This guide to Public Transportation in Mexico City covers these 7 options:
- Mexico City Metro
- Mexico City Metrobus
- Mexico City Trolleybus
- Tren Ligero (Xochimilco Light Rail)
- Tren El Insurgente Commuter train
- Cablebus CDMX
- Tren Suburbano
The RTP Buses and the many colectivos that transport locals to every corner of Mexico City are not covered in this guide.
1. The Metro
The Mexico City Metro is the second-biggest in the Americas after the Metro in New York and is now said to be the ninth busiest in the world. With 12 lines and 163 different stations, with 44 of them being transfer stations, it is without a doubt, the best form of public transportation in Mexico City. Check out my full guide on how to use the Mexico City Metro.
2. The Metrobus
The Mexico City Metro Bus network has 7 lines, 283 stations and covers 125km. It fills in the gaps not covered by the metro. Read my guide about using the Metrobus CDMX.
3. The Trolleybus
The Mexico City Trolleybus network has 13 lines and covers more than 200 km. It’s a little slow and not much use to the tourist.
4. Xochimilco Light Rail
The Tren Ligero (Xochimilco Light Rail) runs between Tasqueña and Xochimilco. The line is 13.04 km in length with 2 terminus stations and 16 intermediate stations.
5. El Insurgente
The El Insurgente is primarily a commuter train which runs between Mexico City and Toloca. At the moment, it runs out of Santa Fe, but will soon start at Observatorio. Metro station, once the last section has been finished.
6. Cablebus
The cable car system, Cablebus Mexico City, has three lines up and running, with a fourth under construction. I rode line 3 from Vasco de Quiroga to Los Pinos, and you get awesome views of the western part of the city. Please be respectful. Locals use these as a means for getting to and from work and might not appreciate tourists making their journey even longer as lines can be long.
Paying for Public Transportation in Mexico City
Make sure you get yourself the Mexico City Metro Card. You will need it as cash is not accepted, and contactless is only possible on the Metro and MetroBus.
Topping up my Metro Card at Cuauhtemoc station:
7. Tren Suburbano
The Tren Suburbano runs from Buenavista station in Mexico City to Cuautitlan in Estado de México. It is a commuter train and isn’t much use to anyone other than those who live along the route, as it really doesn’t go anywhere. But that will change, when the line to the Felipe Angeles Airport (AIFA) is finally open.
