Monterrey General Mariano Escobedo Layover Guide (MTY)

What are you looking for in MTY?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Monterrey Airport (MTY) is an international airport located in Apodaca, Nuevo León. It’s situated about 24 km (15 miles) from downtown Monterrey. The airport officially began operations in 1969. Monterrey is Mexico’s third-largest metropolitan area and a major industrial and business hub. The city is known for its modern skyline, surrounding mountains, and vibrant cultural scene, making it an attractive destination for both business travelers and tourists alike.

Can you leave Monterrey Airport (MTY) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you may exit Monterrey Airport during a layover by passing through immigration and customs. Ensure you hold a valid Mexican visa or a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) tourist permit if your nationality requires it. Plan ample transit time for re-entry and security procedures, verify immigration hours and lounge access. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Macroplaza Vibrant city center bordered by historic monuments, government palaces and stunning fountains, perfect for a leisurely walk, people-watching and quick photography stops while grabbing a coffee from nearby cafes. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 25 minutes.)
• Museo de Historia Mexicana Immersive museum showcasing Mexico’s northern history through interactive exhibits, artifacts and multimedia presentations. Ideal for learning about regional culture, heritage and significant events that shaped Monterrey and Nuevo León. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 20 minutes.)
• Paseo Santa Lucía Scenic artificial canal ribboning through Monterrey’s urban parklands with charming pedestrian bridges, public art and vibrant landscaping. Perfect for a relaxing boat ride or stroll along tree-lined walkways. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 22 minutes.)
• Parque Fundidora Repurposed steel foundry transformed into an urban park featuring museums, concert venues, green trails and outdoor sculptures. Enjoy cycling, picnicking or a visit to Museo del Acero Horno 3. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line 1 (Terminal A to General Anaya) + 10 min walk (~30 min).)
• Cerro de la Silla Viewpoint Iconic saddle-shaped mountain offering panoramic vistas of Monterrey. Moderate-difficulty hike to the base viewpoint provides stunning skyline and valley views, best during golden hour—bring water and comfortable shoes, and snacks. (Time required: 2.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 30 minutes.)
• Barrio Antiguo Charming historic neighborhood lined with colonial architecture, colorful facades, artisan boutiques and street art. Bustling nightlife and quaint cafes make it ideal for a relaxed cultural stroll and photo opportunities. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 20 minutes.)
• MARCO Renowned contemporary art museum showcasing Mexican and international artists through rotating exhibitions, installations and interactive displays with guided tours. A must-see for art lovers seeking inspiration in cutting-edge creative expressions. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 25 minutes.)
• Mercado Juárez Vibrant local market offering an authentic taste of Monterrey’s street food scene, from sizzling carne asada tacos to fresh fruit juices and snacks. Great spot for a quick delicious bite. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 20 minutes.)

Things to Do in Monterrey Airport (MTY)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Monterrey Airport features several lounges: OMA Premium Lounge (Terminals A, B, C), Aeroméxico’s Salón Premier (Terminal B), American Express Centurion (Terminals A & B), and Beyond Banamex (Terminal A). All offer complimentary Wi-Fi, refreshments, business centers, TV, and dedicated rest zones. Operating hours are typically 05:00–22:00 daily, with Priority Pass and day-pass access. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Adjacent to Terminal B, the Hilton Garden Inn Monterrey provides 134 rooms and suites with 24-hour room service, a gym, restaurant, business center, meeting rooms, and airport shuttle. Additionally, airport hotel kiosks (e.g., Go Mexico) offer information on nearby hotels like Best Western, City Express, and Courtyard by Marriott for passengers seeking quick rest. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Monterrey Airport lacks dedicated sleeping pods; travelers can use seating throughout the terminals or pay for lounge access with rest zones. Seating near boarding gates is plentiful but firm; bring a travel pillow. For longer stays, consider the OMA Premium Lounge’s resting area or the Hilton Garden Inn next door for secure, comfortable rest.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available airport-wide via the “_Vinci Airports Wifi” network. Simply connect, open any browser, and tap “Navegar” to accept terms. Speeds are sufficient for email, messaging, and light browsing, but performance may fluctuate during peak times. No password or payment is required, and service is accessible in all terminals.

SIM/eSIM Card: International arrivals halls host kiosks and shops selling prepaid SIM cards (Telcel, AT&T, Movistar) just past passport control. Convenience stores like OXXO also stock physical SIMs and top-up vouchers. Alternatively, purchase a Mexico eSIM online before departure to activate upon landing for instant data without swapping cards. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Authorized airport taxis (e.g., Aerocontaxi) operate 24/7 from arrivals. Tickets are sold at kiosks; fares use a zone-based rate chart. Payment options include cash and credit cards. Expect a 30- to 60-minute ride into central Monterrey, depending on traffic. Phone reservations and WhatsApp service are also available.

Train: There’s no direct train service to MTY. Instead, the Ruta Express bus links the airport to Y Griega Station on Monterrey Metro Line 1. Buses run every hour from early morning until late evening. From Y Griega, transfer to metro lines for city-wide access. more info

Bus: Two main bus services operate from MTY: Noreste runs hourly to the Central Autobuses de Monterrey (1 hr, tickets ~110 MXN), departing from stops between Terminals A/B and in front of C. Grupo Senda and Grupo Senda also serve the Y Griega metro and San Jerónimo Bus Station. more info

Shuttle: Interterminal shuttles run free between Terminals A, B, and C from 05:00 to 24:00, with waiting rooms and geo-location screens. Long-term parking shuttles operate 24/7 to terminals, featuring air-conditioned waiting areas. All shuttles are wheelchair-accessible, with real-time tracking displays at each stop.

Car rentals: Car rental desks line the arrivals hall of Terminal A. Major providers include America Car Rental (24 hrs), Alamo (07:00–23:00), Avis (24 hrs), and Budget (06:00–23:00). Reservations can be made online or at the kiosk; most offer free shuttle service to off-site lots and various vehicle classes, including SUVs and luxury options. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: MTY offers short-term (A1/B1/C1) and long-term (A2–A4, B2, C2) parking. Short-term is within a 5-minute walk: first 10 min free, then ~MXN 40/30 min, max ~MXN 550/day. Long-term is a 5-min shuttle ride or 10-min walk: MXN 55/hour. Premium parking directly at curb starts at ~MXN 60/30 min. Accessible spots are available.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Monterrey Airport does not provide official luggage storage or locker services. Travelers must use carry-on luggage only or transport bags to airport hotels offering storage. Alternatively, consider city-center storage facilities near the Central Autobuses for secure short-term luggage holding. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Monterrey Airport (MTY) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks