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 taxi ecosystems in Latin America. Metered "sitio" taxis, authorised airport booths, and app services like Uber and InDriver all coexist — and the safety rules for each are very different. Here's what to pay and how to pay it safely.
Never hail a taxi off the street in Mexico City. Street hailing ("taxi libre") carries a real risk of express kidnapping and robbery. Always use authorised sitio taxis called via phone/app, or book through a hotel concierge.
From Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México (AICM, Terminal 1 & 2), use only the official prepaid taxi booths inside the terminal — yellow "Taxi Autorizado" or "Sitio 300." Pay at the booth before going to the car. Fares are fixed by zone.
Uber is allowed at AICM from a designated area outside Terminal 2 (look for the Uber lane). It is often cheaper than the official taxi zones and fully trackable.
Uber and Cabify are the recommended options for tourists in Mexico City — upfront pricing, in-app payment, and a record of your journey. InDriver lets you negotiate the fare directly with the driver, which can result in lower prices during off-peak hours. All three are widely available across the city and are generally faster to book than calling a sitio.
Sitio taxis are metered cabs that operate from fixed stands (sitios) outside shopping centres, hotels, and metro stations. They are a legitimate safe option — the driver's details are registered with the stand. Ask the attendant at the sitio for a cab rather than approaching drivers directly. The meter starts at $16 MXN flag fall and runs $12 MXN per km.
Is it safe to take a taxi in Mexico City?
Yes — if you use the right type. Uber, Cabify, or official sitio taxis are safe. Never hail a taxi off the street. At the airport, only use pre-paid booth taxis (Taxi Autorizado/Sitio 300).
How much is a taxi from Mexico City airport to Polanco?
Approximately $280–350 MXN from the official prepaid booth, or $200–280 MXN via Uber from Terminal 2's designated area.
Should I tip a taxi driver in Mexico City?
Tipping is not expected for metered taxis, but rounding up the fare is appreciated. For Uber/Cabify, a 10% in-app tip is welcomed.
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