. My head was throbbing.

Once you've seen Toluca (ugghh) you'll wish you had taken a look at Mexico City.

You'll also have more options into and out of MEX in case of weather of MX issues.

Ah, the difference of opinion. :)

How safe is that mountain road? Are we talking highway or a winding 2-lane job?

close to a US Interstate ^

How long is your layover? If anything over 3 hrs, then you can probably make it to Toluca from MEX in that time. Have you put any thought into ground transport? There is the toll road from Mexico City to Toluca, which as said resembles an Interstate (though on a $/distance basis is purportedly the most expensive road in the world), and is labeled as "Cuota", and there is the free road, "Libre", which is 4 lanes undivided, and where you'll encounter lots of trucks. There should be much less traffic on the toll road, and the free road is windier and more dangerous.

If you arrive in MEX during the rush-hour, it can take you 3hrs+ to make it across the city.... But as said, lots more choices in case of irr ops. Though I can imagine that if anything goes wrong at Toluca airport, they would just bus you to MEX.

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately, I seem to have "lost" my MEX nonstop, so it's a change of planes either way.

I would second others opinions and fly into MEX. From stories I've heard the Toluca airport was built for mainline equipment to relieve the congestion at MEX, but the altitude prevented anything but commercial and puddle jumpers using the airport. I have always flown into MEX and had my client pick me up for the long drive to Toluca. If you arrive during rush hour, it could take an hour and a half. The road to Toluca is similar to the autopistas in Mexico...once there is a toll, the traffic becomes very light. You will probably spend more time getting out of MEX than on the road to Toluca. If you are not able to get back in time for a same day return flight, I recommend staying at the Hilton or Marriott there at the MEX airport and fly out in the morning. Take a jacket with out. Toluca is cold this time of year.

-outoftown