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Benito Juárez International Airport Insider Guide
MEXMexico City's main airport — massive, often chaotic, but well-connected. Two terminals (T1 and T2) linked by a free Aerotrén monorail. Hub for Aeroméxico (T2) with many international carriers in T1. Traffic congestion around the airport is notorious.
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35min
Transit to city
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30min
Immigration
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45min
Security buffer
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Leave with 3–6 hours+
Leave the airport?
OK to leave:
3–6h
6–10h
10h+
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Lounges
| Terminal | Lounge | Access | Showers | Good for | Price (paid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T1 | Salón Premier Aeromexico | SkyTeam biz/elite, AM premium | Yes | Excellent Mexican food, bar | ~$50 USD walk-in |
| T1 | United Polaris Lounge | UA Polaris biz, Star Alliance Gold | Yes | Premium dining, quiet | Not sold at door |
| T1 | MERA Business Lounge (T1) | Priority Pass / paid | No | Snacks, drinks, basic | ~$35 USD |
| T2 | Salón Premier Aeromexico (T2) | SkyTeam biz/elite, AM premium | Yes | Mexican buffet, tequila bar | ~$50 USD walk-in |
| T2 | MERA Business Lounge (T2) | Priority Pass / paid | No | Snacks, drinks | ~$35 USD |
Aeromexico's Salón Premier lounges are excellent — try the tacos and mole. PP holders have MERA lounges in both terminals but they're basic.
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Traveler notes
- T1↔T2 transfer via free Aerotrén monorail (airside) or shuttle bus (landside) — allow 30+ minutes.
- Mexico City is at 2,240m altitude — take it easy on arrival if coming from sea level.
- Immigration can be very slow; automated kiosks available for some nationalities.
- Keep valuables close — pickpocketing happens in crowded terminal areas.
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Sleep / Rest
- IZZZLEEP sleep pods in T1 (airside) — bookable by the hour. Clean and convenient.
- NH Hotel T2: Connected to Terminal 2, day rooms available.
- Hilton Mexico City Airport: Connected to T1 via walkway.
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Food
- Excellent Mexican food options: tacos, tortas, chilaquiles available in both terminals.
- El Fogoncito and VIPS are reliable chains. Coffee at Cielito Querido Café.
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Showers
- Aeromexico Salón Premier lounges have showers. IZZZLEEP pods also offer shower access.
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Luggage Storage
- Luggage storage available in T1 and T2 landside; approximately MXN 150–250 per bag per day (~$8–14 USD).
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Transit to City
- Metro (Line 5 / Metrobús Line 4): Cheapest option, ~30–45 min to Centro/Reforma, ~MXN 30. Not great with heavy luggage.
- Taxi: Official airport taxis from counters, ~MXN 250–450 ($14–25 USD) to Reforma/Condesa, 30–60 min.
- Uber/DiDi: Available; pickup from designated areas. Cheaper than official taxis.
- Buffer: Back at MEX 3h international, 2h domestic.
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Essentials
- SIM/eSIM: Telcel in arrivals; tourist SIMs available. eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) works well.
- ATMs: Widespread; withdraw MXN. Decline DCC. Citibanamex and Santander have lower fees.
- Wi‑Fi: Free, requires registration, decent speed.
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