Mexico City Public Transportation Mobility

Mexico city
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

To travel on the Metrobús, Metro, Trolebús, Cablebús, Tren Ligero, RTP, and other public transport systems, you need an Integrated Mobility Card (Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada). This rechargeable smart card allows you to pay for nearly all public transportation services in Mexico City.

You can purchase or recharge the card at Metro, Metrobús, Cablebús, and Tren Ligero stations, either at ticket offices or automated machines. The card costs $15 MXN (approximately $0.75 USD).

Metro

The Mexico City subway system has 12 lines covering most of the city. It is the fastest and most affordable way to travel long distances, though it can become crowded during rush hours. Price:

$6.00 MXN (approximately $0.27 USD)

Metrobús

A bus system with 7 lines running through major avenues of the city. It operates on dedicated lanes, making it a reliable and efficient option. Price:

$5.00 MXN (approximately $0.33 USD) / $30.00 MXN (approximately $1.64 USD) from or to the Airport

Trolebús / Tren Ligero

Mexico City electric transportation system. Trolebús has 13 lines that run quietly and sustainably along overhead wires throughout the city. Price:

$4.00-$20.00 MXN (approximately $0.22 – $1.09 USD) depending the line. Tren Ligero operates only one line, running from Tasqueña Metro Station to the historic town of Xochimilco. Price:

$3.00 MXN (approximately $0.16 USD)

Cablebús

An urban cable car system with 3 lines connecting hillside neighborhoods to metro and bus routes in the northern and eastern parts of the city. Price:

$7.00 MXN (approximately $0.38 USD)

RTP Buses

The city’s official bus network (RTP, by its Spanish acronym) offers regular, express, Ecobus, and night services. It covers areas beyond the reach of the Metro and Metrobús systems, including some suburban zones. Prices:

$4.00 MXN (approximately $0.22 USD) express $5.00 MXN (approximately $0.33 USD) Ecobus $7.00 MXN (approximately $0.38 USD) night service

Ecobici

EcoBici is Mexico City’s public bike-sharing service, designed for short trips of up to 45 minutes around the city. It’s a convenient and eco-friendly way to move between neighborhoods such as Reforma, Condesa, Roma, Polanco, and the Historic Center, and to reach San Ángel, Coyoacán, and Copilco, right next to UNAM’s Central Campus.

You can register online or at an official stand, purchase a pass (from 1 day to 1 year), and use your card or app to unlock a bike at any station (see the map system here).

Each ride is included if it lasts up to 45 minutes. You can take unlimited trips during your pass period—just dock the bike at any station and check out another one. Extra time fees apply for longer rides.

Taxis

The capital has one of the largest taxi fleets in the world. The iconic pink-and-white cabs are everywhere. Nevertheless, as a visitor you should take a few precautions:

Street-hailed taxis are not recommended for tourists due to inconsistent safety and fare practices.

Sitio taxis (taxi stands) are the recommended street option. They are registered, safer, and often have set fares. You’ll find them at airports, hotels, shopping centers, and major tourist sites. Airport taxis operate on a prepaid ticket system.

Apps For personal transport and ride-sharing

App-based rides like Uber, Didi, and inDrive are very popular, offering clear pricing and safer service.

MEXICO CITY METRO FUN FACT

Mexico City’s metro system is famous for using a different icon for every single station—a design that began in 1969 to help all residents navigate more easily, especially those who couldn’t read or spoke indigenous languages. These pictograms, inspired by both historical and cultural references, were created under the leadership of Mexican Architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, who worked with the young designer Lance Wyman, after their success with the 1968 Olympic graphics. Today, these icons not only help locals but also make it much simpler for tourists and are still used in other systems like Metrobús, Cablebús, and Trolebús—each line has its own color, making the journey across the city a truly visual adventure.