Public Transportation in CDMX: Metro, Metrobús, Cablebús and How to Get Around Like a Local

Latin America's most extensive transit system

Mexico City has 22 million people in its metropolitan area and one of the continent's most complete public transit networks. Learning to use it not only saves a lot of money compared to Uber, it gives you access to authentic neighborhoods that taxis rarely take you to.

The system includes Metro (STC), Metrobús, RTP (official buses), Trolebús, Cablebús, Ecobici (bicycles), Mexibús (suburban) and the Light Rail. Everything can be paid with a single card: the Integrated Mobility Card CDMX.

The Integrated Mobility Card (CDMX Card)

It's a rechargeable card that works on all systems (except Mexibús and private buses). Get it at:

Metro ticket booths (some with long lines).
Vending machines in large stations (only accept cash bills, limited change).
Metrobús stations.
Oxxo stores (some).

Cost: Card costs $15 MXN. You can load any amount. Automatically deducted by transport used. Keep the card: lasts years and reusable.

Alternative if you're visiting briefly: you can pay each ride in cash in each system separately, but less practical.

Metro (STC): the system's heart

CDMX Metro is America's second largest (after NY), with 12 lines, 195 stations, 227 km. Carries 4.6 million people daily. Opened in 1969, each station has an icon beyond its name (designed for a city with high illiteracy in the 60s).

Price: $5 MXN per ride, with free transfers within the system. One of the world's cheapest metros.

Hours: Monday-Friday 5:00 am-12:00 am. Saturdays 6:00 am-12:00 am. Sundays and holidays 7:00 am-12:00 am.

Essential lines for tourists:

Line 1 (pink): Observatorio - Pantitlán. Passes Insurgentes (Zona Rosa), Balderas (Centro), Pino Suárez and Merced (Historic Center).
Line 2 (blue): Cuatro Caminos - Tasqueña. Connects with Bellas Artes, Zócalo (Centro).
Line 3 (green): Indios Verdes - Universidad. Passes Hidalgo, Juárez, Balderas, Medical Center, Coyoacán (Viveros station).
Line 7 (orange): El Rosario - Barranca del Muerto. Goes through Polanco and Chapultepec.
Line 8 (dark green): Useful for Zócalo (Garibaldi and Bellas Artes).
Line 12 (gold): Tláhuac - Mixcoac. Passes Coyoacán.

Crucial metro tips:

Avoid rush hour: 7-10 am and 6-9 pm. Really intense, sometimes you can't fit.
Front cars for women and children: During rush hour, the first two cars are exclusive for women and children under 12. Marked with pink signs on the platform.
Don't carry large backpack at rush hour: Better in front or on sides.
Watch your belongings: Especially on crowded lines (Line 1, 2, B). Wallet in front pocket, phone not visible.
Let people exit before boarding: Basic courtesy rule.
Priority seats: Give up seats marked in blue to pregnant, elderly or people with disabilities.

Metrobús: the modern complement

Metrobús are articulated buses in dedicated lanes. More comfortable, modern, with AC. 7 lines cover areas metro doesn't reach.

Price: $6 MXN per ride.

Useful lines:

Line 1 (red): Avenida Insurgentes end-to-end (31 km). Passes many tourist points: Buenavista, Revolución, Zona Rosa, Roma, La Condesa, Polanco (connection), Coyoacán.
Line 2 (purple): Eje 4 Sur, connects Roma with Coyoacán.
Line 4 (green): From airport to Historic Center (yes, best cheap option from airport to downtown, $30 MXN).
Line 7 (brown): Runs Paseo de la Reforma from Chapultepec to Indios Verdes. Useful for going from Chapultepec Park to Zócalo.

Important tip: Metrobús stations are elevated platforms (can't cross at street level). Look for marked doors and fare charges when entering station.

Cablebús: urban gondolas

Cable gondola system opened 2021 to connect high areas of north and southeast. Two lines: Line 1 (Indios Verdes - Cuautepec, 9.2 km) and Line 2 (Constitución de 1917 - Santa Martha, 10.5 km, world's longest).

Besides transport, it's a tourist attraction: stunning city views, especially at sunset. Price: $7 MXN.

Trolebús: electric buses

Buses powered by overhead cables. Cover routes metro doesn't reach. An iconic stretch is the Elevated Trolebús on the Zapata-Constitución line, running on elevated tracks from Coyoacán south.

Price: $4 MXN.

Ecobici: public bicycles

Shared bike system with 480 cycle stations in central areas (Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Centro, Coyoacán). Perfect for getting around tourist neighborhoods.

For tourists: Register at ecobici.cdmx.gob.mx or in the app. Options:

1-day pass: $118 MXN. Unlimited rides up to 45 min each.
3-day pass: $236 MXN.
7-day pass: $393 MXN.

If you exceed 45 min per ride, you pay extra. Dismount every 45 min, return bike and take another. Works perfectly for exploring Roma-Condesa-Polanco-Centro.

Airport to downtown: options

Arriving at AICM (Benito Juárez International Airport)? Several options by budget:

Metrobús Line 4: $30 MXN. From Terminal 1 and 2 downtown. 45-60 min. VERY cheap.
Metro Line 5: Terminal Aérea station (Terminal 1 only). $5 MXN. 30-45 min downtown with transfer.
Authorized airport taxi: $250-400 MXN. Buy ticket inside terminal. Only taxi type to use from airport.
Uber/DiDi: $200-350 MXN. Request normally, pickup zone marked outside.

From AIFA (Santa Lucía): Mexibús direct to Indios Verdes metro ($40 MXN), or Uber ($400-700 MXN given the long ride).

Uber, DiDi and Cabify in CDMX

Very recommended and safe. Typical fares:

Cross within Historic Center: $50-100 MXN.
Roma to Polanco: $80-120 MXN.
Condesa to Coyoacán: $150-200 MXN.
Centro to AICM: $200-300 MXN.

At rush hour, surge pricing applies (can rise 1.5-3x). Consider public transport then.

Street taxis: Pink and white ones are official. Demand they use meter or agree fare before boarding. Generally, Uber is safer and cheaper.

Safety on transit

CDMX is safe on most public transport if you follow basic precautions:

Avoid metro alone between 10 pm and 5 am.
Line B and 2 during rush are most prone to theft. Stay aware.
On Metrobús, Cablebús and Trolebús, security is very good. Solo women at night feel comfortable here.
On Ecobici, use streets with bike lanes (Reforma, Insurgentes) and avoid traffic-less areas at night.
Don't accept offers to "help" with your suitcase for a tip at stations. Usually scammers.

Useful app

Install Google Maps: has real-time routes with metro and Metrobús integrated. Moovit is a specialized alternative for public transit, very accurate.

Official Mi CDMX app also shows card recharges and official routes.

Daily cost for a tourist

Moving all day with public transport: $50-80 MXN per person ($3-5 USD). If you combine with 2-3 Ubers: $300-500 MXN. If only Uber: $500-1,000 MXN.

Learning CDMX's public transit truly transforms your experience. Not only do you save a lot, you live the city like a chilango: observing, walking, discovering stations with murals, passing through neighborhoods tourists never see. It's part of the experience.