Mexico City taxi rates, AICM airport taxi costs, Uber vs sitio taxis, and how to avoid tourist scams in CDMX for 2026.
Mexico City (CDMX) has one of the most complex — and potentially dangerous — taxi ecosystems in Latin America. Street hailing ("taxi libre") carries a genuine risk of express kidnapping; sitio taxis from stands are safe; and Uber, Cabify, and InDriver are the recommended default for most visitors. Knowing which type to use (and which to avoid) is not just about money — it is a safety issue. Here's everything you need to know about CDMX taxis in 2026.
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CDMX has three main taxi categories. Taxi libres (green-and-white cars on the street) are metered but carry a high risk of robbery and kidnapping — these should be avoided by tourists entirely. Sitio taxis operate from fixed stands (sitios) at hotels, shopping centres, and metro stations and are registered and relatively safe. App-based services (Uber, Cabify, InDriver) are the most transparent and recommended for visitors. At AICM airport, only the official prepaid booth taxis are safe — Uber is also available from a designated zone.
Never hail a taxi off the street in Mexico City. Free-roaming "taxi libre" vehicles (green and white) are a known vector for express kidnapping (secuestro exprés) — a crime where passengers are taken to ATMs and forced to withdraw cash before being released. This risk applies even in tourist areas like Condesa, Roma, and Polanco. Always use Uber, Cabify, or a registered sitio taxi.
Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México (AICM) has Terminals 1 and 2. Use only the official yellow "Taxi Autorizado" (or "Sitio 300") prepaid booths inside the terminal — pay at the booth before going to the taxi queue. Fares are fixed by destination zone. Uber is permitted from a designated lane outside Terminal 2 arrivals.
Uber is available from a designated pickup zone outside Terminal 2 arrivals. It is typically $50–100 MXN cheaper than the official booth taxis and fully trackable. Walk past the taxi touts immediately upon exiting and follow the Uber/rideshare signs to the app pickup area.
App-based services are the recommended transport choice for tourists in Mexico City. Uber has the largest fleet and widest coverage across all 16 boroughs (alcaldías). Cabify is a strong alternative, particularly for business travel. InDriver allows you to propose your own fare — drivers bid to accept it, which can yield 15–30% savings during off-peak hours. All three provide upfront pricing, driver details, and route tracking.
Sitio taxis operate from registered fixed stands outside hotels, shopping centres (like Antara, Perisur, and Patio Universidad), Walmart locations, and many metro stations. The driver's details are logged at the stand. Ask the attendant — not the driver directly — to assign you a cab. You can also phone or app-book many sitios. The meter starts at $16 MXN and runs $12 MXN per km — significantly cheaper than Uber for longer journeys outside peak hours.
The Mexico City Metro is one of the cheapest metro systems in the world — a flat ₩5 MXN per journey covers the entire network. It runs from 5 am to midnight (Sundays 6 am–midnight). The metro is extremely crowded during rush hour (7–10 am, 6–9 pm) but is efficient and covers most major areas including the airport (Terminal Aérea station, Line 5). At $5 MXN per ride versus $150–280 MXN for a taxi, the metro is the obvious budget choice for most city centre movements.
Is it safe to take a taxi in Mexico City?
Yes — with the right type. Uber, Cabify, and InDriver are safe and recommended. Official sitio taxis from registered stands are also safe. Never hail a taxi off the street (taxi libre) — these carry a real risk of express kidnapping, even in tourist neighbourhoods like Condesa and Roma.
How much is a taxi from Mexico City Airport (AICM) to Polanco or Roma?
The official prepaid booth fare is $280–340 MXN to Polanco and $260–300 MXN to Roma Norte. Uber from the Terminal 2 designated zone is typically $150–250 MXN for the same routes.
Can I use Uber at Mexico City Airport?
Yes. Uber has a designated pickup zone outside Terminal 2 arrivals. It is permitted and safe. The app will direct you to the exact pickup bay. Typically $50–100 MXN cheaper than the official prepaid taxi booth for the same destination.
What is InDriver and is it safe in CDMX?
InDriver is a ride-hailing app where you propose a fare and drivers bid to accept it. It is legal and widely used in Mexico City. Driver details are visible in-app. Savings of 15–30% versus Uber are common during off-peak hours. It is a legitimate and safe option.
How do I find a sitio taxi in Mexico City?
Sitio taxi stands are located outside most major hotels, shopping centres, and some metro stations. Ask the hotel concierge or security guard to flag one — they'll know the nearest registered stand. Do not approach individual drivers on the street.
Should I tip a taxi driver in Mexico City?
Tipping is not expected for metered sitio taxis but rounding up to the nearest $10–20 MXN is appreciated. For Uber and Cabify, a 10–15% in-app tip after the ride is welcomed. InDriver drivers appreciate cash tips as they negotiated a lower upfront fare.
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