Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), often simply called Mexico City International Airport, stands as the primary gateway to the vibrant capital of Mexico. As the busiest airport in both Mexico and Latin America, handling a staggering volume of nearly 22 million passengers annually, navigating MEX can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with everything you need to know for a smooth and efficient journey through Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport.
Mexico City, a sprawling metropolis rich in history and culture, is a major draw for tourists and business travelers alike. Its international airport, Benito Juárez International Airport, plays a crucial role in connecting this dynamic city to the world. Ranked among the top airports globally in terms of passenger traffic, Mexico City Airport facilitated the travel of over 36 million passengers in 2021, solidifying its position as the 16th busiest worldwide and the busiest in Latin America.
Conveniently situated a short distance from the heart of Mexico City, Benito Juarez International Airport is easily accessible. A taxi or private car can whisk you to the city center in under 10 minutes, making for a swift transition to your final destination. For a more budget-friendly option, the Metrobus offers a direct and efficient route between the airport and various points in the city. For ultimate convenience and peace of mind, consider pre-booking an airport transfer service like Blacklane, ensuring a seamless and stylish arrival in Mexico City. To help you navigate this bustling hub, familiarize yourself with an airport map, readily available online, to plan your route through the terminals.
Navigating the Terminals at Mexico City Airport
Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport is divided into two main terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, each handling a diverse array of domestic and international flights. Understanding the layout of these terminals is key to a stress-free airport experience.
Terminal 1 primarily caters to international flights, although it also accommodates some domestic routes. Upon arrival at Terminal 1, you’ll find arrivals located on the ground floor, along with check-in facilities for domestic flights. For international flight check-in and departures, head to the upper level.
Terminal 2 manages both domestic and international flights. Similar to Terminal 1, arrivals and ground transportation are situated on the ground level, while departures are located on the upper level. Notably, Terminal 2 serves as the exclusive hub for all Aeromexico flights, both domestic and international, as it is the home base and operational center for the airline.
Moving between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is facilitated by the Aerotrén (Airtrain), an efficient light rail system. In Terminal 1, the Aerotrén station is located at Gate 6, and in Terminal 2 at Gate 4. The Aerotrén operates daily from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM, providing a quick and complimentary transfer between terminals.
Airlines Operating at Benito Juarez International Airport
Benito Juarez International Airport hosts a vast network of airlines, connecting Mexico City to destinations across the globe. Below is a breakdown of airlines by terminal:
Terminal 1 Airlines:
A wide range of international carriers operate from Terminal 1, 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 Airlines:
Terminal 2 is home to a mix of international and domestic airlines, including:
- Turkish Airlines
- Finnair Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Aeromar Airlines
- Alitalia
- Aeromexico Airlines
- COPA Airlines
- Swift Air
Airport Lounges: Relax and Recharge
For travelers seeking respite from the airport bustle, Benito Juarez International Airport offers a selection of lounges in both terminals. Airport lounges provide a haven of comfort and convenience, particularly beneficial for those with extended layovers or flight delays.
Lounge amenities can vary, but generally include comfortable seating areas for work or relaxation, complimentary food and beverage options, private restrooms, and shower facilities. Some lounges elevate the experience further with spa and massage services (often at an extra cost), high-speed Wi-Fi, flight information displays, and entertainment selections.
Terminal 1 Lounges:
- 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:
- Terraza Premier Aeromexico
- Aeromar Salon Diamante
- HSBC Premier Lounge
- American Express Centurion Club
- Aeromexico Salon Premier (two locations)
- Salon Beyond CitiBanamex
Shopping at Mexico City International Airport
Benito Juarez International Airport is a shopper’s paradise, boasting a wide array of retail outlets. Whether you need to pick up travel essentials, find a last-minute souvenir, or indulge in duty-free luxury goods, the airport offers diverse shopping opportunities.
Duty-free stores are abundant, offering popular items like liquor, tobacco, and local treats at tax-exempt prices. Beyond the typical duty-free fare, explore unique shops like Design MX for curated Mexican crafts, Liberia Gandhi for a wide selection of books, and Fonart for authentic Mexican textiles and folk art. For luxury shopping, you’ll find boutiques from renowned brands such as Gucci, Hugo Boss, and Cartier. For currency exchange, Mandala is a reputable option known for its competitive daily rates within the airport.
Dining Options at Mexico City Airport
With over 100 eateries spread across its terminals, Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport caters to every palate. From quick coffee stops to sit-down restaurants, you’ll find a wide range of dining choices. Familiar fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, and Subway are readily available.
For a more refined dining experience, consider Vuela Carmela in Terminal 2, known for its innovative cocktails and elevated takes on traditional Mexican cuisine. Casa Avila, also in Terminal 2, offers a unique Spanish dining experience that might make you forget you’re in an airport. Japanese cuisine enthusiasts can visit Iwashi in Terminal 2, part of the Edo Kobayashi Group, for sushi, sake, and Japanese beers. For a taste of Paris, Maison Kayser in Terminal 1 serves delectable croissants, chocolates, and artisanal breads. Other notable dining options include Cascabel Clocks, Alejandra Carbajal Qu-Qoo Kitchen Bar, De Mar a Mar, Red Baron, La Cantina, and Centro Restaurant, offering a spectrum of culinary experiences.
More Than Just a Layover: Things to Do at MEX
Beyond the typical airport activities of lounging, shopping, and dining, Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport offers additional ways to spend your time. For fitness enthusiasts, the Camino Real gym provides workout facilities. For relaxation, various lounges offer spa and massage services, and massage chairs are conveniently located throughout the terminals. With these amenities, your time at Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport can be more than just a layover – it can be a part of your travel experience.
