Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), recognized globally as Mexico City International Airport, stands as the primary international air hub for the bustling metropolis of Mexico City. As the busiest airport in both Mexico and Latin America, managing an impressive flow of nearly 22 million passengers annually, navigating MEX can initially seem daunting. This comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with all the necessary information to ensure your journey through MEX is as smooth and efficient as possible.
Mexico City, a city steeped in history and culture, is not only one of the oldest urban centers in the Americas but also one of the largest. This capital, boasting more museums than any other city worldwide, is constructed upon the very foundations of an ancient Aztec civilization that once thrived on a lake. Home to over a fifth of Mexico’s total population, Mexico City has recently surged in popularity among remote workers and digital nomads. This influx is due to its appealing blend of affordability, comprehensive amenities, reliable internet infrastructure, and a dynamic social scene. Fortunately, such a prominent city is served by an exceptional international airport, facilitating convenient access for global travelers.
Benito Juárez International Airport proudly holds its position as the third largest airport globally and ranks as the sixteenth busiest worldwide. Furthermore, it distinguishes itself as the busiest airport in Latin America, having accommodated over 36 million passengers in 2021 alone.
Strategically located just a short distance from the city center, the airport is easily accessible by taxi or car in under 10 minutes. For a more economical option, the Metrobus provides a direct and efficient link between the airport and the heart of Mexico City.
For unparalleled convenience and reliability, consider pre-booking a premium airport transfer service in Mexico City with providers like Blacklane. Offering chauffeur services performed by vetted professionals, these services ensure you can travel to your destination in comfort and with complete peace of mind.
This detailed airport guide, complemented by an interactive airport map available online, is your essential tool for navigating Benito Juárez International Airport with confidence.
Airlines
Benito Juárez International Airport is structured into two main terminals. Terminal 1 predominantly handles international flights, while also accommodating some domestic routes. It serves as the arrival point for all flights at ground level and manages domestic flight check-ins. International flight check-in and departures are located on the upper level of Terminal 1. Terminal 2 manages all arrivals and ground transportation on its ground level, with departures situated on the upper level.
For inter-terminal transfers between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, the efficient Airtrain system is available. In Terminal 1, the Airtrain access point is located at Gate 6, and in Terminal 2 at Gate 4. The Airtrain operates daily from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM, ensuring seamless connectivity for passengers.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 hosts a wide array of international and domestic airlines, including:
- Air New Zealand
- Hainan Airlines
- Qantas
- Austrian Airlines
- Virgin Australia
- Air France
- Aerolineas Argentinas Airlines
- Air Canada
- Interjet Airlines
- China Southern Airlines
- Aeroflot Russian Airlines
- Flair Airlines
- Emirates
- Garuda Indonesia Airlines
- Volaris Airlines
- Sunwing Airlines
- United Airlines
- Korean Air Lines Airways
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Frontier Airlines
- Iberia Airlines
- British Airways
- Gol
- American Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- Tap Air Portugal
- Lufthansa
- Viva Aerobus Airlines
- ANA Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Air China Airlines
- KLM Airlines
- LATAM
- Westjet Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
- Air Europa Airlines
- Avianca Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines
- Czech Airlines
- El Al Airlines
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is home to a selection of airlines, notably including Aeromexico due to it being their main hub:
- Turkish Airlines
- Finnair Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Aeromar Airlines
- Alitalia
- Aeromexico Airlines
- COPA Airlines
- Swift Air
Important Note: Aeromexico operates all its flights, both domestic and international, exclusively from Terminal 2, as it serves as the airline’s operational hub and headquarters.
Lounges
Airport lounges significantly enhance the travel experience, especially during extended layovers or flight delays. Benito Juárez International Airport offers a variety of lounges across both terminals, catering to different needs and preferences. Whether traveling for business or leisure, these lounges provide a tranquil escape from the airport’s hustle and bustle, offering a range of amenities to improve your pre-flight or transit time.
Lounge services vary depending on the specific lounge and your access eligibility, which may be based on your airline ticket class, frequent flyer status, or lounge membership programs. Generally, lounges provide comfortable seating areas ideal for relaxation or work, complimentary food and beverage options, and private restroom facilities, some including showers. Many lounges also offer additional services such as spa treatments, massage services, high-speed Wi-Fi, up-to-date flight information displays, and entertainment selections like books and magazines. It’s worth noting that services like spa and massage treatments are typically available for an extra charge.
Terminal 1 Lounges
Terminal 1 hosts a diverse selection of lounges, including:
- ViPort Lounge
- Terraza by the Grand Lounge Elite
- Lounge 19
- Elite Lounge Mastercard
- The Lounge Mexico
- Salon Beyond CitiBanamex
- The Grand Lounge Elite
- Premium Traveller Lounge
- United Airlines United Club
- American Airlines Admirals Club
- American Express Centurion Club (Two locations)
- The Centurion Lounge
Terminal 2 Lounges
Terminal 2 also offers a range of lounge options, such as:
- Terraza Premier Aeromexico
- Aeromar Salon Diamante
- HSBC Premier Lounge
- American Express Centurion Club
- Aeromexico Salon Premier (Two locations)
- Salon Beyond CitiBanamex
Shopping
For retail enthusiasts, Mexico City International Airport presents extensive shopping opportunities. Whether you’ve realized you’ve forgotten essential travel items, are searching for a last-minute souvenir, or wish to indulge in duty-free luxury goods, MEX caters to a broad spectrum of shopping desires.
The airport’s duty-free shops are stocked with a wide array of products, from traditional duty-free staples like tobacco, alcoholic beverages, and local confectionery, to much more. For unique Mexican gifts, Design MX offers a curated collection of artisanal products. Liberia Gandhi provides a wide selection of books and magazines for your flight. Fonart showcases Mexican textiles and figurines, perfect for authentic souvenirs. For luxury shopping, you’ll find boutiques from renowned brands like Gucci, Hugo Boss, and Cartier. If you need currency exchange services, Mandala is a reputable option within the airport, offering daily exchange rate updates.
Dining
Dining at Mexico City International Airport is a diverse and satisfying experience, with over 100 eateries scattered throughout both terminals. Whether you have ample time before your flight or are navigating a long layover, MEX offers numerous culinary options to suit every taste and budget. From quick coffee stops to sit-down meals, the airport’s dining scene is quite comprehensive. You’ll find familiar fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, and Subway for quick bites.
For a more refined dining experience, consider Vuela Carmela in Terminal 2, known for its inventive cocktails and sophisticated takes on traditional Mexican dishes. Casa Avila, also in Terminal 2, offers a Spanish culinary escape that might make you forget you’re in an airport. Japanese cuisine lovers can visit Iwashi, a restaurant by the Edo Kobayashi Group in Terminal 2, for fresh sushi, sake, and Japanese beers. For a taste of Parisian pastries, Maison Kayser in Terminal 1 offers delectable croissants, chocolates, and artisanal breads.
Other highly-rated dining options within Benito Juárez International Airport include Cascabel Clocks, Alejandra Carbajal Qu-Qoo Kitchen Bar, De Mar a Mar (specializing in seafood), Red Baron, La Cantina, and Centro Restaurant, ensuring a variety of flavors and dining styles to explore.
Things To Do
Beyond the typical airport activities of lounging, shopping, and dining, Benito Juárez International Airport offers additional ways to spend your time. For travelers keen on maintaining their fitness routine, the Camino Real gym provides workout facilities. For relaxation and rejuvenation, spa and massage services are available in select lounges, along with massage chairs located throughout the terminals, perfect for unwinding before or after a flight.
