Jul 2, 2014, 12:19 am
Last edit by: JDiver
Please edit or add information to this wiki as necessary.
GENERAL INFORMATION
"AICM" - Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México
(Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez)
Av. Capitán Carlos León S/N
Col Peñón de los Baños
Delegación Venustiano Carranza, DF
CP 15620, México
Phone: (+52 55) 2482-2424 and 2482-2400
Website: http://www.aicm.com.mx/home_en.php (English language version)
Link to AICM airlines information, including terminals.
Most comprehensive information: Wikipedia (Castilian Spanish)
Mexico City Airport Guide to lounges, sleeping, etc. by SleepinginAirports.net
Venustiano Carranza is one of the 16 boroughs (delegaciones) of the Federal District; it serves Mexico City, and is located 3.1 miles / 5 km east of downtown (getting there takes significantly longer than you would think; traffic can be very congested). The airport is one of the oldest, opening in 1928, and is limited by two runways at high altitude (7,316 ft / 2,230 m above MSL) and can not expand due to encroaching population. Recent attempts to open a new, higher capacity airport were ended by the new President, so this airport, Latin America's second busiest, will do for now.
NOTE: See post 380 (23 May 2018, by BenA) for information on the new automated passport reading kiosks in Terminal 2 and a shorter option to lengthy arrivals queues.
FLIGHT INFORMATION: http://www.aicm.com.mx/informacional.../fids/fids.php
CONNECTIONS: Check to see if you need to connect between terminals, and allow plenty of time for that. See MEX Connection Times international / domestic master thread
Interterminal Transportation - Aerotrén / Air Train: The landside elevated Aerotrén APM (Automated People Mover) claims to move only those connecting passengers with boarding passes between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. It consists of two to four cars, each with 25 passenger (with baggage and hand carry) capacity, per train, which travels at 28 MPH / 45 kph over the 1.9 mi / 3 km range. Time en route is 4:40 (min), dwell time in each terminal is 60 seconds, time between trains is 10:45 (min).
Aerotrén route
Interterminal Transportation - Landside red shuttle busses[/B] operate 05:00 (am) to 01:00 (am), also used during Aerotrén breakdowns, are labeled ""Transportación entre Terminales"; the stops are at entrance No. 6 of Terminal 1 and entrance No. 4 of Terminal 2. They are air conditioned, have luggage spaces and are wheelchair-accessible.
MEX airport map
ARRIVING: If you are arriving from an international flight without a connection (you are terminating at MEX), you must have your forms filled out - see Requirements for visiting Mexico as a tourist ("tourist card", visa etc.).
You may have a lengthy walk down the glassed-in arrivals corridor. This corridor has glass door controlled areas to allow people from the departures area cross through the arrivals corridor (like using an air lock), so you could be detained by a boarding aircraft. In one instance we were detained nearly fifteen minutes enough route from the 30s gate as a TACA flight boarded and our passage was blocked by glass doors.
Proceed to the corridor end and down one floor to the not-so-well marked exits for "Migración" and proceed to the sometimes lengthy queues to present your passport and documents. Your tourist card will be stamped and you will be given a portion back - turn it in on your departure (if you lose it, expect to pay a fine and have to spend some time with formalities). (When you check in at MEX, the form will be stapled to your boarding pass, and removed at the boarding gate - if somehow you do not have it at counter or gate, you'll have to return landslide and fill out forms and pay a MXN 307.00 fine.
Once your passport is stamped and your "Tourist Card" / FMM is validated, proceed to the baggage carousels and look for your flight to be displayed. Carts are available. Retrieve your baggage and proceed to "ADUANA", where you will queue up one more time.Normally, as you approach the customs kiosk, you will walk up to what looks like a small traffic light / robot and press the large button; a Green light means you can proceed, a Red light means further Customs formalities and inspection. You normally then put your bags on a conveyor belt for x-ray screening, As your bags have been x-rayed prior to delivery you no longer have the x-rayed upon exiting the Aduana hall, though bags may be selected for secondary screening; then you are landside in the arrivals floor scrum.
BAGGAGE STORAGE (link)
If you recover your baggage and have a layover, there are left luggage / baggage storage / GUARDAEQUIPAJE* at AICM, ~100 MXN per day.
*Goo-ARR-dah ek-kee-PA-heh
Terminal 1: Internacional area 10 between Gates 7 and 8, Area E-2; 24 hours a day.
Terminal 2: in front of the Domestic Arrivals area, 24 hours a day.
TERMINALS
Terminal 1 is the original terminal, and has expanded a number of times. Terminal 2 was opened in 2007, increasing the airport's capacity 40% from the frequently expanded Terminal 1. SkyTeam, including local member Aeroméxico, excepting Air France and KLM, are located in Terminal 2.
See this WikiTravel page for further information, including airlines and terminals: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_city_airport
Terminal 1:
Premium Lounges in T1: Hotels: See this excellent page on Arriving in Terminal 1, from www.midwesternerinmexico.com.
Terminal 2: (Domestic subterminal and SkyTeam other than KLM and AF)
Premium Lounges in T2: Hotels:
FOR HOTELS, LOUNGES, SLEEPING:
A fairly comprehensiveresource is www.sleepinginairports.net. Their intro page to MEX is here, and it covers everything from hotels to Lounges and ad hoc sleeping in airports. E.g. Avianca Lounge is 24/7 and day passes are currently available.
Izzzleep sleep capsules in Terminal 1 (140 MXN hourly, minimum two hours, WiFi, bathrooms, showers for 130 MXN fee - bookable via Bookings.com, Expedia, etc.) Landsude, just “past the entrance to the Marriott Courtyard, in/on top of the T1 bus terminal structure.” (Gracias to flugvergnugen)
OFFSITE TRANSPORTATION:
By taxi: The authorized taxi stands at the airport have "Transporte Terrestre" kiosks where you can buy a ticket to your destination, and then proceed outside to the taxi line to catch the taxi. DO NOT pay attention to touts or walk across the street to pick up unaffiliated or pirate taxis - kidnapping and assault are not unknown if you choose to do this.
Uber: see https://www.uber.com/cities/mexico-city; see post #146.
You may wish to read over this informative page about using taxis (and the various kinds of taxis available), with particular emphasis on Mexico City taxis.
By Metro: If you have no luggage, you can use the Metro (Line 5 / Yellow Line, station Terminal Aérea) (serves Terminal 1 only - use interterminal shuttle bus to Terminal 2)and connect to your destination (most will connect to other lines at Pantitlán south, or Oceania north of Terminal Aérea). Tickets (and passes) can be purchased from kiosks, and cost $3.00 pesos per trip (~€ 0.15, or ~US$ 0.24). Hours are 05:00 a 24:00 weekdays, starting 06:00 Saturdays, and 07:00 Sundays and holidays. Website (Castilian Spanish).
Local Bus: The best local bus is the articulated BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Metrobús Line 4 - the electrically-powered red bus runs in priority roadway lanes from 04:30 (am) to midnight), departures every 20 minutes, takes 30 minutes to downtown historic center / centro histórico, costs $30.00 pesos (about US$2.40 / €1.80) single / one way, has luggage space. Catch it on the ground floor of Terminal 1 opposite Gates 6 - 7, and Terminal 2 near the taxi rank on the ground floor / arrivals. Get your tickets from automated kiosks with peso coins or credit card; sweep your card past the validator as you board. See this page (English version) for details.
By Intercity Bus: There are stations in each terminal with reliable, economical and safe buses to various national destinations. See this page for the bus schedule, and for more on Mexican busses here: Bus travel in Mexico, the definitive thread.
"AICM Terminal 1 land terminal (Terminal terrestre de autobuses - open 24 / 7) is located in front of the international area vehicular ramp and its facilities include various services for the comfort of our passengers. Among others, it offers VIP lounges, internet, resting, reading and meeting halls. The terminal also offers a fast food area, shops, souvenirs and currency exchange offices.
The AICM Terminal 2 land terminal is located at gate D, between entrance 4 and the national arrival passenger exit, and its facilities include resting halls and a fast food area."
INTERCITY BUSSES:
- Autobuses del Oriente (ADO)
Tel: 5133-2424 and 01800-702-8000
Operations: 6:00 to 21:00 hrs. 7 days
Destination: Córdoba, state of Veracrúz
- Autobuses Estrella Blanca
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operations: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destinations: Pachuca, state of Hidalgo
- Autobuses Estrella Roja
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operations: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destination: Puebla, Puebla
- Autobuses La Piedad
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operating Hours: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destinations: Querétaro, Qro.
- Autobuses Pullman de Morelos
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operating Hours: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destination: Cuernavaca, Mor.
- Autobuses TMT Caminante
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operating Hours: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destination: Toluca, Mexico
GENERAL INFORMATION
"AICM" - Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México
(Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez)
Av. Capitán Carlos León S/N
Col Peñón de los Baños
Delegación Venustiano Carranza, DF
CP 15620, México
Phone: (+52 55) 2482-2424 and 2482-2400
Website: http://www.aicm.com.mx/home_en.php (English language version)
Link to AICM airlines information, including terminals.
Most comprehensive information: Wikipedia (Castilian Spanish)
Mexico City Airport Guide to lounges, sleeping, etc. by SleepinginAirports.net
Venustiano Carranza is one of the 16 boroughs (delegaciones) of the Federal District; it serves Mexico City, and is located 3.1 miles / 5 km east of downtown (getting there takes significantly longer than you would think; traffic can be very congested). The airport is one of the oldest, opening in 1928, and is limited by two runways at high altitude (7,316 ft / 2,230 m above MSL) and can not expand due to encroaching population. Recent attempts to open a new, higher capacity airport were ended by the new President, so this airport, Latin America's second busiest, will do for now.
NOTE: See post 380 (23 May 2018, by BenA) for information on the new automated passport reading kiosks in Terminal 2 and a shorter option to lengthy arrivals queues.
FLIGHT INFORMATION: http://www.aicm.com.mx/informacional.../fids/fids.php
CONNECTIONS: Check to see if you need to connect between terminals, and allow plenty of time for that. See MEX Connection Times international / domestic master thread
From an international flight to an international/domestic flight – Clear immigration, customs and security with any (retrieved at carousels) check-in baggage, then place your baggage on the flight connections carousel located on the right hand side, before proceeding to your departure gate.
If you are traveling on separate ticketing, you will have to go to the terminal airline ticket counter, check in and check your bags.
If you are connecting to the same airline to a domestic destination, you will recover your baggage once you arrive there. Look for the transit queue and processing.
From a domestic flight to an international flight – Proceed directly to the appropriate terminal and departure gate ([B.
If you are traveling on separate ticketing, you will have to go to the terminal airline ticket counter, check in and check your bags.
If you are connecting to the same airline to a domestic destination, you will recover your baggage once you arrive there. Look for the transit queue and processing.
From a domestic flight to an international flight – Proceed directly to the appropriate terminal and departure gate ([B.
Aerotrén route
Interterminal Transportation - Landside red shuttle busses[/B] operate 05:00 (am) to 01:00 (am), also used during Aerotrén breakdowns, are labeled ""Transportación entre Terminales"; the stops are at entrance No. 6 of Terminal 1 and entrance No. 4 of Terminal 2. They are air conditioned, have luggage spaces and are wheelchair-accessible.
MEX airport map
ARRIVING: If you are arriving from an international flight without a connection (you are terminating at MEX), you must have your forms filled out - see Requirements for visiting Mexico as a tourist ("tourist card", visa etc.).
You may have a lengthy walk down the glassed-in arrivals corridor. This corridor has glass door controlled areas to allow people from the departures area cross through the arrivals corridor (like using an air lock), so you could be detained by a boarding aircraft. In one instance we were detained nearly fifteen minutes enough route from the 30s gate as a TACA flight boarded and our passage was blocked by glass doors.
Proceed to the corridor end and down one floor to the not-so-well marked exits for "Migración" and proceed to the sometimes lengthy queues to present your passport and documents. Your tourist card will be stamped and you will be given a portion back - turn it in on your departure (if you lose it, expect to pay a fine and have to spend some time with formalities). (When you check in at MEX, the form will be stapled to your boarding pass, and removed at the boarding gate - if somehow you do not have it at counter or gate, you'll have to return landslide and fill out forms and pay a MXN 307.00 fine.
Once your passport is stamped and your "Tourist Card" / FMM is validated, proceed to the baggage carousels and look for your flight to be displayed. Carts are available. Retrieve your baggage and proceed to "ADUANA", where you will queue up one more time.
BAGGAGE STORAGE (link)
If you recover your baggage and have a layover, there are left luggage / baggage storage / GUARDAEQUIPAJE* at AICM, ~100 MXN per day.
*Goo-ARR-dah ek-kee-PA-heh
Terminal 1: Internacional area 10 between Gates 7 and 8, Area E-2; 24 hours a day.
Terminal 2: in front of the Domestic Arrivals area, 24 hours a day.
TERMINALS
Terminal 1 is the original terminal, and has expanded a number of times. Terminal 2 was opened in 2007, increasing the airport's capacity 40% from the frequently expanded Terminal 1. SkyTeam, including local member Aeroméxico, excepting Air France and KLM, are located in Terminal 2.
See this WikiTravel page for further information, including airlines and terminals: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_city_airport
Terminal 1:
Premium Lounges in T1:
- Salón Premier Internacional T1 (Aeroméxico - SkyTeam; Diners Club)
- United Club (United Airlines, Priority Pass)
- Admirals Club (American Airlines, U.S. Airways, oneworld - near Gate 23
- American Express Platinum Centurión Lounge (near Gate 30 - much closer to AA, U.S. etc. departures than some of the airline lounges).
- izZzleep microhotel, $170 MXN (under USD $9.00) for two hours, MXN $160 for a shower, etc. See IZZZLEEP
- Camino Real Aeropuerto de México (connected to terminal 1-B by walkway - 600 rooms, budget) <link>
- Courtyard Mexico City Airport by Marriott (connected by walkway and free shuttle to Terminal 2 - 288 rooms) <link>
- Fiesta Inn Aeropuerto Ciudad de México by Fiesta Americana (Located across from Terminal 1 and offers free shuttles - 327 rooms, budget) <link>
- Hilton México City Airport (Level 3, near gate F1 in the International arrivals area - 110 rooms) <link>
Terminal 2: (Domestic subterminal and SkyTeam other than KLM and AF)
Premium Lounges in T2:
- Club Diamante (Aeromar)
- HSBC Premier Lounge (landslide)
- Salón Premier Nacional (Domestic side - Aeroméxico - SkyTeam; Priority Pass; Diners Club; Airport Angel)
- Salón Premier Internacional T2 (Aeroméxico - SkyTeam; Priority Pass; Diners Club, Airport Angel)
- Riedel Wine Room (Aeroméxico)
- Travel Pass Elite Lounge (Banamex/Citibank)
- Centurión American Express Lounge (American Express)
FOR HOTELS, LOUNGES, SLEEPING:
A fairly comprehensiveresource is www.sleepinginairports.net. Their intro page to MEX is here, and it covers everything from hotels to Lounges and ad hoc sleeping in airports. E.g. Avianca Lounge is 24/7 and day passes are currently available.
Izzzleep sleep capsules in Terminal 1 (140 MXN hourly, minimum two hours, WiFi, bathrooms, showers for 130 MXN fee - bookable via Bookings.com, Expedia, etc.) Landsude, just “past the entrance to the Marriott Courtyard, in/on top of the T1 bus terminal structure.” (Gracias to flugvergnugen)
OFFSITE TRANSPORTATION:
By taxi: The authorized taxi stands at the airport have "Transporte Terrestre" kiosks where you can buy a ticket to your destination, and then proceed outside to the taxi line to catch the taxi. DO NOT pay attention to touts or walk across the street to pick up unaffiliated or pirate taxis - kidnapping and assault are not unknown if you choose to do this.
Uber: see https://www.uber.com/cities/mexico-city; see post #146.
You may wish to read over this informative page about using taxis (and the various kinds of taxis available), with particular emphasis on Mexico City taxis.
Walking out of the airport - Taxi Sitio (Rank) (from WikiTravel - http://wikitravel.org/en/Mexico_City)
Be aware the airport is not located in the best area of the city, so it is not recommended for tourists to walk outside the airport terminal in search for cheaper taxi service unless you have pre-arranged your service. Definitely do not attempt this if you are not comfortable speaking Spanish. Despite this, an alternative Taxi Sitio (site) can be reached by using the overpass located outside of Gate D. Taxis here are about half the price of the official airport taxis and are considered secure. This is the Sitio (taxi rank) that is set up for the airline employees.
Be aware the airport is not located in the best area of the city, so it is not recommended for tourists to walk outside the airport terminal in search for cheaper taxi service unless you have pre-arranged your service. Definitely do not attempt this if you are not comfortable speaking Spanish. Despite this, an alternative Taxi Sitio (site) can be reached by using the overpass located outside of Gate D. Taxis here are about half the price of the official airport taxis and are considered secure. This is the Sitio (taxi rank) that is set up for the airline employees.
Local Bus: The best local bus is the articulated BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Metrobús Line 4 - the electrically-powered red bus runs in priority roadway lanes from 04:30 (am) to midnight), departures every 20 minutes, takes 30 minutes to downtown historic center / centro histórico, costs $30.00 pesos (about US$2.40 / €1.80) single / one way, has luggage space. Catch it on the ground floor of Terminal 1 opposite Gates 6 - 7, and Terminal 2 near the taxi rank on the ground floor / arrivals. Get your tickets from automated kiosks with peso coins or credit card; sweep your card past the validator as you board. See this page (English version) for details.
By Intercity Bus: There are stations in each terminal with reliable, economical and safe buses to various national destinations. See this page for the bus schedule, and for more on Mexican busses here: Bus travel in Mexico, the definitive thread.
"AICM Terminal 1 land terminal (Terminal terrestre de autobuses - open 24 / 7) is located in front of the international area vehicular ramp and its facilities include various services for the comfort of our passengers. Among others, it offers VIP lounges, internet, resting, reading and meeting halls. The terminal also offers a fast food area, shops, souvenirs and currency exchange offices.
The AICM Terminal 2 land terminal is located at gate D, between entrance 4 and the national arrival passenger exit, and its facilities include resting halls and a fast food area."
INTERCITY BUSSES:
- Autobuses del Oriente (ADO)
Tel: 5133-2424 and 01800-702-8000
Operations: 6:00 to 21:00 hrs. 7 days
Destination: Córdoba, state of Veracrúz
- Autobuses Estrella Blanca
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operations: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destinations: Pachuca, state of Hidalgo
- Autobuses Estrella Roja
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operations: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destination: Puebla, Puebla
- Autobuses La Piedad
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operating Hours: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destinations: Querétaro, Qro.
- Autobuses Pullman de Morelos
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operating Hours: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destination: Cuernavaca, Mor.
- Autobuses TMT Caminante
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operating Hours: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destination: Toluca, Mexico
MEX - Mexico City International Airport / 🛫AICM🛬 master thread
May 15, 2016, 7:01 am
#211
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: San Jose, Costa Rica
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum
Posts: 1,894
I've never had occasion to set foot inside Terminal 2. Being an AAdvantage member (and now using Interjet too) confines me to Terminal 1. Terminal 2 looks a lot nicer from the outside when I see it from the runway. It has to be better, right? Or is the grass not greener on the other side of the airport? 
May 16, 2016, 8:56 am
#212
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I've never had occasion to set foot inside Terminal 2. Being an AAdvantage member (and now using Interjet too) confines me to Terminal 1. Terminal 2 looks a lot nicer from the outside when I see it from the runway. It has to be better, right? Or is the grass not greener on the other side of the airport?
May 24, 2016, 10:03 pm
#216
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Questions about layovers at MEX and possibilities in Mexico City / Mexico, Distrito Federal have been moved to
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mexic...er-thread.html.
/Moderadór
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mexic...er-thread.html.
/Moderadór
Jun 1, 2016, 6:27 pm
#217
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,737
Does anyone know if it is worth getting a hotel for 3 people? We arrive from Lima at 6am and depart just after 12pm. I've read it can take 30-60 mins to go through immigration/customs. I saw that there is a hotel attached to terminal 2, does it have a day rate? I also saw that AM has a lounge that is $30 per person... is that worth it for 4-6 hours? What is the best option that you can purchase?
Jun 1, 2016, 7:02 pm
#218
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,629
Does anyone know if it is worth getting a hotel for 3 people? We arrive from Lima at 6am and depart just after 12pm. I've read it can take 30-60 mins to go through immigration/customs. I saw that there is a hotel attached to terminal 2, does it have a day rate? I also saw that AM has a lounge that is $30 per person... is that worth it for 4-6 hours? What is the best option that you can purchase?
I've been to both AM lounges and the AX lounge. None are very special. They do have spartan showers. I prefer the AM lounges over the AX lounge. Bathroom facilities are grossly inadequate. I don't know if there are any other shower options at the airport.
I also don't know what the T2 hotel offers re: short term y/o day rates.
Jun 2, 2016, 9:06 am
#219
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
The Hotel NH Collection Mexico City Airport Terminal 2 doesn't appear to offer day use rates on its web page <link>.
Reservations: +34 91 398 46 61
Tel.: +52 55 5786 5750
Note: I've added links to the website of each AICM airport listing in the wikipost at the top of the page.
Reservations: +34 91 398 46 61
Tel.: +52 55 5786 5750
Note: I've added links to the website of each AICM airport listing in the wikipost at the top of the page.
Last edited by JDiver; Jun 2, 2016 at 9:24 am
Jun 2, 2016, 5:27 pm
#220
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,737
We contacted the NH Collection and they said their day rate was $95 plus tax. We ended up using the AeroMexico lounge. I though the price was $30, but when I did the conversion it was ~$23. Very busy lounge, but no one was using the showers in the spa which was nice. The waiters brought us some small toasted sandwiches. Overall a good value if it was indeed $23 per person.
Jun 14, 2016, 9:53 pm
#221
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Los Angeles, CA,
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond, Hertz President Circle, Copaair Presidential, and Southwest A-List
Posts: 587
Hi, all!
Never been to Mexico City before. Have an upcoming trip from USA to Columbia, but connecting through MEX with a 12 hour layover--arriving at MeX at 6:00 am. and departing at 7:00 pm. Is this enough time to say venture to the city and check it out before flying out at night?
What would one suggest in terms of either sightseeing or check out the city with the few hours? Any input is much appreciated. Thanks.
Never been to Mexico City before. Have an upcoming trip from USA to Columbia, but connecting through MEX with a 12 hour layover--arriving at MeX at 6:00 am. and departing at 7:00 pm. Is this enough time to say venture to the city and check it out before flying out at night?
What would one suggest in terms of either sightseeing or check out the city with the few hours? Any input is much appreciated. Thanks.
Jun 14, 2016, 10:38 pm
#222
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,629
Hi, all!
Never been to Mexico City before. Have an upcoming trip from USA to Columbia, but connecting through MEX with a 12 hour layover--arriving at MeX at 6:00 am. and departing at 7:00 pm. Is this enough time to say venture to the city and check it out before flying out at night?
What would one suggest in terms of either sightseeing or check out the city with the few hours? Any input is much appreciated. Thanks.
Never been to Mexico City before. Have an upcoming trip from USA to Columbia, but connecting through MEX with a 12 hour layover--arriving at MeX at 6:00 am. and departing at 7:00 pm. Is this enough time to say venture to the city and check it out before flying out at night?
What would one suggest in terms of either sightseeing or check out the city with the few hours? Any input is much appreciated. Thanks.
(1) Do you have luggage issues? You aren't going to want to be carrying much in the valuables department on you. If so, you'll need a place to store it.
(2) Not much is going to be open when you arrive.
(3) I would suggest leaving back to MEX no later than 3:30 (and better yet, 3:00). While it won't likely take you more than an hour, it could take 2.
For a "centrally located" part day, I'd suggest Chapultepec Park to visit the Anthropology Museum (closed on Mondays), walk around parts of the park, and having a meal either in the Zona Rosa or Polanco neighborhoods (opposite ends of the park). Alternatively, or additionally, the area around the Zocalo (centro historico) is worthwhile.
UBER works pretty well, but I haven't used for airport transport. There are inside-the-airport taxi booths to buy your fare into the city. Do not use local taxis that aren't taxi stand "Sitio" vehicles (typically at hotels).
Jun 16, 2016, 11:06 am
#223
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SMF
Posts: 1,251
Hi, all!
Never been to Mexico City before. Have an upcoming trip from USA to Columbia, but connecting through MEX with a 12 hour layover--arriving at MeX at 6:00 am. and departing at 7:00 pm. Is this enough time to say venture to the city and check it out before flying out at night?
What would one suggest in terms of either sightseeing or check out the city with the few hours? Any input is much appreciated. Thanks.
Never been to Mexico City before. Have an upcoming trip from USA to Columbia, but connecting through MEX with a 12 hour layover--arriving at MeX at 6:00 am. and departing at 7:00 pm. Is this enough time to say venture to the city and check it out before flying out at night?
What would one suggest in terms of either sightseeing or check out the city with the few hours? Any input is much appreciated. Thanks.
Jun 16, 2016, 10:48 pm
#224
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,629
You could also do a day trip to Teotihuacan in that time, assuming that after arriving at 6am you feel awake enough to try it. There are several private car companies that will pick you up and drop you off at the airport. Royal Cars is one that I looked into, although their price for an SUV was a bit steep and I would have needed one given the number of people/bags we had.
Jun 17, 2016, 7:31 am
#225
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Mexico City itself is at 7,382 feet MSL / 2,250 meters.