Uber in Mexico City: Everything you need to know

Whether you need a transfer to and from the airport or an in-city ride, you can find all the information you need about using Uber in Mexico City, alternative transport options, and which is the best choice for you right here.

Is there Uber in Mexico City?

Yes, Uber is available in Mexico City and is a very popular way to get around the bustling Mexican capital. So long as you have the app downloaded on your phone and a WiFi connection, a ride can generally be booked in under 10 minutes. Furthermore, you can schedule a ride up to 30 days in advance, with the ability to cancel within 60 minutes of your trip, at no charge.

When booking an Uber in Mexico City, there are quite a few service options to choose from:

• UberX – this is the standard Uber service with the most affordable prices in sedans that can seat up to 4 passengers.
• Comfort – vehicles with extra legroom and space for excess luggage that can seat 4 passengers.
• Uber Planet – this option provides a more sustainable ride by allowing you to offset your carbon footprint.
• Uber XL – similar to the regular UberX service, although each vehicle can seat up to 6 passengers.
• Black and Black SUV – luxurious vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz with leather interiors and top-rated drivers. Normal Black vehicles can seat 4 passengers, whereas 6 passengers can fit comfortably in a Black SUV. 
• Uber Assist –  passengers can opt to receive extra assistance from specially trained drivers.

How much is Uber in Mexico City?

Whether you take an Uber from the airport or within the city, the price will always be calculated based on the time and distance of your journey, which service you choose, and the demand for drivers at the time of booking. This means if you book during times of heavy traffic, such as when people are commuting to and from work, or in bad weather when people prefer not to walk, prices will likely increase due to surge pricing.

In any case, Uber Mexico City provides a price estimate to riders before booking to give you a rough idea of how much your journey will cost, allowing you to compare the price with regular taxis and private transfer services. For example, a ride from Mexico Airport (MEX) to the city center should cost between €4.70 and €13 (MXN 90 – 250) when opting for the cheapest option, UberX. For shorter 5 km rides downtown, the fare should cost between €3 and €8.20 (MXN 58 – 158). 

You can select to pay for your ride through the app by linking a credit or debit card, or you can pay the driver directly in cash. In Mexico City, cash is commonly used; however, for extra security, we suggest paying through the app. Note that at the end of your journey, you will also have the option to tip your driver by adding a little extra to the final fare, or you can hand them a few pesos. 

*Tolls and surcharges may be added to your final fare.

Alternatives to taking an Uber in Mexico City

From the airport

If it’s your first time visiting Mexico City it can be comforting to know that all of your travel arrangements from the airport have been taken care of. That’s why private transfer services are so popular since they provide peace of mind that an English-speaking driver and a comfortable vehicle will be waiting for you and any traveling companions when you land. Furthermore, when you pre-book your Mexico City Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups, you’ll receive a fixed fare with no hidden fees and a guaranteed on-time pickup.

It’s also possible to take an Uber from the airport, although you won’t know the cost until the day, since prices are known to change and fluctuate. You’ll also need to have access to WiFi so that you can track when your ride is arriving and where to meet them. That being said, Uber drivers typically collect passengers from outside Exit 4 at Terminal 1 and from the Ground Floor near Exit 2 of Terminal 2. 

Alternatively, as you enter the Arrivals Hall, you’ll notice several counters for different taxi companies. If you wish to take a taxi, which can often be cheaper than an Uber if prices are surging, you’ll need to pre-pay for your ride at one of these counters and hand the receipt to your driver. The advantage of this option is that prices are fixed based on your destination and drivers wait directly outside the terminal exit. 

Getting around Mexico City

Other than using Uber during your stay, taxis are also a solid choice for getting from A to B while in Mexico City. Taxis can be hailed from the street, picked up from an authorized taxi rank (called ‘sitios’), booked over the phone, or arranged through your hotel. Keep in mind that there may be a difference in price and service when hailing a cab from the street versus taking one from a taxi rank.

Other ride-hailing services aside from Uber, such as Didi and Cabify, are also good options for getting around or for extra safety and reliability, you can use Welcome Pickups for your in-city rides with the same fixed rate fare guarantee. 

Is Uber safe in Mexico City?

The great thing about using Uber in Mexico City is the transparency around driver ratings. Before accepting a ride you can check how many rides your driver has completed (above one thousand is good) and what their overall rating is (aim for 4.8 or higher), plus you’ll be able to share your journey with friends and family and track your ride in real-time. Furthermore, payment can be made through the app so you don’t have to carry cash on you.

While taking a regular taxi is generally considered safe too, there are a few extra precautions that should be taken. When taking a cab from the street, always check for a taximeter before getting in the car; if there isn’t one, agree on the price upfront. Follow your route on Google Maps and avoid carrying larger notes on you. For women traveling alone, it’s best to use ‘sitio’ taxis at night, rather than hailing one from the street, and you should always check that the driver matches the description on their registration ticket. Following these few simple steps should ensure you don’t encounter any hiccups on your holiday.

Traveling around Mexico City: Uber, Taxi, or Private Transfer?

When it comes to choosing the best option, you should think about the specific needs of you or your group. We’ve gathered some of the most important factors to consider below, so that you can make an informed choice.

FAQs

Is Uber safe in Mexico City?

Yes, Uber is considered a safe transport option for getting around Mexico City. The app features several safety features including the driver’s details and ratings, the ability to track your journey in real-time and share your location with friends, in-app payments and a RideCheck function if your ride goes off course.

Can you take Uber from Mexico City Airport?

Yes, it’s possible to take an Uber from the airport. The Mexico City Airport Uber pickup area is located outside Exit 4 of Terminal 1, and Exit 2 of Terminal 2. Keep in mind, however, that your driver may request a different pickup location so be sure to pay attention to any messages they send you after booking.

How much is an Uber from Mexico City to Teotihuacan?

For the one-hour journey between Mexico City and Teotihuacan, you can expect to pay an average of €8.40 (MXN 160) for an UberX ride, or if you’re traveling in a group, an UberXL will set you back an average of €17.70 (MXN 340).

How much is Uber from Mexico City Airport to Condesa?

To reach the leafy, hipster area of La Condesa, a 20-minute Uber from Mexico City Airport should cost around €10.40 (MXN 200) for a standard UberX service. If you prefer to know the cost of your journey ahead of time, we suggest booking a private transfer with Welcome Pickups instead to receive a fixed fare rate.