Although it isn’t something I would recommend, yes, a 1 hour layover is enough time in Mexico City (sometimes). The Benito Juárez International Airport is fairly simple, and if everything goes right, sub 1 hour connection times are easy. In a best case scenario:
- Domestic to domestic connections at MEX can be made in as little as 35 minutes.
- Domestic to international connections can be made in as little as 45 minutes.
- International to domestic connections will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- International to international connections will take about an hour.
However, the Mexico City airport isn’t all that efficient (in my opinion). Even though short layovers are possible, consider it a miracle if you can actually pull it off without stressing out. You may even find yourself muttering profanities that would make a Marine blush…
Reasons why a 1 hour layover is enough time in Mexico City (sometimes)
The main reason why 1 hour layovers are possible at MEX (most of the time) is that it’s a fairly small airport. There are only two terminals, and chances are really good that you won’t have to move between them to make your connecting flight.
If you don’t have to switch terminals, sub 1 hour layovers are easily doable for pretty much any type of connecting situation in Mexico City. Not only is it a small(ish) airport, the terminal designs are extremely basic. There’s no getting lost in this place.
Reasons why a 1 hour layover might not be enough time
Now that I’ve got you feeling good, it’s time for the reality check. Basically, chances are pretty good that you’ll be feeling stress and frustration at some point during any layover at the Mexico City Airport.
- The main reason why a one hour layover might not be enough time will be due to inefficient airport staff. “Casual” is the best way that I can describe the attitude of most of the people who work in this airport. Although most everyone seems to be really friendly, nobody ever seems to give a **** when you’ve got a tight connection to make and time is running out.
- The other reason why a one hour layover might not be enough time is if you have to change terminals. This will require a ride on the inter-terminal train, along with having to go through the security checkpoint again. There’s also a bus that shuttles passengers between both terminals, but it’s extremely slow (and you have to pay for it). Don’t do that.
What is the minimum layover time for domestic flights in Mexico City?
As I noted at the top of this article, 35 minutes is the absolute minimum amount of time you will need for a domestic to domestic connection at MEX. If you have to change terminals, you are going to need at least 1 hour. You are also need to go into run. Fast.
What is the minimum layover time for international flights in Mexico City?
The amount of time that you will need for an international flight connection in Mexico City will depend on the circumstance. Here are my time recommendations for every type of scenario:
Connecting to an international flight
The minimum layover you’ll need to connect from a domestic flight to an international flight in Mexico City is 45 minutes. That’s only if you don’t have to change terminals. If you have to change terminals, the minimum time will be about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Connecting from an international flight
Connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight and will take a little longer since you will have to go through passport control and customs. An hour and 20 minutes would be my minimum amount of time for this. If you have to change terminals, an hour and 40 minutes would be my minimum.
Connecting from one international flight to another
Since you won’t have to go through passport control or customs when connecting from one international flight to another in Mexico City, minimum connection times can be as low as 1 hour. Possibly even less if you get lucky. If you have to change terminals, I would say that an hour and 20 minutes is the minimum.
A brief overview of the terminal layout at MEX
The Mexico City Airport is surprisingly small considering the number of flights going in and out of it on any given day. There are only two terminals, and as you might expect, they are both extremely crowded and chaotic.
It’s important to note that the two terminals at MEX are located on the opposite sides of the airport. The only way to get between them is via the inter-terminal train or the shuttle bus. If you don’t already have a boarding pass for your connecting flight, your only option will be the shuttle bus.
Walking time between all terminals at the Mexico City Airport
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s not possible to walk between the two main terminals at the Mexico City Airport. Moving between them will require a ride on the train or bus, and you will have to go through the security checkpoint again to enter each terminal.
That’s sad, here’s how long it took me too get around this airport during my last visit:
Terminal 1 to:
- Terminal 2 via train: 40 minutes (10 minutes to walk to the train station, 5 minutes waiting for the train to arrive, 5 minutes on the train, 20+ minutes to get through the security checkpoint)
- Terminal 2 via bus: 55 minutes (10 minutes to walk to the bus stop, 10 minutes waiting for the bus to arrive, 15 minutes on the bus, 20+ minutes to get through the security checkpoint)
Terminal 2 to:
- Terminal 1 via train: 36 minutes (6 minutes to walk to the train station, 5 minutes waiting for the train to arrive, 5 minutes on the train, 20+ minutes to get through the security checkpoint)
- Terminal 1 via bus: 53 minutes (8 minutes to walk to the bus stop, 10 minutes waiting for the bus to arrive, 15 minutes on the bus, 20+ minutes to get through the security checkpoint)
It goes without saying that these times are just estimates. It might take longer than what I’ve listed to move between terminals if things are really busy (and especially if the airport staff is giving less ***** than usual).
How long of a layover do you need in Mexico City for a no-stress connection?
If you’ve been a reader of SANspotter.com for any amount of time, you’ll know that I’m normally the type of person who likes to show up stupid early for every flight. This isn’t the case for the Mexico City Airport. Both terminals at MEX are very prison-like with hardly any views to the outside world. There are a few places to sit, and the food options are minimal. I don’t like spending more time there than I have to.
Domestic to domestic layovers
If all that I’m doing is connecting from one domestic flight to another at the Mexico City airport, 1 hour is all that I would want. Even if I had to change terminals. Yes, that’s a very short connection! However, it would prevent me from being bored to tears and completely uncomfortable in the terminal (as you heard me complain about in my Aeromexico 737 MAX 9 Premier Class review).
Domestic to international layovers
I would want just a little bit more time connecting from a domestic flight to an international flight in Mexico City. An hour and 10 minutes would make it stress-free for me, since it always takes a little bit longer to board an international flight than it will a domestic flight.
International to domestic layovers
Because of the need to go though passport control and customs (and there’s no telling how long that could take), I wouldn’t book any international to domestic layover at MEX that is less than 2 hours.
International to international layovers
One hour and 10 minutes for an international to international layover at the Mexico City airport is what I would want if I could get it. This might be too much, but I like having a bit of spare time on my side to absorb any possible delays.
Useful tips for making a 1 hour layover at MEX
It’s not very often that I would recommend trying to get the shortest layover possible. Because of how small and uncomfortable the Mexico City Airport is, this makes perfect sense. Here’s how to make those sub 1 hour layovers at the Benito Juárez International Airport manageable:
- Most importantly, try to get a seat near the front of the aircraft on your inbound flight. This will allow you to be the first off the plane and into the terminal.
- Bring your own snacks! The food options inside both terminals at MEX aren’t all that great, so spare yourself the time (and effort) of looking for something good to eat by bringing your own food.
- If you desperately need a place to sit and relax between flights, find the first open seat you can get and don’t get up until it’s time to board your flight. Walking around trying to find a perfect place to sit and relax is futile, since those places don’t exist inside the Mexico City Airport.
- Bring something to occupy your time. There are very few windows in this airport, so settling in with a good book might be a good idea. Something light about Mexican drug cartels might be fun…
Tim
Just here to comment that I made a domestic-to-international connection in CDMX in about 30 mins! But I have no idea if that is typical. Instead of the air train, I was able to get on a shuttle bus at Terminal 1 (prior to leaving security) and be in Terminal 2, AFTER SECURITY, in about 15 mins. That’s right, I didn’t have to go through security again! I get the feeling that the bus is mostly for airline staff traveling between terminals – it is definitely NOT a public bus. But they let me ride it!
Essentially I ran all the way to the SW end of Terminal 1 (following signs for T2/Connections) and came to a roped-off exit at the far end of the terminal. The staff their had me talk to an Aeromexico agent at a nearby info desk, who checked my boarding pass and then walked me back to the exit to tell them to let me pass. He told me to go downstairs and get on the bus, and that it would be quicker than the airtrain. And it was! It dropped me in T2 near gate 65 or so, again BEHIND SECURITY, so the whole process from gate-to-gate was under 30 mins. One caveat, however, is that this may only have worked because my international flight was on Aeromexico, and I was talking to an Aeromexico agent. So take that for what its worth!
Scott (SANspotter)
30 minutes is impressive – especially having to switch terminals (which isn’t easy at MEX). I have used the bus once, but it seemed awfully slow to me. You definitely got lucky!
Andrea Jacobs
Hey Scott, you seem to know a lot about this airport and transfers, wondering your take on if the following is possible: taking Volaris from Oaxaca *7:00pm departure) to MEX (arriving 8:30pm). Then, taking an American Airlines flight from MEX to NYC, departing 11:15pm. This should be 2h45mins to transfer, BUT they will be 2 separate flight bookings which means collecting our checked bag from the first flight, and doing a fresh check in for the AA flight to NYC. It seems both flights land/depart in Terminal 1, but I’m not sure the layout, customs/immigration process there. Do we go through some kind of USA immigration clearance before boarding AA to NYC? That could take time… Thanks Scott!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Andrea! You shouldn’t have any issues doing that kind of transfer in that amount of time. Yes, retrieving your luggage and then re-checking it with American Airlines will take some time, but at least you won’t have to change terminals (which is a total pain at MEX).
You also won’t have to go through customs and immigration (either US or Mexican). Just check in for your flight, proceed through the security checkpoint, and go directly to your gate. Customs and immigration will happen when you land in the US.
Have a great trip!
Megan
Hey, I will like to check if a 2hr 15min international to international layover through aeromexico is doable? (arriving in MEX from GUA at 5.07pm and departing to LAX at 7.20pm) I will not be checking in any luggage so Ill be heading straight to immigration and then to my next flight. Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Megan – yeah, you’ll have plenty of time! MEX is really easy for international to international connections as long as you don’t have to change terminals (you won’t have to). Have a great trip!
Megan
Thanks Scott! I wanted to check if there’s a separate immigration queue for connecting flights? I’ve heard some horror stories about taking at least an hour to clear immigration during busy periods!
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re welcome! There’s no dedicated line for connecting passengers unfortunately.
Jack
Hi Scott. Do you think this connection is doable in MEX: MAD-MEX landing at 3:55am, and then MEXDFW taking off at 5:00am? Both are in Terminal 1, but I wanted to make sure I won’t have to clear any customs since I am not entering Mexico. I have seen conflicting reports on the internet about the policy, so just confirming.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Jack – as long as you are staying in Terminal 1, you will not have to go through Mexican customs and immigration. Just follow the signs for international connections. 1 hour should be plenty of time!
Jack
Hi Scott. Thanks for the quick response! When you follow those signs to international connections, do you have to show a boarding pass to anyone before getting to the gates? I may be flying with two separate ticket itineraries, so I will not have my boarding pass for the MEX-DFW leg since you have to show your documents at the ticket counter in order to get the boarding pass. I will of course be able to present my documents to the gate agents before boarding the flight, and they can give me the pass to board the plane from there.
Paul
Hi Scott,
thanks for the detailed description. I wonder, how busy the airport is on weekends. I am arriving with an international flight on a Saturday at 6 pm in terminal 2 connecting to a domestic flight leaving in terminal 1 at 8 pm. Is this sufficient time?
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Paul! I honestly don’t know how busy MEX is on the weekends compared to the middle of the week, but in general, I find Saturday evenings to be slow pretty much everywhere.
2 hours will be tight (especially if you have checked luggage). One thing that will save some time is the train to T1. Don’t take the bus!
I think you’ll be fine. Have a good trip!
Mallory Perez
Hi Scott,
Thanks for the info! Can you help me answer a question? My sister and I will be traveling to Mexico for the first time this summer. We are first heading to Cancun ( direct flight), staying there for a couple days, and then we will be traveling to Tapachula, Chiapas. There are no direct flights, and have to fly from Cancun to Mexico City and then back down to Chiapas. The flight we are about to book, is Cancun – Mexico City – Chiapas, with only an hour layover in Mexico. This will be domestic flight, and both flights will be in terminal 2.
Do you think this is enough time, given domestic flight. Will we have to clear immigration and check our bags again?
Thank you!
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Mallory! That is going to be a really easy connection – the only thing you’ll have to do is walk from one plane to the next (no security checks, passport control, or customs). An hour will be more than enough time.
Having to switch terminals would make it a lot more problematic, but you won’t have to worry about that. Have a great trip!
Brian
Appreciate the article. It has been very helpful. Can you weigh in on my flights as delta keeps changing them and now they want me to have two layover of over 5 hours each. If we are returning from Oaxaca to Atlanta through Mexico City with and 1 hr 25 minute layover (6am Saturday flight arriving to Mexico City at 7:20) is that enough time to transfer to our ATL flight? Is there passport control we have to go through prior to exiting Mexico? Any way to know which terminals we will arrive into and depart from? I truly appreciate the input.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Brian – glad to help! A 1 hour and 25 minute connection in Mexico City will be no problem at all. Just follow the signs for international connections, and you won’t have to do anything other than (maybe) a passport check. Customs and immigration will not be required.
Also, as long as you’re flying Aeromexico and/or Delta, you’ll be flying in and out of Terminal 2.
James
Hi Scott,
Great blog, I read it often. I wanted to get your take on the following since I’ve never been to the MEX airport. I have a flight from NRT in Japan (ANA NH180) that arrives at Terminal 1 in MEX at 2:05PM. I then have a connecting flight on Delta in Terminal 2 that departs at 4:30PM, do you think this will be enough time to connect (I have to get my checked bag, these are 2 separate tickets/PNR’s). I will be flying business class on ANA so I’m sure that will help somewhat in addition to having an ABTC/APEC card that I’ve heard will expedite immigration clearance as well. Thanks in advance!
Scott (SANspotter)
Thanks James! Two hours should be plenty of time to go from terminal 1 to terminal 2 at MEX. The trick is to take the train – and not the bus. The bus takes too long!
I’m not familiar with those cards, but the fact that you’ll be one of the first passengers off the plane upon arrival will certainly help. I think you’ll be fine!
John
Hi Scott, just wanted to double check we’ll have enough time to make our connecting flight:
We arrive in Mexico City (from Seattle) on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 5:01 PM at Terminal 2. We depart Mexico City for Bogotá, Colombia from Terminal 2 at 6:35 PM that same evening, aka we have a 94 min layover. We must likely will have a checked bag.
Is that enough time to make our connecting flight to Bogotá?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey John – yeah, the fact that you’re flying in and out of Terminal 2 will make things a lot easier. You’ll have plenty of time.
Brian
Hi Scott,
Thanks for the great article. Do you have any tips specific to making a short connection from an international flight to a domestic flight? Your “Useful tips for making a 1 hour layover at MEX” mentions bringing snacks, but I’m worried that will cost me more time in customs. I have a 1:16 layover, just under your 1:20 recommended, but I’m traveling with kids which makes me more nervous.
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Brian! As long as you’re not bringing things like fresh fruit and meat, packaged snacks won’t be a problem at all in regards to getting through customs. They won’t care.
Other than that, my best advice is to study the terminal map ahead of time, and just keep moving as fast as you can once you arrive. You’ll make it.
Israel
Hi Scott,
This is very helpful information. I will be flying domestically (AeroMexico) from Guadalajara (GDL) to Tijuana (TIJ) with an hour and a half layover in Mexico City. The flight arrives in Terminal 2 and departs from Terminal 2. I guess my main concern is the luggage do you happen to know if AeroMexico will transfer it, or will I have to collect and re-check it in ? Any information would be helpful. Thank you.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Israel! Your luggage will transfer automatically, and since you don’t have to change terminals, it’s just a matter of walking from one gate to the next. An hour and a half is going to be far more time than you’ll actually need (Terminal 2 isn’t all that large actually).
Athena
Hi Scott! I would love to hear your opinion on our flights also!
My husband and I are travelling with our 6 month old baby (and checked luggage) and we are heading from Chicago to Zihuatenejo via Volaris.
It looks like the best flight has a 2.5 hour layover in Mexico City Airport before catching the domestic flight to the Zihuatenejo/Ixtapa airport.
I’m booking our flights now and it says “Self Transfer: collect/recollect baggage, pass through security/passport control”. It doesn’t mention about Terminals, but the amount of time for the layover/immigration/plus having a little baby with us does make me nervous.
What are your thoughts on this 2.5 hour time frame? Thank you so much!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Athena – Volaris uses Terminal 1 at the Mexico City Airport, so you’re not likely going to have to make a transfer to or from Terminal 2. You will, however, have to retrieve your luggage (and then re-check it to your domestic flight).
The first thing you’ll do is go through passport control. You’ll then have to retrieve your luggage before going through customs. After that, there will be a baggage drop area where you can offload your checked luggage. Chances are it’ll be already checked through to your destination, so it’ll simply be a matter of giving it to the agent and walking away. Easy.
2 1/2 hours should be plenty of time. Have a great trip!
Athena
Thank you SO much! I was debating about two different flights, one with a 2.5 hour layover, and another with a 4 hour layover- your insight saved us a ton of time! Thanks again!!
Marcia DeBock
Hi. It’s become extremely difficult to get to our place in Huatulco, Oaxaca. I see that Aeroméxico is offering a number of flights with only a 50 minute connection in MEX, terminal 2. It wouldn’t be a problem if we got stuck overnight, but I’m not sure Aeroméxico would pick up the tab for the hotel. Any thought as to what chance would we have of making our connection? Many thanks. Marci
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Marcia! Will you be arriving at MEX on an international or domestic flight? 50 minutes won’t be enough time if you are coming in from anywhere outside of Mexico.
Otherwise, 50 minutes should be plenty if both flights are AeroMexico. They will definitely pay for your hotel if your inbound flight arrives too late for you to catch your connection. Good luck!
Amanda
Hi Scott! Would you mind please advising if you think I’ll have enough time for my connection? (my first flight got delayed, so I wouldn’t have chose it!)
I’m arriving from QRO to MEX at 4pm on a Monday with 1 hour layover for a flight to JFK.
Thank you!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Amanda! That should be plenty of time if you’re flying the same airline (or at least partner airlines). Essentially, you you might not have enough time if you have to change terminals, but you’ll be OK if you don’t.
Amanda
Thank you so much!! Same airline 🙂
Jon
Hi Scott! Thank you for this helpful article! Wanted to get your take since it seems like its cutting it close, but would save an extra night on our trip:
Arrive: SFO-MEX at 740pm (delta/aeromexico)
Depart: MEX-BJX at 915pm (aeromexico), I think this would be T2
Any guidance? Thank you!
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Jon! That’s totally doable IMHO since you won’t be changing terminals (switching terminals at MEX is a total pain most of the time). You’re probably not going to have a lot of time to spare once you get through passport control and customs, but I’ve always been able to get through customs and immigration at Terminal 2 without much fuss.
You’ll be fine!
Rick
Hi Scott, what do you think of this connection:
OAX-MEX arrive on Aeromexico at 7:30 AM
MEX-JFK depart on Aeromexico at 9:01 AM ?
Thank you!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Rick! That’s going to be a really easy (and fast) connection IMHO. You’ll be arriving and departing out of Terminal 2, so it’s just a matter of walking from gate to gate. No security checkpoints or customs (or anything).
Heidi
Hi! Great information! I have been searching for days and your post/comments are exactly what I needed!
I land in Terminal 2 in the evening, but my hotel is accessed via Terminal 1. It sounds like there is no way to walk between the terminals? (My boarding pass is for a very early morning flight. ) Or do you think my boarding pass will get me on the train?
Also, I am leaving at 6AM via AeroMexico, no luggage. Thoughts on how early to get there? Train does not start until 5AM. Is security 24 hours? And should I do an Uber or the bus to get back in the AM?
Thanks again!
Scott (SANspotter)
Thanks Heidi! Nope, there is no easy way to walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. I suppose you could do it if you were determined enough, but it wouldn’t be easy lol. The good news is that you can access the train as long as you have a valid boarding pass for a flight departing Terminal 2. I did exactly that the last time I was there.
I’ve never departed that early from MEX before, so I’m not exactly sure what the situation is like that early in the morning. If it were me, I’d take a taxi or an Uber over T2 at 5am (just to be safe).
Heidi
Thank you so much for your reply! Much appreciated! I was not thrilled about the idea of a bus that early in the morning or walking by myself… So Uber or taxi it is!
John
Hey there! Great information! I have a bit of the same problem and am hoping for your guidance.
I am arriving in Terminal 1 from Houston at 2:20pm on Thursday December 28. I am looking to catch a flight leaving from Terminal 2 to PXM at 3:50pm (90 minute layover). I am not checking bags and am American (not sure if that changes things with which line I take at customs).
Would this be enough time? Is there normally lots of holiday travelers during that time?
Thanks for your advice!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey John! A 90 minute connection is going to be tough IMHO. You’ll go through customs and immigration in Terminal 1. You’ll then have to take the train over to Terminal 2, followed by going through the security checkpoint to reach your departure gate.
It won’t be impossible, but it will probably be stressful.
As far as the crowds ago, the honest answer is that I don’t really know. I’ve never flown through MEX between Christmas and new year.
Good luck!
Lisa Mehr
HI Scott
I am arriving from NY to Mexico city Aeromexico landing at 5:20pm on a Friday and departing Oaxaca at 7:20 Terminal 2. Is there customs in Terminal 2 ? Is that enough time since I will be arriving terminal 2 and departing terminal 2 as well?
Thanks so much!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Lisa! Yes, you will go through customs and immigration in Terminal 2. Two hours should be enough time IMHO – the last time I went through customs and immigration in T2, it took about 45 minutes. Have a great trip!
Chuy
Hi Scott, hopefully this thread is still active. My finger is hovering over the confirm button on the following flight scenario: US Citizen traveling from Durango, Mexico to Mexico City with a 1 hour and 45 min layover, same airline, and then Los Angeles. I’m also traveling the same scenario, but in reverse, and with the same 1 hour and 45 min layover. I’m traveling with a carry-on and no luggage. Think I should pull the trigger or find something else? thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Chuy – yeah, I’m still here! You have my permission to pull the trigger on that (lol). It’ll be a very easy connection both ways, but keep in mind that you’re going to have to go through customs at MEX on the way back (from LAX). Because you’ll have carry-on luggage only, and you won’t have to change terminals, 1 hour and 45 minutes will be fine. Go for it – and have a great trip!
Anna Wilkonski
Hi flying from puerto Escondido to puerto Vallarta with a one hour layover in Mexico City. No it says I will need to self transfer which means collecting my baggage, re checking it, go through security and passport control aswell. Is this enough time?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Anna – I don’t think you have any chance of making it if you have checked luggage. Your only hope will be to have carry-on luggage only IMHO.
Also, changing terminals and MEX takes a bit of time. One hour probably isn’t going to be enough (even with checked luggage) if you have to switch terminals. Good luck!
Nathalie
Hi Scott, since this is still active, I also have a layover question! So from what I read a domestic flight to international needs 1hr 10min minimum to possibly work. Well I am in that exact situation but it still makes me nervous, we arrive from Guadalajara at 3:50pm and at 5pm we fly out to SFO. Is this really enough time? Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Nathalie – no problem! Yeah, as long as you don’t have to change terminals, one hour and 10 minutes is going to be perfectly fine. You’re not going to have to do anything upon arrival at MEX. Simply walk from one gate to the next.
Changing terminals is a much longer process (because you have to exit the secure area, take a train, and then go through security to get back into the secure area).