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How to Get to Azcapotzalco

How to Get to Azcapotzalco

Azcapotzalco Mexico City, Mexico Travel Guide

Airports Serving Mexico City

Main Gateway MEX

AICM (Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México) is the main airport, northwest of which Azcapotzalco lies, offering high level of accessibility.

Airlines and Services

  • Major carriers: American, United, Delta, Aeromexico, Lufthansa, Ba, etc.
  • Routes: Numerous global hubs and extensive domestic connections. Dollar Flight Club for deals. Skyscanner for options.
  • Facilities: Duty-free, restaurants, car rentals, currency exchange, ATMs, VIP lounges.

Newer Hub NLU

AIFA (Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Ángeles) is further north in the State of The united mexican states, handling some domestic and international flights.

Accessibility and Amenities

  • Location: Further north, longer travel time to Azcapotzalco.
  • Facilities: Commercial offerings continue to be developing; expect fewer options than AICM.
  • Seasonal Prices: Elevated prices in peak seasons (Day of the Dead, holidays, Easter Week).

AICM Taxi Authorized

Recommended for safety and convenience. Purchase tickets at official booths. Around 300-500 MXN ($15-25 USD) to Azcapotzalco.

AICM Ride-Sharing

Uber/Didi/Cabify widely available. Request via app. Similar costs to authorized taxis. Confirm driver/car details.

AICM Metro Budget

Cheapest option, complex having luggage. Metro Line 5 from Terminal Aérea (T1). Metrobús Line 4 also connects.

AIFA Transfers to Azcapotzalco

Bus & Ride-Share Options

  • Dedicated Bus Routes: Connect to various points in Mexico City.
  • Taxi/Ride-sharing: Significantly more expensive (800-1500 MXN / $40-75+ USD) due to distance.
  • Research: Check routes for stations closer to Azcapotzalco or with good connections.
  • Traffic: Factor in potential traffic for longer travel times.

Commuter Rail & Safety

  • Tren Suburbano: Connects AIFA to Buenavista station in central Mexico City.
  • From Buenavista: Use Metro Line B or other public transport to Azcapotzalco.
  • Safety: At AICM, ignore unofficial taxi offers. Confirm ride-share details.
  • Insurance: For car rentals, mandatory Mexican car insurance is needed. DiscoverCars.com for bookings.

Smart Travel Planning

Flight Deals

Explore flight deals and alerts from Dollar Flight Club.

Compare Flights

Use Skyscanner to compare prices and find the best routes.

Airport Transfers

Plan your airport transfer in advance, particularly from AIFA, considering travel time and cost.

Land Transportation

Extensive Bus Network

Mexico boasts an excellent long-distance bus system, offering comfortable and affordable intercity travel.

Terminals & Companies

  • Central del Norte: Most relevant for Azcapotzalco, serving north/northwest destinations.
  • Other Terminals: TAPO (east), Central del Sur (south), Observatorio (west).
  • Major Companies: ADO, ETN, Primera Plus, Futura, Omnibus de México (various classes).

Commuter Rail & Driving Considerations

Mexico's intercity passenger rail is limited, but commuter trains serve Mexico City's metropolitan area.

Rail & Road Insight

  • Tren Suburbano: Commuter rail with stations like Fortuna and San Rafael in Azcapotzalco. Connects to Buenavista.
  • Self-Driving: Requires valid driver's license, credit card, and MANDATORY Mexican car insurance. DiscoverCars.com for renting.
  • Driving Challenges: Heavy traffic, aggressive drivers, complex road networks. Parking is difficult and expensive.

Awareness for Road Travel

Major highways are generally well-maintained, but regional roads can vary. Safety concerns involve road incidents and vehicle theft.

Road Conditions & Safety

  • Highways: Generally well-maintained.
  • Local Roads: Some smaller streets may have potholes.
  • Safety: Avoid driving at night on unlit or unfamiliar roads.

Entry by Land

If entering Mexico overland from the United States, a a passport that is not expired and FMM are needed, obtainable at the border crossing point.

Border Entry Notes

  • Border Crossing: Present valid passport and FMM.
  • FMM: Obtain at the border point if not flying.
  • Relevance: Not directly for Azcapotzalco, but for entry into Mexico.

Consider Alternatives to Driving

  • Traffic: Mexico City traffic is notoriously heavy and can be overwhelming.
  • Insurance: Foreign car insurance is not valid; mandatory Mexican car insurance is needed.
  • Stress: Navigating can be stressful for unfamiliar drivers.
  • Public Transport: Buses and metro are efficient and affordable alternatives.
  • Ride-sharing: Uber/Didi provide convenient door-to-door service without driving.
  • Parking: Often difficult and expensive in urban areas.

Sea/River Arrivals

No Sea/River Access

Azcapotzalco and Mexico City are situated inland, far from any coastline or major navigable rivers.

Defining Geography

  • High Plateau: Located in the high plateau of central Mexico.
  • No Coastline: No direct access for sea or river transportation.
  • No Cruise Ports: Cruise ships do not dock in Mexico City.

Travel from the Coast

Tourists who are arriving by sea (cruise, ferry) would land at coastal ports, then need air or land transport to reach Mexico City and Azcapotzalco.

Coastal Connections

  • Coastal Ports: Cancun, Cozumel, Veracruz, Ensenada are common sea entrances.
  • Inland Travel: Requires air or bus travel from port cities.
  • Land Transfers: Buses or private transfers from ports to Mexico City.

Coastal Entry Points

Mexico's sea entries are at coastal ports. Examples: Cancún, Cozumel, Veracruz.

Subsequent Travel

From port cities, air or land travel is needed to reach Mexico City.

Inland Destination

Azcapotzalco, like Mexico City, is located far inland.

Departure Information

Smooth Departure from AICM/AIFA

An exit tax (DNI - Derecho de No Inmigrante) is typically included in international airline tickets. Confirm if you paid this or need to pay at the airport, especially if you entered by land.

Departure Timing

  • International flights: Arrive at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Domestic flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • Delays: Factor in potential traffic, especially during peak hours.

Essential Departure Tips

Have your passport, boarding pass, and the small portion of your Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) form ready. Immigration officials will collect the FMM slip when you depart. Ensure you keep it safe throughout your trip.

Final Checks for Departure

  • Terminal Check: Double-check your flight terminal (T1 or T2 for AICM).
  • Document Accessibility: Confirm all travel documents are easily accessible.
  • Currency for Contingencies: Have some extra Mexican pesos for any last-minute fees.

Airport Facilities & Transport

AICM Facilities

Terminals 1 and 2 offer duty-free shops, diverse restaurants, currency exchange, ATMs, and VIP lounges.

AIFA Limitations

AIFA's commercial offerings are still developing; expect fewer options for eating and shopping.

Transport from Azcapotzalco

Pre-book authorized taxis or schedule a ride-share service for early flights. Public transport is cumbersome having luggage.

Departure Reminder

Ensure a stress-free departure by planning your transport to the airport and having all necessary documents readily available. Enjoy your memories of Azcapotzalco!