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.
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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 (for most domestic and international flights) and T2 (primarily for Aeromexico and its SkyTeam partners). 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.
Sleeping in Mexico City Airport
Mexico 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. Seating is scarce on the landside areas but somewhat more plentiful on the airside. Arrive with plenty of time before your flight to grab a seat, though do anticipate armrests, which make sleep more elusive. Sometimes, travellers who arrive the night before an early-morning departure may be allowed to enter the (much more comfortable) airside area, but there’s no guarantee. A few travellers have had some luck staying in 24-hour eateries as long as they purchase something, but others have been shooed away for trying to use their seating. If you are landside, you’ll likely wind up on the floor, so bring an extra layer or sleep mat as a cushion on the hard surface. Earplugs, or noise cancelling headphones and some kind of cushion are definite assets for the weary.
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.
Read traveller reviews for more traveller tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Mexico City Airport Guide.
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.
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.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours landside and airside across T1 and T2. Security checkpoints are open continuously to support flight schedules. Non-ticketed individuals may be asked to leave overnight (approx. midnight–4:00 AM).
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones, but informal areas with rest-friendly seating is scattered around the terminals. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
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 – Showers are available (MXN 150/$7.50 USD). Locations:
- IZzzleep Terminal 1 – Landside, near the fast food area and foreign bus terminal.
- IZzzleep Terminal 2 – Landside, bus terminal.
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 water bottle refill stations with filtered water. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
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
Showers
Showers are available in the airport lounges [ see Airport Lounges above ] and at the izZzleep Capsule Hotel [ see Airport Hotels above ]
WiFi / Internet
Free unlimited WiFi is available at Mexico City Airport. Connect to “CDMX_AICM” (T1) and “AICM_T2” (T2). Registration is required.
Security & Safety
In July 2019, a reader told us, “Police and security wander around the airport, waking up everyone and anyone lying down to try and sleep.” It’s okay to sleep sitting up or at one of the few tables landside. Even if you [lie] down and are not asleep, they will come round and make you sit up. ”
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Mexico City Airport; however, petty theft and pickpocketing on the landside have been reported elsewhere. Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
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.
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.
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 Aeropuerto • Courtyard 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.
Last updated: 2025-03-12
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.