Let’s be real. Flying into Mexico City International Airport Benito Juárez for the first time feels a bit like trying to solve a Rubik's cube while running a marathon. It is loud. It is sprawling. It's effectively two different worlds—Terminal 1 and Terminal 2—connected by a train that feels like it’s perpetually testing your patience. If you’ve heard people call it AICM (Aeropuerto Internacional Ciudad de México), that’s the local shorthand you should probably get used to.
Honestly, the airport is a beast. It handled over 48 million passengers recently, making it the busiest in Latin America. But here is the thing: it wasn't exactly built for that kind of volume. Navigating it requires a specific kind of strategy. You can't just wing it like you might at a smaller regional hub.
The Great Terminal Divide
First things first. You have to know where you are going because Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are not within walking distance. At all.
Terminal 1 is the older, more chaotic sibling. It’s huge. It feels like a never-ending shopping mall that accidentally has gates attached to it. This is where most international carriers like United, American, and Lufthansa hang out. Then you’ve got Terminal 2, which is essentially the fortress of Aeromexico. Delta and Copa are over there too.
The Aerotrén connects them. It’s free if you have a boarding pass, but it’s only for passengers. If you're just meeting someone or don't have your ticket handy yet, you're stuck taking a "shuttle" bus or a taxi, which can take twenty minutes or more depending on that infamous Mexico City traffic. I’ve seen people miss connections because they assumed "transferring terminals" meant a five-minute stroll. It doesn’t.
Why Mexico City International Airport Benito Juárez is Sinking (Literally)
This isn’t a metaphor for the budget. The airport is actually sinking.
Because Mexico City was built on an old lakebed, the soil is basically a giant sponge. As the city sucks out groundwater, the ground compacts. At Mexico City International Airport Benito Juárez, this creates "undulations" on the runways. You might notice the plane bounces or tilts a bit more than usual during taxiing.
📖 Related: How Far From Orlando to Cocoa Beach? What You Actually Need to Know for the Drive
Engineers are constantly patching it up. It’s a massive maintenance headache that led to the controversial (and ultimately cancelled) project for a brand-new airport in Texcoco years ago. Instead, we got the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) way out in the suburbs to take some pressure off, but Benito Juárez remains the king. Most international travelers still end up here because it’s much closer to the city center.
Making the Most of the Chaos
The food. Seriously.
Forget the sad, wilted sandwiches you find at O'Hare or Heathrow. If you are stuck in Terminal 1, go find a real taco spot. There are places like Salón Corona where you can get a decent taco al pastor and a beer while you wait for your delay—and let’s be honest, there’s a decent chance of a delay.
Security and Documentation
Mexico is moving toward more digital processes, but "Forma Migratoria Múltiple" (FMM) rules have been changing. Many travelers entering through Mexico City International Airport Benito Juárez no longer get the little paper slip to keep in their passport; instead, they get a stamp with a written number of days.
Pro tip: Take a photo of that stamp immediately. If you lose your passport or there's a dispute about your exit date, that photo is your lifesaver.
The Logistics of Getting Out
Getting a ride out of AICM is where most people get scammed or frustrated.
👉 See also: Why Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort Isn't Your Average Luxury Stay
You’ll walk out of the gate and be swarmed. People will offer you "Official Taxis." Some are; some are just guys with a car.
- Authorized Taxis: You buy a ticket at a kiosk inside the terminal first. You pay a zone-based flat rate. You take that ticket outside to the line. It's safe, reliable, and more expensive than apps.
- Uber and Didi: This is a touchy subject. There’s a long-standing feud between taxi unions and rideshare apps. Technically, Ubers aren't supposed to pick up right at the curb in certain areas. You might have to walk to a specific "Punto de encuentro" or even outside the airport grounds to a nearby hotel.
- The Metro: If you're brave and don't have much luggage, the Terminal Aérea station (Line 5) is right there. It costs 5 pesos. That’s about 25 cents. But seriously, don’t do this during rush hour with three suitcases. You will be miserable, and so will everyone else on the train.
Layover Survival Strategies
If you have a four-hour layover, stay in the airport. If you have eight hours, you can actually see the city.
The airport is surprisingly close to the historic center (Zócalo). On a good day, it’s a 20-30 minute drive. On a bad day? An hour and a half. Always check Google Maps for the "live" traffic before you decide to leave. If you stay, and you have a premium credit card, the Centurion Lounge in Terminal 1 or the Aeromexico Salón Premier in Terminal 2 are the only places to find actual peace.
The WiFi at AICM is... optimistic. It works, then it doesn't. Have a backup plan like an eSIM or a local SIM card (you can buy a Telcel card at the 7-Eleven or Oxxo inside the terminal).
🔗 Read more: Cap Haitien International Airport: Why Most People Get It Wrong
Common Misconceptions
People think the airport is dangerous. It’s not. It’s just busy. Like any major hub, keep your eyes on your bags and don't take "private tours" from guys hanging out by the bathrooms.
Another big one: currency exchange. The rates inside the secure area after you land are usually terrible. Wait until you walk out into the public hallways of Terminal 1. There are dozens of exchange booths (Casas de Cambio) competing with each other. Walk past the first five and you’ll usually find a better rate further down the hall.
Actionable Steps for Your Arrival
To make your experience at Mexico City International Airport Benito Juárez actually tolerable, follow this checklist:
- Download the "AICM" App: It’s actually decent for tracking real-time gate changes, which happen frequently and aren't always announced clearly over the speakers.
- Pin your Terminal: Double-check your departure terminal on your airline's app 24 hours before. Don't assume that because you arrived at T1, you are leaving from T1.
- Hydrate, but be smart: Don't drink the tap water in the bathrooms. Buy a bottle of Ciel or Epura at a convenience store inside. The altitude in Mexico City is over 7,000 feet; you will get a headache if you don't drink double the water you normally do.
- Keep 200 Pesos Handy: While most places take cards, having a bit of cash for tips or small snacks is essential if the card machines go down (which happens).
- Check the "Semaforo": When you pass through customs, you might have to push a button. Green means go; Red means they search your bags. It’s random. Don't sweat it if you get red; just be polite and let them do their thing.
Mexico City is one of the greatest cities on earth. Don't let a stressful hour at the airport ruin the vibe before you even get to your hotel. Treat the airport like a level in a video game—keep your head up, follow the signs, and get to the exit.