Transportation in Mexico City
Of Greater Mexico City's whopping 400 neighbourhoods covering a massive 7,854 km² there are at least half a dozen you won't want to miss. The Metro system is vast and vital, but keep your head above ground, too, to soak up the atmosphere.The centre boasts a cluster of the city's most fascinating attractions, but no single neighbourhood can sum up a city like this. Just west of the Centro Histórico is the large Alameda Central park, and west of that is the Zona Rosa, a centre of wining and dining in the city. Adjoining it is the increasingly hip Condesa. North-west is Polanco, where much of the city's glitter is concentrated. In the south, find tranquil San Angél and counter-cultural Coyoacán.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Metro
Mexico City's underground rail system is a marvel, but a flawed one. It's undoubtedly the quickest way of getting around town, especially during the day when the last thing you want is to be stuck in a traffic jam. For efficiency, nothing beats it. On the other hand, the sheer number of passengers means it's showing wear and tear.
Taxi
A quarter of a million taxis serve this incomparable city, and outside of peak hours they are a great way of getting from A to B because, unlike the Metro, they are hassle-free and allow you to see the city. There are three types: free taxis (the cheapest and most "adventurous"), site taxis (more expensive and safer) and radio taxis (most expensive and safest of all).
Bus
Mexico City is planned out along a series of major avenues, and the city's bus routes tend to follow them. As a result, some find the buses a great way of getting around. There are two kinds: normal buses and peseros or microbuses, which are smaller and cheaper. A few of the normal bus lines are trolleybuses, but otherwise they run on the same ticketing system.
Rent your car
Driving in Mexico City will test the most patient driver, with lanes of traffic jams filling its tangle of streets. Once you find a parking space, make sure you have a few pesos handy to give to whoever ‘controls’ that patch of street. Some car-hire companies can organise a driver with the vehicle.
Transportation Tips
Taxi prices from the airport into town are fixed. There's a 20% hike in fares nightly between 11pm and 6am. Hailing free taxis off the street isn't recommended; check the driver's identity tag, which should be displayed.
