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Guide to Transferring Between Terminals 1 and 2 at AICM
Moving between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Mexico City Airport is a crucial step for many connecting travelers, but also for those who arrive at the wrong terminal. The terminals are separated by 3 km, so it is not possible to walk between them. Here we present a detailed guide on the two available options, the Aerotrén and the bus, with their pros, cons, and the critical points you should know.
Frequently Asked Questions about Connecting Between Terminals
What is the fastest option?
The Aerotrén is by far the fastest option. The journey itself takes less than 5 minutes. However, you must add the walking time to the station and the possible wait. In total, the process can take between 15 and 20 minutes.
I am dropping off a family member and need to go to the other terminal. Can I use the Aerotrén?
No. The Aerotrén is for the exclusive use of passengers with a valid boarding pass and airport staff. If you are not flying, your only option to move between terminals is the connection bus, which is available to the general public.
Is it difficult to find the Aerotrén stations?
Yes, it is one of the most recurrent complaints. The signage, especially in Terminal 1, is described as confusing. You will need to look for signs indicating "Puente de Pilotos" or "Conexión entre Terminales" and you will probably have to ask for directions.
What option do I use if my flight is in the early morning?
The Aerotrén operates from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm. If your transfer is outside these hours, your only alternative is the connection bus, which operates 24 hours a day.
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Traveler's Guide: Critical Points of the Transfer
The Boarding Pass: The (Exclusive) Key to the Aerotrén
The most common mistake is to assume that the Aerotrén is open public transport. It is an exclusive service for transiting passengers and staff. If you try to access it without a valid boarding pass for a flight on that day, you will be denied entry. Your strategy: have your boarding pass (printed or digital) ready to show at the entrance. If you are not a passenger, go directly to the bus stop.
Aerotrén Service Interruptions
Users report that the Aerotrén can suspend its service without prior notice for maintenance or technical failures. This can cause unexpected delays if you do not have a plan B. Your strategy: do not rely 100% on the train. Know in advance the location of the connection bus stop (Gate 6 in T1, Gate 4 in T2) as your indispensable backup plan.
The Bus and its Dependence on Traffic
Although the bus is a reliable alternative, its main weakness is the airport circuit traffic, which can be very dense. A journey that should take 10 minutes can extend to 25 minutes or more during peak hours. Your strategy: if you have a tight connection and are forced to use the bus, inform the airline staff of your situation. If you are not in a hurry, just relax and keep in mind that the journey will be slower.
Aerotrén: The Fast (and Exclusive) Option
It is an elevated and automated train designed to efficiently connect transiting passengers between the two terminals.
User Experience:
When it works and is found, it is praised for its speed and efficiency. The journey is short and without setbacks. However, the experience is marred by poor signage that makes it difficult to locate and by the frustration of those who discover at the entrance that they cannot use it because they are not connecting passengers.
Service Details
- Platform Location:
- Terminal 1: Halfway through the "Puente de Pilotos". Access via the escalators in concourse D.
- Terminal 2: Next to the domestic departure lounge, in concourse M.
- Hours: From 5:00 am to 11:00 pm.
- Cost: Free.
- Main Requirement: Present a valid boarding pass for a flight on the same day.
- Total Process Time: Although the journey takes less than 5 minutes, consider that the wait between trains can be up to 11 minutes.
Connection Buses: The Universal Alternative
This surface bus service connects both terminals and is available to both passengers and the general public.
User Experience:
Travelers consider it a solid and necessary alternative, especially when the Aerotrén is not available or for those who are not passengers. It is valued for its 24/7 availability and for having more space for luggage. Its main disadvantage is the slowness, as it is subject to traffic and its frequency can be irregular.
Service Details
- Stop Location:
- Terminal 1: Gate 6 (formerly Gate 7).
- Terminal 2: Gate 4.
- Hours: 24 hours a day.
- Cost:
- Connecting Passengers: Free (especially when the Aerotrén is out of service).
- General Public: A fee is applied which is paid directly to the operator. The cost between terminals is MXN 16.00.
- Transfer Time: The journey can take between 10 and 25 minutes, depending on traffic.