Getting Around Mexico City (2026)
Getting around Mexico City can feel like an adventure on its own. The city is huge, busy, and sometimes a little chaotic at first. But once you understand how things work, moving around becomes much easier than you might expect.
Whether you’re using the metro, buses, ride-hailing apps, or just walking through certain neighborhoods, there are plenty of ways to get around efficiently. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the main options, share a few practical tips, and help you choose what actually makes sense depending on your plans.
What’s the best way to get around Mexico City?
Getting around Mexico City is surprisingly easy once you know your options. The city offers several reliable transportation choices, each with its own advantages depending on speed, cost, and flexibility. Here’s a clear overview of the main ones.
🚇 Getting around by metro in Mexico City
The Mexico City metro is one of the most practical and affordable ways to move around the city.
With 12 lines and more than 195 stations, the network covers a large part of the metropolitan area and makes it easy to reach many major attractions and neighborhoods.
The system is generally fast, with trains arriving every 3 to 5 minutes during peak hours. Using the metro helps you avoid surface traffic and can significantly reduce travel time, all for a very low cost. It’s often the best option if you’re traveling longer distances or during busy hours.
🕡Hours
• Monday to Friday: 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
• Saturday: 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
• Sundays & public holidays: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
💵 Price
• 5 MXN per ride (≈ $0.25 USD)
ℹ️Notes
• Trains every 3–5 minutes during peak hours
• Works with the Integrated Mobility Card
🚌 The Metrobús in Mexico City
The Metrobús is another efficient way to get around Mexico City. This bus rapid transit system runs on dedicated lanes, allowing it to bypass much of the city’s traffic.
Several lines serve a wide range of neighborhoods, including areas not covered by the metro. Buses are frequent and reliable, usually running every 5 to 10 minutes during peak hours.
The Metrobús is both fast and affordable, with fares similar to the metro. Stations are well designed, secure, and easy to navigate, making this option popular with both locals and visitors who want a comfortable and efficient way to explore the city.
🕡Hours
• Most lines run from 4:30–5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
• Exact times vary slightly by line
💵Price
• 6 MXN per ride (≈ $0.30 USD)
ℹ️Notes
• Dedicated lanes help avoid traffic
• Uses the same Integrated Mobility Card as the metro
🚲 Bike sharing in Mexico City (EcoBici)
Mexico City also has a bike-sharing system called EcoBici. It’s a healthy and eco-friendly way to get around and explore the city. The service offers thousands of bikes spread across more than 480 stations, mainly located in central neighborhoods.
🕡 Hours
• Service generally available 24/7
• Bikes can be taken and returned at any station
💵 Price
• 1 day: 123 MXN (≈ $7 USD)
• 3 days: 245 MXN (≈ $14 USD)
• 1 week: 409 MXN (≈ $23 USD)
• 1 year: 545 MXN (≈ $30 USD)
ℹ️ Notes
• Over 480 stations, mainly in central areas
• Ideal for Condesa and Roma Norte
• Great option to avoid traffic and explore at a relaxed pace
• You’ll need to create an account before using the service
🚕 Taxis in Mexico City
Taxis are a common way to get around Mexico City, especially for short trips or when public transport is less convenient. Official taxis are easy to recognize and remain a practical option if you follow a few basic precautions.
🕡 Hours
• Available day and night
• Easier to find in central areas and near transport hubs
💵 Price
• Prices vary depending on distance and traffic
• Fares are generally affordable compared to many large cities
ℹ️ Notes
• Official taxis are pink and white
• Prefer taxis from official stands (sitios) or radio taxis
• Always check that the meter is on, or agree on the price in advance
• Useful late at night or when public transport is limited
👉 For a complete one-day itinerary, see our guide: Visit Mexico City in One Day
🚙 Ride-hailing apps in Mexico City (Uber, DiDi, Cabify)
Ride-hailing apps are widely used in Mexico City and are often the easiest option for visitors. They offer a comfortable, secure, and cashless way to move around the city, especially if you’re not familiar with local transport.
🕡 Hours
• Available 24/7, including late at night
• Very easy to use from the airport and central neighborhoods
💵 Price
• Prices vary depending on distance, traffic, and demand
• Short rides within central areas are often under $10 USD
ℹ️ Notes
• Uber, DiDi, and Cabify are the most common options
• Payment is done directly in the app (no cash needed)
• Driver ratings add an extra level of safety and transparency
• Often the best option for international visitors
🚍 Buses in Mexico City
Buses are an affordable and widespread way to get around Mexico City, covering areas well beyond the metro network. They can be a practical option for short trips, although they may feel a bit overwhelming at first for visitors.
🕡 Hours
• Most routes run from early morning until late evening
• Frequency is high, especially on main routes
💵 Price
• Very affordable fares, usually a few pesos per ride
• Some lines accept the Integrated Mobility Card
ℹ️ Notes
• Large and extensive network across the city
• Can be crowded during rush hours
• Routes may feel confusing for first-time visitors
• A transport app or route map is strongly recommended
🚎 Hop-On Hop-Off bus in Mexico City
The Hop-On Hop-Off bus is a good option if you want to see many highlights in a short time, while keeping the flexibility to explore stops at your own pace.
🕡 Hours
• Operates daily during daytime hours
• Buses run regularly on each route
💵 Price
• One ticket gives access to multiple routes
• Prices vary depending on ticket duration, starting at MX$376 for a day pass (around $21 USD)
ℹ️ Notes
• Double-decker panoramic buses
• You can hop on and off at each stop
• Ideal if you have limited time and want a general overview
Main routes include:
- Green Route – Downtown to Polanco
– Zócalo and Reforma Avenue
– Angel of Independence and Diana the Huntress
– Roma, Condesa, and Polanco neighborhoods - Yellow Route – Temples & Historic Sites
– Franz Mayer Museum
– Basilica of Guadalupe and San Judas Tadeo
– Hemicycle to Benito Juárez - Blue Route – Downtown to the South
– Coyoacán and the Frida Kahlo Museum
– San Ángel parks
– UNAM campus
FAQ – Getting Around Mexico City
How do you use the metro in Mexico City?
Using the metro in Mexico City is simple and efficient. You can buy single tickets or a rechargeable Metro Card at any station. The network is well marked, affordable, and connects most major areas. It’s one of the fastest ways to avoid traffic, especially during busy hours.
Where can you buy metro tickets in Mexico City?
You can buy metro tickets or a rechargeable Metro Card at ticket counters or vending machines inside every station. The card is recommended if you plan to use public transport more than once, as it speeds up access and also works on buses and the Metrobús.
How do you plan a metro route in Mexico City?
Each metro line is identified by a color and number, making navigation easier. Maps are displayed in stations and inside trains. Using a local transport app can help you plan transfers, estimate travel time, and choose the most efficient route for your destination.
How much does the metro cost in Mexico City?
A single metro ride costs just 5 Mexican pesos, around $0.25 USD. This fare allows unlimited transfers within the network, regardless of distance. A rechargeable Metro Card costs 15 pesos initially and can be topped up with any amount, making it very convenient.
