Mexico City International Airport, known as Benito Juárez International Airport, is the largest airport in Mexico, sitting less than 10 km (6 miles) from downtown. Its two large terminals are set on opposite sides of the runways and can sometimes be challenging to navigate, especially when the airport gets crowded.
Having traveled through MEX on several international and domestic trips, I learned to be patient with the process. My best advice is to avoid scheduling tight connections, even if you’re flying out of the same terminal. Leave yourself at least two hours between connecting flights. That time will pass quickly as you clear immigration and customs and head for your next domestic or international flight.
The two terminals at Mexico City International Airport
Most airlines operate out of Terminal 1, the older terminal that received renovations over the years. You’ll find most international carriers here, along with domestic flights by Viva Aerobus and Volaris. American Airlines and United Airlines are in Terminal 1.
Terminal 2 is newer and handles all of Aeromexico’s flights since September 2023, when the airline consolidated its operations there. Copa, Delta Air Lines and LATAM are also in Terminal 2.
Airlines flying to Benito Juárez Mexico City International Airport
MEX is Aeromexico's main hub and hosts low-cost carriers Viva Aerobus and Volaris. Latin American carriers Avianca, Copa, and LATAM operate out of this airport, as do many other international carriers, including Air France, KLM, Lufthansa and Emirates. For US-based travelers, American Airlines and United Airlines are in Terminal 1, while Delta Air Lines is in Terminal 2 with its partner Aeromexico.
Departures at Mexico City Airport
You can get to the airport via metro or bus, but a convenient way is by taxi or hotel shuttle buses. Be sure to leave for the airport with extra time around commuting times. You shouldn’t check in too close to your flight departure time at MEX because security lines can be long. Check in three hours before your international flight and two hours before your domestic flight.
Checking in for your flight at Mexico City International Terminal 1
International airline check-in desks are on the upper level and broken up into three zones: F1, F2 and F3. Domestic check-in areas (Halls D and D1) are located on the ground floor. Verify your zone with your airline.
Checking in for your flight at Mexico City International Terminal 2
You’ll find three dedicated check-in zones on the upper level of Terminal 2 (L1-L3). Aeromexico SkyPriority lanes and check-in counters are located in bays L2 and L3. Check with your airline for specific check-in locations based on your destination and ticket class.
Arrivals at Mexico City International
Sometimes, the immigration lines can be long, but I’ve found the process usually takes 10-40 minutes. Baggage claims at both terminals are located on the ground floor and past immigration.
You’ll need to clear customs before leaving the terminal’s secure area. Baggage carts are available to help with your luggage, but these aren’t allowed outside to the curb where you’ll find the taxis. The good news is there are porters ready to help you carry the extra load for a tip.
Connecting flights at Mexico City International
If you’re connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight at either terminal, you must clear immigration, pick up your luggage, and go to the dedicated customs area. After clearing customs, look for airline counters to re-check your luggage. You don’t need to pick up your bag or go through customs when transiting between international flights if your luggage is checked through to your destination.
Aerotren connection between Terminal 1 & 2
Take the Aerotren metrorail if your next flight is in the opposite terminal and you have a boarding pass (paper or digital). It's the fastest route. The metrorail service is free, but limited to checked-in passengers, those in need of assistance, airline staff and airport staff. Space on the Aerotren is limited, so don't bring large luggage.
The Aerotren platform in Terminal 1 is in the middle of the Puente de Pilotos bridge, with access via escalators in Hall D, and in Terminal 2 it’s in Hall M next to domestic departures. Trains run approximately every 10 minutes from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with the travel time between terminals being approximately 5 minutes.
Terminal connection buses
If you don’t have a boarding pass or it’s outside Aerotren operating hours, you can take the inter-terminal bus. It runs from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. from Gate 7 in Terminal 1 and Gate 4 in Terminal 2. There’s a small fee (currently $16.00 MXN), which is paid directly to the vehicle operator upon boarding, so I recommend grabbing some pesos from an ATM first.
Car Rentals
If you’re courageous enough to brave Mexico City traffic, you’ll find all the major rental car companies in both terminals. The city is enormous, so a car can be useful depending on your plans. To avoid the hassle of vendors on the road and finding parking in the city, I usually ride by taxi.
Managing longer transits
Got a layover of six hours or more? You can pop into the city for a while. Both terminals have 24-hour luggage storage facilities on the ground floor, so you can drop your bags and explore. Taxis, the metro, or buses can get you downtown, but always keep an eye on the time and that infamous traffic.
If you’d rather stay put, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you busy. For a really long layover or an early morning flight, there are several hotels right on airport property, plus others nearby with free shuttles. You can even find capsule hotels like izZzleep inside the terminals.
Mexico City International Airport lounges
In Mexico City International Airport, there are many lounges with pay-for-access policies. I often head straight there to escape the crowds. There are some small, outdated facilities with minimal services. I’ll focus on the better ones.
Terminal 1 lounges
In Terminal 1 Hall H, Priority Pass travelers can access the Grand Lounge Elite, which offers refreshments, a barista and an artisanal beer bar. Personal services include hand and foot massages, hair styling and gel nail manicures. Seating may be limited due to high demand.
American Airlines’ Admirals Club lounge in Terminal 1 Hall H is a delightful place for a visit, offering all the comforts of the airline’s other lounges. Admirals Club members, qualifying First and Business Class passengers on American or oneworld airlines, and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members can access the lounge. One-Day Passes are also available for purchase.
There’s a United Club near the American Airlines Admirals Club on the mezzanine level in Hall H, near Gate 19. While the United Club is comfortable, Admirals Club is more extensive and upscale. I recommend the Admirals Club if you have elite status on both airlines. There’s also an American Express Centurion lounge in the domestic flights part of the terminal, offering an elegant atmosphere and restaurant-style service.
Terminal 2 lounges
Most of the lounges in Terminal 2 are located on a mezzanine level. Aeromexico has two Salon Premier lounges at Terminal 2, one for domestic and the other for international flights. There’s also a Terraza Premier Aeromexico by Heineken lounge past security to the right, at the end of the hall, near gate 75. It’s open to eligible Aeromexico and SkyTeam airline passengers and Priority Pass members.
They’re not extraordinary, but I’ve found the lounges to be a good place to spend a few hours. Manage your expectations for snacks, drinks and ambiance.
One of the better options is the Amex Centurion lounge on the second level of the Terminal 2 international wing duty-free area. The service and comfort are superior. Personal platinum cardholders can order food from the menu and bring up to two adult guests for free, though additional guests and Business Platinum companions must pay (currently USD $70 per person). There’s no self-service in this lounge, which is a downside. It’s an order-only establishment, but the staff is friendly.
Waiting for your gate announcement
Here’s one of the quirks of MEX: the airport often doesn’t assign gates until close to departure time. Airport staff will direct you to a general waiting area, and the specific gate will pop up on the screens later. Last-minute gate changes are common, so keep an eye on the monitors.
My advice? Download your airline’s app and enable notifications. It’ll often update with the gate number before the main screens do. And don’t rush to the gate area as soon as it’s announced. Seating is limited and it gets crowded fast. Better to relax in a lounge or at a cafe until boarding actually begins.
Wi-Fi at Mexico City International Airport
Staying connected is easy at MEX. The airport offers free, unlimited Wi-Fi throughout both terminals, so you can post that “I’ve arrived” selfie or catch up on emails without any trouble. The connection is usually pretty stable in the lounges as well.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
