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Mexico City Felipe Ángeles Layover Guide (NLU)

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

Mexico City Airport (NLU) is an international airport located in Zumpango, State of Mexico. It’s situated about 45 km (28 miles) from downtown Mexico City. The airport officially opened in 2022. Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and one of the largest cities in the world. It is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse cuisine, making it a major destination for both business and tourism.

Can you leave Mexico City Airport (NLU) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You may leave Mexico City International Airport (MEX) during layovers if you have a valid passport and meet entry requirements. Most travellers receive a free tourist permit (FMM) on arrival. Nationals of visa-exempt countries need no visa; others must apply in advance. No transit visa is required for most nationalities. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Zócalo Immerse yourself in Mexico City’s vibrant heart at the Zócalo, a historic plaza framed by colonial architecture, cultural events, and street performances, offering a glimpse into Mexican heritage, urban life. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line 5 and transfers (~45 min) or taxi (~30 min))
• Frida Kahlo Museum Discover Frida Kahlo’s vivid artistic world at her former Coyoacán home, showcasing colorful immersive original paintings, intimate emotional personal mementos, and lush courtyard gardens that inspired her unforgettable creative legacy. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or ride-hail (~35 min); public transport via Metrobus Line 4 and bus (~1 hour))
• National Museum of Anthropology Explore Mexico’s deep archaeological and ethnographic heritage through stunning pre-Columbian artifacts, intricate stone sculptures, dynamic, engaging interactive exhibits celebrating Maya, Aztec, and Olmec civilizations, and comprehensive informative immersive cultural displays. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line 5 and transfers (~1 hour) or taxi (~30 min))
• Chapultepec Castle Within lush Chapultepec Park, roam Chapultepec Castle’s majestic halls perched atop hill, offering panoramic city views, richly opulent historic interiors, and engaging immersive exhibits detailing Mexico’s imperial and revolutionary past. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line 5 and transfers (~45 min) or taxi (~25 min))
• Xochimilco Drift along vibrant canals aboard colorful trajineras, enjoying festive live mariachi music, authentic local floating food stalls, and views of chinampa gardens, immersing yourself in a centuries-old aquatic agricultural tradition. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi/ride-hail (~40 min) or public transport (~1 hour))
• Palacio de Bellas Artes Marvel at Palacio de Bellas Artes’ stunning Art Nouveau exterior and sumptuous interior murals by Diego Rivera and Siqueiros, then catch a ballet folklórico performance in Mexico’s premier cultural palace. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Metro Line 5 to Centro Médico, transfer to Line 3 (~45 min) or taxi (~30 min))
• Templo Mayor Unearth Aztec history at Templo Mayor’s archaeological site beside the Zócalo, featuring recently discovered, preserved excavated pyramidal ruins, informative interactive museum exhibits, and a fascinating glimpse into Mexico’s ancient capital. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line 5 and transfers (~45 min) or taxi (~30 min))
• Coyoacán Historic Center Stroll through Coyoacán’s lively historic plaza, browsing colorful artisan stalls, sampling authentic churros and coffee, charming local eateries, and admiring picturesque colonial-era architecture and the bohemian ambiance that captivated artists. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~35 min) or Metrobus Line 4 (~1 hour))

Things to Do in Mexico City Airport (NLU)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Benito Juárez International Airport offers several pay-per-use and membership lounges across Terminals 1 and 2, including Salon Premier, Salon Lucerna and the Aeroméxico Club Premier lounges. Amenities include comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, charging stations, high-speed Wi-Fi and shower facilities. Lounges operate daily from early morning until late evening. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
A selection of airport hotels is conveniently located within or near the terminals. The Hilton Mexico City Airport is connected to Terminal 1 via a covered walkway. The Courtyard by Marriott and Fiesta Inn are adjacent to Terminal 2. All provide 24-hour shuttle service, soundproof rooms, centers and fitness facilities. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Several quiet zones and rest areas are available past security in both terminals. Equipped with reclining benches, charging outlets and soft lighting, they offer a peaceful environment for quick naps. Family rooms are also available. No beds or pods are installed; bringing a travel pillow and eye mask is recommended.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Benito Juárez Airport provides free, unlimited Wi-Fi in all public areas and boarding halls. To connect, select ‘AeropuertosGAP’ network, accept the terms and complete the short registration form. Speeds are sufficient for browsing, email and streaming, but performance may vary during peak hours. Standard Ethernet outlets are also not available.

SIM/eSIM Card: Multiple mobile operators run convenient self-service kiosks in both terminals selling prepaid SIM and eSIM plans with data, call and text bundles at competitive rates. Activation requires valid ID and is instant for eSIM, while physical SIM may take a few minutes. Top-ups are available at on-site counters or online. » 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 depart from designated stands outside both terminals. Fares are prepaid at kiosks based on zone pricing. Vehicles are air-conditioned and driven by licensed operators. Uber, Beat and Didi ride-hailing services also pick up passengers curbside. Journey times to central Mexico City average 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Train: Mexico City Metro Line 5 serves the airport via Terminal Aérea station, linked to Terminal 1 through a covered walkway. Operating from 05:00 to 00:00, trains run every 5–8 minutes. A single fare costs MXN $5. for reaching central areas. Transfers to other lines are available. (more info)

Bus: Corridor dedicated bus service Metrobus Line 4 connects both terminals with downtown neighborhoods from 04:30 to 00:30, with frequent departures every 5–10 minutes and a fare of MXN $6. Several private coach operators (ADO, ETN) and RTP buses also serve the airport offering economical regional routes. (more info)

Shuttle: Within the airport grounds, the free Aerotrén automated shuttle connects Terminals 1 and 2 in under four minutes, operating every five minutes between 05:00 and 00:30. Many nearby hotels provide complimentary scheduled shuttles to their properties; reservations should be made in advance. City-bound shared vans can be booked at counters.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Sixt and Budget operate counters in both terminals. Rentals include unlimited mileage and optional insurance packages. Airport pickup/drop-off areas are signposted just outside arrivals. Drivers must present a valid driving license, passport and credit card. Bookings can be made online easily. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Both terminals offer short- and long-term parking in secure, well-lit surface lots (Terminal 1) and a multi-storey garage (Terminal 2). Rates start at MXN $30 per hour with daily maximums. Valet and covered parking are available. Payments at convenient automated booths accept cash, debit and credit cards for seamless exit.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Both terminals provide luggage storage services through official airport booths. Items are fully secured and insured, with rates from MXN $50 per bag per day. Lockers are not available; secure storage is staffed and monitored. Retrieval requires presentation of the official claim ticket. Available hours coincide with terminal opening times. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Mexico City Airport (NLU) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks