Mexico City, or CDMX, is a high-octane megalopolis of surprises, contrasts, traffic, and, of course, tortas and tacos. From beautiful Centro Historico and Condesa to burgeoning Juarez and Roma, the city has the best museums, galleries, public parks, Michelin-worthy restaurants, and chic boutique hotels.
When planning a trip to such a large and bustling metropolis, you might have some questions in your mind, like I do. How safe is public transportation in Mexico City? How to get around Mexico City? Well, I have got answers to all your nerve-racking questions.
This comprehensive transport guide will help you find safe and convenient ways to travel around Mexico City, which include metro buses, colectivos, trolleybuses, peseros, and bikes.
So, without any further ado, let's begin!
Key Takeaways
The Public Transportation System in Mexico City includes Metro (Subway), Metrobus, Peseros, trolleybuses, tourist buses, Tren Ligero, Tren Suburbano, bikes, and taxis.
- Metro (Subway) - fastest option with 12 subway lines and 195 stations
- Metrobus - BRT project with seven lines and 283 metro stations
- Trolleybuses - Electric transit system with ten lines and 12 routes
- Peseros - affordable, private microbuses or colectivos
- Tourist Buses - Run by Turibus, cover the city's main sights in 3 hours.
- Tren Ligero - Light Rail from Tasquina to Xochmilico
- Tren Suburbano - For locals living in far-flung areas away from metro stations
- Taxis and Ride-sharing Apps - Use metered taxis, Uber, or Didi at night or during rush hours.
- Bikes - Ecobici bikes to get around the city
Mexico City's Public Transportation System At a Glance
Before going into details, let’s take a bird's eye view of the Mexico City public transportation!
Mexico City has an extensive public transportation system that connects almost all city areas. With a population of more than 20 million, the system is often overcrowded and worn out.
CDMX is served by two airports, seven Metrobus lines, and 12 Metro (subway lines). Solely, Metro transports about 5 million people daily. As a first-time traveler, you may find it overwhelming, but it is the cheapest and the most convenient way to get around the city.
Other transit options include public buses, trolleybuses, RTP buses, public taxis, shared taxis, bikes, and more. Mexico City's Department of Mobility (Secretaria de Movilidad, SEMOVI) regulates all public transport services.
Keep scrolling to find out more details about these transit options!
Mexico City Metro Card (Tarjeta)
Before you get on to Mexico City public transportation, make sure to buy a Mexico City Metro Card. You might be wondering why do I need this card. Well, because paper tickets are no longer acceptable on some stations like Metrobus. So, this smart card is an absolute must-have. Moreover, you can use this card on the Metro Subway, light rails, trolleybuses, Cablebus, Tren Ligero, and Ecobici public bikes.
This rechargeable smart card, officially known as the Integrated Mobility Card and locally as Tarjeta de Transporte, was introduced in 2019. It allows travelers to get around the city with a single car. Moreover, it saves them from waiting in lines and buying the tickets.
You can buy this smart card from a ticket office or a vending machine in any Metrobus Station for 15 pesos ($1). Moreover, you can recharge it later at the same spot with any amount.
The card is simple to use—just swipe it at the turnstile when entering the station. So, if you're going to spend some days in the city, the Mexico City Metro Card is a worthy investment—believe me!
Best Public Transportation Options in Mexico City
Below are the best and easiest modes of public transportation in Mexico City.
Mexico City Metro (Subway)
The Mexico City Metro is the fastest, cheapest, and safest way to travel in Mexico City. It is the eighth-busiest metro system in the world and the second-largest rapid transit system in North America after the New York Subway. Approximately 5.5 million people use CDMX Metro each weekday. This public transportation system is operated by the Colectivo Transport System (Sistema de Transporte Colectivo (STC)).
This mostly underground transit system serves about 41 neighborhood districts of Mexico City. It consists of 12 color-coded lines and 195 metro stations, with a network length of 140 miles.
The network map is easy to follow, as every assigned color is present on street signs, system maps, and station logos. Moreover, stations are signposted in English, making it easy for foreign travelers to understand. Of all 195 stops in CDMX, Zocalo/Tenochtitlan Subway Station is the most central and used by tourists exploring the city highlights.
Things You Need to Know About Traveling in Mexico City Metro
- One metro ride costs only 5 pesos. Both smart cards and paper tickets are acceptable. You can purchase them from the ticket counters inside the station.
- I really appreciate this system's feature that the first two cabins of each train are reserved for women and children only—perfect for female travelers.
- The Metro runs from 5 am to 12 am. Monday through Friday, from 6 am to 12 am. Saturday, and from 7 am to midnight Sunday.
- The peak traveling hours are 7 to 9:30 am and 5:30 to 7:30 pm. So, if you're traveling during these rush hours, be wary of pickpockets.
- Due to the large crowds, there is little room for luggage, so make sure to carry small bags. Suitcases are not allowed at all.
- If you're traveling alone, avoid using Mexico City Metro at night for safety concerns.
- Transfer between subway lines within a metro station is free and doesn't require an extra ticket. However, if you board a new train at a metro station, you'll need a new paper ticket or tap the card again.
- Metro trains arrive frequently every few minutes, but there are sometimes delays during rush hours. Download the Moovit app to stay updated about the schedule.
Metrobus
The Mexico City Metrobus is an above-ground bus rapid transit (BRT) system comprising 7 lines, 283 metro stations, and a network covering 125 km. Like Subway, Metrobus is a cheaper and more convenient way to navigate the town. Approximately one million passengers use the Mexico City Metrobus each weekday.
With energy-efficient gasoline and electric buses, the Mexico City Metrobus is a more sustainable option than regular buses. These white and red buses move in their designated lanes and outpace the notorious traffic of Mexico City.
Their metro-style stations are located on the main avenues of Mexico City, such as Paseo de la Reforma and Avenida de los Insurgentes. The stations are about three to four blocks apart. Moreover, metro buses move 20 meters and stop at every stoplight, waiting for passengers to board.
This Mexico City transportation system has 7 metro lines, each with a specific number and color. Lines 4 and 7 are most commonly used by tourists as they cover the main sights of Mexico City.
Line 4 starts from Buenavista Railway Station and will take you to Palacio de Bella Artes and Zocalo downtown. Line 7 runs from Indios Verde, covers Chapultepec, Paseo de La Reforma, and ends at Campo Marte. My favorite thing about Line 7 is its double-decker Metrobuses. Be sure to grab a seat on the upper story and enjoy the city's iconic views, all just for 6 pesos. What more could you ask?
Things You Need to Know About Mexico City Metrobus
Here are some of the must-know things about Metrobus Ciudad de Mexico!
- As of 2024, a one-way metro bus ride costs 6 pesos, which is slightly more expensive than the Metro (Subway) but still affordable.
- Unlike the subway, you must have a Mexico City Metro Card to enter the station. Swipe the card at the turnstile to enter the platform.
- The Metrobus operates from 4:30 to 12 am on weekdays and Saturdays and from 5 to 12 am on Sundays.
- The route between Auditorio and Chapultepec is closed on Sundays from 6:30 am to 2 pm.
- Transfers between Metrobus lines are free within the first two hours of your trip and if you're traveling in the same direction.
- Metrobus service in Mexico City is free for kids under five along with an adult, for disabled passengers, or those above 70 years old.
- The front pink seats of the Metrobus are reserved for women and children only.
- Metro stations have the same entrance and exit points, so avoid getting lost in the crowd.
- If you're traveling during crowded hours, protect your belongings, as the Metrobus is a favorite service for pickpockets.
Trolley Buses
Trolleybuses are another cheaper and more sustainable public transportation service in Mexico. Locals may call them trolley cars, streetcars, or trams. These buses are operated by Servicio de Transportes Eléctricos de la Ciudad de Mexico (STE), which also runs Cable Bus and Tren Ligero services in Mexico.
This electric transit system comprises 10 lines and 12 routes covering about 200 km of network length. It is one of the few public transportation options in Mexico City that operates 24/7 but on some lines. Trolley buses travel across pre-set destinations, and the main stops are also displayed on the windscreens. Their route includes an exclusive lane, Ejes Viales, a large network of arterial roads with synchronized traffic signals.
Lines 1 to 7 cover a cross-city route, Line 9 links the outer parts of the town, and Line 8 is connected to the Mexico City Metro system. Until 2019, these lines were identified with different English letters, like A, CP, D, G, I, K, LL, and S. No one knows the reason behind this concept.
For tourists, I recommend using Line 1, which links the Bus Terminal del Norte to the Bus Terminal del Sur Taxquena. The entire route takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and seats are limited.
Things You Need to Know About Trolleybuses in Mexico City
- As of 2024, each trolley bus ride costs around 4 pesos from lines 1 to 9.
- Line 10 (Trolebus Elevado) is a recently elevated line, and the ride costs 7 pesos.
- Trolleybus line 9 operates 24/7, and the fare from 12 am to 5 am is 7 Pesos.
- Metro Card is only acceptable on Mexico City Trolleybuses. The option of paper tickets has recently been withdrawn.
- The biggest perk is that each trolley bus stop is near traffic lights, so passengers can easily get on or off the bus while it waits for the lights to change.
- The Mexico City Trolleybus operates from 4 am to midnight on weekdays, from 5 am to midnight on Saturdays, and from 6 am to midnight on Sundays.
Check Out the Mexico City Trolleybus Map for more info!
Peseros
Peseros, also known as microbuses, combis, colectivos, are green and white small buses operated by private companies. They generally appear worn out and overcrowded with passengers.
These buses travel more frequently than the RTP buses, but there are no fixed timetables. So, you just have to wait for the buses and wave your hand with the hope that they stop! It is a convenient option for young solo travelers or backpackers.
Route information is usually displayed on the windshield. Peseros often start and end their journey at metro stations and move across fixed routes. They run along main avenues like Bosque de Chapultepec, Paseo de la Reforma, and Avenida Juarez.
Things You Need to Know About Mexico City Peseros
- CDMX Peseros are slightly cheaper than Mexico City Metrobus and almost make the same stops as they do.
- Fares are charged according to the distance traveled. Each Peseros ride costs 4 pesos for a distance of up to 5 km, 5 pesos for a distance of 5 to 12 km, and 5.50 pesos for a distance of 12 km and greater.
- For those traveling after midnight to 6 am, add 20% to your fare.
- These microbuses accept cash, while some may accept Integrated Mobility Cards.
- Check out the ViaDF website to help find your route in Mexico City with Peseros.
Tourist Bus Mexico City
These hop-on hop-off buses, by Turibus, are the most affordable public transportation option in Mexico City for young expats. These red double-decker buses cover popular routes and sites throughout Mexico City, including the Polanco, Historic Center, and Condesa-Roma.
Along the way, passengers can enjoy commentary about sights in eight different languages. A bus completes the city tour in almost three hours with over twenty stops. For those who want to visit many sights in one day, I highly recommend these tourist buses in Mexico City.
Things You Need to Know about Mexico City Tourist Buses
- A one-day pass costs about 140 pesos on weekdays and 165 pesos on weekends.
- Turibuses run daily between 9 am to 7 pm.
Tren Ligero (Light Rail)
Tren Ligero, also known as the Light Rail, is an outpost of the Mexico City Metro system. This public transport system provides access to popular sights in the southern CDMX.
There is only one above-ground rail line that connects the Paseos de Taxquena to the popular Xochimilco. This 13,04 km line starts from Tasquena metro stations and has 16 intermediate stations and 2 terminus stations.
This train route includes Estadio Azteca, the country's largest football stadium. Other popular sights include the Frida Kahlo Museum, Xochimilco Floating Gardens, and the Coyoacan district.
Things You Need to Know About Tren Ligero
- Each Light Rail ride costs 3 pesos, and you need a Mexico City Metro Card to pay for it. They don't sell paper tickets.
- These Mexico City trains run from 5 am to 11:30 pm on weekdays, 6 am to 11:30 pm on Saturdays, and 7 am to 11:30 pm on Sundays.
Tren Suburbano
Like Tren Ligero, Tren Suburbano has one rail line that connects to the northern parts of CDMX. This 50-minute train ride begins from Buenavista Station in Mexico City and ends at Cuautitlan. This public transport mode is mostly used by local workers and is least used by tourists.
Mexico City Cablebus
CDMX has a new cable car system that is mostly used by locals who live away from Metro and Metrobus routes in outlying neighborhoods. Mexico City Cablebus has two lines. Line 1 connects Indio Verdes to the northern parts of the town, such as Tlalpexco and Cuautepec. Line 2 links the southeastern zones. The fare for each line is MXN $7.
Bikes
If you're looking for more eco-friendly public transportation in Mexico City, hire an Ecobici public bicycle. Ecobici is a popular and fast way to get around CDMX, where there are wide streets and biking paths. As of May 2024, the platform has approximately one hundred million bike rides under its belt. Ecobici has 709 bike stations spread across the town, including Benito Juarez, Miguel Hidalgo, Coyoacan, and Azcapotzalco.
How to Use an Ecobici Bike in Mexico City?
- To book an Ecobici bike, you must first sign up and create an account on their website or app.
- Then, buy a one-, three-, or seven-day subscription plan (MXN $123, MXN $249, or MXN $421). You can also buy an annual plan for MXN $545.
- You can pay with a debit, credit card, or Metro Card.
- After buying a subscription, you can enjoy free unlimited 45-minute rides for 1, 3, or 7 days, depending on your package.
- After 45 minutes, each subsequent hour will cost MXN $2.
- If you don't return the bike within a day, you'll be fined MXN $300.
- Both travelers and locals can ride Ecobic bikes from 5 am to midnight throughout the week.
Private Transport
Taxis
If you prefer a comfortable ride or missed public transport for any reason, taxis are good options for shorter distances in Mexico City.
Avoid hiring a taxi from the Mexico City streets, as they can be unlicensed and unsafe. Instead, call a taxi de sitio, which is a safe and registered transportation option. There are streetside booths with Sitio signs where you can book a taxi ride. Some sitio booths are also located inside Subway stations. Moreover, most restaurants and hotels can also call one of their registered cars for you.
If you still decide to hire a taxi from the road, make sure to check the following things
- Visibly displayed driver ID inside the vehicle
- The driver's face matched the photo on the ID
- The license plate numbers start with letters A or B
During the day, a taxi ride starts from 8.74 pesos and then adds 1.07 pesos for 45 seconds or 250 meters. During the night, fares are slightly higher, about 20%.
Ride-sharing apps
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Didi are more affordable and safer than taxis. If you're traveling at night or to or from the airport, I highly recommend using these apps. Before getting in, make sure the driver's name, license plate, and route.
General Safety Tips for Using Mexico City Public Transportation
Mexico City, or CDMX, is a large city in North America with notoriously bad traffic. When using public transportation in Mexico City, follow these tips and tricks.
- Solo female travelers can travel in women-only carriages in Metro and use the front pink seats in Metrobus reserved for women and children under 12. During busy hours, police officers closely monitor these transit services.
- Avoid moving around the city during crowded hours, from 7 to 10 am in the morning and 6 to 9 pm in the evening.
- Do not travel by CDMX Metro or Metrobus at night, as the surrounding areas are more prone to crime after dark. So, instead, hire an Uber.
- Be careful about your belongings on Mexico City's public transport and on the streets. Like other cities, pickpocketing is common.
- Make sure to research the areas you want to visit, or you can take local advice. Although most tourist areas in Mexico City are safe and easily accessible.
- If you're traveling to Mexico City between June and September, be prepared for rain. During the wet season, traveling becomes more chaotic. Metro stations get more crowded and even flooded sometimes. So, there can be delays in arrivals and transfers.
Final Thoughts
There you go! I hope this comprehensive guide to public transportation in Mexico City has been helpful to you while getting around this jam-packed city. As a solo traveler, I found the CDMX public transport safe and affordable.
Whether you prefer the quick Mexico City Metro trains or affordable Metrobus double-decker buses, these transit options will allow you to explore the city's popular neighborhoods and iconic sights. For solo travelers, Peseros and bikes are the more convenient options. For travelers who are short on time, tourist buses are a great choice, allowing them to see the city's main sights in one day. Tren Suburbano, Tren Ligero, and Cablebus are suitable options for outlying areas.
So, no matter which public transport service you choose, you'll have a safe and enjoyable experience in Mexico City.
