Mexico City (Ciudad de México, CDMX) is one of the largest and most vibrant metropolises in the world, serving as the political, cultural, and economic heart of Mexico. This ancient city, built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, blends pre-Hispanic heritage with colonial architecture and ultramodern neighborhoods. From world-class museums and gourmet restaurants to bustling markets and stunning murals, Mexico City offers an unparalleled urban experience.
Mexico City has one of the most extensive urban transport networks in the Western Hemisphere. The Metro carries over 4 million passengers a day across 12 lines and 195 stations, complemented by the Metrobús Bus Rapid Transit system, the Trolebús electric bus network, and the Ecobici bike-share program. Together these cover the vast majority of tourist neighborhoods, including Centro Histórico, Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and Coyoacán, at extraordinarily low cost. Traffic congestion is heavy, especially during weekday rush hours and afternoon rainstorms, so ride-hailing apps like Uber and DiDi are strongly recommended over street taxis, both for safety and to avoid unpredictable traffic delays. A combination of Metro/Metrobús for longer distances, walking for flat, walkable neighborhoods, and Uber/DiDi for evenings and comfort covers nearly all visitor needs.
Transport at a glance
- Metro
- Cost Very low ($5 MXN flat fare) · Safety Generally safe in daytime; keep valuables secure and avoid empty cars late at night · Convenience Extensive coverage but very crowded at rush hour
- Metrobus
- Cost Very low ($6 MXN flat fare) · Safety Safe; dedicated lanes reduce accident risk · Convenience Fast along major corridors like Insurgentes and Reforma, requires a separate prepaid card
- Uber Didi
- Cost Moderate (60-200 MXN typical ride) · Safety High — GPS-tracked and driver-identified, the recommended option after dark · Convenience Door-to-door and easy to use, though subject to traffic and surge pricing
- Walking
- Cost Free · Safety Safe in central, well-trafficked neighborhoods during the day; use normal city caution at night · Convenience Excellent in flat, walkable areas like Condesa, Roma Norte, Polanco, and Coyoacán
- Ecobici
- Cost Low (90 MXN day pass, 315 MXN for 30 days) · Safety Moderate — helmets not provided and traffic can be heavy outside dedicated bike lanes · Convenience Great for short hops in Centro, Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and along Paseo de la Reforma, especially on car-free Sundays
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Mexico City has one of the most extensive urban public transport networks in the Western Hemisphere. The Metro system alone carries over 4 million passengers daily and reaches virtually every corner of the city. Complemented by Metrobús BRT, Trolebús, and ride-sharing apps, getting around CDMX is cheap and generally efficient. Visitors are strongly advised to use Uber or DiDi rather than hailing taxis off the street.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Buy a rechargeable Metro/Metrobús card at any station to skip ticket lines — note the two systems use separate cards
Avoid traveling by Metro or Metrobús during rush hour (7:00-9:30am and 6:00-8:00pm) when trains and buses are extremely crowded
Use Uber or DiDi instead of hailing a taxi on the street, especially at night — GPS tracking adds an important layer of safety
Download an offline map of Mexico City (Google Maps offline areas or Maps.me) in case of spotty data coverage underground or in dense neighborhoods
Keep small bills and coins on hand for Metro/Metrobús top-ups and for tipping
Expect heavy traffic during afternoon rainstorms in the rainy season (June-October) — allow extra time for Uber/DiDi trips
Ecobici is best used on Sundays when Paseo de la Reforma closes to cars from 8am-2pm