Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

MEXMexicoTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Mexico City International Airport

Mexico City, Mexico

Drop-off

Centro Histórico / Zócalo, Mexico City

Pin before customs

Fastest

Metrobús Line 4 (Airport – Centro Histórico – Buenavista)

bus · 10-20m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: Metrobús Line 4 (Airport – Centro Histórico – Buenavista)
Headway: 10-20
Backup: STC Metro Line 5 + Line 1/2 (Terminal Aérea – Pantitlán – Pino Suárez – Zócalo) · 3-6m

Note

Bus rapid transit from both terminals (stops at T1 Gate 7 and T2 Gate 2) via San Lázaro to Centro Histórico and Buenavista, connecting with metro and Suburban Railway; operates roughly 04:30–00:00 daily with about 10–20 minute intervals depending on time of day.

Budget focus

Mexico City: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likemexico city airport busandmex to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: Metrobús Line 4 (Airport – San Lázaro)
Mode: bus
Freq: 10-20m
Note: Frequent BRT from both terminals to San Lázaro transport hub, where you can transfer to Metro Lines 1 and B for onward travel to the historic center; operates approximately 05:00–00:00 with smartcard-only payment.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: STC Metro Line 5 + Line 1/2 (Terminal Aérea – Pantitlán – Pino Suárez – Zócalo)
Mode: metro
Freq: 3-6m
Note: Walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal Aérea station on Metro Line 5, ride to Pantitlán, then transfer to Line 1 toward Observatorio and Line 2 toward Tasqueña to reach Zócalo; trains typically run every few minutes from around 05:00 to midnight (later opening on weekends).

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.