Is Mexico City public transport safe for tourists?

Yes, but be smart. Keep valuables hidden, don't use phones near doors, and avoid empty cars late at night. The Metro gets very crowded - watch for pickpockets during rush hours.

How long does it take to get across the city?

45-90 minutes by Metro between far neighborhoods. 30-60 minutes by Uber depending on traffic. Plan extra time during rush hours and rainy weather when everything slows down.

What if I don't speak Spanish?

Metro stations have maps in Spanish only, but Citymapper shows everything in English. Uber drivers usually speak some English. Learn basic phrases: 'Aquí está bien' (here is fine) for stopping buses.

Should I use official taxis?

Airport authorized taxis are fine but expensive. Street taxis are risky for tourists - stick to Uber or ask your hotel to call a radio taxi. Never get in an unmarked car.

How to get around Mexico City as a first-time visitor without a car

Mexico City has excellent public transport that's cheap and efficient. Use the Metro for long distances ($0.25 per ride), Uber for convenience ($3-8 per trip), and walking for exploring neighborhoods. Download Citymapper and keep small bills for buses.

Get a Metro card on arrival. Buy a rechargeable Metro card at any station for 15 pesos ($0.75). Load it with 50-100 pesos to start. The Metro runs 5am-midnight weekdays, 6am-midnight weekends.
Download essential apps. Install Citymapper (best for public transport), Uber (most reliable rideshare), and Google Translate with Spanish downloaded offline. Citymapper shows real-time Metro delays and bus routes.
Learn the Metro basics. 12 colored lines connect the city. Look for line colors and end station names, not just your destination. Pink Line 7 connects Roma Norte to Centro Histórico. Avoid rush hours (7-9am, 6-8pm) when possible.
Use Metrobús for cross-city travel. Red bus rapid transit with dedicated lanes. Same card as Metro. Line 1 runs along Insurgentes Avenue through key neighborhoods. Board at stations only, not street stops.
Take regular buses for local trips. Green-and-white peseros and red RTP buses cost 6-10 pesos. Pay cash to driver. They stop anywhere along routes - wave them down and press the button to get off.
Walk within neighborhoods. Roma Norte, Condesa, and Polanco are very walkable. Centro Histórico is compact for sightseeing on foot. Always use designated crosswalks - traffic doesn't stop for pedestrians.
Use Uber strategically. Great for night travel, airport connections, and reaching places like Xochimilco or Coyoacán. Peak pricing happens during rain and rush hours. Always verify license plate before getting in.

Is Mexico City public transport safe for tourists?: Yes, but be smart. Keep valuables hidden, don't use phones near doors, and avoid empty cars late at night. The Metro gets very crowded - watch for pickpockets during rush hours.
How long does it take to get across the city?: 45-90 minutes by Metro between far neighborhoods. 30-60 minutes by Uber depending on traffic. Plan extra time during rush hours and rainy weather when everything slows down.
What if I don't speak Spanish?: Metro stations have maps in Spanish only, but Citymapper shows everything in English. Uber drivers usually speak some English. Learn basic phrases: 'Aquí está bien' (here is fine) for stopping buses.
Should I use official taxis?: Airport authorized taxis are fine but expensive. Street taxis are risky for tourists - stick to Uber or ask your hotel to call a radio taxi. Never get in an unmarked car.