Last edit by: eponymous_coward
CDMX / Mexico, D. F. Layover
Resources:MEX - Mexico City International Airport / AICM master thread (airport and transportation - see wikipost)
My Mexico City Airport Layover Tour
Address: "AICM" - Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México
(Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez)
Av. Capitán Carlos León S/N
Col Peńón de los Bańos
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)
Most comprehensive information: Wikipedia (Castilian Spanish)
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 soundly rejected by residents who would have been impacted, so this airport, Latin America's second busiest, will do for now.
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).
Interterminal Transportation - Landside red shuttle busses 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.
[IMG]http://www.worldtravelguide.net/sites/default/files/MexicoCity(MEX).png
MEX airport map - "train" is the #5 / yellow metro station
MEX airport map - "train" is the #5 / yellow metro station
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 April 2014 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:
If you're connecting to another domestic destination on the airline you arrived on and your baggage is checked through, your baggage will be delivered to you at your final destination.
If otherwise, 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, and then you are landside in the arrivals floor scrum.
BAGGAGE STORAGE
If you recover your baggage and have a layover, there are left luggage / baggage storage / GUARDA EQUIPAJE* at AICM, ~100 MXN per day.
*Goo-ARR-dah ay-kwee-PA-hey
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.
OFFSITE TRANSPORTATION:
Mexico City Area Map (midwesternerinmexico.com http://bit.ly/1iTjS4P)
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.
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 (taxi rank or 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 (taxi rank or 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.
MUSEUMS in the City: Link to listing over all museums in the City.
Mexico City Layover (hours ~ three days) Master Thread
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: SNA
Programs: Marriott PLAT
Posts: 248
Mexico City Layover (hours ~ three days) Master Thread
Have six hour layover and looking for recommendations to pass the time either within the airport or safe ventures nearby to museums, etc. Any information would be appreciated.
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 10, 2014 at 10:38 am Reason: restore original post title
#2
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: UA, DL
Posts: 285
Hmm... 6 hours makes it tough.
You could visit the National Museum of Anthropology, Zocalo Square, the Zoo, or walk around the Zona Rosa...but it might take a while to get there/back from MEX if there is a lot of traffic and leaves considerably less time depending how much time you want to spend at each place.
You could visit the National Museum of Anthropology, Zocalo Square, the Zoo, or walk around the Zona Rosa...but it might take a while to get there/back from MEX if there is a lot of traffic and leaves considerably less time depending how much time you want to spend at each place.
#3
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: EWR-N.Haledon NJ
Programs: CO Platinum
Posts: 1,134
I think if I had only that amount of time and I felt really compelled to get a taste of Mexico City I would take a taxi (tourist or sitio taxi) to Zocalo Square as mentioned (200 pesos). From there you can walk straight down one street about one mile to the Sheraton Centro Historico hotel where you can get a tourist taxi back to the airport (260 pesos).
The walk is safe, usually crowded and filled with lots to see.
The walk is safe, usually crowded and filled with lots to see.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
I think if I had only that amount of time and I felt really compelled to get a taste of Mexico City I would take a taxi (tourist or sitio taxi) to Zocalo Square as mentioned (200 pesos). From there you can walk straight down one street about one mile to the Sheraton Centro Historico hotel where you can get a tourist taxi back to the airport (260 pesos).
The walk is safe, usually crowded and filled with lots to see.
The walk is safe, usually crowded and filled with lots to see.
That's about the only realistic option since the city is otherwise so spread out. Even though the airport is relatively close in, traffic tie-ups will generally make it a half-hour drive even to this location less than 8-miles from MEX. If you can check your carry-on, do so since you'll stand out with any significant piece of luggage, and it will slow your walking in the heat.
If spending 460 pesos is a bit steep, and you have nothing your carrying, you might consider hopping the subway -- see thread on this subject -- for about 3 pesos. Take the Yellow Line 5 towards its Pantitlan terminus (two stops south of the airport) then transfer to the Red Line 1. Eight stops will get you to Pino Suarez station where you'd transfer and head north on the Blue Line 2 for one stop to Zocalo.
Here you can take a walk through the
Daytime in these areas you should be quite safe, but I would recommend removing anything valuable from your pockets (and gaudy jewelry) and use a body money/document belt under your shirt. You'll also need a few pesos but there are lots of ATMs landside. If you are not taking official cabs, you won't need much more than 100 pesos, even less if you don't intend to go into any of the museums that charge. None take credit cards...and I believe only one of the two authorized taxis will take credit card payment.
Enjoy, I had a very pleasant and educational long weekend there last week.
Last edited by JDiver; May 24, 2016 at 10:06 pm Reason: Correct building name for member ease
#6
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 1,051
I had about the same layover. I had a friend who works in DF pick me up. I was coming in Aero Mar and leaving on Mexicana. He picked me up at the AM business terminal so there was no terminal traffic to deal with. Basically had enought time to go eat lunch. I almost missed the plane coming back because of traffic. My friend drove like a mad man to get me back on time, even going down one way streets the wrong way.
I got to the airport with about 35 minutes until flight departure. I went to the Mexicana FC counter and tipped $20US. She allowed me to check in and escorted me through security and to the gate. Made it with no time to spare.
Moral of the story, I had 7 hours, and that was barely enought time. Mexican lunches take a long time and DF traffic at 4pm can be very bad.
The terminal is interesting enough to explore, especially if you can get into airline lounges.
The airport is not really by anything worth seeing, and is not the best part of town to wander around in. Safe bete is to stay in the terminal.
I got to the airport with about 35 minutes until flight departure. I went to the Mexicana FC counter and tipped $20US. She allowed me to check in and escorted me through security and to the gate. Made it with no time to spare.
Moral of the story, I had 7 hours, and that was barely enought time. Mexican lunches take a long time and DF traffic at 4pm can be very bad.
The terminal is interesting enough to explore, especially if you can get into airline lounges.
The airport is not really by anything worth seeing, and is not the best part of town to wander around in. Safe bete is to stay in the terminal.
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
I'd say you're a <woos>...plenty of time to see a bit of the city had you hopped the subway. No traffic to worry about, easier to get into the city centre than JFK or LGA or EWR to NYC! Where's your sense of adventure, man?!
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 17, 2012 at 8:36 pm Reason: edited for TOS q#88
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: SNA
Programs: Marriott PLAT
Posts: 248
My sense of adventure was taking my 3-year old to Chichen Itza in the Yucatan over the weekend and not to Disneyworld like most Americans. Rushing a few hours to explore what we really would need a full day or two for is not adventure to me or my family.
#11
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: UA, DL
Posts: 285
I dont think traffic should be that bad, and once you get to Teotihuacan, you can pretty much be done in 2-3 hours - at least for our group.
Not sure about the storage question for MEX though.
#12
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: DFW
Programs: PLAT -- 2.7Million
Posts: 2,051
I never felt threatened during the 1-2 hour walk. Had a great time and took lots of pictures, although I did often ask for permission before snapping, and was actually denied once.
Last edited by AAJetMan; Jun 20, 2007 at 12:25 pm
#13
Ambassador: Peru
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: LIM Peru
Programs: LanPass Premium, AA (former gold), MileagePlus Silver
Posts: 761
6 hours in MEX
A friend of mine was asking me about what to do in a 6 hour stop at MEX, but I've not been in Mexico since 1998. He wants to do a quick visit to downtown, take some pictures and go back to the airport. His layover is 6 hours on easter sunday afternoon (april 8th).
This thread is 5yo, so I found convenient to re-ask about it, the traffic, the inmigration lines, etc. Any advice?
Thanks
This thread is 5yo, so I found convenient to re-ask about it, the traffic, the inmigration lines, etc. Any advice?
Thanks
#14
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: PBI / JFK, ISP, LGA
Programs: AA, AS, AV, B6, DL, F9, WN
Posts: 866
A friend of mine was asking me about what to do in a 6 hour stop at MEX, but I've not been in Mexico since 1998. He wants to do a quick visit to downtown, take some pictures and go back to the airport. His layover is 6 hours on easter sunday afternoon (april 8th).
This thread is 5yo, so I found convenient to re-ask about it, the traffic, the inmigration lines, etc. Any advice?
Thanks
This thread is 5yo, so I found convenient to re-ask about it, the traffic, the inmigration lines, etc. Any advice?
Thanks
Well, did your friend go to Mexico City for the six hours during Easter? I would not have tried it but I would like to know how it went?