Perhaps the cheapest way to get around Mexico City CDMX is using the subway. It is a public transportation network that has been operating since 1969 and circulates under the streets of the historic center and urban areas of this huge city, communicating it in a fast, economical and even ecological way. Its 12 lines pass through a large part of the City and the State of Mexico.
If you have never traveled on the Mexico City subway (metro), it is best to locate the closest station to your hotel. You can ask your concierge or reception and visit it to see which subway line passes through your location.
Once you locate the nearest metro station, buy a ticket and on the walls of the station or kiosks you can find a map of the Mexico City subway, these will indicate the stations that you will have to go through to reach a destination with all the lines of the active metro.
There are transit stations and transfer stations, those that share 2 or even 3 different lines that circulate on different platforms. It is common to find tourists lost in these stations because they are larger, but if you go calmly and above all do not get carried away “where people take you” it will be easier for you to locate where to go without getting lost.
The advantage of traveling by Mexico City subway is that you can go through all the stations, make line changes, go and return without leaving the subway for the same ticket, which is $5.00 mxn, approximately 0.25 US cents. Cheap isn’t it?
But hey, this post is titled “Mexico City subway map”, this image will give you an idea that the lines are organized by color and to download this map you just have to click here:
Service Hours:
Business days from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Sundays and holidays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Hours to Avoid:
The Mexico City Metro lines are regularly saturated with people going to and from work. Avoid taking the metro at these times. Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and in the afternoon from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. On weekends it is quieter but on Saturday mornings you can still find some crowds at the stations. Do not travel with jewelry, heavy luggage, large suitcases, or pets.
Mexico City Subway lines:
Line 1 : Observatory – Pantitlán
Line 2 : Cuatro Caminos – Tasqueña
Line 3 : Indios Verdes – University
Line 4 : Martín Carrera – Santa Anita
Line 5 : Polytechnic – Pantitlán
Line 6 : El Rosario – Martín Carrera
Line 7 : El Rosario – Barranca del Muerto
Line 8 : Garibaldi/Lagunilla – Constitution of 1917
Line 9 : Tacubaya – Pantitlán
Line 12 : Mixcoac – Tláhuac
Line A : Pantitlán – La Paz
Line B : Ciudad Azteca – Buenavista
Tips to travel by metro in Mexico City
We know that, as a first-time traveler to Mexico City, navigating the metro system can be a bit overwhelming. Here are some tips to make your metro experience in Mexico City as smooth and stress-free as possible:
- Familiarize Yourself with the Metro Map
The first step to traveling on the metro in Mexico City is to get familiar with the metro map. The map can be found at any metro station and is also available online. Try to study the map before your trip and familiarize yourself with the lines and stations you’ll be using. You can also download the Mexico City Metro app, which is available for iOS and Android devices, and use it to navigate the system.
- Buy a Metro Card
The best and most comfortable way to pay for your metro rides is by purchasing a Metro Card, also known as a Tarjeta de Metro. These cards can be purchased at any metro station and cost around 15 pesos ($0.75 USD). Once you have a Metro Card, you can load it with credit and use it to pay for your metro rides. The benefit of using a Metro Card is that it saves you time and money, as you won’t need to purchase a new ticket for each ride.
- Plan Your Route in Advance
Before you set out on your journey, it’s a good idea to plan your route in advance. Use the metro map to identify the stations you’ll be traveling to and from, and plan the route accordingly. If you’re unsure about which route to take, don’t be afraid to ask a metro employee for help.
- Travel During Off-Peak Hours
Mexico City’s metro system can get crowded during peak hours, especially during rush hour. If possible, try to travel during off-peak hours. This will not only make your journey more comfortable, but it will also save you time as you won’t have to deal with the crowds.
- Stay Alert and Keep Your Belongings Safe
As with any public transportation system, it’s important to stay alert and keep your belongings safe when traveling on the metro in Mexico City. Keep your valuables close to you and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and avoid using your phone or other electronic devices in crowded areas.
We fly into Mexico City (MEX) and wish to take the Metro to the Doctores stop in Col. Centro. What Line do we need to take and are there any change over stops? Any help you can give us would be appreciated.
Hi Rod, for the Doctores stop you must take Line 8, just look to the map where do you have to change stations, there’s no extra cost unless you go out of the station, safe trip!