Essential Guide to Mexico City - Shuttles & Sightseeing

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Experiencing Mexico City

Unbelievably, from a gringo perspective, El Día de los Muertos — the Day of the Dead — is an occasion of immense joy, happiness, and, above all, fun.

By chance and good fortune, my arrival in Mexico City coincided with the time when the city comes alive, swept up in the excitement of the Day of the Dead. To an outsider, the idea can seem strange, even morbid. The dead? That’s something to celebrate?

In Mexico, it’s the opposite. The Day of the Dead is to be celebrated. It’s a time for joy — a time when loved ones who have passed are not only remembered, but welcomed back. They return. There is a sense of reconnection, of direct contact. What, one might ask, is not to celebrate?

I experienced Mexico City at its most colourful, its most alive, in an atmosphere that radiated joy. And to crown it all, I found myself immersed in the packed crowds of Coyoacán Plaza, where the celebrations were intense, exuberant, and shared by young and old alike.

There is, of course, a degree of commercialism attached to the Day of the Dead. Merchandise is everywhere, and people posing for photos in elaborate costumes (disfraces) often accept tips. But this doesn’t detract from the occasion — it’s part of it, part of the fun, part and parcel of the celebration. This is Mexico.

And yet, Mexico City itself became my true discovery.

Visiting CDMX brought me a quiet, personal joy. I loved the city. It reached inside me. Being there made me feel alive — even in my reflective moments: lingering in a multi-level bookshop café on Avenida Álvaro Obregón, or sitting quietly by the fountain in a small park in Roma Norte.

Mexico City gave me art. It taught me much — not least about Frida Kahlo, her life, and her love with her husband Diego Rivera. Their home in Coyoacán — La Casa Azul — left a deep impression on me. This sense of awe continued at the National Palace, standing before Diego Rivera’s vast murals, and later at the nearby home of the exiled Russian Marxist leader Leon Trotsky, who lived with Diego and Frida for a time after arriving in Mexico in 1937.

Roma Norte, along with its nearby bohemian colonias of Condesa and Roma Sur, became my home patch during the weeks I spent in CDMX. I slipped into a daily rhythm: visiting what had become my favourite cafés, wandering the streets, exploring local markets, sampling pizzerias, simply being in the city.

From there, I ventured across town to experience the architectural marvel that is the Museo Soumaya. The building itself is a work of art — its flowing curves clad in some 16,000 hexagonal tiles. At the top, I found myself surrounded by Rodin’s sculptures, an unexpected and memorable encounter.

No visit to Mexico City is complete without dedicating a day at the vast Museo Nacional de Antropología. This extraordinary museum transports you into Mexico’s deep past — into the worlds of the Aztecs, the Zapotecs, the Maya. I allowed myself to travel back in my imagination, to feel their presence, to know of them.

Just beyond the city lies Teotihuacán, the great pre-Aztec metropolis. Sitting at the summit of the Pyramid of the Sun, I felt the energy of the place — something powerful and difficult to put into words. It moves through you. It is real.

And so I leave you here — future visitor to Mexico City — with this simple invitation: be drawn to this magical city and discover CDMX for yourself. Have your own journey. But don’t miss Mexico City, and please, do stay a while.

There is so much to this city.

¡disfruta! ✈️

Lindsey

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Getting Around Mexico City (CDMX)

Mexico City is vast, energetic, and surprisingly navigable once you understand your options. From the historic centre to leafy Coyoacán, world‑class museums to ancient pyramids, getting around CDMX is less intimidating than it first appears.

This guide focuses on how travellers actually move around Mexico City — safely, affordably, and efficiently — using transport options locals rely on every day.

Mexico City Transport Overview

Mexico City offers multiple ways to get around, each suited to different distances, budgets, and comfort levels:

  • Metro (Subway) – fast, cheap, extensive

  • Metrobus – reliable bus lanes on major corridors

  • Uber & ride‑hailing – safe, convenient, predictable

  • Airport transfers & shuttles – stress‑free arrival

  • Taxis – usable, but best booked via apps or hotels

Most visitors combine Metro + Uber for daily travel.

Arriving at Mexico City International Airport (MEX)

Mexico City International Airport (Benito Juárez – MEX) has two terminals:

  • Terminal 1 – most international and domestic flights

  • Terminal 2 – mainly Aeroméxico

Getting from MEX Airport to the City

Popular transfer options:

  • Uber – Pick‑up zones are clearly signed outside terminals

  • Authorized airport taxis – Pay at official booths inside the terminal

  • Private airport shuttles – Pre‑booked transfers to hotels or apartments

Typical Airport Transfer Times & Prices

  • MEX → Centro Histórico: 25–45 minutes | MX$200–350 (Uber)

  • MEX → Roma / Condesa: 30–60 minutes | MX$250–400

  • MEX → Polanco: 30–50 minutes | MX$300–450

  • MEX → Coyoacán: 45–75 minutes | MX$350–500

Travel time varies heavily with traffic — peak hours matter.

Arrival Tips

  • Avoid accepting rides from unsolicited drivers

  • Use Uber or official taxi counters only

  • Screenshot your accommodation address

  • Expect luggage screening before exiting customs

Using the Mexico City Metro

The Mexico City Metro is one of the largest subway systems in the world and often the fastest way to cross the city.

Why Use the Metro

  • Extremely affordable

  • Frequent trains

  • Extensive coverage

  • Avoids traffic congestion

Metro Tickets & Cost

  • Single ride: MX$5

  • Payment: Rechargeable mobility card (Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada)

  • Cards sold at stations and machines

Metro Safety & Practical Tips

  • Generally safe during daytime and early evening

  • Expect crowds during rush hours (7–9am, 5–7pm)

  • Keep valuables zipped and in front of you

  • Women‑only carriages available during peak times

Where the Metro Can Take You

  • Centro Histórico – Zócalo, Palacio de Bellas Artes

  • Chapultepec Park – Museo Nacional de Antropología

  • Polanco – Museo Soumaya (short walk from stations)

  • Coyoacán – via Line 3 + short Uber/taxi

Metrobus: A Useful Alternative

The Metrobus runs in dedicated lanes along major avenues.

  • Faster than regular buses

  • Same mobility card as the Metro

  • Useful for north–south routes

Popular Metrobus corridors include Paseo de la Reforma and Insurgentes.

Getting Around with Uber in Mexico City

Uber is widely used by locals and travellers alike and is one of the easiest ways to move around CDMX.

Why Uber Works Well in CDMX

  • Transparent pricing

  • GPS navigation

  • Cashless payment

  • Strong safety record

Typical Uber Travel Times

  • Roma → Polanco: 20–35 minutes

  • Centro Histórico → Coyoacán: 30–50 minutes

  • Roma → Museo Soumaya: 20–30 minutes

Uber is especially practical at night, after long museum days, or when travelling with bags.

Visiting Major Attractions from CDMX

Museo Nacional de Antropología

  • Metro: Line 7 to Auditorio + walk

  • Uber: 15–30 minutes from Roma/Condesa

Museo Soumaya (Polanco)

  • Metro: Line 7 to Polanco + walk

  • Uber: 20–30 minutes from Centro

Coyoacán & La Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum)

  • Metro: Line 3 to Coyoacán + short Uber

  • Uber: 30–50 minutes from central areas

Teotihuacán Pyramids

  • Bus: From Terminal Norte (1–1.5 hrs)

  • Guided tour or shuttle: Common, efficient option

Day Trips & Places Near Mexico City

Mexico City is well‑positioned for nearby excursions:

  • Teotihuacán – ancient pyramids

  • Xochimilco – canals and trajineras

  • Tepoztlán – mountain town & pyramid hike

  • Puebla – colonial city (bus or train)

Most travellers use buses or guided transfers for day trips.

Using a Local SIM Card in Mexico City

A local SIM makes navigating CDMX significantly easier.

Why a SIM Helps

  • Google Maps navigation

  • Ordering Uber on the street

  • Translation apps

  • Ride tracking

Where to Buy

  • Airport kiosks

  • OXXO convenience stores

  • Telcel shops (most common)

Affordable prepaid plans include generous data allowances.

Final Tips for Getting Around CDMX

  • Combine Metro for speed + Uber for comfort

  • Plan trips outside peak traffic when possible

  • Use Google Maps — very reliable in CDMX

  • Don’t underestimate distance — CDMX is huge

Mexico City rewards travellers who move confidently. With the right transport mix, the city quickly feels manageable, navigable, and welcoming.