Last updated: July 22nd, 2021
Mexico City Airport Taxi Scams
All it takes is a quick Google search to find thread upon thread about tourists getting scammed by a Mexico City airport taxi driver.
In order to avoid any and all headaches involving airport taxis from Benito Juarez International Airport, simply use Uber.
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Uber Mexico City
Uber is by far the best and safest option for getting to and from the Mexico City International Airport.
It’s also my preferred way to get around Mexico City in general.
Why use UBER?
It’s fast, it’s extremely cheap (rides start at around 35MXN) and you’re pretty much guaranteed to get a respectful and responsible driver at your service thanks to Uber’s excellent feedback system which strives to keep its drivers accountable.
All drivers are reviewed at the end of each trip by a star rating (1-5).
If a driver gets too many
The best part about using Uber in Mexico City is that you can get a discount of 150 MXN OFF Your First THREE Uber Rides by using my special promo code: R2VUCAYHUE
All you have to do to get your first free ride is download and install the UBER app and once you
Once here, you can enter the promo code R2VUCAYHUE and get 3 ride credits of $50 pesos each off (150 MXN value).
Mexico City Airport Taxis
If you don’t own a smartphone OR you simply prefer to take taxis, please follow this step-by-step tutorial below which explains how to find the safest and most reliable authorized Mexico City airport taxi.
Step 1. Once you arrive at Terminal 1 (T1) or Terminal 2 (T2), proceed to one of the many ATM machines available.
You’ll want to take out at least enough for the taxi fare (200-300 pesos), plus a little more cash in case you get yourself caught in a bind.
Step 2. Now that you have your pesos in hand, you’ll want to locate one of the authorized taxi booths before exiting the terminal.
Step 3. Have the address of your hotel or Airbnb ready for the attendant.
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They will enter in the address details and it will produce a receipt for you based on the zone you’re traveling to.
Note: Your fare may vary depending on where your accommodations are located.
Step 5. Now that you’ve got your prepaid taxi slip in hand, walk around the corner and look for the nearest attendant associated with your chosen taxi company.
Show them your slip and they will assist you to the next taxi that pulls up.
Additional tips:
- Avoid any Mexico City Airport Taxi touts that approach you inside the terminal. These guys are in on the scams will likely set you up with a corrupt taxi driver.
- If you’re asked if you need a taxi, simply reply with a “No, gracias.” and they will leave you alone.
- Be sure to have the name of your hotel, the address and the phone number of your hotel handy at all times. If your driver gets lost for any reason, you can simply hand him the phone number and he will put in a call to your hotel.
- You can pay your taxi fare in dollars at the booth but it’s always best to pay in the local currency no matter where you are in the world. Do yourself a favor and pull out at least a few hundred pesos for your trip.
Be Prepared Upon Arrival
Before thinking about hailing a taxi in Mexico, you need to make sure all your paperwork is in order.
Let’s go over this quickly.
Most travelers visiting Mexico for 180 days or less will only require the Mexico Tourist Card.
This document can be obtained at natvisa.com for $29 OR for free on the official Mexican Government site. Be sure to fill this out prior to your arrival to Mexico.
A checklist of what you will need:
- FMM tourist card (aka Tourist Card)
- Mexico Visa (if needed – most travelers do not need a visa. Double check with embassy)
- Valid passport
Alternative Methods of Transportation
There are a few different types of transportation that run to/from Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport. You can travel by:
- Uber (promo code: R2VUCAYHUE for $50 MXN OFF your first three rides ($150 MXN value)
- Private transfer
- City taxi
- Authorized taxi
- Metro bus
- Mexico City’s metro system from Terminal 1
If you would like to travel to Mexico City by metro, you should be confident in your Spanish speaking skills and have little to no luggage, otherwise it’s probably not worth the hassle.
The metro should cost approximately 5 MXN pesos.
You can also travel to centro historico by Mexico City’s metro bus system for a cost of around 40 pesos (including the pre-paid smart card).
If you would like to submit any photos or updated information to make this article any more helpful, please feel free to contact me.
Great tips that create a very handy resource. Thanks!
Thanks Maria. Glad you found it helpful.
Good stuff man. Nobody wants to get ripped off. I wonder what was your inspiration to write it? I hope you guys didn’t have any trouble with taxis.
Thanks David. Nope, fortunately, no issues here. Just thought it would be helpful as I’ve heard far too many stories of travelers being scammed by airport taxis (or taxis in general) in Mexico City.
Good advice, in fact, this advice works for most places in the world. There are always too many taxi touts in most airports, but using the prepaid ones always give you a fair deal.
Thanks for the tips. There are too many taxi touts in airports around the world. It is easy to be ripped off if you don’t have your wits about you.
Good advice on the booths. The airports wouldn’t allow them to set up/stay there if they were not reputable.
Great tips – especially the tidbit about requesting a sedan!
Thanks Dana! The sedan part is probably the most important tip of the entire article.
What is the tip about sedans? I reread the article and don’t see anything about sedans?
Despite the hassle and cost I think taxis are the best option in Mexico city – I’ve been on the metro and its insane. Incredibly crowded, rushed (when trying to get on and off – the doors close on a timer so you have to be quick), maze-like in some parts and just a little confusing, especially if your spanish is not that great.
That’s interesting Ally. We rode the metro a couple times during our stay and we didn’t find it to be any more hectic than any other metro in the world. As for navigating your way around the city, it’s all about knowning where you need to get off at. There’s not much Spanish involved other than figuring out which direction you need to be headed in. That being said, when it comes to airport transportation, taxis are definitely the best bet.
People are always going to try to scam you, especially when you’re obviously foreign to a country. Wherever I am, I live by one rule at the airport: NEVER trust anyone who approaches you for their services :-D
Great post!
Thanks for the comment Marcello. I agree, most of the time it’s just a scam waiting to happen.
Great tips of advice! Mexico is such a beautiful place to visit! I’m sure these tips will help make the experience more enjoyable and safe. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, we are leaving next week for Mexico City and your information is so helpful, the best we found on the web. We have shared it with people who are convening from all different areas. I’ll comment when we return. Be well…we’re grateful.
So glad to hear it, Judy! Enjoy your trip.
Thanks for this, just used your tips to get a taxi few days ago!
Thanks for following up!
Great info. Thanks for posting. So we will be traveling with 5 people to Mexico City with plenty of luggage (a work trip), so we actually want a van, as opposed to a sedan, since we want to travel together. Do you know if they always have plenty of vans? Will that be a problem? Also, I’m presuming it will cheaper to go the route you describe than to prearrange transportation, would you agree?
No problem. Glad you found it helpful. Yeah, you should have no issue grabbing a van. Just make sure you stop off at one of those kiosks and tell them how many people you have and what type of vehicle you would prefer. I’m not 100% positive if it would be cheaper than prearranged transport but that’s something you could always ask your hotel about. Best of luck and enjoy your trip.
Was fortunate to discover this while waiting on my flight to Mexico City for a last minute business trip. Made it simple especially for a late night arrival. Thanks.
Glad to hear it Steve!
hey Ryan,
I am travelling to mexico in November – going to see the Mexican Formula 1 GP – any tips on the metro system – thanks for the tips on the taxi- very helpful
Paul
Hey Paul. I have very little experience with the Mexico City metro although I know it’s pretty efficient. Just be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times and you should have no issues.
Thanks for all the great information. My flight will arrive after midnight. Is it safe at that hour to take a pre-paid taxi? I don’t want to take any chances.
Yes, Tunai. Your options are either a taxi, tuk-tuk or UBER. IMO, your best and safest bet would be to grab an UBER to your destination.
Thanks for this super Info. Like Tunai i will be arriving after midnight. Was wondering why you suggest taking an UBER is the best and safest option rather than following your guidance on taking a taxi?
hey Ryan,
Thanks for the great bits of info! what about the taxi from the hotel to the airport? Would you recommend an Uber, or do these airport taxis have a airport drop service too?
Hey! Thanks for the blog entry, very useful. We ended up using Sitio 300, the taxi ride was good, but watch out they tried to short change us.
Hi marta what to look out for? How did they try to shortchange you?
If we use Uber, where do we pick up the cab outside of the terminal? We are arriving from London with BA in T1. And when should we order our cab? Presumably after we get through immigration, whilst waiting for our luggage?
Hi Ruth. I would order it as soon as you exit baggage claim. There are a ton of drivers in the area at all times so it never takes more than 5-10 minuts max. When confirming your Uber reservation it will prompt you to choose which door you’d like to be picked up at. I believe your choices are Doors 3 through 7. Choose the closest door, exit and wait for your Uber to arrive. It’s as simple as that.
I prefer to pay for a private taxi, I know this person in my previous company, they work for some international companies but they also have service for particulars, I can strongly recommend , they also offer bilingual taxi driver if you ask for it and you can pay for all day, hour, trip, etc . If you want to visit some places which are consider “not turistic” it is better you use this kind of service, they are mexican and help you with some good recommendations. Here the contact information: Mr. Arriga email: carlos.arriga@hotmail.com
Does he work for a company or independent?
Hi, this will be my first time visit to Mexico City, do you need a taxi to get from anthropology museum to Castillo de Chapultepec or can you walk to it?
Your best bet would be to either take an UBER (best way), taxi or metro.
Hey Ryan. Thanks for sharing such valuable info! Great advise and tips. Did you experience riding “Uber” while in Mexico? Any thoughts? Thank You.
Ryan, Yes. I would also like to know what your “Uber” experience was like in Mexico City. Thanks!
Hi Jamil. My Uber experience has always been excellent in Mexico City. I’ve used it countless times (30+ rides) and all of the rides have been pleasant. It’s by far the best and most comfortable way to move around the city. Hope this helps.
hi Ryan, I’m traveling to San Migel via mexico city and i was wondering about bus or suttle services to get there. thanks,Gerard
Hi Gerard. Excellent! San Miguel is a beautiful place. You can take a bus directly from the Mexico City Airport or if you’re already in Mexico City then you can take a bus from the Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte bus station.
Another great way to figure out travel logistics is to use the site Rome2Rio.com. Best of luck!
Ryan,
I cannot thank you enough for this information. It gives me confidence that I can trek this on my own. You must be well versed about Mexico (City and the outskirts).
Glad to have helped, Gilbert! Thanks for the feedback and best of luck on your trip to DF!
Hi, I’m arriving at the airport in the early a.m. I won’t be able to buy a sim til I get into the city. 1) What’s your opinion about using airport wifi to request uber? Supposedly wifi is limited/spotty in some areas of the airport. 2) Is your uber promo code still valid? 3) How do I find out how much an authorized taxi to zone 5 costs? I tried to find Sitio 300’s fare, no luck. I only know a little Spanish.
Thank you! I appreciate that you added a photo of the taxi kiosk.
Hi Diane,
1. Using the airport Wi-Fi to order your Uber would be fine. I’ve done it (when I didn’t have credit on my phone). You’ll need to stay inside the doors of the airport to make sure you keep a good signal. What I would recommend is to order it and when it asks you which door you want to be picked up at choose the door nearest to you (3, 4, 5, etc). Take a screenshot of the drivers info (license plate/model) so that in case you lose connection you can still keep an eye out for your driver.
2. The Uber promo code is still valid — UBERPTM
3. The best way to find out the cost would be to stop into the Taxi kiosks located within the airport. They will be able to give you all the information you need.
Best of luck!
Great tips on what to look for in airport transportation! I’m planning a trip to Thailand in August and want to make sure that all my travel arrangements run smoothly without me getting ripped off. Thank you for the helpful transportation tips!
Thank you for your post. I’m traveling next month with my mother. In her younger days she was quite the adventurer, traveling the world. But now that she’s older, and in poor health, she feels much more vulnerable, and has heard all those horror stories you mention. Your advice, and current info on UBER gives us both much needed, & appreciated, peace of mind.
Thanks again!
Glad to hear from you Michele! UBER is really one of the best things to happen to Mexico City (travel wise). Enjoy your trip and please do yourselves a favor and do breakfast at Miralto Restaurant located at the top of the Torre Latinoamericana. Trust me when I tell you it’s the most memorable breakfast you’ll have in the city!) ;-)
Website: http://miralto.com.mx/
Hi ryan
Thanks a lot for this post. Im about to visit mexico city in a few days and will be using your tip. How about tours? Any tour company you can revommend to the Pyramids and Guadalupe shrine and to Pueblo? Thanks in advance!
Excellent! No, I recommend doing it on your own. This resource should help: https://sightdoing.net/how-to-visit-teotihuacan-without-a-tour/
Great advice. I have travelled extensively in Mexico and found that the best way is to do research beforehand and then head off. Very occasionally local tours can be useful (e.g. Tequila or San Juan Chamula). Some major sites have guides worth paying.
Yeah, you’re totally right. I took the colectivo to San Juan Chamula and I was surprised as to how easy it was.
I am heading to Mexico City tomorrow! Your tips are putting my mind at ease, thank-you!
Best of luck!
Thanks Ryan, your recommendations were excellent visiting Mexico City. Especially about transportation from the airport as it is quite hectic with so many people. We asked the hotel to provide transportation from the airport to the hotel when we made the reservation, but it was a little expensive. However we found that using uber is an excellent way to get around the city and other cities we visited
No problem at all. Glad to hear you enjoyed your time. Uber is definitely the best way to move around the city!
We are 65+ fairly well travelled and arrive at 430 in the morning – are the taxi booths 24 hours or would we be better off pre booking a transfer? Feeling a bit nervous at that time of the day!
Hi Sue. The safest and most reliable way to move around the city is via UBER. Do you happen to have the UBER app on your phone?
We’re going in a couple weeks, is this info still relevant? Thx!!
Yes, it is! Just recently updated. I would highly recommend using Uber over taking a taxi.
Ryan, sorry if this is a repeat question. and thank you for your info. i am arriving at mexico city airport at midnight. have a hotel reservation near the Norte bus station. since i have no experience with UBER (never used it), i am thinking to use an authorized taxi to my hotel (about 25 mins away). i will find an authorized booth and purchase my taxi ticket. and then head out the door. i am sure at that point i will be “attacked” with taxi drivers. in that “mess” will it be easy for me to find my correct authorized taxi to safely take me to my hotel?
Hi David. Welcome to Mexico City! I really suggest you use Uber if possible. It’s safer, cleaner and more reliable. If you must take a taxi, just be sure to take an authorized one. No worries about finding your taxi — you’ll purchase a ticket for your taxi and they’ll tell you where to meet the attendant. From there they’ll put you in the next taxi available.
Hi Ryan,
I will land in mexico city on friday. I am traveling alone and planning to use uber. but, i have been told that the uber drivers are not allowed anymore to go directly in front of the airport so maybe it will be harder to get one. would it be safe, as a girl traveling alone, to take an authorized taxi ? same in Merida ?
Thanks for the advices, Lena
Hi Lena. Uber has full access to the Mexico City International Airport. You will have no problem getting one to pick you up. Use taxis as a last resort.
I will be arriving in Mexico city this upcoming weekend at some point during the night.
Do you know if that Uber promotion is still good?
Thanks for the tips!
Matt
Hey Matt. Yes, the Uber promo works but you must first make sure that you switch “country” in your account profile to Mexico before applying the promo code.
Great tips. Just got back from a 5 day trip to Mexico city and we used only Uber. Its works great and we never had a bad experience. Not sure how it compares to Taxis but think they’re much cheaper. Eg. Condesa area to Airport 120 pesos, Airport to Bus Terminal Norte 100 pesos, Centro to Coyacan 80 pesos, Condesa to Xochimilco 230 pesos and 180 pesos – hope that helps.
Thanks for sharing your tips, David. Appreciate it!
Hi Ryan,
Great blog! I just have a question regarding sim card. I want to use Uber but I do not know where to buy sim inside the airport for me to have access to the internet. Do you have any tips on where to buy and for how much?
Hey Limar. You should be able to purchase a telcel sim card inside the airport (Open 9am-7pm). The telcel office is located on the upper level of Terminal 1. If you don’t find it, simply stop at an information booth and ask where Telcel is. I recommend purchasing a sim with a data package. The sim itself should cost 150MXN or so. The rates for data plans vary depending on how much data you need. There are plans for 2gb, 4gb, 6gb, 13gb, etc. I pay approximately 600MXN/mo for the 13gb package which can be “recharged” at the local Oxxo convenience stores. I simply walk in and recharge each month.
Hi Ryan, you have a great blog and fab tip on the taxi situation at Mexico City Airport. I am traveling to Mexico City in a few days, I was planning to get a Uber but my flight arrives at 6:30pm, so not sure if I’ll be able to buy a sim card in time. I was thinking of getting an authorized taxi to Tabacalera area where my hotel is, I travel alone and wondered if it still is safe to catch an authorized taxi at that time?
Hi Dipa. You’ll be fine to take an authorized taxi. Once you get the chance to grab a SIM, it’s recommended to take an Uber to move around the city.
It’s 2019. Any chance of an update?
The article has been updated. Use Uber if possible. It’s the best and safest way to move around the city.
Hi Ryan,
Great info! Last post is over a year ago. Anything to add considering our current world situation?
I’m female traveling alone flying into Mexico International airport. I need to get from there to Hotel Geneve and I don’t speak Spanish.
Which would be the simplest way to get there? Umber or authorized taxi? And is the discount code still good?
Hey Judi. I would still recommend Uber over taxis without a doubt. It will be the best, easiest and safest option by far. You should have no problem at all. Yes, if you’ve never used Uber before, you can sign up using the promo code and it will save you on your first ride. ;-) Best of luck and enjoy your trip!
I’m happy to use the taxi kiosk but my flight arrives at 930pm. Will the kiosks still be open then?
I’ve searched the airport website but no mention of opening hours
Hi Ryan do you happen to know how to transfer between terminals after 1am in the morning. Would taxi also be the best option? Thanks!! Stefanie