Mexico City Travel Essentials

Our Mexico City Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to the capital city of Mexico. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need? We have all these answers plus other basic info about the best time to go, getting there, getting around, and a few useful travel tips.

It’s all compiled in this Mexico City Travel Essentials. After reading this short and easy-to-read guide, you will be a little more prepared to start your trip in Mexico City.

1. When is the best time to travel to Mexico City?

Mexico City has a subtropical highland climate, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C in winter to 20°C in summer.

1. The rainiest time of the year is between June and September, with an average of 20 rainy days per month.
2. March-May is the best time to visit Mexico City, and is the most popular time to do so. Apart from during Easter, hotel and flight prices remain reasonable, but try to book your room early.
3. October and November are also great times to visit due to the many festivals held at this time of the year. Mexico City is festive and bustling on Día de la Raza on 12 October, Día de los Muertos on 1 November and Día de la Revolución. Expect hotel and flight prices to rise during these times. Temperatures can also be pretty low during this period, so pack some warm clothing.

2. Mexico City basics

1. Languages:
   Primary:Spanish
   Most of the Mexicans working in the tourist industry speak/understand English
2. Plug types: A and B
3. Electricity: 110 V
4. Currency: Mexican peso (Mex$)
5. International dialling codes: +52 55
6. Emergency telephone number: 911

3. How to get to my hotel in Mexico City?

Mexico City International Airport

Mexico City International Airport is one of the busiest in the country, and sits 6 km east of the city centre. It features 2 passenger terminals separated by 2 runways and connected by the Airtrain. The 2 terminals host a great range of dining and shopping options, as well as facilities including free Wi-Fi and currency exchange services. There are several transfer options to reach downtown Mexico City:

1. Taxis are one of the most convenient ways to get to the city due to its close location. It takes around 15-20 minutes to get there. Taxi ranks can be found at the entrances of both terminals.
2. Apps such as Uber and Cabify can be used at Mexico City Airport.
3. The Metrobus takes around 20-30 minutes. You need to purchase a Metrobus Smart Card at one of the vending machines near Entrance 7 in Terminal 1 and Entrance 2 in Terminal 2. It’s the cheapest way to get to the city centre.
4. Many bus companies are available to take you to various destinations in and around Mexico City. Ticket booths and bus stops can be found on the Upper and Ground floors of Terminal 1 and on the Ground floor of Terminal 2. Prices depend on your destination.
5. Car rental agencies can be found within the grounds of the airport.

4. How to get around Mexico City?

Travel tips

Being one of the largest cities in the world and settled at an altitude of 2,200 metres, Mexico City can be explored on foot, but only for short distances as it can be difficult to breathe. For instance, the Historic Centre covers an area of 5 sq km, which is very pleasant to stroll through. It hosts landmarks and attractions such as the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the National Palace, all within walking distance of each other. There are also great dining, shopping and nightlife entertainment options to choose from. For longer journeys, Mexico City has convenient and affordable public and private transport services at hand.

5. STC Metro – Mexico City subway network

The Metro is one of the most convenient and safest ways to travel in Mexico City. Officially named STC (Sistema de Transporte Colectivo - Collective Transportation System), it features 12 lines and 195 stations across the city.

1. It’s best to purchase a rechargeable Metrobus Smart Card.
2. The first 3 wagons of each train are usually reserved to women and children only.
3. Pickpockets are known to operate around Metro stations, so keep your valuables safe.
4. It may sound obvious, but the Metro is crowded at peak hours, making journeys uncomfortable.

6. Metrobus - Mexico City bus rapid transit system

Metrobus is a bus rapid transit system that runs 7 bus lines throughout the city.

1. It’s best to purchase a rechargeable Metrobus Smart Card.
2. Single tickets can be purchased directly in the bus, but you need to have the exact change. Cards are available and can be recharged in bus stations and in many authorised dealers, such as 7-Eleven stores.
3. Some buses are reserved for women only.

7. Electric Trolleybus rides

Mexico City municipality operates 8 lines of electric trolleybus that cover most of the city. They use the same ticketing system as Metrobus and Metro.

8. Taking a taxi

For safety reasons, it’s usually recommended not to hail taxis on the street in Mexico City, especially after dark. You can easily find cab stands outside hotels and near the main attractions and shopping areas.

1. You can directly call popular companies such as Easy Taxi (800 200 3279), Taxi Mex (55 9171 8888) or Yellow Cab (55 2599 6024), just to name a few.
2. Apps such as Uber and Cabify can also be used to hail a taxi in Mexico City.
3. If you don’t speak Spanish, have your address written down ready to show the driver.
4. Rates are 20% higher between 11 pm and 6 am.

9. What are the main annual events in Mexico City?

Day of the Dead

1. What: One of the most famous events in Mexico, Dia de Muertos is a celebration of life. Expect colourful skulls, morbid decorations, scary makeup and parades during this quirky national event.
2. When: First 2 days of November
3. Where: Throughout the city

Independence Day

1. What: Mexican flags fly all around the city for the celebration of Mexico Independence Day. Expect parades, parties and fireworks.
2. When: 16 September
3. Where: Throughout the city

Festival del Centro Histórico

1. What: Mexico City Historic Centre Festival is one of the most notable cultural events yearly held in the city. Founded in 1985, it showcases traditional music, art and dance performances for 2 weeks.
2. When: March
3. Where: Mexico Historic Centre

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