You're standing in Terminal A at MTY, clutching a coffee that’s way too hot, wondering if you actually picked the right airport in Mexico City. It sounds like a simple choice. It isn't. Between the old-school chaos of AICM and the shiny, distant promise of AIFA, booking flights from monterrey mexico to mexico city has become a bit of a tactical game.
Most people just look at the price tag. That's mistake number one. In a city where traffic can swallow your entire afternoon, saving twenty bucks on a flight to the "wrong" airport can cost you three hours in a taxi.
The Three-Airport Conundrum
When you search for flights from monterrey mexico to mexico city, you aren't just looking at one destination. You've basically got three choices now.
- AICM (Benito Juárez - MEX): This is the classic. It’s right in the heart of the city. If your meeting is in Reforma or Polanco, this is where you want to land. But honestly? It's crowded. The infrastructure is tired.
- AIFA (Felipe Ángeles - NLU): The new kid on the block. It’s clean, it’s massive, and the flights are usually cheaper. The catch? It’s out in Santa Lucía. If you're heading to the northern suburbs like Satélite, it’s great. If you’re heading to the south, you might spend more on an Uber than you did on the plane ticket.
- TLC (Toluca): Often forgotten but surprisingly handy. VivaAerobus and Volaris run routes here. It’s a solid alternative if you’re heading to the Santa Fe business district.
I’ve seen people land at AIFA for a 2:00 PM meeting in Polanco and arrive just as everyone is heading for comida. Not a great look.
Who's Actually Flying This Route?
The competition is fierce. Because this is the busiest domestic route in Mexico, airlines are constantly undercutting each other.
Aeromexico is the heavyweight here. They run something like 400 flights a month on this route. They fly out of Terminal B in Monterrey, which is arguably the nicest terminal. If you have a SkyTeam membership or a fancy credit card, the Salón Premier is a decent place to hide from the noise.
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Then you have the budget kings: VivaAerobus and Valaris. Viva basically treats this route like a bus line. They have flights almost every hour. If you travel light—like, just a backpack—you can find one-way tickets for under $50 USD if you book a few weeks out.
Don't ignore Mexicana. They’ve been back in the air for a bit now, mostly focusing on the AIFA (NLU) route. Their prices are competitive, and they often include a checked bag when the others charge you for breathing the cabin air.
Timing is Everything (Literally)
If you're flying for business, you've gotta be smart about the "Regio" schedule. Monterrey is a workhorse city. The 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM flights are packed with executives in suits heading to the capital for the day.
Early morning flights are the most reliable. Why? Because the plane is usually already sitting at the gate from the night before. No "incoming aircraft delay" nonsense. Plus, the air is smoother. If you’ve ever flown into Mexico City in the late afternoon during rainy season, you know those "air pockets" are no joke.
Pro Tip: If you can, aim for the mid-morning lull. Flights between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM are often the cheapest and the security lines at MTY are way more manageable.
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The Reality of Prices in 2026
Let’s talk numbers. You’ll see "deals" for 84 MXN. Is that real? Kinda. By the time you add the TUA (Airport Arrival Tax), seat selection, and a bag, that $5 flight becomes $60.
A "good" round-trip price is anything under $100 USD. If you’re paying $180, you probably booked too late or you're flying during a holiday like Semana Santa.
- Cheap Month: March and October are usually sweet spots.
- The "TUA" Trap: Always check if the price includes the TUA. Some websites hide it until the final checkout screen, and it can double the cost of a low-cost carrier ticket.
MTY Survival Guide
Monterrey’s airport (General Mariano Escobedo) is spread out.
- Terminal A: Volaris and VivaAerobus. It’s busy, loud, and has the OMA Premium Lounge.
- Terminal B: Aeromexico. It’s sleek, circular, and much faster to get through security.
The drive from San Pedro or downtown Monterrey to the airport can take 30 minutes or 90 minutes. There is no in-between. The highway to the airport is notorious for accidents that stall everything. If you’re flying at 8:00 AM, leave your house by 5:30 AM. Trust me.
Getting to the City from the Airport
Once you land in Mexico City, the journey isn't over.
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If you land at AICM, take an authorized taxi or an Uber. The Uber pickup points change constantly because of the ongoing "discussions" between the airport and ride-sharing apps, so follow the signs carefully.
If you land at AIFA, look into the "Mexibús" if you’re on a budget, but honestly, most travelers prefer the private shuttle buses that go directly to points like La Condesa or the WTC. They cost about 150-200 pesos and are way safer than trying to navigate the suburban train with luggage.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
Stop overthinking and just follow this checklist:
- Map your destination first. If your hotel is in the North, book AIFA. If it’s Central/South, book AICM.
- Use Google Flights for the "Track Prices" feature. This route fluctuates daily. Let the algorithm do the work.
- Join the loyalty programs. Even if you hate Aeromexico’s prices, their points add up fast on this route because of the frequency.
- Pay the TUA upfront. When booking on Viva or Volaris, select the "TUA included" option so you don't get a surprise at the check-in kiosk.
- Check Terminal B first. If the price difference is less than $15 USD, fly Aeromexico out of Terminal B. The time you save in security and the comfort of the terminal is worth the price of a couple of tacos.
This isn't a long-haul international trek. It’s a 1-hour and 40-minute hop. But in Mexico, the logistics around the flight are what make or break your trip. Plan for the traffic, pick the right airport, and don't forget your ID—they've gotten much stricter about checking originals lately.