Sleeping in Airports

Mexico City Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Mexico City Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

No sleeping allowed, airport security regularly patrols the entire airport and will kick the feet of anyone who is sleeping. – a traveller (July 2022)

MEX Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Mexico City International Airport.

What to Expect

Mexico City Airport (code: MEX) has two terminals (T1 and T2). T2 is newer than T1 and houses all AeroMexico flights. The terminals are approximately three km apart and are connected by a free train and a fare-charging bus. Train passengers must have a valid ticket and carry-on luggage only. If you have checked luggage or no proof of onward travel, you must pay to use the bus or other ground transportation. Both terminals have a decent range of shopping and dining options, with several 24-hour options. The airport also offers free WiFi. For those looking for a little extra comfort, there are first-class lounges that economy-class passengers can pay to access. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for locations and access information.

Sleeping in Mexico City Airport

mexico city airport guideMexico City Airport doesn’t receive great reviews from travellers who try to sleep there. It would seem that the airport is, as a whole, uncomfortable and loud. If you are staying in Terminal 2, you can head to Level 2, near door 3, where you will find a Starbucks with comfortable couches to lie down (July 2023). Earplugs, or noise cancelling headphones and some kind of cushion are definite assets for the weary. It’s worth noting that only those with boarding passes for onward travel are allowed to sleep airside. Everyone else will be asked to stay landside or at a hotel. If you are sleeping landside, know that seating is quite scarce – it is best to prepare to sleep on the floor. Explore our guide to sleeping in Mexico City Airport or read traveller reviews for more tips. If you don’t mind spending a bit of money, there are sleep capsules in T1 and T2, two hotels connected to T1 by a covered walkway, and a hotel in T2. There are several other hotels nearby, which are connected by shuttles. See Airport Hotels in the guide below for more information.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Mexico City Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Mexico City Airport sounds like a nightmare, there are several hotels connected to the terminals and other nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles:

Hotels inside MEX Airport

IZzzleep – Sleep capsules are inside Terminals 1 and 2. Minimum stays from 2 hours. Showers are available ($). Locations:

  • IZzzleep Terminal 1 – Landside, near the fast food area and foreign bus terminal. » Check Rates
  • IZzzleep Terminal 2 – Landside, bus terminal. » Check Rates

Hotel NH Collection Mexico City Aeropuerto T2 – Located on Level 6 of Terminal 2. Take the elevator from the International Arrivals Area. » Check Rates

Hilton Mexico City Airport – Located in Terminal 1, International Arrivals Area, Level 3, Gate 8. Free shuttle bus to/from Terminal 2. » Check Rates

Hotels on airport grounds

  • Courtyard Mexico City Airport – Connected via a covered walkway to Terminal 1. Free airport shuttle to Terminal 2 is available on request. For airport pick-up from Terminal 2, call 52-55-4631-4000. » Check Rates
  • Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico – Connected via a covered walkway to Terminal 1 (Gate B). Free airport shuttle to Terminal 2. » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Mexico City Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy-class ticket!

Terminal 1
  • American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Airside, Concourse H, Level 2, near Gate 19. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of American Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
  • Avianca Lounge – Location: Airside, next to Gate 31. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • Centurion Lounge – Location: 1) International Departures, Landside, between Gate 8 and F1 • (1) Domestic Departures, Airside, between Gates 17 and 18. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
  • Grand Lounge Elite – Location: Airside, near Gate H. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • Lounge 19 – Location: Airside, Ground Level, Gate 19. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • The Lounge Mexico by Global Lounge – Location: Airside, next to Gate 31. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • United Club – Location: Airside, Mezzanine Level, Level 2, Hall H. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • United Club Membership.
  • VIPort Lounge – Location: Airside, near Gate 1. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • Terrazza by the Grand Lounge Elite – Location: Airside, near Gate 19. Showers are available. Hours: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
Terminal 2
  • Aeromexico Salon Premier – Multiple Locations – (1) National Departures and (1) International Departures (Showers available at this location). Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • Centurion Lounge – Location: Airside, Mezzanine Level. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
  • Terraza Premier Aeromexico By Heineken – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, near Door B. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • VIPort Lounge  – Location: Airside, next to Gate 75. Hours: 24 hours. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.

Related Pages: Mexico City Airport Lounges

Drinking Water

International travellers are recommended to purchase bottled water. A reader tells us there are no drinking water fountains.

Food & Drinks

Food concessions throughout both terminals operate with varying schedules. These options are open 24 hours:

  • Terminal 1 (Upper Level) – 7 Eleven (x 2) • Circulo K • Deli & Cia Daily Smart Food (x 2) • Dino Snack & Fast Food • Dotcom Cafe • El Fogoncito (x 2) • Juan Valdez Cafe • Ke Rico • Krispy Kreme (x 2) • La Bagatelle (x 2) • La Buena Tierra • Las Juanas Torteria • Maison Kayser • Mc Donald’s • Oxxo • Poxo • Pronto Gino’s (x 2) • Rock and Wok • Sala 21 • Salute • Sbarro • Starbucks (x 3) • Sushi Roll • Tacañon • The Urban Deli & Cafe • Urban Corner • Wings (x 3).
  • Terminal 1 (Lower Level) – 7 Eleven (x 2) • Cinnabon • Circulo K (x 2) • El Globo Coffee Shop • Krispy Kreme • No Aplica • Oxxo (x 3) • Restotel (2) • Starbucks • Wings (3).
  • Terminal 2 (Upper Level) – 7 Eleven (x 5) • Kerico • Krispy Kreme • La Cochinita Pibil • Poxo • Salute • Terraza MX.
  • Terminal 2 (Mezzanine) – Toks • Wings.
  • Terminal 2 (Lower Level) – 7 Eleven • Oxxo

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Lockers are available in three locations: Mexicana de Lockers (Terminal 1, Landside, Lower Level) • Viajes Kokai (Terminal 2, Lower Level). Hours: open 24 hours. Rates: 250 MXN per locker, according to a reader who sent us an update in November 2022.

Mobile Charging

A reader (January 2019) tells us, “There are now many Huawei branded mobile charging station areas with tables throughout the international terminal.”

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Showers

Showers are available in the airport lounges [ see Airport Lounges above ] and at the izZzleep Capsule Hotel [ see Airport Hotels above ]

WiFi / Internet

Unlimited free WiFi is available at Mexico City Airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Luggage

  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
  • Luggage Trolley – In Terminal 1, you can use the baggage carts from the baggage claim to the exit. In Terminal 2, you can take the carts outside the terminal to the parking lots for 10 pesos.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Available in five locations in T1, Lower and Upper Level.

Medical Services

  • Medical Services – Health services are available. Location: T2, Upper Level. Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Mon – Fri) and 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Sat).
  • Pharmacy – There are several pharmacies throughout the airport, the following are open 24 hours:
    • Farmacia Benavides – T1, Lower Level (x 2) • T1, Upper Level (x 2) • T2, Upper Level (x 2) • T2, Lower Level (x 2).
    • Farmacia International – T1, Lower Level.
    • No Aplica – T1, Upper Level.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available 24 hours a day. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: throughout the Upper and Lower levels of Terminals 1 and 2.
  • Banking Services – Banks throughout both terminals operate daily on varying schedules. Locations: T1 (Upper and Lower levels), T2 (Lower Level and Mezzanine). Some banks are open as early as 5:00 AM, but most are open around 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM. A Scotiabank in T1, Lower Level, is open 24 hours. The following banks are available in the terminals: Banamex • Banorte • BBVA/Bancomer • Cibanco • HSBC Bank • IXE • Santander • Scotiabank.
  • Currency Exchange – Currency exchange offices operate daily, on varying schedules, throughout both terminals. A large variety of 24-hour currency exchange kiosks are in Terminal 1, on the Lower Level.

Postal Services – Post and courier services are available at Correos de Mexico. Locations: T2, Lower Level • T1 Lower Level • T1 Upper Level.

Shopping – Dufry duty-free shopping is available 24 hours a day on the Upper and Lower Levels of Terminal 1 and at varying times on the Upper and Lower levels of Terminal 2. In addition, a wide variety of retail stores, gift shops, and newsstands are also available, with some open 24 hours a day.

SIM Cards – There are several cell phone providers in T2 (Upper & Lower Levels) and T1 (Upper & Lower Levels) that may have SIM Cards.

Smoking – The SMK Lounge offers two designated airside smoking areas. Locations: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Telephones – Public pay telephones are available throughout the National and International terminals.

Travel Agencies – If you are arriving in Mexico City and need local arrangements or help planning a last-minute trip abroad, there are several travel agencies with offices in Terminal 1 on the lower level that can probably be of assistance: Century XXI • Mundo Joven • Go Mexico • Viajes Kokai.

Airlines
Mexico City Airport is served by the following airlines: Aeroméxico • Air Canada • Air France • All Nippon Airways • Airlines Cup • American Airlines • Avianca • British Airways • Cubana Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Emirates • Iberia • KLM • LATAM • Lufthansa • Magnicharters • United Airlines • Vivaaerobus • Volaris • Turkish Airlines • Westjet.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Mexico City Airport has two 24-hour bus terminals, offering round-the-clock transportation to major cities surrounding Mexico City. The Terminal 1 bus station is located in the Internationals area, near Gates 7 and 8, with access on Level 1, in room F. The Terminal 2 bus station can be accessed from hall D, door 4, near the Domestic Arrivals exit. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Mexico City Airport website.

Metrobus Line 4 connects the airport to central Mexico City. The first major station on the route is San Lazaro, where you can transfer to the Metro (subway). Boarding zones: Terminal 1, Door 7, and Terminal 2, Door 2. Hours: 4:30 AM – 12:00 AM (Mon – Sat) and 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Sun). Fare: 30 pesos per person, per ride. For more information, visit the Metrobus website.

Car Rentals

Car rental agency desks are in the Domestic and International walkways of Terminal 1 (Lower Level) and the International Arrivals in Terminal 2 (Lower Level). Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Europcar • Fox • Green Motion • Hertz • National • Sixt • Thrifty. Most counters operate on a 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM schedule, but a few are open 24 hours.

Hotel Shuttles

Some area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Camino Real AeropuertoCourtyard by Marriott Mexico City Airport  •  Fiesta Inn Aeropuerto Ciudad de México   •   Hilton Mexico City Airport   •  Holiday Inn Express Mexico Aeropuerto  •   Holiday Inn Plaza Dali Mexico City   •   NH Collection Mexico City Airport T2  •  We Hotel Aeropuerto.

The hotel shuttle stop is at Entrance 4 of Terminal 1. Passengers arriving in Terminal 2 can request shuttle service at the hotel service counters in the Arrivals Hall.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Transportation

The Aerotren (Airtrain) is a free train that transports passengers between Terminals 1 and 2. To board the train, passengers must have an e-ticket or reservation code, a hard copy airline ticket or a boarding pass. Carry-on luggage is allowed. Passengers with check-in luggage or oversized luggage must use ground transportation. The boarding zone locations: Terminal 1, Hall D, near Pilot Bridge, • Terminal 2, National Departure, near Hall M. Trains run from 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM, and the total trip time from one terminal to the other is under 5 minutes.

The alternative to the Aerotren is the “Transportacion entre Terminales” bus service. This service is for passengers with oversized or extra luggage but can be used by anyone. The boarding zone locations are: Terminal 1, Door 6 • Terminal 2, Gate 4.

Metro (Subway)

Mexico City’s metro system is a 12-line network that covers most of the city. The closest stop to the airport is Terminal Aérea Station (Line 5 – yellow), which is within walking distance from Terminal 1. Fare: 5 pesos per person, per ride.  Payments can be made by Metro smart card, which can be purchased at machines located in both terminals.  Cards cost $10.00 pesos.

Taxi

Taxis operate from both terminals 24 hours a day. For your safety, it is highly recommended that you only use taxis from companies authorized by the airport. Taxi tickets are sold at the baggage carousel and taxi areas. Taxi pick-up locations can be found at the following places: Terminal 1, Doors 1, 9, and 10 • Terminal 2, Doors 3 and 4. These companies are Casadey • Confort Unlimted • Nueva Imagen • Porto Taxi • Prho Taxi • Sitio 300 • Yellow Cab. Any other taxi company operating at the airport is there illegally.

Layover Sightseeing

Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by getting out of the airport to do some sightseeing?  Check out our Mexico City Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Mexico City on Tripadvisor.

Last updated: 2024-08-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.