Understanding Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City

Although Mexico City is a crowded metropolitan area of more than 20 million people, Benito Juarez International Airport can be pleasantly uncrowded. PHOTO: Dennis D. Jacobs

If you’re traveling to Mexico for business or heading for the warmer climates of Mexican resorts like Cancun and Manzanillo this winter, you might find yourself spending some time at Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City. I recently spent a good deal of time at the airport, which can be confusing at first, particularly for non-Spanish speakers. A little advance research can make your stay there go more smoothly and pleasantly.

The first thing you need to know about the airport is that there are two terminals, named, appropriately enough, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Most international flights arrive at and depart from Terminal 1. Terminal 2 handles primarily domestic flights.

The terminals are not close to one another. I suppose if you’re crazy or a fitness nut, you could somehow walk between them by going out of the airport, but the easiest way to get from one terminal to the other is to take the elevated AirTrain that connects them. It’s modern, apparently reliable, and makes frequent trips back and forth. To reach it, just follow the signs. As you may have surmised, you have to get up to the upper level to reach it.

Terminal 2

I didn’t know where I was going when I arrived at Terminal 2 for the first time recently. The terminal has only been open since 2007, part of an ongoing effort to improve efficiency at the airport, which is surrounded by densely-populated areas that make expansion difficult.

I knew what flight I was on and what gate it departed from, but I didn’t have a boarding pass. An official at the security checkpoint was able to direct me to the Aeromar counter and, although he told me the wrong letter and number combination for the correct sale (room), I was able to find the Aeromar check-in line. The Aeromar representative spoke English and was able to issue me a boarding pass and direct me back to the security line.

I had some time to kill before my flight, though, so I wandered around the terminal and eventually went “outside,” where I found a food court. Americans should feel right at home here, since dining options include Subway, 7-11, Starbuck’s, McDonald’s, Sbarro, etc.

I was wanting to try something at least closer to authentic Mexican food and a bonita señorita flagged me down at Arrachera House. She handed me a card showing their current promotion, which cost 79 pesos (about $6). I said OK, even though I really had no idea what I was ordering, but it looked good on the card.

It turned out to be some delicious pieces of beef and chicken that I could put on several small tortillas with rice and guacamole. It felt good to sit down someplace other than the confined space of an airplane after having spent most of the previous eight hours in flight.

Just like most American airports, there are plenty of services available both before and after you pass through security.

La Pausa is one of food options at Terminal 1. Don't be alarmed by the $95 menu sign. That's 95 Mexican pesos, which as of this writing is about $7.50 US. PHOTO: Dennis D. Jacobs

Terminal 1

I had three hours between flights scheduled at the airport on my return trip to Chicago, which I decided to spend figuring out the Mexico City Metro system. I’m averse to checking bags, but I didn’t want to carry my suitcase with me. I had done some research online and consulted a map to Terminal 1, which indicated there were lockers near the end of Terminal 1 at Puerta (door) 1. This turned out not to be the case.

Fortunately, there are information kiosks (which may or may not be manned) throughout the airport with English-speaking staff. I was told there were lockers by Puerta 4. Apparently I am going blind in my old age because I walked past Puerta 4 several times and did not see the lockers, even though they are clearly marked. I eventually found some lockers closer to Puerta 8.

In addition to lockers, there are numerous shops between the doors, including plenty of banks where you can exchange money. ATMs also are plentiful.

The Terminal 1 food court is on the upper level. There are also a number of sit-down restaurants.

Several hotels serve the airport area, including the Camino Real, which is connected to Terminal 1 by a pedestrian bridge.