Mexico City’s Metro is one of the largest and cheapest urban rail systems in the world — 12 lines, 195 stations, $5 MXN per ride. It moves over 4 million people daily and is the fastest way to cross the city.
The Basics
Runs roughly 5 AM to midnight (6 AM weekends). Trains every 2-5 minutes at peak. Each station has a name and an icon — the icons were designed for riders who could not read, and they persist as one of the system’s most distinctive features.
Flat $5 MXN fare regardless of distance. Get a rechargeable card at station ticket windows. Same card works on Metrobus.
Key Lines for Visitors
Line 1 (Pink): Most useful. Chapultepec to Historic Center. Stations: Chapultepec for the park, Insurgentes for Zona Rosa/Roma, Sevilla for Juarez.
Line 2 (Blue): Zocalo to northwest. Also serves Revolution Monument.
Line 3 (Green): North-south. Miguel Angel de Quevedo for Coyoacan/San Angel.
Line 7 (Orange): Polanco and Tacubaya interchange.
Safety
Generally safe but crowded. Pickpocketing happens — phones in front pockets, bags in front. First two cars reserved for women/children at rush hour. Phone snatching at entrances is the most common issue.
Tips
Avoid rush hour (7-10 AM, 5-8 PM). Stand right on escalators. Transfer stations involve long walks. Not air-conditioned — hot in summer.
For the full transport picture, see our Getting Around guide.