Benito Juárez International Airport Guide (MEX) – Mexico City

Airport Overview

Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) is the busiest airport in Mexico and one of the most important aviation hubs in Latin America, serving over 50 million passengers per year. Situated just 5 km east of the historic city center in the borough of Venustiano Carranza, it is one of the few major international airports in the world embedded within an urban environment. MEX serves as the primary hub for Aeroméxico and Aeroméxico Connect, and hosts over 30 international carriers.

The airport operates at near-maximum capacity and handles flights to destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. A second major airport, Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU), opened in 2022 to help alleviate congestion at MEX.

Terminals

MEX has two passenger terminals connected by a free inter-terminal shuttle bus and a pedestrian walkway.

• Terminal 1: The main and larger terminal, handling the majority of Aeroméxico domestic and international flights, as well as most foreign carriers including Air France, KLM, Iberia, American Airlines, and United Airlines. Gates 1–77.
• Terminal 2: Opened in 2007, dedicated primarily to Aeroméxico and SkyTeam alliance partners including Delta Air Lines, Air France (select routes), and KLM (select routes). Features more modern infrastructure and less congestion. Gates 78–122.

WiFi Availability

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals under the network name "AICM WiFi." Select the network and complete a brief registration form to connect. Sessions are limited to 30 minutes per connection, after which you can reconnect. Speed is adequate for messaging and light browsing. Premium WiFi with higher speeds is available through service kiosks near gates.

Transport to City Center

Metro Line 5

Mexico City Metro Line 5 connects the airport directly to the metro system at Terminal Aérea station. The fare is just MXN $5, making it the most affordable transport option. The journey to the city center (such as Pantitlán for onward connections) takes approximately 25–30 minutes. The metro runs from 5:00 AM to midnight Monday–Friday, with reduced hours on weekends. Note: large bags are technically restricted during peak hours.

Metrobús (Bus Rapid Transit)

Metrobús Line 4 serves the airport and connects to the city's extensive bus rapid transit network. Fares are MXN $6 with a pre-purchased card. The Metrobús is a good option for reaching areas not served directly by metro. Journey times vary by destination but are typically 30–50 minutes to central areas.

Taxi and Rideshare

Official authorized taxis (Sitio Taxis) are available inside both terminals at fixed-rate booths — purchase a ticket before heading to the cab. Fares to the city center (Zócalo, Reforma, Polanco) range from MXN $150–$350 depending on zone. Journey time is 20–45 minutes. Uber operates from both terminals and is typically cheaper than sitio taxis.

Airport Lounges

Both terminals offer lounge facilities accessible through airline status, credit card benefits, or day passes.

• Aeroméxico Salón Premier (Terminal 2): Flagship lounge for Aeroméxico business class and Platinum/Gold SkyTeam Elite members; hot food, open bar, showers
• Aeroméxico Salón Premier (Terminal 1): Domestic version of the flagship lounge, accessible to qualifying status holders
• Club Premier Executive Lounge (Terminal 1): Priority Pass accepted; food, drinks, and business center amenities
• American Express Centurion Lounge (Terminal 2): Open to Platinum and Centurion Amex cardholders; premium food and bar service
• VIP Airport Lounge (Terminal 1): Independent lounge accepting Priority Pass, credit card access, and day-pass purchases

Hotels Near the Airport

Multiple hotels cluster around the airport, with some within walking distance and others offering shuttle service.

• Camino Real Aeropuerto México: On-site hotel connected to Terminal 1 via covered walkway; full-service with restaurant and pool
• Hilton Mexico City Airport: Adjacent to Terminal 1, convenient for early morning departures with comfortable rooms and a restaurant
• NH Collection Mexico City Airport: Modern hotel steps from Terminal 1 with excellent soundproofing from runway noise
• Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City Airport: Reliable mid-range option with breakfast included and complimentary shuttle
• Fiesta Inn Aeropuerto: Budget-friendly Mexican chain hotel offering free shuttle and 24-hour restaurant

Food and Restaurants

Both terminals offer a good variety of local Mexican cuisine and international chains. Terminal 2 generally has more upscale options.

• El Cardinal (Terminal 2): Branch of the famous Mexico City restaurant serving traditional Mexican breakfast and regional dishes
• La Imperial (Terminal 1): Mexican bakery and café serving pan dulce, tortas, and freshly brewed coffee
• Sanborns (Terminal 1 & 2): Iconic Mexican café-restaurant chain serving everything from enchiladas to club sandwiches
• Starbucks (Terminal 1 & 2): Multiple locations throughout both terminals
• McDonald's / Burger King (Terminal 1): International fast food options airside near domestic gates
• Subway (Terminal 2): Quick meal option near international departure gates

Travel Tips

• Arrive at least 3 hours before international departures — MEX is notoriously congested, and security and immigration lines can be lengthy, especially on Monday mornings and holiday weekends.
• Use only official Sitio Taxi booths inside the terminal — never accept rides from unlicensed taxi touts outside the arrivals hall.
• The airport sits at 2,230 meters (7,316 ft) elevation — if arriving from sea level, some travelers experience mild altitude symptoms. Stay hydrated.
• Currency exchange desks inside the airport offer poor rates; use ATMs (Cajeros Automáticos) for better exchange rates, though fees apply.
• Terminal 2 is generally less crowded and has better facilities — if your airline allows check-in at either terminal, Terminal 2 is recommended.
• Security screening at MEX includes both carry-on X-ray and body scanning; remove all electronics from bags and be prepared for thorough checks.
• Duty-free shopping is extensive in both terminals. Mexican artisan goods, tequila, and mezcal are popular purchases for departing international passengers.