Is Mexico City metro safe for tourists?

Generally safe during daytime hours. Avoid late night travel (after 10 PM). Watch for pickpockets during rush hours and keep bags in front of you. Some cars are women and children only during peak hours.

Does the metro run to the airport?

No direct metro to Mexico City airport (MEX). Take metro to Terminal Aérea station (Line 5) then catch airport bus, or use metro to connect to Metrobus Line 4 which goes to airport.

What if I don't speak Spanish?

Download an offline metro map app. Station names are clearly posted in large letters. Most tourists navigate successfully with basic map reading. Point to destination on map if asking for help.

Can I use the metro card on buses too?

No, metro cards only work on metro system. City buses and Metrobus use separate payment systems. Metrobus has its own rechargeable cards.

How to Navigate Mexico City's Metro System

Mexico City's metro runs on 12 color-coded lines with stations announced in Spanish. Buy a rechargeable card for 15 pesos, load it with credit, and follow the colored line symbols and direction signs. Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 6-8 PM) and keep belongings secure.

Get a metro card at any station. Buy a rechargeable card (tarjeta recargable) for 15 pesos at ticket booths or machines. Load it with credit — each ride costs 5 pesos. Machines accept coins and bills up to 100 pesos.
Find your line and direction. Metro lines are color-coded and numbered (Line 1 is pink, Line 2 is blue, etc.). Look for the colored circle with your line number. Direction signs show the final station name — memorize both end stations of your line.
Follow platform signs. Signs say 'Dirección' followed by the terminal station name. Platform signs also show upcoming stations. Trains announce stations in Spanish only, so count stops or watch for your station name on platform signs.
Transfer between lines. Follow 'Correspondencia' signs for transfers. Major transfer stations like Pino Suárez connect 3-4 lines. Walking between platforms can take 5-10 minutes at large stations.
Exit at your destination. Look for 'Salida' (exit) signs. Many stations have multiple exits marked by nearby landmarks or street names. Choose the exit closest to your destination to avoid long walks above ground.

Is Mexico City metro safe for tourists?: Generally safe during daytime hours. Avoid late night travel (after 10 PM). Watch for pickpockets during rush hours and keep bags in front of you. Some cars are women and children only during peak hours.
Does the metro run to the airport?: No direct metro to Mexico City airport (MEX). Take metro to Terminal Aérea station (Line 5) then catch airport bus, or use metro to connect to Metrobus Line 4 which goes to airport.
What if I don't speak Spanish?: Download an offline metro map app. Station names are clearly posted in large letters. Most tourists navigate successfully with basic map reading. Point to destination on map if asking for help.
Can I use the metro card on buses too?: No, metro cards only work on metro system. City buses and Metrobus use separate payment systems. Metrobus has its own rechargeable cards.