This Mexico City Airport Guide can be very useful, especially for first-time visitors.
On many occasions arriving at an airport for the first time can make you feel completely lost and if you are in a hurry because you have connection with another flight, that feeling can add a share of stress.
To avoid feeling disoriented in an airport that often seems and in fact in this case is huge, here are some indications of how to manage quickly when you arrive at the International Airport of Mexico City (AICM).
The AICM is the largest in Mexico and the one with the largest influx of passengers in the country; in addition, it is considered the busiest in Latin America, data reveal that in 2019, 50 million passengers circulated through it.
Located 30 minutes from the Zócalo of Mexico City (approximate time without considering traffic), it operates 31 airlines with domestic and international flights and 12 cargo airlines, which handle more than 100 destinations, direct and in connection, to and from America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
How many terminals does the AICM have?
Mexico City International Airport has 2 terminals.
Mexico City Airport Terminal 1
The Terminal 1 operates domestic and international flights, with companies such as AirCanada, Airfrance, Alitalia, British Airways, ANA, United, Avianca, Taca, KLM, Iberia, United, Interjet, Latam, Alaska, American Airlines, Volaris, Viva Aerobus, among others. It has 2 floors:
Ground Floor
It’s the ARRIVALS floor. This Level has connection to gates A, B, Lobby C, check-in desks at gates D and D1, gate 1 boarding area and your baggage claim, international arrivals, gates E2 and E3 and their respective baggage claims.
Upper Floor
It is the OUTPUTS floor. It is divided into 3 sections:
Section 1: INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURES. Connected to Concourses F1, F2 and F3, including Gate 24, 25-28, and Gate 29-36 access.
Section 2: INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURES. Connected to halls G and H, including gates 17 to 23.
Section 3: DOMESTIC DEPARTURES. Connected to Concourse B, including gates 1 to 15.
Mexico City Airport Terminal 2
Inaugurated in 2007, it is the new terminal of the AICM, it also operates domestic and international flights, of the companies Delta, Aeromar and Copa Airlines but mainly it is the center of operations of Aeromexico. It has 3 levels:
Ground Floor
It’s the ARRIVALS floor. In this level you can find baggage claim for domestic and international flights (Latin America and Central America), and means of transport. It is connected to the North and South lobby via Gate Q, Domestic Arrivals Gate Q, International Boarding Gates N and P.
Upper Floor
It is the DEPARTURES floor. At this level of find a food area, check-in counters and security controls for access to:
North Lobby or Lobby K, including the areas of international gates L1 and L3.
South Lobby or Lobby M where are the domestic areas of gates L2 and L3.
Loft
On this level are the lounges.
How do I get from terminal 1 to terminal 2?
The connection between terminals in Mexico City Airport can be made by airline, only available to passengers in connection, with electronic reservation key, ticket and/or boarding pass of the airline through which you will travel and personnel authorized especially by the airport.
The access to the platform in Terminal 1 is located in the middle of the bridge called «Bridge of Pilots» climbing the electric stairs in Hall «D» and the access to the platform of Terminal 2 is by Hall «M» to a side of National Exits. It operates from 5 am to 1 am every day of the year.
For the general public, transport between terminals is available at a charge.
What terminal is my flight from?
The most likely thing is that you are somewhat dizzy/ or with the description of the terminals, but we leave you one more help; entering here you will find flights according to airline, flight number, destination or origin and flight status according to information provided by airlines operating within Mexico City International Airport.
What services can I find at Mexico City International Airport?
The AICM is very complete in terms of the services it provides, there you will find ATMs, banking services, currency exchange, duty free shops, gift shops, convenience stores, cafes, bars and restaurants, information points, luggage packaging, pharmacies, post office, showers, smoking areas, travel agencies, luggage storage facilities (A and E2 rooms), VIP lounges and more.
It is also useful to mention the availability of connection from the terminals to different hotels; Terminal 1 is connected to the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, the Fiesta Inn Hotel, the Hilton Hotel and the Camino Real Hotel. Terminal 2 is near the NH Hotel.
It also has a capsule hotel, ideal for those who want to take a short break and continue on their way; it is located on the top floor of terminal 1.
One more important fact is the availability inside, outside and access to the buildings of terminal 1 and terminal 2, facilities, services and facilities for disabled people, pregnant women and older adults, to provide comfort during your stay at the airport. These are lifts, pedestrian strips, ramps, transport in mini vehicles, etc.
Where do I receive a passenger arriving on a domestic flight at the Mexico City Airport?
To receive a passenger from a domestic destination you can do so in Terminal 1 Concourse A and A1 or in Terminal 2 in Concourse Q, depending on the airline.
Where do I receive a passenger arriving on an international flight?
In Terminal 1 Room E1 if the passenger comes from Central America, South America or the Caribbean; in Room E2 if he comes from Europe, Asia or Africa; and in Room E3 if he arrives from the United States, Canada or the rest of the world.
In Terminal 2 Hall P if the passenger comes from Central America, South America or the Caribbean; and in Hall N if he arrives from the United States, Europe, Asia or Canada.
What means of transport can I use to leave the airport?
Taxis: at the international and domestic arrival gates, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, taxis are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Tickets to make use of their service can be obtained in the sales modules of the different companies, arranged in the arrival rooms, with rates regulated by the Ministry of Communications and Transport.
Buses: you will find two land terminals, one on the top floor of Terminal 1, in front of the vehicle ramp of the international area and another in Terminal 2, in Hall D, between Gate 4 and the departure of passengers from national arrivals. Both operate 24 hours a day 365 days a year and have transport service to cities near Mexico City such as Cuernavaca, Pachuca, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Toluca, Querétaro, Córdoba and San Juan del Río.
Metrobus: this service connects the Airport with the center of Mexico City, as well as its points of interest; you can find it at Terminal 1, Gate 7 and Terminal 2, Gate 2. It operates all year round at predetermined times.
Other means: car rental, Uber, private hotel transport, etc.
Mexico City Airport Tips
- If your schedules are rigorous, you should keep in mind that traffic in Mexico City can be a detail to consider. You will have to manage with time to avoid inconvenience to board your flight or if you are arriving, arm of patience if the vehicle chaos does not help.
- If you forget something in the taxi, as long as it is authorized and leaves from the points established at the airport, you can enter the official website of the International Airport of Mexico City, to review the procedure to recover your belongings.
- Always remember to arrive 2 hours earlier for domestic flights and 3 hours earlier for international flights.
- Check the baggage policies and prohibited items with your airline and avoid having to throw away your belongings.