Mexico City Airport Terminals
Information compiled by David Enrich, aviation and airport guide expert since 1999.
Mexico City International Airport (officially Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez) operates with two main passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Together they handle tens of millions of passengers each year and serve as one of the most important air transport hubs in Latin America.
The terminals are located within the same airport complex and are connected by the Aerotrén automated train, available for passengers with boarding passes. A road shuttle also links both terminals for the general public.
If you have a connection between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, allow at least 45–60 minutes, especially if you must clear immigration or security again.
Terminal Maps – Mexico City Airport (MEX)
To better understand the layout of the airport, the following terminal map illustrates the overall structure of Mexico City International Airport, including Terminal 1, Terminal 2, gates, transport links, parking areas, and service locations.
Terminal 1
Historical Background
Terminal 1 is the original terminal of Mexico City Airport, dating back to the mid-20th century when the airport began expanding to accommodate international traffic. Over the decades it has undergone several renovations, especially ahead of the 1968 Olympic Games and later modernization programs.
Today it remains the largest terminal at the airport, handling the majority of domestic and international airlines.
Terminal Layout
Terminal 1 is a large facility with multiple concourses and passenger levels.
Main areas include:
- Ground level (Arrivals) – baggage claim, immigration, customs, transport services
- Upper level (Departures) – airline check-in counters and security control
- Boarding concourses – gates for domestic and international flights
The terminal contains dozens of gates distributed across several boarding areas, connected by internal corridors.
Walking distances in Terminal 1 can be long. If your gate is in the far concourses, allow 10–15 minutes of walking time after security.
Shops and Retail
Terminal 1 offers a wide variety of shopping options.
Categories include:
- Fashion and accessories – clothing brands and travel apparel
- Electronics and travel gadgets
- Books and magazines
- Souvenirs and Mexican crafts
- Pharmacies and convenience stores
The Duty Free shops are located in the international departure area and offer perfumes, cosmetics, liquor, chocolates, and travel retail products.
Duty-free prices are often competitive for tequila and Mexican spirits, making them a popular souvenir purchase.
Restaurants, Cafés and Bars
Terminal 1 features numerous dining options ranging from fast food to full-service restaurants.
Some well-rated options include:
- La Mansión – a popular steakhouse restaurant located near the departure area. Known for Mexican beef dishes and grilled specialties.
- Wings Restaurant – a long-standing airport chain offering Mexican and international breakfast and lunch menus.
- Starbucks – several locations throughout the terminal, ideal for coffee and quick snacks.
Typical opening hours range from 05:00 until late evening, with some cafés operating 24 hours.
If you have an early flight, look for restaurants near the check-in area where breakfast options are available before security opens.
Terminal 2
Historical Background
Terminal 2 opened in 2007 as part of a major expansion project designed to reduce congestion at Terminal 1 and accommodate growing passenger numbers. The terminal serves primarily as the main hub for Aeroméxico and SkyTeam partner airlines.
It was designed with a more modern layout and improved passenger facilities.
Terminal Layout
Terminal 2 is structured with several levels:
- Ground level – arrivals, baggage claim, transport access
- Upper level – departures, check-in counters and security screening
- Boarding concourse – gates serving domestic and international flights
Compared with Terminal 1, Terminal 2 is often considered easier to navigate, with shorter walking distances between security and gates.
Even though Terminal 2 is more compact, check the gate screens frequently as gates may change close to boarding time.
Shops and Duty Free
Terminal 2 includes a range of retail outlets, including:
- Travel accessories and electronics
- Luxury boutiques
- Mexican souvenir stores
- Duty Free stores with perfumes, liquor and tobacco
Duty-free shops are located after security in the international departure area.
Restaurants and Cafés
Dining options in Terminal 2 include both international brands and Mexican cuisine.
Popular options include:
- Casa Avila – known for traditional Mexican dishes and tequila selections.
- Starbucks – coffee and pastries throughout the day.
- Grab-and-go cafés near the boarding gates for quick snacks.
Most restaurants operate from early morning until evening, with some extending hours depending on flight schedules.
More info about shops and restaurants
Terminal 2 tends to be less crowded, making it easier to find seating in restaurants during busy travel periods.
Airport Facilities and Services
Both terminals offer a wide range of passenger services.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Free airport Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals, along with charging stations for mobile devices.
ATMs and Currency Exchange
Numerous ATMs and currency exchange counters are located in arrivals and departures areas.
Luggage Storage
Short-term luggage storage facilities are available in both terminals.
Family Services
Facilities include:
- Baby-changing rooms
- Family restrooms
- Areas suitable for traveling with children
Accessibility for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
The airport provides:
- Elevators and accessible restrooms
- Wheelchair assistance services
- Priority security screening when requested
If you require mobility assistance, contact your airline at least 48 hours before departure.
Security and Baggage Control
Passengers departing from the airport must pass through security screening, where carry-on luggage is scanned.
International passengers must also clear immigration control before boarding.
Typical process:
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Check-in at airline counter
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Security screening
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Immigration control (international flights)
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Boarding gate
Lost and Found
Passengers who lose items within the terminal should contact the airport’s Lost & Found office.
If an item was lost onboard the aircraft, passengers must contact the airline directly.
Keep your baggage claim tag until you leave the airport, as it may be required to verify luggage ownership.
Check-in and Boarding
Airlines typically recommend arriving:
- 2 hours before domestic flights
- 3 hours before international flights
Check-in counters are located in the departure levels of both terminals.
Self-service kiosks are also available for some airlines.
More Traveler tips
If your gate is in the satellite concourse of Terminal 1, walking distances are noticeably longer than in Terminal 2. Always check your gate number before going through security so you can estimate how much time you need.
For tight connections between terminals, the Aerotrén train usually takes about 5 minutes, but including waiting and walking time the transfer can take 20–30 minutes in total.
Passengers with reduced mobility can request assistance from their airline, which includes transport through the terminal and priority boarding.
Popular Flights from Mexico City Airport