Getting Around Mexico City: Transport Apps & Your First 48 Hours
Mexico City is huge, sprawling, and genuinely easy to navigate once you know the golden rule: use the apps, skip the street taxis. Uber and DiDi are cheap and safe, and the Metro costs a few pesos. Here's what actually works.
The best default: Uber and DiDi
In a city this size, Uber and DiDi are the backbone of getting around — inexpensive, everywhere, and safe because the driver, route and fare are all tracked in the app. Keep both and compare prices.
Avoid unofficial street taxis
The main safety issue in CDMX is hailing random street taxis. Some quote a cheap "special price" then demand far more. Stick to Uber, DiDi, or authorized taxis booked at official kiosks — never a driver who approaches you.
Getting in from the airport
Two safe ways from AICM
Either book an Uber or DiDi from the designated airport pickup zone (often 50–70% cheaper), or buy an authorized taxi ticket at an official kiosk inside the terminal (fixed fare ~250–300 MXN). Don't accept rides from anyone approaching you in arrivals.
When the Metro and Metrobús make sense
The Metro is wonderfully cheap (about 5 MXN a ride) and fast — just avoid rush hour and skip it with luggage. The Metrobús Line 4 conveniently links the airport with the historic centre. Both use the rechargeable Integrated Mobility Card, bought at station machines.
Apps you can reuse
- Uber / DiDi — your main way around; cheap, tracked, card-in-app
- Google Maps — reliable Metro and Metrobús routing
Arrived launches soon. Get the right transport setup the moment you land.
Join the waitlistYour first 48 hours
- At AICM, take an Uber/DiDi from the pickup zone or an authorized kiosk taxi — and ignore anyone offering you a ride inside.
- Install both Uber and DiDi and compare fares for everyday trips.
- Grab an Integrated Mobility Card if you want to ride the cheap Metro or Metrobús.
- Keep Google Maps for routing, and never flag an unofficial street taxi.
Do those four things and a city that feels overwhelming on arrival becomes easy and safe to get around.
Frequently asked questions
- Which transport app is best in Mexico City?
- Uber and DiDi are the must-have apps — both are cheap, widely used, and far safer than hailing a street taxi, because the driver, route and fare are all tracked. Google Maps handles Metro and Metrobús routing. Most visitors run on Uber/DiDi plus Google Maps.
- Is Uber safe in Mexico City?
- Yes — Uber (and DiDi) are widely considered the safest way to get around CDMX, because the trip is tracked end to end and you never negotiate cash with a stranger. The real risk is unofficial street taxis, which you should avoid.
- How do I get from Mexico City Airport (AICM) to the city safely?
- Two safe options: book an Uber or DiDi from the designated airport pickup zone (often 50–70% cheaper than the alternative), or buy an authorized taxi ticket at an official kiosk inside the terminal (a fixed fare of about 250–300 MXN). Never accept a ride from someone approaching you in the terminal.
- Should I avoid street taxis in Mexico City?
- Yes. Unofficial taxis are the main safety concern — some quote a low 'special price' then demand far more, or worse. Stick to Uber, DiDi, or authorized taxis booked at official kiosks, where the fare is fixed or shown upfront.
- How much is the Mexico City Metro?
- The Metro is extremely cheap — a flat fare of about 5 MXN per ride, paid with the rechargeable Integrated Mobility Card. It's fast and useful, but avoid it at rush hour and with luggage; for door-to-door comfort, Uber or DiDi is cheap enough anyway.
- What is the Metrobús and how do I pay?
- The Metrobús is the city's bus rapid transit, running in dedicated lanes — Line 4 conveniently links the airport with the historic centre (Hidalgo, Bellas Artes). It costs about 30 MXN and needs the Integrated Mobility Card, which you buy and top up at station machines.
- Do I need cash to get around Mexico City?
- Less than you'd think — Uber and DiDi take cards in-app. You'll want the rechargeable Integrated Mobility Card for the Metro and Metrobús. Keep some small pesos for tips and incidentals.