The Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City operates two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which service both domestic and international flights. Passengers needing to travel between these terminals have several transportation options, depending on whether they hold a boarding pass.
The Aerotrén: for ticketed passengers only
The primary mode of transfer for travelers with a valid boarding pass is the Aerotrén, an automated people mover system designed to connect Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 efficiently. The Aerotrén trip between terminals takes approximately four and a half minutes. This train runs inside the secure area of the airport, allowing passengers to transfer between gates without leaving the customs zone. It operates at frequent intervals throughout the day, accommodating those with connecting flights within the airport.
The airport also has a light rail service known locally as the Aerotrén, but this term can sometimes cause confusion. The Aerotrén refers specifically to the internal shuttle train connecting the terminals inside the secured areas. Aside from this, there is no other internal rail link between terminals.
Options if you don’t have a boarding pass
Passengers without boarding passes or individuals not flying who need to move between the two terminals can only use the airport’s connection bus service. This bus is available to the general public and makes stops outside the terminals. The connection bus runs more slowly than the Aerotrén and depends on traffic conditions within the airport perimeter, making it a longer journey compared to the train. Those transferring on foot face challenges due to the considerable distance and the lack of pedestrian pathways directly linking the terminals. In some cases, travelers have used external transportation options, such as the city’s Metro Bus, to move between the terminals, though this requires exiting the airport premises and possibly clearing customs again, causing delays and additional procedures.
Both terminals feature numerous flight options and airlines: Terminal 1 handles the bulk of Mexico’s domestic flights as well as many international carriers, while Terminal 2 was built primarily to handle international flights operated by Aeroméxico and its partners. Passengers are advised to allow ample time when transferring between terminals due to these logistics. For current terminal maps and flight information, check the official AICM airport site.
