⚽ Mexico City - Estadio Azteca
Historic stadium that hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals. Maradona's famous 'Hand of God' and 'Goal of the Century' both happened here. It is the only stadium in the world to host three FIFA World Cups. With a capacity of 87,000 spectators, the Azteca is a temple of world football and a symbol of Mexico's passion for the beautiful game.
⚽Match schedule
Mexico vs South Africa
Group Stage • Group A
TBD (Group B) vs TBD (Group B)
Group Stage • Group B
Czechia vs Mexico
Group Stage • Group A
TBD vs TBD
Round of 32
TBD vs TBD
Round of 16
🛬How to get there from the airport
Compare transport options from each airport to the stadium
Benito Juárez Airport (MEX)
Mexico City's main airport, with flights from around the world. Two terminals (T1 and T2) connected by a free shuttle train.
Metro (L5 → L9 → L2 → Light Rail)
Safe by day, very crowded. Avoid with large luggage.
💡 From T1 walk to Metro Terminal Aérea (L5). Transfer at Pantitlán (L9), then Chabacano (L2 to Tasqueña), and take Light Rail to Estadio Azteca.
Metrobús Line 4
Articulated bus in dedicated lane with A/C. More comfortable than metro for luggage.
💡 Departs from the Metrobús counter at both terminals. Buy a rechargeable card there ($15 MXN + balance).
Uber / DiDi
Safest and most comfortable option. Tracked trip and digital payment.
💡 Airport has official Uber pickup zones in each terminal. Don't accept service outside those zones.
Authorized airport taxi
Official taxi stand with fixed zone rates — pay before boarding.
💡 Look for yellow 'Taxi Autorizado' counters INSIDE the terminal. NEVER take taxis offered to you outside.
🚗Getting around the city
Options to get around, color-coded by safety level
Uber / DiDi
Safest option for foreigners. Tracked ride, identified driver, digital payment.
💡 Confirm the plate before boarding. Share your trip. Surge pricing applies at peak hours.
Metrobús
Articulated bus in exclusive lane. Safer and more comfortable than peseros.
💡 7 lines cover all tourist zones. You need a Movilidad Integrada card (sold at stations).
Metro (STC)
Cheap and efficient but VERY crowded with pickpockets. First cars reserved for women and children.
💡 Avoid rush hour (7-10am and 6-9pm). Wear backpack in front. Don't pull out your phone on crowded platforms.
Light Rail (to Estadio Azteca)
Dedicated line in the south. Ends right in front of the stadium.
💡 'Estadio Azteca' is the last station. After the match there will be long lines — be patient.
Cablebús
Urban cable car with spectacular views. Line 1 (north) and Line 2 (east).
💡 More touristy than useful, but worth it for the photos. Uses Metrobús card.
Pesero / Microbús
Local transit. Crowded, chaotic, cash only. Authentic experience but hard without Spanish.
💡 For surface routes not covered by Metrobús. Call your stop by saying 'baja' or ringing the bell.
Street taxi (regular)
NOT recommended. Risk of inflated fares and, at night, 'express kidnapping'. Use Uber/DiDi.
💡 If you must use a taxi, ask the hotel or restaurant for a licensed 'sitio' taxi. NEVER take taxis that stop for you on the street at night.
Walking
Safe and recommended in tourist areas by day: Centro, Reforma, Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacán.
💡 Use Google Maps. At night, take Uber even for short distances.
🗺️Zones: where to walk, what to avoid
Neighborhood-by-neighborhood advice. Green = safe, yellow = caution, red = avoid
Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacán, Reforma
Safest tourist areas. You can walk by day and early evening (until 10pm). Cafés, restaurants, bars and museums.
💡 The best bases to stay as a foreigner.
Historic Center (by day)
Zócalo, Templo Mayor, Cathedral, Palacio de Bellas Artes. Plenty of tourist police. Safe until ~8pm.
💡 At night, streets away from the Zócalo empty out — better take Uber.
Doctores, La Merced, Lagunilla
Working-class neighborhoods near Centro. By day, Mercado de La Merced is a popular visit — but DO NOT walk at night.
💡 Arrive and leave by Uber. Don't flash jewelry or expensive cameras.
Around Estadio Azteca
The immediate area (Sta. Úrsula and Ajusco neighborhoods) is residential. Enhanced security during the match; before and after, use transport.
💡 DO NOT walk back to your hotel wearing your official jersey through empty streets. Go in a group or take Uber.
Tepito
Infamous 'tough neighborhood'. Market for counterfeit goods with high crime rate. Tourists: DO NOT GO IN.
💡 Not even to 'explore'. There are better ways to experience authentic CDMX.
Iztapalapa and Ecatepec at night
Residential areas far from the tourist circuit. High crime rate at night. No reason to visit as a tourist.
💱Currency exchange (USD, EUR and more)
Where to exchange your foreign money with good rates and safety
Best exchange rate: ATMs of Mexican banks (BBVA, Santander, Banorte) using your international card. Avoid airport exchanges (worst rates) and hotel exchanges. Exchange houses like Intercam and Monex have competitive rates.
BBVA / Santander / Banorte (ATMs)
Branches and ATMs throughout the city
🕒 24/7
Use ATMs INSIDE bank branches to avoid skimmer fraud. They charge $30-50 MXN per international withdrawal.
Intercam
Reforma, Polanco, Santa Fe, airport
🕒 Lun-Vie 9-18, Sáb 10-14
Reliable exchange house with competitive rates. Accepts USD, EUR, CAD, GBP. Branches in tourist areas.
Monex
Historic Center, Reforma, Polanco
🕒 Lun-Vie 9-17
One of the largest exchange houses in Mexico. Good rates for exchanges over $500 USD.
Citibanamex / HSBC (ATMs)
Throughout the city
🕒 24/7
Banks with international presence. If your bank is an affiliate (Citi Global, HSBC), no international fee.
Casas de cambio MEX / AIFA
MEX T1, T2 and AIFA terminal
🕒 24/7
WORST rates in the city (up to 15% less). Use only for emergency cash ($50-100 USD max).
📍What's nearby the stadium
Make the most of days between matches
Xochimilco (colorful boats)
Cultural / Party
Pre-Hispanic canals with colorful boats, floating mariachis and tacos. The quintessential Mexican party. $500-800 MXN per boat for 10 people for 2 hours.
🗺️ View on Google Maps →
Frida Kahlo Museum (Blue House)
Museum
House where Frida Kahlo lived and painted, in the heart of Coyoacán. BUY TICKETS ONLINE — always sold out.
🗺️ View on Google Maps →
Coyoacán Center
Cultural neighborhood
Plaza Hidalgo and Jardín Centenario with cafés, craft markets and famous churros. Bohemian atmosphere.
🗺️ View on Google Maps →
University City (UNAM)
UNESCO Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage university campus. Central Library mural and Olympic Stadium. Free entry.
🗺️ View on Google Maps →
Six Flags Mexico
Theme park
Theme park with roller coasters, just 10 minutes from Estadio Azteca. Great for families with kids.
🗺️ View on Google Maps →
Anahuacalli Museum
Museum
Museum designed by Diego Rivera with his pre-Hispanic art collection. Impressive pyramid-inspired architecture.
🗺️ View on Google Maps →
Chapultepec Park
Park + museums
Huge urban park with National Anthropology Museum, Chapultepec Castle, lakes and zoo. Easily a full day.
🗺️ View on Google Maps →
Zócalo and Templo Mayor
Historic Center
Largest square in Latin America, with the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace (Rivera murals) and Aztec ruins.
🗺️ View on Google Maps →
🏨Where to stay
The best areas to stay are: Zona Rosa (15 min to the stadium, nightlife and restaurants), Condesa/Roma (20 min, trendy neighborhoods with cafés and galleries), Centro Histórico (25 min, monuments and culture), and Coyoacán (10 min, the closest neighborhood to the stadium with a bohemian vibe). Book at least 6 months in advance, as prices will skyrocket during the World Cup. Hotels in Coyoacán offer the best distance-to-price ratio.
Search hotels🎉Fan Zones & atmosphere
The main Fan Fest will be at Mexico City's Zócalo square, featuring giant screens, live music, and food. There will also be activations along Paseo de la Reforma and around the Angel of Independence monument. Expect giant screens, DJs, Mexican and international food stalls, and official FIFA merchandise. Entry is free and the atmosphere will be spectacular with thousands of fans from around the world.
💡Match day tips
1Cashless stadium
Estadio Azteca will be completely cashless during the World Cup. Bring credit/debit cards or set up your digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) before arriving. Cash will not be accepted for food, drinks, or merchandise inside the stadium.
2Altitude of 2,240 meters
Mexico City sits at 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level. If you're coming from a sea-level city, you may experience shortness of breath, headaches, or dizziness. Arrive at least 2 days early to acclimatize, drink plenty of water, and avoid excessive alcohol during your first days.
3Rainy season
June is rainy season in Mexico City. Rain usually falls in the afternoon/evening and can be intense. Bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho. Mornings are usually sunny and pleasant.
4Security and access
Backpacks and large bags are not allowed inside the stadium. Arrive at least 3 hours before kickoff to get through FIFA security screenings. Only small clear bags are permitted. Bring your digital ticket loaded on your phone with sufficient battery.
5Return transportation
The Metro will be extremely crowded after matches. Consider using Uber or DiDi (book ahead as surge pricing will apply) or walking to the Metrobús station which is usually less crowded. Be patient - getting 87,000 people out takes time.
Match day budget
$3,000 — $8,000
Includes transport, food and ticket
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