How to get from Mexico City Airport to Teotihuacán

Cultural & Heritage · Mexico · Urban & Cultural · Mexico City · Mexico City Airport · Teotihuacán

Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Teotihuacán is easy: go direct by public bus from Terminal Norte, join a small-group tour with hotel pickup, hire a private car/driver, or self-drive on the fast toll road. Budget travelers can also combine Metro/Metrobús with a suburban bus. Pick what matches your time, budget, and comfort.

At A Glance (Mexico City Airport to Teotihuacán)

Mode Duration Best For
🚌 Public Bus via Terminal Autobuses del Norte ~1h (MEX→Norte) + ~1–1.5h (bus to site) Low cost, DIY
🏷️ Cost: ~MXN 70–130 one-way bus + ~MXN 150–300 (airport→Norte by taxi/ride-hail) » sample bus listings
🚐 Small-Group/Private Tour (Hotel pickup) ~6–9h round trip Hassle-free, guided experience
🏷️ Cost: ~MXN 900–2,200 pp (varies by inclusions) » compare tours | Klook options | Trip.com picks
🚖 Private Transfer / Driver ~1–1.5h each way (traffic-dependent) Groups, lots of luggage, tight schedules
🏷️ Cost: ~MXN 1,800–4,000 per vehicle round trip » get quotes
🚗 Self-Drive (Rental Car) ~1–1.5h drive Maximum flexibility / sunrise
🏷️ Cost: Car ~MXN 800–1,500/day + ~MXN 120–200 tolls + fuel » compare rentals
🚇🚌 Metro/Metrobús + Suburban Bus ~2–3h total Backpackers, lowest cost
🏷️ Cost: Metro/Metrobús ~MXN 6–30 + local bus ~MXN 70–100 » sample local options

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Tickets & cash: Buses to the ruins sell at Terminal Autobuses del Norte; carry some pesos for fares and snacks.
  • Luggage: If you’re in transit, stash bags in the city via Radical Storage Mexico City before heading to the ruins.
  • Rideshare/taxis: Authorized airport taxis and app rides (Uber/DiDi) are common; for fixed intercity quotes compare GetTransfer.
  • What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, water; shade is limited. Comfortable walking shoes—paths are uneven.
  • Hours & tickets: Check current opening times/fees at the official site when planning (see Option #2).

🚌 Option #1 — Public Bus via Terminal Autobuses del Norte (Popular DIY)

Budget Frequent departures One transfer

  • Overview: From MEX, go to Terminal Autobuses del Norte and catch a direct bus to Zona Arqueológica de Teotihuacán (buses run roughly every 15–30 minutes in the morning).
  • How to book (with price): Buy at the station counter on the day; expect ~MXN 70–130 one-way. You can also scan curated schedules on Trip.com before you go.
  • Pros: Cheap and straightforward; drops close to the entrance gates. Cons: Requires getting to Terminal Norte first.

Step-by-step: Bus via Terminal Norte

  1. From your arrival hall at MEX, take an authorized taxi/ride-hail to Terminal Autobuses del Norte (allow ~30–60 minutes depending on traffic).
  2. Inside Terminal Norte, look for the Teotihuacán ticket windows; buy a round trip if you like for smoother return.
  3. Board the next bus marked for Teotihuacán (Zona Arqueológica). Keep your ticket—return services run back to Terminal Norte.
  4. On arrival, note your return times; return to Terminal Norte and ride back to the city/airport by taxi or app.

Getting to the main embarking points (MEX & Terminal Norte)

  • MEX → Terminal Norte: Authorized airport taxis and Uber/DiDi are the simplest; Metro is possible but crowded with luggage.
  • Return: Buses terminate at Terminal Norte; hail a ride-hail or taxi back to MEX or your hotel.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #2 — Small-Group/Private Tour with Pickup (Easiest, Guided)

Hassle-free Expert guide Fixed schedule

  • Overview: Hotel pickup in Mexico City, guided visit of Teotihuacán (often with Basilica of Guadalupe or a mezcal stop), and return to your hotel.
  • How to book (with price): ~MXN 900–2,200 per person depending on group size/inclusions. Compare itineraries and reviews on GetYourGuide, Klook, or Trip.com. Official site for hours/prices: INAH (Mexico’s heritage authority).
  • Pros: No transfers to manage; context from a licensed guide. Cons: Less time flexibility than DIY.

Step-by-step: Book a Tour

  1. Choose your preferred start time and pickup zone; verify inclusions (entrance fee, lunch, basilica stop, balloon option).
  2. Reserve online via GetYourGuide, Klook, or Trip.com.
  3. Be ready in your hotel lobby at pickup time; carry water, hat, and sunblock.
  4. After the site visit, you’ll be dropped back at your hotel or a central point.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel/Central Pickup)

  • Pickup: Most tours collect from popular hotel areas; some offer central meeting points near Reforma/Center.
  • Balloon flights: If booking dawn balloon rides, confirm the separate launch site meeting time.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #3 — Private Transfer / Driver (Door-to-Door)

Comfort Direct Higher cost

  • Overview: Meet-and-greet at MEX or pickup from your hotel, then a nonstop drive to the archaeological zone and back when you’re done.
  • How to book (with price): From ~MXN 1,800–4,000 per vehicle round trip depending on size/timing. Compare quotes and vehicle types on GetTransfer. Rideshare (Uber/DiDi) is also common for one-way legs.
  • Pros: Zero transfers; ideal with kids/elderly or lots of luggage. Cons: Costs more than bus/Metro.

Step-by-step: Private Car

  1. Request a quote on GetTransfer with pickup location (MEX/hotel), desired start time, and waiting time at the site.
  2. Confirm inclusions (tolls, parking, waiting) and share your exact gate preference (Gate 1/2/3).
  3. Meet your driver, ride ~1–1.5 hours, explore, and return at your agreed time.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport/Hotel → Site)

  • MEX Arrivals: Your driver will meet in the arrivals hall; message via app if delayed.
  • Teotihuacán Gates: Drivers can drop at main entrances; set a pickup time/place for return.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Self-Drive (Most Flexible, Great for Sunrise)

Freedom Early start Tolls

  • Overview: Rent a car and drive the toll highway toward the northeast; parking is available at the main gates.
  • How to book (with price): ~MXN 800–1,500/day for a compact. Compare airport/downtown pickups on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
  • Pros: Total schedule control; easiest for sunrise/balloon viewing. Cons: Tolls, navigation, and city traffic.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

  1. Pick up your car at MEX or in the city; check insurance, spare tire, and phone mount.
  2. Set navigation to Teotihuacan Archaeological Zone and choose the toll route; carry pesos for tolls/parking.
  3. Park near Gate 1/2/3 per your plan; note your lot for return.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & Gates)

  • Rental depots: Airport counters have long hours; downtown branches may close Sundays/holidays.
  • At the site: Follow signs to the gate parking you prefer; arrive early for cooler temps and fewer crowds.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚇🚌 Option #5 — Metro/Metrobús + Suburban Bus (Cheapest)

Lowest cost Frequent services More transfers

  • Overview: From the airport, ride the Metro or Metrobús to a northern hub (e.g., Indios Verdes or Terminal Norte) and hop a suburban bus/van to the archaeological zone.
  • How to book (with price): Metro/Metrobús paid on site (reloadable card); suburban buses are cash fares (~MXN 70–100). For tours as a backup, check GetYourGuide.
  • Pros: Very cheap; frequent departures. Cons: Multiple transfers; crowded at peak times—watch your belongings.

Step-by-step: Metro/Metrobús + Bus

  1. From MEX, reach the Terminal Aérea Metro station (Line 5) or Metrobús Línea 4 stop; buy or top up your transit card.
  2. Ride toward the north (e.g., transfer via La Raza to Line 3 for Indios Verdes) or continue to Terminal Norte.
  3. At your chosen hub, board a bus/van signed Teotihuacán (Zona Arqueológica); confirm your return options/times.

Getting to the main embarking points (Terminal Aérea / Indios Verdes / Norte)

  • Airport connections: Follow signs for Metro/Metrobús; allow extra time in rush hours.
  • Hubs: Indios Verdes (north terminal) or Terminal Norte both work; choose whichever is easier from your start point.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Mexico City Airport to Teotihuacán)

How long do I need at Teotihuacán?
Plan 2.5–4 hours to see the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Avenue of the Dead, and museums, plus travel time.

Which gate should I use?
Gate 1 is popular for quick access to the Avenue of the Dead; Gate 2 is near the Museum; Gate 3 is convenient for the Pyramid of the Moon.

Is it safe to take public transport?
Yes with normal city precautions. Keep valuables secure, avoid the most crowded carriages with bulky luggage, and travel in daylight if possible.

What about hot-air balloon rides?
Book dawn balloon experiences in advance—many include ground transport. Compare reputable operators on GetYourGuide or Klook.

Can I combine Teotihuacán with other sights?
Yes—many tours pair it with the Basilica of Guadalupe or Tlatelolco. Self-drivers can also stop at nearby caves or San Martín de las Pirámides for lunch.

Where to stay before/after?
Consider Centro/Condesa/Roma in CDMX for food and walkability—compare options on Booking.com.

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