🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Mexico
✈️ Flying to Mexico
Main Airports
Mexico City International Airport (MEX) - Mexico's main hub, 21 million metro population. Terminal 1 (domestic + some international), Terminal 2 (Aeromexico, Star Alliance). Aerotrén connects terminals, 5 minutes.
Other Major International Airports:
- Cancun International Airport (CUN) - Caribbean gateway, direct flights from US, Canada, Europe
- Guadalajara Airport (GDL) - Second city, tequila region, growing international connections
- Los Cabos Airport (SJD) - Baja California resort area, direct US flights
- Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) - Pacific coast, direct US/Canada flights
💡 Insider Tip
Mexico City at 2,240m altitude means breathlessness after landing. Take it easy first day. Drink 3+ liters water daily.
🚗 From Airports to Cities
Mexico City Airport to City Center
Uber/Didi: MXN$200-300 to Roma/Condesa (30-60 min depending on traffic). Cheapest and safest option.
Metro Line 5: Connects Terminal 1 to city (MXN$5). Crowded, not recommended with luggage.
Official airport taxis: More expensive (MXN$400-500). Book at official stands inside terminal.
Cancun Airport to Hotel Zone/Playa/Tulum
Official airport taxis expensive (MXN$800-1000 to Hotel Zone). Walk outside airport grounds to get cheaper Uber.
ADO buses: Comfortable, cheap. Cancun to Playa del Carmen MXN$220, to Tulum MXN$350. Book online or at airport.
Shared shuttles: Book ahead (MXN$300-400 per person). Good middle ground.
💡 Insider Tip
Cancun airport Uber trick: Walk outside airport property (10 min) to get Uber for half price. Official taxis have monopoly inside.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa-free for 180 days: US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, NZ citizens. No visa needed. Tourist card (FMM) issued on arrival.
Keep tourist card safe—you need it to exit Mexico. Lost card means MXN$500+ fee and bureaucracy at airport. Take photo as backup.
Check visa requirements for Mexico →Entry Process
Immigration takes 10-30 minutes. Fill out form on plane or arrival. Keep tourist card for exit.
Customs random checks: Green light/red light system. Green = pass through, red = bag inspection. Random, quick if selected.
No vaccinations required. COVID rules change frequently, check current requirements.
🚗 Getting Around Mexico
Domestic Flights
Cheap and frequent. CDMX to Cancun MXN$1500-3000, to Oaxaca MXN$800-1500. Volaris, VivaAerobus budget airlines. Aeromexico full-service. Book ahead.
ADO Buses (First-Class)
Comfortable, reliable. CDMX to Oaxaca 6 hours MXN$600-800, to Puebla 2 hours MXN$300. Book online at ado.com.mx
Uber/Didi
Essential in cities. Cheap (MXN$50-100 most rides), safe, no haggling. Download both apps, compare prices. Don't use street taxis in CDMX.
🎫 Money-Saving Tip
ADO buses vs flights: Buses cheaper but slower. CDMX to Oaxaca: Bus MXN$600-800 (6h) vs Flight MXN$800-1500 (1h). Choose based on time vs budget.
🚙 Renting a Car
Good for remote ruins, beach towns, wine country. Not recommended for cities (parking difficult, traffic chaotic).
Things to Know
- Insurance mandatory and expensive (MXN$400-800/day on top of rental). Read terms carefully.
- Toll roads costly (CDMX-Acapulco MXN$800 tolls). Free roads slower but scenic.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (cities), 80-110 km/h (highways)
- Police checkpoints common. Have license, passport, rental papers ready.
- Gas stations full-service. Say "lleno por favor" (fill it up please).
⚠️ Safety Tip
Avoid driving at night on highways. Animals, potholes, and occasional safety issues. Stick to daylight driving.
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Mexico
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book domestic flights early: Volaris and VivaAerobus offer cheap fares when booked ahead
- Use Uber/Didi: Much cheaper than official airport taxis. Download both apps.
- ADO buses: First-class comfort at budget prices. Book online for best seats.
- Avoid car rental insurance scams: Check if your credit card covers Mexico. Read terms carefully.
- Walk outside Cancun airport: Get Uber for half price by leaving airport property