Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport
Also known as: Mexico City Airport, AICM, Benito Juárez Airport.
Private transfer from MEXSee pricesSee pricesAbout Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport
Mexico City International Airport (MEX), officially Benito Juárez International Airport and known locally as AICM, is the main airport of Mexico City, the capital of Mexico. It sits in the Venustiano Carranza borough, 5 km east of the historic center, so hotels in the Centro, Reforma, Polanco, Roma and Condesa are a short drive away in light traffic.
It is the main hub of Aeroméxico and Aeroméxico Connect and a hub for Volaris and Viva Aerobus, which together link the capital with more than 40 Mexican cities, from Cancún and Guadalajara to Oaxaca and Los Cabos. International routes reach the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia, with airlines such as American, United, Delta, Air France, Iberia, Lufthansa and All Nippon Airways.
The airport has two terminals on opposite sides of the airfield, about 3 km apart. Terminal 1 handles Volaris, Viva Aerobus and most foreign airlines, and Terminal 2 handles Aeroméxico, Delta and Copa. The Aerotrén links them for passengers with a boarding pass, and a free bus runs between them for everyone else.
Two other airports also serve the metropolitan area, Felipe Ángeles (NLU) to the north and Toluca (TLC) to the west, so check which one your flight uses.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Grupo Aeroportuario de la Ciudad de México, owned by the Mexican Navy
- Runways
Two parallel runways: 05L/23R, 3,952 m (12,966 ft), and 05R/23L, 3,900 m (12,795 ft)
- Passengers per year
About 44.6 million in 2025, of which about 17.5 million international
- Elevation
2,230 m (7,320 ft) above sea level
- Opened
Officially inaugurated on May 15, 1931
Arrival tips for Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport
Arrivals are on the ground floor in both terminals. On an international flight you go through Mexican immigration first; have your passport ready, together with any documents your nationality requires, and expect longer queues when several long-haul flights land together.
Then collect your bags. Terminal 1 has 22 baggage carousels and Terminal 2 has 15, so check the screens for your flight's carousel, and report missing or damaged luggage at your airline's desk before leaving the hall. Customs comes after baggage claim.
In the public arrivals hall, use only the authorized taxi counters inside the terminal: you pay at the counter and take the ticket to the taxi rank outside. Turn down anyone who approaches you offering a ride. Pre-booked drivers wait in the arrivals area or at the meeting point in your confirmation.
Terminal 1's arrivals corridor has banks, currency exchange, snack kiosks and car-rental desks. The Metrobús stops at Entrance 7 of Terminal 1 and Entrance 2 of Terminal 2, and Terminal 1 also connects to the Metro by an outdoor walkway from Entrance 1.
Ground transportation
Authorized taxis and pre-booked transfers suit most travelers with luggage; the Metrobús is the cheap option into the center.
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Book a transfer from MEXPrivate transfer from Mexico City airport
A driver meets you in arrivals and takes you to your hotel or address in the Centro, Reforma, Polanco, Roma, Condesa or Coyoacán, or to nearby cities. The most comfortable choice with luggage, a family or a late arrival.
Authorized airport taxi
Pay at the official taxi counters inside the terminal, then take the ticket to the rank outside. Sedans carry up to four passengers and executive vans up to eight; use only these taxis.
Metrobús Line 4
Stops at Terminal 1 (Entrance 7) and Terminal 2 (Entrance 2), running to San Lázaro and on toward the historic center. You need a rechargeable card from the machines at the stop; tight on space for large suitcases.
Metro
Terminal Aérea station on Line 5 is a short outdoor walk from Terminal 1 Entrance 1; Terminal 2 is about 800 metres from Pantitlán station. Cheap, but not practical with large luggage.
Long-distance buses
Coaches leave from the airport's own bus terminals to Puebla, Toluca, Cuernavaca, Querétaro, Pachuca, Oaxaca, Veracruz and Acapulco, among others.
Shuttle to Felipe Ángeles Airport
ADO runs a shuttle from Terminal 1 to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) for connections with flights there.
Moving between terminals
- 1
Aerotrén
An elevated train between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, open only to passengers with a boarding pass and airline crew. The quickest way to change terminals when connecting between flights.
- 2
Inter-terminal bus
A free bus on the airport roads, between Terminal 1 (Entrance 6) and Terminal 2 (Entrance 4), open to everyone, including people meeting passengers.
- 3
Allow time to change terminals
The terminals are about 3 km apart. If you must collect bags, clear customs and check in again, leave extra time between flights.
Terminals
Terminal assignments can change, so always check your boarding pass or airline app.
Terminal 1
The older and larger terminal, on the north side of the airfield, with 33 jet-bridge gates and 20 remote stands. Domestic flights by Volaris, Viva Aerobus and Magnicharters board from gates 1 to 18, and international flights by most foreign airlines from gates 19 to 36.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Canada, Air France, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, Avianca, Avianca Costa Rica, Avianca El Salvador, British Airways, China Southern Airlines, Emirates, Hainan Airlines, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, LATAM Brasil, LATAM Chile, LATAM Perú, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Volaris, Volaris Costa Rica, Volaris El Salvador
Terminal 2
On the south side of the airfield, opened in 2007, with 30 gates (52 to 81), all with jet bridges. It is the base of Aeroméxico and its partners, for domestic and international flights.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
ATMs and currency exchange
ATMs and exchange booths are in both terminals, including Terminal 1's ground-floor arrivals corridor. Check the displayed rate and fees before accepting a conversion.
Food courts and restaurants
Terminal 1 has food courts and restaurants on the upper floor; Terminal 2 has food courts on its piers after security. Pier L in Terminal 2 has no shops or restaurants.
Duty-free shopping
Duty-free shops are in the international departure areas of both terminals, after security.
Hotels inside the terminals
Camino Real, Hilton and Courtyard are connected to Terminal 1; NH Collection and izZzleep are at Terminal 2.
Long-distance bus terminals
Terminal 1 has a bus terminal reached by a walkway from the top floor, plus ADO's own terminal next to the Camino Real; Terminal 2's is on the ground floor next to arrivals Hall Q.
Car-rental desks
Car-rental counters are in the arrivals areas, including Terminal 1's ground-floor commercial corridor.
Lost luggage
For baggage that does not arrive or is damaged, contact your airline's baggage-service desk before leaving the hall.
Airport lounges
Access depends on your ticket, a lounge membership, a credit card or paid entry; check hours and conditions with the lounge before you fly.
Terminal 1 Admirals Club
American Airlines' lounge, for members and eligible oneworld premium passengers.
Terminal 1 United Club
United Airlines' lounge, for members and eligible Star Alliance premium passengers.
Terminal 1 Iberia VIP Lounge
Shared by Iberia and British Airways for their premium passengers and eligible status holders.
Terminal 1 The Grand Lounge Elite
Used by Air France, KLM and ANA for eligible passengers, and by Visa cardholders.
Terminal 1 card lounges
Salón Centurión (American Express), Salón Beyond (Banamex) and Elite Lounge (Mastercard), for eligible cardholders.
Terminal 2 Aeroméxico Salón Premier
Separate domestic and international lounges, plus the Terraza Premier, for eligible Aeroméxico and SkyTeam passengers.
Terminal 2 card lounges
Salón Centurión (American Express), Salón Beyond (Banamex) and HSBC Premier Lounge, for eligible cardholders.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Ask your airline for wheelchair service or other help when you book, or at least 48 hours before you fly. Assistance is arranged by the airline and its ground-handling company.
Reduced mobility
Remote stands are reached by bus, so tell your airline in advance if you need help boarding. The Aerotrén and the inter-terminal bus connect the terminals.
Service animals
Confirm the documents and travel conditions for a service animal with your airline before you fly.
Assistance on arrival
If you requested assistance, tell the cabin crew before you leave the aircraft so airline staff can meet you.
Parking
Terminal 1 parking
Public car park with about 5,500 spaces at Terminal 1. Check the posted rates on entry and keep your ticket.
Terminal 2 parking
Public car park with about 3,000 spaces at Terminal 2. Check the posted rates on entry and keep your ticket.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mexico City airport the same as Benito Juárez airport?
Yes. Mexico City International Airport, Benito Juárez International Airport and AICM are the same airport, with the IATA code MEX and the ICAO code MMMX. It is the city's main airport, 5 km east of the historic center. Felipe Ángeles (NLU) and Toluca (TLC) are different airports that also serve the metropolitan area, so check the code on your ticket.
Which terminal does my airline use at Mexico City airport?
Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Delta and Copa use Terminal 2. Volaris, Viva Aerobus, Magnicharters and most foreign airlines, including American, United, Air Canada, Iberia, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa and LATAM, use Terminal 1. The terminals are about 3 km apart on opposite sides of the airfield, so confirm on your boarding pass or airline app before you set off.
How do I get between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Mexico City airport?
Passengers with a boarding pass can ride the Aerotrén, an elevated train that links the two terminals. Everyone else can take the free inter-terminal bus, which runs between Terminal 1 Entrance 6 and Terminal 2 Entrance 4. The terminals are about 3 km apart, so allow extra time if you have to collect bags and check in again.
How far is Mexico City airport from the city center?
Mexico City airport is 5 km east of the historic center, in the Venustiano Carranza borough. Neighborhoods such as Reforma, Polanco, Roma and Condesa are farther west, and travel time depends heavily on Mexico City traffic, which can be slow at any hour. The Metrobús and Metro offer alternatives to the road if you travel light.
Can I take the Metro or Metrobús from Mexico City airport?
Yes. Metrobús Line 4 stops at Terminal 1 (Entrance 7) and Terminal 2 (Entrance 2) and runs toward San Lázaro and the historic center; you need a rechargeable card from the machines at the stop. Terminal Aérea station on Metro Line 5 is next to Terminal 1. Both are cheap, but crowded trains and stairs make them hard with large suitcases.
Are there hotels inside Mexico City airport?
Yes. Camino Real, Hilton and Courtyard are connected to Terminal 1, and NH Collection and izZzleep are at Terminal 2. Several more hotels, including Fiesta Inn, Holiday Inn and City Express, are close to Terminal 1. Staying at the terminal is useful for early departures, late arrivals or long connections between flights.
How early should I arrive at Mexico City airport for my flight?
A common guideline is to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight from Mexico City. Traffic to the airport is unpredictable, so leave a generous margin for the drive, especially at rush hour, and confirm your terminal first because the two terminals are far apart. Your airline's own recommendation always comes first.