What is the cheapest way from Mexico City Airport to the Centro Histórico?

The Metrobús Línea 4 (Quetzalcóatl) runs direct from the terminals into the historic centre for MXN 30 (about US$1.60) in roughly 40–60 minutes. The Metro Línea 5 is cheaper at a flat MXN 5 but only has stairs and discourages large luggage.

How do I pay for the Metrobús at the airport?

You need a Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada card, sold and topped up at machines near the elevators in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Load the MXN 30 airport fare, then tap to board; the same card works on the Metro and other Metrobús lines.

Where do I catch the Metrobús Línea 4 at MEX airport?

At Terminal 1 use the stop by Door 7; at Terminal 2 use the stop by Door 2. The Quetzalcóatl buses run every 7–10 minutes, Monday–Saturday 04:30–24:00 and Sunday/holidays 05:00–24:00.

How much is a taxi from Mexico City Airport to the city?

The official 'taxi autorizado' prepaid module charges about MXN 220–350 to the Centro Histórico in central Mexico City — roughly ten times the MXN 30 Metrobús. It's only worth it with heavy luggage or a late-night arrival; never accept rides from touts inside the terminal.

Is the Metro cheaper than the Metrobús from the airport?

Yes — Metro Línea 5 from Terminal Aérea is a flat MXN 5 versus MXN 30 for the Metrobús, but the station has only fixed stairs, needs transfers to reach the centre, and officially discourages large suitcases, so the Metrobús is easier with bags.

What is the best way from MEX to downtown Mexico City?

For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest practical one: the Metrobús Línea 4 (Quetzalcóatl) direct into the city centre — MXN 30 (about US$1.60) and roughly 40–60 minutes to the Centro Histórico.

How to get from Mexico City Airport (MEX) to downtown Mexico City (Centro Histórico) — the cheapest way

The cheapest practical way from Mexico City Airport (MEX/AICM) into the Centro Histórico is the Metrobús Línea 4 (Quetzalcóatl), a direct MXN 30 (about US$1.60) airport bus with luggage space that reaches the historic centre in roughly 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. Pay by tapping a Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada card bought at the terminal; the Metro Línea 5 from Terminal Aérea is even cheaper at a flat MXN 5 but has only stairs and officially discourages large suitcases. Skip the airport 'taxi autorizado' prepaid module, which charges about MXN 220–350 to the centre — roughly ten times the bus.

How to find it

AIRPORTMexico City International Airport (Benito Juárez, AICM)
01From arrivals, head to the Metrobús Línea 4 airport stop: at Terminal 1 it is by Door 7, and at Terminal 2 by Door 2.
02Buy or top up a Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada at the card machine near the elevators and load the MXN 30 airport fare.
03Tap the card and board the Quetzalcóatl-branded Línea 4 bus heading toward Buenavista/Amajac. They run every 7–10 minutes, Monday–Saturday 04:30–24:00 and Sunday/holidays 05:00–24:00.
04Ride about 40–60 minutes (traffic-dependent) into the Centro Histórico. The line runs direct with no transfer, stopping near San Lázaro, Zócalo/Pino Suárez, Bellas Artes and Hidalgo for the historic centre.
CITY CENTREMexico City

Ticket

Metrobús Línea 4 (Quetzalcóatl) airport fare, on a Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada

Where to buy: Buy and top up the Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada at the card machines near the elevators in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

How to pay: The machines take cash and cards; the card itself costs a few pesos extra. Load the MXN 30 airport fare, then tap the card on the reader to board — no separate ticket to validate.

Local's trick: The MXN 30 airport fare is a special rate (higher than the normal MXN 6 city fare) but it buys a direct, luggage-friendly ride straight into the Centro Histórico with no transfer. The same Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada also works on the Metro and every other Metrobús line, so buy one card and top it up for your whole trip.

Trap to avoid: Skip the airport 'taxi autorizado' prepaid modules inside the terminal — a booked cab to the Centro Histórico runs about MXN 220–350, roughly ten times the Metrobús. Ignore anyone who approaches you offering a taxi; only the official modules are legitimate, and even those cost far more than the bus.

All ways to downtown, compared

Option	Price	Time	Ticket
Metro	MX$5.00	55 min	Metro flat fare, on a Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada (Línea 5 from Terminal Aérea)
BusCheapest route	MX$30.00	50 min	Metrobús Línea 4 (Quetzalcóatl) airport fare, on a Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada

Frequently asked

What is the cheapest way from Mexico City Airport to the Centro Histórico?: The Metrobús Línea 4 (Quetzalcóatl) runs direct from the terminals into the historic centre for MXN 30 (about US$1.60) in roughly 40–60 minutes. The Metro Línea 5 is cheaper at a flat MXN 5 but only has stairs and discourages large luggage.
How do I pay for the Metrobús at the airport?: You need a Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada card, sold and topped up at machines near the elevators in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Load the MXN 30 airport fare, then tap to board; the same card works on the Metro and other Metrobús lines.
Where do I catch the Metrobús Línea 4 at MEX airport?: At Terminal 1 use the stop by Door 7; at Terminal 2 use the stop by Door 2. The Quetzalcóatl buses run every 7–10 minutes, Monday–Saturday 04:30–24:00 and Sunday/holidays 05:00–24:00.
How much is a taxi from Mexico City Airport to the city?: The official 'taxi autorizado' prepaid module charges about MXN 220–350 to the Centro Histórico in central Mexico City — roughly ten times the MXN 30 Metrobús. It's only worth it with heavy luggage or a late-night arrival; never accept rides from touts inside the terminal.
Is the Metro cheaper than the Metrobús from the airport?: Yes — Metro Línea 5 from Terminal Aérea is a flat MXN 5 versus MXN 30 for the Metrobús, but the station has only fixed stairs, needs transfers to reach the centre, and officially discourages large suitcases, so the Metrobús is easier with bags.
What is the best way from MEX to downtown Mexico City?: For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest practical one: the Metrobús Línea 4 (Quetzalcóatl) direct into the city centre — MXN 30 (about US$1.60) and roughly 40–60 minutes to the Centro Histórico.

Last verified: Jul 2, 2026. Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.