Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world, and at first, getting around can seem overwhelming. With more than 20 million people in the metropolitan area, distances are longer than many travelers expect.
The good news is that Mexico City has one of the most extensive and affordable public transportation systems in Latin America. Once you understand how it works, you’ll discover that exploring the city is easier—and much cheaper—than relying only on taxis or ride-sharing apps.
Here’s everything you need to know before hopping on your first Metro or Metrobus.
Public transportation isn’t just an affordable way to get around—it also gives you a glimpse into everyday life in Mexico City.
You’ll travel alongside students, families, office workers, musicians, artists, and people from every corner of the city. It’s part of the experience of visiting CDMX.
Benefits include:
Foto de Angel Maldonado
The Metro is the backbone of the city’s transportation system.
With 12 lines and nearly 200 stations, it connects many of the neighborhoods visitors love, including the Historic Center, Chapultepec, Coyoacán, and more.
✔ Stations are identified by both names and symbols, making navigation easier even if you don’t speak Spanish.
✔ Buy or recharge a Mobility Card (“Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada”), which can also be used on other forms of public transportation.
✔ Avoid rush hours if possible (roughly 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m.), when trains can become extremely crowded.
✔ Keep your backpack or purse in front of you and stay aware of your surroundings, just as you would in any major city.
If you’re traveling along major avenues like Paseo de la Reforma or Avenida Insurgentes, the Metrobus is often the easiest option.
These large red buses run in dedicated lanes, making them faster than regular traffic during busy hours.
The Metrobus is comfortable, easy to use, and connects many popular areas, including:
It’s also one of the simplest ways to travel between neighborhoods without changing Metro lines.
If you enjoy cycling, Mexico City’s bike-sharing system, Ecobici, is a fantastic option.
Neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Juárez, Reforma, and Polanco have excellent cycling infrastructure and many protected bike lanes.
Cycling is especially enjoyable on Sundays, when large sections of Paseo de la Reforma are closed to cars for the popular “Muévete en Bici” program.
Uber, Didi, and Cabify are widely available in Mexico City.
For many visitors, these apps are the easiest option early in the morning, late at night, or when carrying luggage.
Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour, so sometimes public transportation is actually the faster choice.
Some of Mexico City’s best neighborhoods are meant to be explored on foot.
The Historic Center, Coyoacán, Roma, Condesa, and parts of Polanco are all wonderful places to slow down and discover hidden cafés, street art, architecture, and local businesses.
Walking allows you to notice details that you would otherwise miss.
Learning how to use public transportation is one of the best ways to experience Mexico City beyond the typical tourist attractions.
At ANDARES TOURS, we love showing visitors not only the city’s history and landmarks but also how locals experience everyday life.
Whether you’re joining one of our walking tours, discovering local food, or practicing Spanish at our Coffee Club, we’ll help you feel more confident exploring one of the world’s most exciting cities.
See you in Mexico City!
At Andares Tours, we believe that every visitor should experience Mexico City through the eyes of a local. Our guides are not just experts—they are passionate storytellers, eager to share the hidden gems and fascinating history that make this city so unique. From small group tours to private, tailor-made itineraries, we ensure an unforgettable journey every time.
