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How to Get to Venustiano Carranza

How to Get to Venustiano Carranza

Venustiano Carranza Mexico City, Mexico Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airports Serving Mexico City

Mexico City is mainly served by two airports. The Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México (AICM), also called Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), is the main international airport. It is located entirely within the Venustiano Carranza borough and consists of two terminals, T1 and T2.

Main Airports

  • MEX (Benito Juárez International Airport): Main international airport.
  • MEX is located within Venustiano Carranza (T1 & T2).
  • AIFA (Felipe Ángeles International Airport): 45 km north of city center.

Airlines & Routes at MEX

Airlines operating at MEX include major international carriers and low-cost options. Direct flights from major cities across North America, Central/South America, Europe, and some from Asia.

Airlines

  • Major international carriers: Aeromexico, United, American, Delta, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Ba, Iberia.
  • Low-cost carriers: Volaris, VivaAerobus, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier.
  • Numerous direct courses to major global hubs.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

High season (Dec-Feb, Easter, Jul-Aug): higher prices, less availability. Book well in advance.

Shoulder Season Benefits

Mar-May, Oct-Nov: moderate prices, good availability. Good value.

Low Season Deals

Jun-Sep: lower prices, more availability. Coincides with rainy season.

MEX Airport Facilities & Transfers

Airport Amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange.
  • Restaurants, cafes, airline lounges.
  • Car rental agencies (e.g., DiscoverCars.com).
  • Medical services, tourist information desks.

Transfers to City

  • Metro (Line 5): Connects Terminal 1. Cheapest option.
  • Metrobus (Line 4): direct to Historic Center. Requires Mobility Card.
  • Authorized Taxis: Buy tickets at official booths.
  • Ride-sharing apps: Uber, Didi, Cabify from designated pick-up points.

AIFA Transfer Options

Bus Connections

Buses connect AIFA to various points in Mexico City, including TAPO (Venustiano Carranza), Auditorio Nacional, and World Trade Center.

Train Plans

Commuter train (Tren Suburbano) extension planned, not yet fully operational.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Available but more expensive due to greater distance to city center.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Bus Network

Mexico an extensive and efficient long-distance bus network. Major bus terminals in Mexico City serve different regions.

Bus Terminals

  • TAPO (Venustiano Carranza): East and Southeast destinations (Puebla, Oaxaca, Veracruz).
  • Central del Norte: North destinations (Querétaro, The City of Artisans).
  • Central del Sur (Taxqueña): South destinations (Cuernavaca, Taxco).

Car Rentals & Driving

Driving in Mexico City can be challenging due to heavy traffic. Car rentals best reserved for day trips outside the city. Mandatory Mexican auto insurance is required.

Requirements & Advice

  • Valid national driver's license + International Driving Permit (recommended).
  • Credit card for deposit, minimum age (21 or 25).
  • Major car rental companies at MEX (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar).

Bus Travel Comfort

Major bus companies like ADO, ETN, Primera Plus, Omnibus de México, and Futura offer different classes of service.

Classes of Service

  • First-class buses: Comfortable seats, air conditioning.
  • Often onboard entertainment for extended trips.
  • Different classes for various budgets and comfort needs.

Driving Conditions

Traffic, aggressive drivers, and elaborate road systems Mexico City driving.

Road Experience

  • Heavy traffic, aggressive drivers, complex roads.
  • Major highways generally well-maintained; secondary roads vary.
  • Toll roads (cuotas) common, better conditions.

Road Safety & Parking

  • Roadside crime on isolated highways, especially in the evening.
  • Parking difficult and expensive in central areas.
  • Venustiano Carranza parking easier in residential areas but vigilance for restrictions.
  • Foreign auto insurance not recognized; mandatory Mexican auto insurance needed.
  • Driving not recommended for most tourists unless comfortable with assertive urban driving.
  • No significant long-distance passenger train routes in Mexico.

Departure Information

Tourist Tax & Departure Timing

The Mexican Tourist Tax (DNI) generally included in the airline ticket price for international flights. Confirm with your airline.

Departure Information

  • International flights from MEX: Arrive 3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic flights from MEX: Show UP 2 hours before departure.
  • Bus departures from TAPO: Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure.

MEX & TAPO Facilities for Departing Travelers

MEX and TAPO offer various amenities to make your departure comfortable.

Available Services

  • MEX: Check-in, bag check, security, duty-free.
  • MEX: Restaurants, cafes, airline lounges.
  • TAPO: Ticket counters, waiting areas, food stalls, restrooms.

Baggage Drop

Efficient baggage drop-off at MEX terminals.

Duty-Free Shopping

Explore duty-free options at MEX before your flight.

Medical Services

Medical services available at MEX for any last-minute needs.

Local Transportation

Public Transportation Overview

Mexico City an extensive and affordable public transportation network, serving Venustiano Carranza comprehensively on account of its central location and the presence of MEX airport and TAPO bus terminal.

Systems & Coverage

  • Metro (subway): Fastest, 12 lines, connects to Venustiano Carranza (Lines 1, 4, 5, 9, B).
  • Metrobus (BRT): 7 lines, Line 4 connects MEX to Historic Center.
  • Trolleybuses, RTP buses: Cover wider routes.

Mobility Card & Fares

The Mexico City Mobility Card (Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada) is needed. You can purchase and recharge this reusable smart card at Metro and Metrobus stations.

Fares as of early 2024

  • Card valid for Metro, Metrobus, Trolleybus, Tren Ligero.
  • Metro ride: MXN 5.
  • Metrobus ride: MXN 6.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing Safety

Licensed Taxis

Pink and white (newer) or gold and maroon (older) colors. Meter, driver's ID. "Sitio" taxis safer.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber, Didi, Cabify are popular. Generally safest due to tracking and cashless payments.

Airport & Bus Terminal Taxis

MEX: purchase tickets at official booths. TAPO: Official taxi stands available outside.

Navigation Tip

Download Google Maps (including offline maps) and Moovit or the Mexico City Metro app for public transport navigation.

How to Get to Venustiano Carranza. Flights, Transportation, Airlines