Layover in Mexico City (NLU)
Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.
About Mexico City
Mexico City is the capital of the Mexican Republic, the most populous city in the country, and one of the most important financial and cultural centers of the American continent. The city center is built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, and later came to be the capital of New Spain, which included much of North America. The city grew fast in the 20th century, and today is North America's largest city with 9.2 million inhabitants in the city proper, and 22 million in the urban area.
From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.
How much time can you use?
After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.
| Layover | Domestic arrival | International arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | Stay at the airport | Head straight to your gate |
| 6 hours | About 2h 49m in the city | Stay at the airport |
| 8 hours | About 4h 49m in the city | About 3h 14m in the city |
| 12 hours | About 8h 49m in the city | About 7h 14m in the city |
Getting into Mexico City
About 48m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center, roughly 37 km (23 mi). This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.
Questions
Can I leave the airport on a layover in Mexico City?
On a domestic connection, you need roughly 5 hours or more to get into Mexico City and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 7 hours or more.
How do I get from NLU to central Mexico City?
Allow about 48m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center; the center is about 37 km (23 mi) from the airport.
How early should I head back to NLU?
Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.
Build a plan for your exact flight
Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.