How to use the Mexico City Metro

Does Mexico City have a metro?

Mexico City has a metro system that includes 12 lines and 195 stations operated by the Sistema de Transporte Colectivo. The metro is a series of underground trains that form part of Mexico City’s larger public transportation system, which also includes the Metrobús (BRT), Tren Ligero (light rail), Cablebús (cable car), Trolébus (trolleybus), and Red de Transporte de Pasajeros (RTP) buses. With a population of over 20 million people, Mexico City has a lot of traffic, so public transportation is often much faster than driving, for locals and tourists alike.

How does the Mexico City Metro work?

The Mexico City Metro system works similarly to a standard US subway system. To use the Mexico City subway:

1. Research which of the 12 lines will get you where you need to be. For help, you can use a navigation tool like Google Maps, but you can also try the Mexico City Map & Route app, which is specifically designed for tourists.

2. Use the line’s terminal station to determine which direction you need to go.

3. Enter the station and pay your fare.

4. Catch your train from the platform.

5. If you need to transfer lines, each transfer hub will have multicolored icons representing the lines it serves. Follow the “Correspondencia” signs to transfer.

6. When you get off at your desired station, look for the “Salida” signs to exit.

Mexico City Metro map: All 12 lines explained

The Mexico City Metro map can look a little scary at first, but it’s actually quite easy to navigate.

Each line has a number (or letter) and a corresponding color for quick identification:

• Line 1 (pink): Observatorio – Pantitlán

• Line 2 (blue): Cuatro Caminos – Tasqueña

• Line 3 (olive): Indios Verdes – Universidad

• Line 4 (light blue): Martín Carrera – Santa Anita

• Line 5 (yellow): Politécnico – Pantitlán

• Line 6 (red): El Rosario – Martín Carrera

• Line 7 (orange): El Rosario – Barranca del Muerto

• Line 8 (green): Garibaldi – Constitución de 1917

• Line 9 (brown): Tacubaya – Pantitlán

• Line A (purple): Pantitlán – La Paz

• Line B (gray/green): Ciudad Azteca – Buenavista

• Line 12 (gold): Mixcoac – Tláhuac

Lines A and B extend outside of Mexico City and into the Estado de México, which is why they have letter names instead of numbers. 

If you’re looking to transfer lines, you’ll probably make your connection at a key transfer hub like:

• Pantitlán (lines 1, 5, 9, and A)

• Tacubaya (lines 1, 7, and 9)

• Chabacano (lines 2, 8, 9)

The iconic pictogram system

Thanks to the Mexico City Metro’s pictogram system, you don’t need to speak Spanish to use the subway. When the metro was built, one-third of Mexicans couldn’t read, so designer Lance Wyman created a series of unique symbols for each station. 

These symbols often reference local history, geography, or landmarks, making them a window into Mexico City culture:

• The Coyoacán station’s name means “Place of Coyotes” in Nahuatl, so it’s represented by a coyote.

• The Salto del Agua station symbol is the historic Salto del Agua fountain found nearby.

• The Pino Suárez station has a pyramid pictogram, representing the Temple of Ehecatl that was discovered during the metro’s construction.

Each pictogram has the same color of its line, and transfer stations will show diagonal stripes with the color of each line serviced at the station.

Pro tip: The pictogram system means that you don’t actually need to read station names or speak Spanish to navigate the metro. Simply follow the colors and look for the right image.

Mexico City Metro operating hours

The Mexico City Metro operates:

• Monday-Friday: 5 AM to midnight

• Saturday: 6 AM to midnight

• Sunday and holidays: 7 AM to midnight

During regular operating hours, trains run frequently, with one arriving about every five minutes.

Notably, the metro doesn’t run overnight. If you’re looking for late-night transportation, a rideshare or taxi may be your best option. Consider getting an eSIM for Mexico so that you always have affordable, high-speed data whenever you need to call an Uber, check system maps, or get directions.

Pro tip: The Mexico City Metro can get crowded during rush hour, rainy days, or big events, like the FIFA World Cup. Consider avoiding the metro during the weekday morning or evening commutes.

How do you pay for the Mexico City Metro?

To pay for the Mexico City Metro, you’ll have to buy the Integrated Transit Card. This reloadable card allows you to pay for all of Mexico City’s public transportation options. All you have to do is tap it at the turnstiles when you enter the platform.

To buy this card, head to a ticket window or kiosk. If your Spanish is rusty, the kiosks have English-language options. You’ll pay a flat fee of 15 MXN (about US$0.85) for the card, and then you need to load it with fare money before your trip. Each ride costs $5 MXN (about US$0.29), regardless of how far you’re traveling. You can reload your card at kiosks or do so via the city government’s official CDMX app if your phone works in Mexico. 

Pro tip: If you’re traveling with a group, you don’t need to buy a bunch of transit cards. You can use one card to pay for multiple riders.

How much is a metro pass in Mexico City?

The metro pass in Mexico City costs a flat rate of 15 MXN (about US$0.85). Then you need to load the card with fare money. Use this table to help you estimate how much money you should put on your card:

When you compare these prices to the cost of an Uber, which can range from 50 MXN-250 MXN (US$2.75-14.25), Mexico City’s public transportation network is much cheaper!

Getting to key destinations with the Mexico City Metro

If you’re heading to Mexico City’s top tourist spots, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick guide for how to use the metro to get around Mexico City’s key destinations.

Metro to the airport (Benito Juárez International)

For Mexico City airport transportation, you can take the metro to or from Benito Juárez International. Use the Terminal Aérea station on Line 5 (yellow). It’s just a short walk from the arrival hall.

If you just have a small backpack or carry-on, you should be fine using the metro outside of rush hour. However, if you have multiple bags, you should think about getting a taxi or rideshare.

Metro to Zócalo

Zócalo, also known as the Plaza de la Constitución, is the perfect place to start your exploration of Mexico City, and it’s accessible via the metro! Just use line 2 (blue) and get off at the Zócalo station. When you step out into the historic city center, you’ll find traditional Aztec performers and beautiful architecture.

Getting to Xochimilco by Tren Ligero

The Xochimilco canals are one of the top things to do in Mexico. These beautiful floating gardens are just outside of Mexico City, but you don’t need a car to board one of their iconic trajineras (colorful boats) or taste authentic food.

To get to Xochimilco, take Metro line 2 (blue) to its termination point at Tasqueña. From there, you can transfer to the Tren Ligero (light rail). Head south and get off at the Xochimilco stop.

Metro to bus terminals

If you’re looking to explore more of Mexico than just the capital, you may need to find a long-distance bus. Mexico City has four main bus terminals at compass points, and you can take the metro to each of them:

• Terminal del Norte. The north terminal has buses to Teotihuacan, San Luis Potosí, and Guadalajara. Take line 5 (yellow) to the Autobuses del Norte station.

• Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente (TAPO). The east terminal has buses to Puebla, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. You can access TAPO via lines 1 (pink) and B (gray/green) or Metrobús line 4. Get off at the San Lázaro station.

• Terminal Central del Sur. The south bus terminal connects you to buses to Acapulco and San Cristóbal de las Casas. Take line 2 (blue) and get off at the Tasqueña station.

• Terminal Poniente/Central de Autobuses Observatorio. To catch a bus to Toluca, Querétaro or connect to the El Insurgente (Mexico City’s main commuter rail line), take line 1 (pink) to the Observatorio station.

Is the Mexico City Metro safe?

The Mexico City Metro is generally safe, but we still recommend practicing these security tips:

• Keep an eye out for pickpockets. Pickpockets are always a concern in crowded urban areas. Keep your bags closed and carry them in front of you. Be especially cautious at major travel hubs like the Pino Suárez, Hidalgo, and Zócalo stations.

• Travel during the day. Public transit is generally safer during daylight hours. Try to avoid taking the Mexico City Metro late at night (after 10 PM).

• Avoid rush hour and holidays. The Metro can get packed at rush hour, increasing your chances of running into petty theft or assault. Avoid the train during rush hours (typically 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM) and on major holidays like Independence Day, Día de los Muertos, and major soccer matches. 

If you’re traveling to Mexico City, you might also be wondering, “Is Mexico safe?” Generally, it is, but it’s always wise to stay alert and follow basic safety precautions.

Practical tips for using the Mexico City Metro like a local

Here are a few more tips for navigating the Mexico City metro:

• Anticipate your stop. The Metro stops for a very short period (about 10 seconds), so be ready to exit quickly. We recommend making your way to the door a stop or two before your station.

• Hang on tight. Metro trains tend to stop sharply, so hang on tight to the railings. Otherwise, you might lose your balance.

• Be ready for the heat. The Mexico City Metro doesn’t have any air conditioning, so it’s always quite warm, and in the summer, it will be extremely hot. Wear light, breathable clothing for maximum comfort.

• Switch platforms if you go the wrong way. If you get on a train going the wrong direction, don’t panic. Just exit at the next stop and switch platforms. The Metro runs frequently, so you’ll be able to catch a train in the right direction within about five minutes.

• Use an eSIM. eSIMs can help you navigate the Mexico City Metro, from looking up maps to reloading your travel card. Many stations also have free Wi-Fi, but using an eSIM is the most reliable and secure way to get mobile internet in Mexico.

No matter where you go in Mexico, an eSIM offers the same cost-effective, easy access to high-speed data. Ready to start your adventure? Download an eSIM app!