Where Are the Arrivals at Mexico City Airport
Are you thinking of going to Mexico City and worried about the airport procedures? Or are you just here to enjoy another exciting article? Don’t worry. We welcome you to the Mexico City International Airport, also known as Benito Juarez International Airport. It is the leading international airport serving Mexico City or perhaps the whole of Mexico. More than 25 different airlines operate their flights at this airport. These airlines flew their flights to more than 100 different destinations located in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Knowing the arrival procedure and your way around the airport is very important. It makes your journey stress-safe and smooth. Moreover, it saves your valuable time and reduces the risk of loss of baggage. You can quickly complete your customs and immigration process without any hassle. Being familiar with the arrival areas will give you an excellent start to your trip. This article is your ultimate guide to smooth arrival at the Mexico City International Airport.
Basic Overview of Mexico City International Airport
Mexico City Airport is the 17th busiest airport in the whole world and the 8th busiest in North America. If we just compare the airports with two runway strips, this airport is the busiest in the world. In 2023 alone, more than 48 million passengers traveled through this airport. On a typical day, more than 100,000 passengers move through this airport, through both the departures and the arrivals area.
Mexico City Airport consists of two parallel runway strips and two passenger terminals. Terminal 1 is a two-story, building that receives passengers from both domestic and international flights. Terminal 2 is the main hub of Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines flights.
Arrival process at Mexico City Airport
It is a standard procedure to do immigration and customs clearance at every international airport in the world. The same is the case with Mexico City Airport. After you leave the flight, you must clear the customs and immigration before you can go. No one is allowed to leave the airport without going through this procedure.
However, you don’t have to worry about anything since this process is generally smooth at the Mexico City Airport. The airport officials will guide you through the steps. After you have gone through the immigration and customs counter, you will go to the baggage claim area. Here, you will receive your baggage, make sure to collect the correct baggage.
Terminal 1 Arrivals
As mentioned before, Terminal 1 is a two-story building. All domestic and international arrivals are on the ground floor. There are 22 baggage claim carousels in this terminal. A major portion of airlines run their flight operations through this terminal, which is why it boasts diverse amenities and a bustling atmosphere.
Follow the signs of immigration after you have left your plane. At the immigration counter, you will find friendly immigration officials who will guide you through the process. Complete the immigration and customs clearance. After this, follow the signs to the designated baggage claim carousel. Collect your baggage and proceed to the arrivals area.
In the arrivals area, you will find various essential services. You can get some local currency from the currency exchange counter. You can visit the information desk if you need more information or guidance. Or you can proceed to the transportation area. Get a vehicle and drive away to your destination.
Terminal 2 Arrivals
Terminal 2 was inaugurated in 2008. Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines mainly conduct their flight operations here. This terminal has 15 baggage claim carousels, customs, and immigration facilities. The procedure is the same as in Terminal 1.
After going through the customs and immigration facilities, you go to the baggage claim carousel. Collect your baggage and head to the arrivals area. Here, you have the information desk, transportation facilities, and currency exchange counters, among other amenities.
Transportation options from Arrivals
After you are done with airport arrivals procedures, you will need transportation services. Don’t worry. There are various transportation options available from arrival to your destination. The Mexico City Airport also has a transportation department. It offers the following options:
- Private car
- Private Minibus
- Taxis
- Car rental
Let us discuss which option will be the best for you. Both private and shared transfers are available from the airport. We would recommend a private car if you are traveling alone or with your partner. Moreover, the private car can accommodate up to 4 people and can hold two large suitcases and two handbags. They are available for both one-way or round trips to/from the Mexico City airport. The rates start from 36 USD. However, they depend on ground factors and can change with time.
If you are traveling with more than four people, you can get a private minibus. It can accommodate up to eight people and eight large suitcases. The rates start from 83 USD. But again, they depend on ground factors and can change with time.
Airport taxis are also available in all popular neighborhoods. Up to 6 people can sit in this taxi. However, if you want to tour Mexico City at your own pace, we recommend getting a rental car. This way, you can explore the city freely. You can get all types of vehicles on a rental basis, including minivans.
Tips for a Smooth Arrival
It is best to avoid the rush hours for a smooth and hassle-free arrival. You can book a flight that lands at the airport during off-peak time. Sometimes, several flights land at the same time, and passengers have to stand in long lines for immigration and customs clearance.
Most people don’t do this, but it is essential to familiarize yourself with the airport layout. You can quickly look at the airport map. And don’t be shy about getting help from the local airport officials. They are present there to help you.
Your wallet, passport, ID, phone charger, and boarding pass should be in your handbag. Don’t make the rookie mistake of packing these documents in your main bag. Otherwise, you will have to unpack your baggage at the airport itself.
Services and Amenities at the Arrivals Area
Mexico City International Airport is one of the world’s most modern and developed airports. There are a number of restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels at both terminals. Besides these, currency exchange counters, information desks, and transportation services are also present. Before beginning your trip, you can rest and recharge in the lounges and resting areas. You can also buy souvenirs and gifts from the many shops available at the airport.
Conclusion:
After reading this guide, we hope that you will have a stress-free arrival at the Mexico City Airport. The arrival procedure is quite simple if you know and are prepared for it. The airport has every type of service and amenities available to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience. Mexico City is waiting to welcome you with open arms. Go and enjoy the experience of your life.
