TRANSPORTATION. Mexico city is one of the biggest cities in the World, moving around can be a great and challenging adventure.
Like most mega cities Mexico city has a complex public transportation system which can take you virtually anywhere, make sure to print and carry with you subway and metro bus maps to avoid getting lost.
You can also get behind the Wheel of a rental but beware driving in Mexico city must be left only to the MOST adventurous!
Subway.
Mexico’s subway system is one of the largest and most used in the world, transporting more than 4 million people a day.
11 different lines take you practically anywhere. But there are things you need to consider before hoping on. Trains run every couple of minutes so don’t worry if you miss the ride.
The subway is usually packed with people, so it might be hot and uncomfortable, but it is also a great solution to car-traffic in the city. You don’t need to know Spanish to know your way around; its language is understandable practically for everything.
Once in the subway, you might find a stream of people walking through its cars, announcing –very loudly– the products they are selling.
Don’t be afraid to push and excuse your way out of the train. “Con Permiso” (pronounced “Kon purr-mee-zo”) are two very helpful words helpful when doors open. We recommend you use the map included in the magazine, for they are very hard to find. And, we also recommend you use Line 1 (the pink one) and Line 7 (the orange one), for they lead to many tourist sites.
VIP TIP: Be careful with your personal belongings; pick pocketing is not uncommon in these trains, woman can also find some “Mexican lovers” a bit too invasive when the trains are crowded. DOWNLOAD PDF MAP HERE
SUBWAY
Cost: 2 pesos.
Mon-Fri: 5 am to 12 pm
Sat: 6 am to 12 pm
Sunday and Holidays:
7 am to 12 pm.
Taxis.
There are more than 200,000 registered cabs in Mexico City; they can be a very efficient way to move around. Avoid catching a cab on the street, especially at tourist sites until you make sure it is registered, for free-range taxis are not accountable to anyone and can sometimes be insecure.
There are two types of registered taxis in Mexico City: Free roaming taxis: they are found circulating on the street.
Company cabs (highly recommended, particularly at night): found at their base, usually with a sign that reads “Sitio” or by phone (some are announced in this magazine; another option is to ask the hotel to call one for you).
VIP TIP. Remember Mexico City is a really big and complex city; you have a better chance of arriving at your destination if you have the exact address or at least the name of the neighborhood you’re going to.
Car rental.
Once in the city, you will soon realize that driving in it is almost an art, reason why driving should be left only to the really brave ones. If you decide to rent a car make sure you know your way around before getting behind the wheel; a wrong turn might make you lose your way for hours. It’s important to know rush hours, for you might also lose a lot of time if you get caught up in traffic. “Hoy no circula” (No driving today) is the antipollution program that limits car circulation depending on the license plate number; avoid driving when it is forbidden or you will have to pay a very expensive fine.
VIP TIP. “Guia Roji” maps are highly recommendable (and are available in news stands and most convenience stores; you can also rent a GPS but beware of road constructions, road blocks or, in some cases, road disappearances).
PTN buses and regular buses.
There are two types of buses in the city: the Passenger Transportation Network or PTN buses are full-sized buses operated by the City Government. Routes are designed mainly to connect residential areas with subway stations. The regular buses (“microbuses” or “peseros”) are privately-owned buses that are usually smaller, painted in green, and whose drivers have a reputation for reckless driving. Peseros cost between $3 and $4.50 pesos depending on the distance.
Routes for both types of buses can be hard to decipher; be sure to ask someone if the bus goes to your destination before getting on.
Buses can be crowded during rush hours, but they are very practical when your route aligns with a large avenue.
There's usually a button above or close to the rear door to signal that you're getting off; however shouting “¡Bajan!” (pronounced “BAH-han”) in a loud voice can be more efficient.
The buses are available everyday from 4:00 to 22:30 hours.
Metrobus.
The Metrobus is a very fast transportation system, with a number of buses driving up and down an exclusive lane. With its two lines, it pretty much crosses the city from north to south (Line 1) and from west to east (Line 2). Both lines connect at the Nuevo León stop.
In order to access it, you have to have a pre-paid card that costs $15 pesos (it includes one ride). The cost per ride is $5 pesos. DOWNLOAD PDF MAP HERE
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