Practical, no-fluff guide to Mexico City’s Benito Juárez Airport focused on saving time and avoiding common pain points.
Quick Facts
- Two terminals 8 km apart; free shuttle every 10-15 minutes.
- MCT (T1 ↔ T2): free red shuttle — budget 90 min minimum including re-security; 2 h safer in peaks.
- T2 handles most international flights and Aeromexico; T1 is mainly domestic.
- Security and immigration queues frequently exceed 45-60 minutes at peak hours.
- Metro Line 5 serves only T1; authorized taxis or Uber (with restrictions) serve both.
- Currency exchange and SIM cards are cheaper landside before security.
- Wi‑Fi: Free airport Wi‑Fi — registration required; slow at peak.
- Power: Outlets in T2 far gates (A20–A30 area); T1 is sparse.
- Water: Buy landside in T2 before security — airside markup is steep; limited refill fountains.
Security & Screening Tips
- Arrive at least 3 hours before international departures; domestic needs 2 hours minimum.
- T2 security is slower than T1; use the far-left lanes if you have status or are traveling alone.
- No TSA PreCheck equivalent; Clear is not available. Have passport and boarding pass ready in hand.
- Avoid 6-10 a.m. and 6-9 p.m. if possible; those windows see the longest lines.
Best Airport Tricks & Hacks
- Download the official AICM app for real-time gate and shuttle info; it updates faster than airline apps.
- If connecting T1–T2, exit security only if you have 90+ minutes; otherwise take the free red shuttle.
- Buy bottled water and snacks landside in T2 before security—prices drop 30-40 % compared to airside.
- Authorized taxi stands are the only legal option from arrivals; Uber works from departures but can be blocked during peak enforcement.
- T2 has cleaner restrooms and less foot traffic in the far gates (A20-A30 area) when you need quiet.
- Keep small-denomination pesos for shuttle tips or metro tickets; ATMs inside security charge high fees.
Terminals & Navigation
- T1 and T2 are not walkable; the free shuttle takes 15-20 minutes including wait.
- Domestic arrivals in T1 are close to Metro; international arrivals in T2 require ground transport or shuttle to reach T1.
- Common mistake: assuming a same-terminal connection when the airline moved the flight overnight.
Lounges, Food & Amenities
- T2 airside has the best food options (Mexican casual and a few sit-down spots with decent seating).
- T1 landside food is mediocre and crowded; eat before entering if possible.
- No standout paid lounges worth the cost for most travelers; Priority Pass options are basic.
Ground Transport & Parking
- Metro Line 5 to T1 is cheapest and fastest from downtown (25 min); avoid during rush hour.
- Authorized taxi from T2 to city center runs 250-350 MXN; Uber is similar when available.
- Short-term parking is expensive; long-term lots fill quickly on weekends.