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Mexico
- Overview
- The Basics
- Attractions
- Events
- Activities
- Public Holidays
- Travel Health
- Useful Contacts
- Airports
- Climate
- Currency
- Visa & Passport
- Flights to Mexico
- Tour Operators
- Mexico Map
-
Cities
- Cancun
- Mexico City
-
Regions
- Baja California
- Guadalajara
- Oaxaca
- Pacific Coast
- San Cristóbal de las Casas
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show more Regions
Ports of Call
- Acapulco
- Cabo San Lucas
- Cancun
- Cozumel
- Enseneda
- Mazatlan
- Playa del Carmen (Calica)
- Puerto Costa Maya
- Puerto Vallarta
Airports in Mexico
Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
Overview
Officially called Benito Juarez International Airport after the 19th-century president of Mexico, Mexico City International Airport is the busiest airport in Mexico, serving more than 26 million passengers each year.
The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 is old, dim and confusing to navigate, while the enormous Terminal 2 houses hotels, conference and business facilities, and many shops and restaurants.
Despite its prominent status in Mexican air travel, Mexico City International Airport is failing to cope with the high volume of traffic it handles each year and is beset with long queues and frequent delays. The facility is in the midst of renovations that will increase its capacity to 32 million passengers per year. Passengers flying into Mexico City International Airport should allow plenty of time for making connections and finding their way around the airport, which takes longer than expected amid the chaos.
Flights to Mexico City International Airport come in from all over the world, including international destinations like Buenos Aires, Tokyo, Santiago de Chile, Paris, Los Angeles, Lima, Madrid, Chicago, Caracas, London, Amsterdam and Toronto.
Location
The airport is situated six miles (10km) east of Mexico City.
Getting to the city
There is a Mexico City Metro subway system linking the airport to downtown Mexico City. Taxis are regulated and passengers can pay in advance at the taxi counter in Arrivals. There are also suburban bus services including Autobuses del Oriente (ADO), Autobuses Estrella Roja and Autobuses Pullman de Morelos. Some hotels offer a pick-up service, however it is worth checking their charge as it is generally cheaper to take a taxi. Car rentals are available.
Time
Local time is GMT �6 (GMT �5 between the first Sunday in April and the second last Saturday in October).
Contacts
Tel: +52 (0)2482 2424.
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Overview
Consistently rated among the most popular holiday destinations worldwide, Cancun draws millions of sun-worshipping holidaymakers to its sparkling beaches each year. The main gateway to this holiday paradise is Cancun International Airport, a large (and growing) facility that is currently Mexico's second-busiest airport.
Processing more than 12 million passengers each year, Cancun International Airport is nearly always packed with foreigners arriving and departing Mexico, and has good-quality services and amenities aimed at making the transition pleasant. Abundant shopping and dining opportunities, including famous franchise bars like Air Margaritaville and Corona Beach Bar, keep the festive atmosphere of Cancun alive even in the terminal.
Flights to Cancun are easy to find, especially in the peak summer months when many international airports add seasonal routes to their schedule; regular flights are available from major cities like New York, Paris, London, Lisbon, Santiago de Chile, Chicago, and Amsterdam.
Location
The airport is situated nine miles (17km) southwest of the hotel and resort area in Cancun.
Getting to the city
Both taxis and colectivos can be used to get to the town. An official taxi company provides services from the airport and can be paid for at the airport just after the arrivals hall. US$14-20, the drive takes 20 to 25 mins. Colectivos are small buses that provide a door-to-door service; the driver will usually wait until it is full before leaving, US$6/30 mins. Taxis also go to Playa del Carmen 335 Pesos/US$30-35 and the trip takes approximately 1 hour.
Time
GMT –6 (GMT –5 between the first Sunday in April and the second last Saturday in October).
Contacts
Tel: +52 99 8848 7200
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)
Overview
Guadalajara International Airport is located 10 miles (16km) south of central Guadalajara, and is the third-busiest airport in Mexico. Also known as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport, the facility processes around seven million passengers each year.
Like many smaller airports in Mexico, Guadalajara International Airport is troubled with long queues; however, the facility is fairly efficient and has friendly and helpful staff members. The airport is currently undergoing renovations and an expansion that will add an additional concourse and parking complex; this will significantly improve operations and alleviate some of the congestion that causes delays.
Flights to Guadalajara International Airport come in from cities around North America, including Mexico City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Houston, Cancun, Phoenix, Tijuana, Monterrey, San Francisco and Panama City.
Location
The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) south of Guadalajara.
Getting to the city
The airport minibus service and authorised taxis both go to the city centre. Fares can be paid for in advance at the taxi booth outside the arrivals hall.
Time
Local time is GMT �6 (GMT �5 between the first Sunday in April to the second last Saturday in October).
Contacts
Tel: +52 (0)33 3688 5248.
General Juan N Alvarez International Airport (ACA)
Location
The airport is situated 16 miles (26km) southeast of Acapulco.
Getting to the city
An airport minibus service (Servicio Colectivo) goes regularly to the city centre, dropping off on request. Authorised taxis are available outside Arrivals, they take around 35 minutes to the beach area hotels and cost about US$20.
Time
Local time is GMT –6 (GMT –5 from first Sunday in April to second last Saturday in October).
Contacts
Tel: +52 (01)744 466 9446.
Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)
Location
The airport is located 5 miles (8 km) north of Puerto Vallarta.
Getting to the city
Areomovil taxi transportation is the main source of transport from the airport, as well as combi bus (Colectivo minivan) which charge rates based on the zone of travel. The fare must be paid before departure at a small kiosk located just outside the terminal. Limos.com also provide a service for passengers from the airport. Taxis can be flagged down from the highway and travellers can expect to pay around US$10 to get to Puerto Vallarta. The local bus travels through to Puerto Vallarta at a cost of around 3 Pesos.
Time
Local time is CST.
Contacts
Tel: +52 (322)221 1298.
General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (MTY)
Overview
Located in Apodac, General Mariano Escobedo International Airport is the main airport for the greater Monterrey region of northeast Mexico. The airport offers flights to 35 destinations in Mexico and the US, including popular resorts like Cancun, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta, and major cities like Chicago, Atlanta, Miami and Los Angeles.
The airport is modern and efficient despite its small size, processing roughly 5.3 million passengers each year, many of whom are business travellers.
Location
The airport is in Apodac.
Time
GMT –6 (GMT –5 between the first Sunday in April and the second last Saturday in October).
Mexico City Airport Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.
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