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Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport
Mexico's busiest gateway, serving millions at high altitude.
- ›One of the highest-elevation major commercial airports in the world at approximately 2,230 m (7,316 ft) above sea level.
- ›Ranked among the most congested airports globally due to slot restrictions and urban geography limiting expansion.
- ›Terminal 2 opened in 2007 and is primarily used by Aeroméxico and its SkyTeam alliance partners.
- ›The airport is located just 5 km from the historic city center, making it unusually close to a major urban core.
- ›Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) opened in March 2022 as a supplementary airport to relieve congestion at MEX.
Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport, one of the busiest aviation hubs in Latin America, has served the Mexican capital since 1952 and handles over 50 million passengers annually. Situated just 5 kilometres east of the historic city centre, it occupies a compact urban site that shapes its unique operational character. The airport plays a critical role in both domestic connectivity and international routes spanning North America, Europe, and South America.
- Terminal 1 — The original and larger terminal handling most international and domestic flights, with extensive shopping, dining, and airline lounges.
- Terminal 2 — A modern satellite terminal opened in 2007, primarily used by Aeroméxico and its SkyTeam alliance partners, connected to Terminal 1 by a free shuttle train.
- Mexico City Metro Line 5 (Terminal Aérea station) — affordable direct link to the city centre
- Metrobús Line 4 — bus rapid transit connecting to Buenavista and central districts
- Authorized airport taxi (Transportación Terrestre) — pre-paid voucher system from official booths
- Uber and ride-hailing apps available from designated pickup zones
- Car rental desks from major agencies including Hertz, Avis, and National in both terminals
- Hilton Mexico City Airport
- NH Collection Mexico City Airport Terminal 2
- Camino Real Aeropuerto México
- Holiday Inn Express Mexico City Aeropuerto
- Courtyard by Marriott Mexico City Airport
Inside the terminals, travellers will find a wide mix of Mexican fast food chains, sit-down cantina-style restaurants, and international brands such as Starbucks and Vips. Terminal 2 offers slightly more upscale options including a dedicated food court near the departure gates. Just outside the airport perimeter in the Venustiano Carranza neighbourhood, local taquerías and fondas serve affordable, authentic Mexico City street food.
- Only use official pre-paid taxi booths inside the terminal — street taxis outside the airport can be unsafe for travellers.
- The Metro is the cheapest way into the city but can be extremely crowded during rush hours; avoid it with large luggage.
- Carry some Mexican pesos from the outset, as not all smaller vendors and transport options accept foreign cards.
- Allow extra time for security and immigration — queues can be long, especially on early-morning international departures.
AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.
Route map (94 destinations)
Airlines serving this airport
Routes
Stay, Eat & Explore: Mexico City
The palimpsest metropolis
- •Zócalo & Templo Mayor — The great square atop the Aztec ceremonial center.
- •Frida Kahlo Museum — The Blue House in Coyoacán — book ahead.
- •Chapultepec Park & Castle — A forest twice Central Park's size, with a hilltop castle.
- •Teotihuacan day trip — Climb the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
- •Xochimilco — Painted trajinera boats on Aztec-era canals.
Getting around: The Metro is vast and 5 pesos; use app-cabs at night. Metrobús Line 4 serves the airport.
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