Mexico City: Guía de viajes, precios y alojamiento gratuito · 2026

The transit network requires the rechargeable Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada smart card for fare collection. Paper tickets have been withdrawn from service across the network. Commuters scan the card at turnstiles to board the Metro, Metrobús, trolleybuses, and light rail. Traveling parties can share a transit card by tapping consecutively at entry gates.

Arriving passengers should purchase transport from authorized taxi counters located inside the airport terminals rather than hailing street cabs outside. Travelers pay at the indoor booth and present the receipt ticket to the dispatcher at the regulated taxi rank. App-based ride services also operate from designated passenger waiting areas outside the terminal doors.

The Metro prohibits oversized luggage on trains and across platform areas. Stations serving the airport lack elevators and escalators, which complicates navigating turnstiles with rolling suitcases. Passengers traveling with bulky baggage should choose authorized prepaid taxis, rideshare cars, or dedicated airport buses instead.

Crowded transit hubs and train platforms experience organized theft rings that use artificial crowding at train doors to distract targets. Commuters should keep bags zipped, hold personal items in front of them, and avoid displaying valuable electronics or cash. Riders can pull the red emergency alarm lever located near the doors if an incident occurs.

Traditional cantinas provide complimentary food courses known as botanas when patrons purchase beverages. Kitchen staff bring savory items directly to tables throughout ongoing drink service. Establishments typically feature bustling chatter, festive atmospheres, and strolling mariachi performers.

Sidewalk stands known as puestos prepare tacos, tortas, and regional specialties throughout the city. Sanitation standards vary significantly between locations, making customer volume and food turnover the most reliable indicators of quality. Selecting stalls where cooks prepare food continuously in plain view helps ensure proper freshness.

Sit-down eateries and trendy neighborhood restaurants readily provide vegetarian selections and modify menu items upon request. Street stands rely heavily on animal stocks and lard, requiring diners to specify dishes made without meat, poultry, cheese, or eggs. Traditional Mexican cuisine also includes indigenous plant bases such as beans and squash that naturally accommodate meatless diets.

Purchasing prepaid mobile service at official network stores or local convenience shops in the city provides substantially better rates than airport kiosks. Providers like Telcel and AT&T sell starter cards with prepaid data bundles that include messaging applications. Airport stalls stock tourist packages but apply noticeable markups to physical cards and service credit.