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Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport MEX Airport Traveler Guide

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iFly.comMEXMexico City Benito Juarez Airport

MEX Airport Insights & Guide

Key MEX Airport Topics:

Getting to Know MEX Airport

Welcome to our online guide for Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport, the busiest airport in Mexico and a significant gateway to Latin America. Known for its two expansive terminals, MEX is a hub for countless international and domestic flights, offering a variety of amenities to enhance your travel experience. One unique feature of this airport is the Aerotrén shuttle train, a free service for passengers needing to transfer between terminals. Whether you're embarking on a journey, making a connection, or arriving home, our guide is here to help you navigate MEX with ease. If your travel itinerary includes other airports, our worldwide airport guide is a handy resource to explore.

WATCH VIDEO: Take a journey through Benito Juarez Int'l Airport (MEX) in Mexico City, exploring Terminal 1, gates, and shops:

Airport News

Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport (MEX) is set to undergo major improvements in 2024, with an investment of over USD 128 million aimed at enhancing infrastructure and passenger experience. Additionally, Tampa International Airport has initiated nonstop daily flights to Mexico City, providing more convenient travel options for passengers. These developments are expected to significantly benefit travelers by improving airport facilities and expanding flight connectivity. (sources: Aviacion al Dia, WFLA)

Mexico City Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 has 13 gates and is used by Aeromexico, Delta, Air France, KLM, and Copa Airlines. Terminal 2 has 29 gates and is used by Interjet, Viva Aerobus, Volaris, and several international airlines including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Lufthansa.

Both terminals have a variety of shops, restaurants, and services available for passengers. Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

MEX has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These terminals are located about 3.5 kilometers apart from each other and can be reached by various means of transportation.

If you need to transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, you can take the Aerotrén shuttle train, which runs every 10 minutes and is free of charge. The train journey takes about 5 minutes and it departs from both terminals. Alternatively, you can also take a shuttle bus, which is also free of charge and runs every 20 minutes. The bus journey takes about 15 minutes and it departs from the ground level of both terminals.

If you prefer to walk, you can do so by following the pedestrian walkway, which is located outside of both terminals. The walkway is covered and has moving walkways, which makes the journey more comfortable. The walk between the terminals takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on your walking speed.

Tips from MEX Frequent Flyers

To help make your experience at Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from MEX-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"If you're transferring between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, save some time by using the Aerotrén. It's free and only takes about 5 minutes. But keep in mind, it can get crowded during peak hours, so plan accordingly." — Juan C., Naucalpan, December 2023

"For those who prefer a bit of exercise, the pedestrian walkway between the terminals is a nice option. It's covered and has moving walkways, making it a pleasant 15-20 minute walk." — Maria G., Tlalnepantla, February 2024

Getting To/From the City

"The Metrobus Line 4 is a great option if you're looking to save money. It connects directly to the airport and is much cheaper than a taxi, especially during rush hour." — Luis R., Ecatepec, March 2024

"If you have a lot of luggage, consider using authorized airport taxis. They're reliable and have fixed rates, which can be a relief after a long flight." — Ana P., Nezahualcóyotl, May 2024

Parking

"For those driving to the airport, the off-airport parking lots are a budget-friendly choice. They usually offer shuttle services to the terminals, which is convenient." — Carlos M., Chalco, June 2024

"Don't forget about the cell phone waiting area near Terminal 1. It's a great spot to wait in your car until your passenger is ready for pickup." — Sofia L., Texcoco, August 2024

Inside the Airport

"Terminal 1's La Mansion is a must-visit for a hearty meal. It's a bit pricey, but the food is worth it if you have time before your flight." — Diego T., Cuautitlán, September 2024

"For quick snacks and essentials, OXXO in Terminal 2 is super handy. They have a wide range of items, perfect for last-minute purchases." — Valeria S., Atizapán, October 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Always check your flight status before heading to the airport. The displays in the terminals are reliable, but having updates on your phone is even better." — Fernando H., Ciudad López Mateos, November 2024

"Arrive at least three hours before your international flight. Security lines can be unpredictable, and it's better to be safe than sorry." — Gabriela J., Tultitlán, July 2024

iFly Tip: Find the most convenient parking options for your trip on our Airport Parking page.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At the airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated curbside areas outside of each terminal. However, it is important to note that curbside parking is strictly prohibited and vehicles left unattended will be towed. To avoid this, drivers can utilize the airport's cell-phone waiting areas, located near each terminal, where they can wait for their arriving passengers free of charge.

When picking up passengers, it is recommended to confirm the terminal and gate number beforehand to ensure a smooth and timely pick-up. Drivers should also be aware of any airport-specific regulations, such as restricted pick-up areas or time limits for loading and unloading passengers.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're driving to Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport, you'll find several parking options available to suit your needs.

Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer on-site parking garages, with Terminal 2 also providing an outdoor lot. If you're looking for a more economical option, off-airport parking lots are also available nearby.

If you're waiting to pick up a passenger, you can use the cell phone waiting area located near Terminal 1. This area allows you to wait in your vehicle until your passenger has arrived and is ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas, with designated spaces located near the entrances and exits. If you require assistance, shuttle services are available to transport you to and from the terminals.

Off-airport parking can be a cost-effective option for travelers on a budget. These lots typically offer shuttle services to and from the airport, and may even provide additional amenities such as car washes or oil changes.

Get details about Mexico City Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

MEX offers a variety of transportation options to get you to your destination.

  • Rental Cars: If you prefer to rent a car, major providers such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National have facilities located at the airport.
  • Taxis: Taxis are available and can be found outside of the arrivals area. Fares are determined by zones, and rates are posted inside the taxi. It is recommended to only take authorized taxis to avoid scams.
  • Ride Share Services: Shared ride services are available, including Uber and Cabify. Pickup areas are located outside of the arrivals area, and there may be restrictions on where the driver can drop you off.
  • Airport Shuttles: Airport shuttles are available and can be found outside of the arrivals area. Fares vary depending on the destination, and pickup areas may differ depending on the shuttle company.
  • Public Transportation: If you prefer public transportation, the airport is connected to the city's metro system. Line 5 of the metro connects to the airport, and a one-way ticket costs around 5 pesos. Buses are also available, and fares range from 6 to 30 pesos depending on the route.

iFly Tip: Learn the procedures for getting a gate pass at the airport by checking our gate pass page.

Airport Hotels

Whether you're catching an early flight, in transit, or exploring the vibrant city, finding a comfortable hotel can greatly enhance your travel experience. Our guide provides a selection of hotels that cater to different needs and preferences, offering everything from round-the-clock airport shuttle services to strategic locations within proximity to the city's top attractions. From luxury to budget-friendly options, these hotels offer a range of amenities such as free Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, and 24-hour room service. Some are situated directly opposite the airport, while others are nestled in the heart of the city, providing easy access to cultural and historical landmarks. Ready to explore your options? View all Benito Juarez Airport Hotels now.

Dining & Shopping at MEX Airport

Traveling through Mexico City Airport can be a delightful experience, especially when it comes to dining and shopping. The airport offers a wide range of restaurants and stores that cater to every taste and preference. Some of the popular dining options include La Mansion, Salute, Wings, Sbarro, Carl's Jr., and Subway. On the other hand, the airport's shopping scene is equally impressive, with stores like OXXO, Aerotodo, Xocolia, Daniel Espinosa, Harmont & Blaine, and La Riviera. However, this is just a sample of what the airport has to offer. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, here's where to find everything you need.

Passenger Services

MEX Airport offers a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

For those who need to stay connected, free WiFi is available throughout both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. If you have lost an item during your travels, visit the airport's lost and found office located in the arrivals area of Terminal 1.

Traveling with children? The airport has designated children's play areas in both terminals to keep young ones entertained. For passengers with special needs, the airport offers a range of services including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

Banking services are also available in both terminals, with ATMs and currency exchange offices located throughout the airport. In case of a medical emergency, there are medical facilities and trained staff available 24/7 in both terminals.

Flight Status Info

As a traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date on the status of your flight. At the airport, there are several ways to check your flight status and stay informed about any changes or delays.

One way to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, arrivals, and gate information. Simply find the display for your airline and flight number, and you'll be able to see the most current information about your flight.

Another way to stay informed about your flight is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Many airlines offer apps that allow you to track your flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes, and even check in for your flight. You can also sign up for text, email, and push notifications from your airline to receive updates about your flight directly on your phone.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

iFly Tip: Explore the responsibilities of cockpit crew members with our cockpit operation guide.

Airport Facts & Stats

  • Location: Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport (MEX) is located in Mexico City, Mexico.
  • Terminals: The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with Terminal 2 being the larger of the two.
  • Airlines Served: Major airlines include Aeromexico, Interjet, and Volaris. For a complete list of airlines, visit the MEX Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: The airport handles approximately 120,000 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: Mexico City Airport sees over 1,200 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations from MEX are Cancun, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana, and Houston.
  • Hub Status: Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport is a hub for Aeromexico and Interjet.

Airport History

The Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport, also known as the Mexico City International Airport, is the busiest airport in Mexico and one of the busiest in Latin America. It has a rich history dating back to the early 1920s when it was first established as a military airbase. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1928 - The airport was officially opened as a civilian airport, named after Benito Juarez, a former president of Mexico.
  • 1952 - The first international flight departed from the airport, marking a new era of international travel for Mexico.
  • 1969 - A new terminal building was constructed to accommodate the growing number of passengers and airlines.
  • 1985 - The airport was severely damaged by a massive earthquake that struck Mexico City, causing significant damage to the terminal and runways.
  • 1994 - A second terminal building was opened, doubling the airport's capacity and allowing for more international flights.
  • 2014 - The airport underwent a major renovation and expansion project, including the construction of a new terminal building and the extension of runways.
  • 2020 - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport saw a significant decrease in passenger traffic, leading to the temporary closure of one terminal building.

Today, the Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport continues to serve as a major hub for travel throughout Mexico and Latin America, with plans for further expansion and modernization in the coming years.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Mexico City International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: MEX
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +52 55 2482 2400
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Mexico City International Airport, Av. Capitán Carlos León S/N, Peñón de los Baños, Venustiano Carranza, 15620 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport Q&A

You can use the free Aerotrén shuttle train, which runs every 10 minutes and takes about 5 minutes. Alternatively, there is a free shuttle bus running every 20 minutes, taking about 15 minutes. Walking is also an option via a covered pedestrian walkway with moving walkways, taking 15-20 minutes.
Both terminals offer on-site parking garages, with Terminal 2 providing an additional outdoor lot. There are also off-airport parking lots nearby, which typically offer shuttle services to the terminals.
Yes, you can take the Metrobus Line 4 directly from the airport, which is reliable and cheaper than taxis, especially during peak hours. The city’s metro system, Line 5, also connects to the airport.
Terminal 1 features dining options like La Mansion and shopping at OXXO, while Terminal 2 offers various restaurants and stores. Both terminals provide a wide range of choices for dining and shopping.
It is recommended to use authorized airport taxis, which are safe and have fixed rates. These can be found outside the arrivals area.
Flight status can be checked using the in-airport flight displays or by using your airline's mobile app for real-time updates. Additionally, you can visit the flight departures page on ifly.com for updates.
The airport offers services including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated handicapped parking spaces. Shuttle services are available for transportation to and from the terminals.
Yes, there is a cell phone waiting area near Terminal 1 where you can wait in your vehicle until your passenger is ready to be picked up.
Arrive at least 3 hours before your international flight to account for unpredictable security lines. Also, frequently check the flight status displays for any gate changes or delays.
Major rental car providers such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National have facilities located at the airport. You can rent a car directly from these providers.