Getting Around

The efficient and very cheap public transport system makes Mexico City surprisingly easy to get around. It consists of the metro, buses, trolley buses and peseros (minibuses). The metro is the best method of travel, being fast and easy to use (6am to midnight), but bus routes are also very extensive and the buses are generally reliable, although more complicated for non-Spanish speakers to use. Peseros are smaller, more comfortable, and faster than buses, but slightly more expensive, and can be stopped anywhere along their set routes.

All forms of public transport are heavily crowded during peak hours and are best avoided at this time, and they should also be avoided at night. Visitors should be aware that crime levels are high on all buses and the metro, particularly when crowded; passengers should take care of their possessions. Visitors should not hail taxis on the streets. Most hotels have official taxi drivers assigned to them, or hotels and restaurants can call radio taxis, both of which are more expensive but safer and more reliable. Driving in the city is a nightmare and cars should be left in secure parking; renting is expensive and lone drivers are vulnerable to criminal assaults at night.

Airports

Mexico City Airport

The airport is situated six miles (10km) east of Mexico City.

Mexico City Airport (MEX)

Location

The airport is situated six miles (10km) east of Mexico City.

Getting to the city

The Mexico City Metro subway system links the airport to downtown Mexico City. There are also suburban bus services including Autobuses del Oriente (ADO) and Autobuses Estrella Roja. Some hotels offer a pick-up service; it is worth checking their charge as it is generally cheaper to take a taxi.

Time

Local time is GMT -6 (GMT -5 between the first Sunday in April and the second last Sunday in October).

Car rental

Car rental companies include Avis, Budget and National.

Airport Taxis

Taxis are regulated and passengers can pay in advance at the taxi counter in Arrivals. Authorized taxis are mustard yellow with an aeroplane logo. It takes about 45 minutes to the city centre.

Transfer between terminals

Passengers can ride the free Air Train between the two terminals. The general public have to take the public transportation bus between the terminals at a nominal charge.

Facilities

Facilities at the airport include ATMs, banks, bureaux de change, business facilities, a post office, restaurants, shops, hotel reservations and tourist information.

Parking

Parking is available at Mexico City International Airport.

www.aicm.com.mx