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Uber in Mexico City: How I Navigate CDMX Safely, Easily & Cheaply

As someone who recently traveled solo to Mexico City, one of the questions I get most often is:

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Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/uber-in-mexico-city/

Is Uber available in Mexico City

“Is Uber available in CDMX?” The answer is a resounding yes! Not only have I found Uber to be everywhere in this sprawling city, but it’s become my default way of getting around. Cheap prices, an easy-to-use app, and abundant availability make it a no-brainer.

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Uber in Mexico City: How I Navigate CDMX Safely, Easily & Cheaply

No time to read it all? Here are the key highlights from my experience:

  • I rely on Uber constantly when visiting Mexico City and highly recommend it
  • Rides are significantly cheaper than in U.S. cities (often 50%+ less)
  • I’ve taken Uber to/from the airport many times without issue
  • DiDi is my go-to Uber alternative for even lower fares
  • I never hail the pink taxis off the street and stick to Uber for safety

Over my dozen-plus visits to CDMX, I’ve learned a thing or two about using Uber safely and effectively. In this guide, I’m going to share all my first-hand tips so you can navigate Mexico City like a pro.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/uber-in-mexico-city/

best way to get around mexico city

The right mode of transport can make all the difference between an efficient, enjoyable experience and a stressful, time-sucking headache.

In my opinion, Uber is hands-down the best way to get around Mexico City, especially for visitors. The convenience, safety, and affordability simply can’t be beat. With just a few taps on your phone, you can summon a ride from virtually anywhere in the city and be on your way in minutes. The app’s built-in safety features, like real-time GPS tracking and the ability to share your trip status with loved ones, provide invaluable peace of mind in an unfamiliar place.

RELATED: Where to Stay in Mexico City & Coolest Hotels in Mexico City

Does Uber work in Mexico City

Yes uber works in Mexico city and it’s the best way to get around. And unlike hailing taxis off the street, there’s no need to worry about language barriers, getting lost, or being overcharged. Best of all, Uber’s upfront pricing and cashless payment system mean you always know exactly what you’re paying and don’t have to stress about carrying exact change or haggling with drivers.

As soon as you open the Uber app in Mexico City, you’ll see a map full of available drivers nearby, ready to pick you up within minutes in most areas. Whether you’re in the heart of the city or a quiet residential neighborhood, you can count on Uber to be there when you need it.

When not to use Uber in Mexico City

The only time I might not use Uber is if I’m in a big rush during peak traffic hours. Since Ubers don’t have access to the dedicated bus lanes that taxis and public transportation use, they can occasionally get bogged down in the gridlock. But for late-night outings, airport runs, or reaching destinations not well-served by the metro, Uber is indispensable.

For reliability, comfort, and overall value, Uber is my go-to choice for navigating Mexico City’s urban jungle.

RELATED: Day Trips From Mexico City you can’t miss

Types of Uber in Mexico City

One thing that surprised me about Uber in CDMX is the sheer variety of ride options – way more than we have in the U.S.! In addition to the standard UberX, here are the other choices I regularly see in the app:

  • UberX – your basic private ride for 1-4 passengers (my go-to)
  • Uberplanet- similar to uberX but it  offsets your carbon footprint with a fee that goes towards green energy
  • UberXL – for groups of up to 6 or when I have a lot of luggage
  • Comfort – upgraded vehicles with more legroom and higher-rated drivers
  • Black – when I want to splurge on a premium ride in a luxury car
  • Black SUV – high-end SUVs for up to 6 people
  • Assist – drivers trained to assist passengers with disabilities or mobility issues
  • Flash – for sending documents, keys, and other small items across town (super handy!)
Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/uber-in-mexico-city/

How Much Does Uber in Mexico City Cost

I’ll never forget my first Uber ride in Mexico City. When a 20+ minute ride that wound up costing less than $5, I was blown away! While prices have crept up a bit since then, I still find Uber in CDMX to be a flat-out bargain compared to most American and European cities. Fares are typically 25-50% lower.

RELATED: Mexico City Travel Guide

uber mexico city rates

To give you a general sense, here are some actual Uber fares I’ve paid for popular routes:

RouteUberXComfortBlack
Condesa to Zócalo (6 km)MXN 85MXN 125MXN 265
Roma to Frida Kahlo Museum (12 km)MXN 180MXN 270MXN 605
Polanco to Benito Juárez Airport (17km)MXN 240MXN 360MXN 760

These are just estimates based on my own experience – your actual fare will depend on factors like traffic, time of day, surge pricing, and your specific pick-up/drop-off points.

But I’ve found most rides within the central neighborhoods to fall between $50-250 MXN ($2.50-USD 12.50).

uber/taxi from Mexico City to teotihuacan

Even longer trips to outer burbs or the pyramids of Teotihuacán rarely exceed MXN 500 ($25) each way. All this to say, Uber is delightfully affordable in CDMX!

things to do in mexico city uber in mexico city

RELATED: Day Trips From Mexico City you can’t miss

Is Uber Safe In Mexico City?

From my extensive firsthand experience, I can confidently say that Uber is indeed safe for tourists and visitors in Mexico City. I’ve used Uber dozens of times all over CDMX – at all hours of the day and night, solo and with friends – and never once felt unsafe or had a bad experience.

In fact, I find Uber to be the safest and most secure way to get around Mexico City. Here’s why:

  • All drivers are background checked and their information (photo, name, license plate, etc) is available in the app
  • You can share your ride status and location with friends and family
  • There’s no need to carry cash or worry about being overcharged
  • The app tracks your route and you can see if you’re going the right way
  • You can report any issues or unsafe behavior directly to Uber for follow-up

Of course, you should still practice basic street smarts and take reasonable precautions, such as:

  • Double checking that the car model and license plate match what’s shown in the app before getting in
  • Asking the driver to confirm your name before you enter the vehicle
  • Riding in the back seat rather than the front (especially if you’re a solo female)
  • Following along in the app to ensure you’re going the right way and not taking any strange detours
  • Trusting your gut and speaking up or ending the ride if anything feels off

But truly, in 100+ Uber rides in CDMX, I’ve never had a driver who made me feel remotely uncomfortable or unsafe. Most are friendly, and professional, and take pride in their work.

In many ways, Uber is safer than hailing random taxis off the street. With taxis, you have no record of your driver or trip, and scams are more common. I only use the officially authorized taxis from the sitio (taxi stand) or call by phone.

RELATED: Mexico City to San Miguel De Allende

Uber Mexico City Airport

I’ve taken Ubers to rom Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX). Despite some occasional congestion, it’s almost always faster and cheaper than the authorized airport taxis.

The designated Uber mexico city airport terminal 1 are located:

  • Terminal 1: Exit 4
  • Terminal 2: Exit 2 (ground level)

After exiting baggage claim, follow the signs towards “Sala de Última Espera” and then look for the Uber icon. In Terminal 1, cross the sky bridge to the other side of the street. Your Uber will pull up curbside.

I usually budget around 200 pesos ($10) for Uber from MEX to neighborhoods like Roma Norte, Condesa, Juarez, Centro or Polanco. The ride takes about 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.

RELATED: Visiting Frida Kahlo Museum My Experience

Uber from Mexico city airport

Although I didn’t take an Uber from Mexico City airport myself, I have a helpful tip to share from my own experience. Due to my flight’s ungodly 3:30 am arrival time, the Uber app wouldn’t allow me to reserve a ride in advance.

Not wanting to chance it at that hour, I opted for the safer bet of booking a private driver and car to pick me up. It was a smooth experience – they had my flight information and waited up to 30 minutes past my scheduled pick-up time. Using WhatsApp, I was able to communicate with the driver throughout the process. Best of all, it only cost me $25.

If you don’t want the uncertainty of waiting for an Uber when you land, I highly recommend arranging a private ride.

However, if you’re arriving at a more reasonable hour, getting an Uber from Mexico City airport should be fairly straightforward. Just keep in mind that traffic and congestion in CDMX can be horrendous, especially after 4 pm on weekdays.

To avoid the headache of a long wait, it’s wise to err on the side of caution and pre-arrange a private car service to collect you. Trust me, after a long flight, the last thing you want is to be stuck curbside battling traffic delays!

RELATED: Ultimate Guide To Hot Air balloons over Teotihuacan pyramids

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/uber-in-mexico-city/

Uber Alternatives in CDMX

I’m a fan of Uber, but it’s not the only rideshare app in town. Lately, I find myself using DiDi just as often, if not more so. This Chinese app offers very similar service to Uber but often has lower fares. The downside is slightly fewer drivers. I recommend price-checking both.

Cabify is a third option catering to the higher-end. Think of it as Uber Black-lite. While fancier than UberX, I don’t find the price premium to be quite as extreme as Uber’s luxury tiers.

One option I DON’T recommend is hailing the pink and white city taxis off the street. While these are everywhere, sticking to app-based rides is much safer and avoids scams and ripoffs.

I have both Uber and DiDi installed at all times. I quickly compare prices and ETAs in both apps before requesting. 

Here are my top recommendations for the best ways to travel within CDMX:

Metro

  • By far the cheapest way to get around at only $5 MXN (25¢) per ride
  • Extensive network that covers the core of the city well
  • Clean, efficient, and very frequent (every couple minutes)
  • Can get extremely crowded during rush hours (avoid if you’re claustrophobic!)
  • Not always the fastest for long distances
  • Closes at midnight

Uber/DiDi

  • My go-to for convenience, safety, and door-to-door service
  • Very affordable compared to taxis or rideshares in other countries
  • Plentiful and fast pick-ups in most areas
  • Ideal for getting to/from airport or at night when metro is closed
  • Can be slow during peak traffic times

Metrobús

  • Handy network of dedicated-lane buses that complement the metro
  • More scenic than the underground metro
  • Low flat fare paid with rechargeable smartcard
  • Can be very crowded during commute times
  • Less frequent than the metro

Trolebús & Tren Ligero

  • Additional light rail/trolley lines that connect to metro
  • Same cheap flat fare as the metro
  • Less extensive than the metro or metrobús
  • Can be a convenient way to reach certain neighborhoods

EcoBici Bikeshare

  • Affordable public bike rentals by the half-hour
  • Great for short trips or leisurely exploring
  • Requires registering for a 1, 3 or 7-day pass
  • Somewhat limited coverage area
  • Obviously not ideal in the rain or if you have luggage

Taxis

  • Officially metered taxis can be convenient if hailed from a sitio stand
  • More expensive than Uber for foreigners
  • I avoid hailing taxis directly off the street for safety
  • Only use radio taxis or official taxi stands

Walking

  • My preferred method for exploring smaller colonias like Roma and Condesa
  • Lets you appreciate the amazing street art, architecture, and street life up close
  • Pleasant and doable in compact areas or a few adjoining neighborhoods
  • Not practical for long distances
  • Take caution with uneven sidewalks and uncontrolled intersections

Personally, I rely heavily on the metro and Uber/DiDi to get nearly everywhere I need to go. The metro is unbeatable for getting across the core of the city quickly and cheaply. Meanwhile, Ubers fill in the gaps for hard-to-reach places, off-hours, airport runs, or when I’m just exhausted.

I also love walking to intimately explore neighborhoods like Roma Norte, Condesa, Centro Histórico, Coyoacán, or San Ángel. Many colonias are much more compact and pedestrian-friendly than you’d expect in a city of 20+ million.

When deciding how to get around CDMX, I consider:

  • The distance and neighborhoods I’m traveling between
  • If I’m in a time crunch or can go at a leisurely pace
  • Whether I’ll be out late after the metro closes (12am)
  • If I have heavy luggage with me
  • The weather
  • My personal energy level that day

I often find myself combining multiple modes of transportation, like taking the metro partway and then walking or Uber-ing the last stretch. With so many options, you can mix and match to optimize for your priorities, whether that’s speed, cost, convenience, or simply enjoying the journey.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/uber-in-mexico-city/

Is Uber cheaper than a taxi in Mexico City?

From my experience, Uber is almost always cheaper than taking a taxi in Mexico City, especially for foreigners. The difference in price can be quite significant, with Uber fares often 30-50% less than what you’d pay for the same ride in a taxi.

For example, a taxi from Roma Norte to the airport might run you $250-300 MXN, while an UberX typically costs me around $150-200 MXN. For longer rides, like to the southern suburbs or Teotihuacan, the savings with Uber can be even greater.

Several factors contribute to Uber’s lower prices in CDMX:

  1. Upfront pricing: With Uber, you know exactly what you’ll pay before you ride. Taxi fares can vary widely based on traffic, route, and the driver’s whims.
  2. No haggling: Uber eliminates the need to negotiate fares or worry about being overcharged as a tourist. The price you see in the app is what you pay, period.
  3. Competitive rates: Uber’s algorithms adjust fares in real-time based on factors like demand, traffic, and driver supply. This helps keep prices competitive and stable.
  4. Subsidies: Uber has been known to subsidize rides in newer markets to attract users and undercut the competition. While these subsidies have decreased over time, they’ve helped keep fares low.

It’s worth noting that Uber’s surge pricing can occasionally make fares spike during peak times or bad weather. But in my experience, even with surge pricing, Uber is still usually cheaper than a taxi for the same route.

Taxis booked through a ride-hailing app like Yaxi or called from a sitio stand tend to be a bit less than hailing one directly off the street. But they still usually cost more than Uber.

Of course, there are times when a taxi might be a better choice than Uber in Mexico City, such as:

  • During rush hour when Uber’s dynamic pricing is surging
  • If you’re in an area with few Uber drivers available and don’t want to wait
  • When you need to pay in cash or don’t have a smartphone

But for the vast majority of trips, I’ve found Uber to be the most economical choice. The 20-50% I typically save on each ride really adds up over a multi-day trip. More pesos in my pocket for tacos and museums!

Beyond just being cheaper, I find Uber to be more convenient and comfortable than taxis in CDMX. I love being able to manage everything through the app without having to explain directions or handle cash. And in my experience, Ubers tend to be newer, cleaner, and better-maintained vehicles than the average street taxi.

For first-time visitors to Mexico City, I highly recommend sticking with Uber (or DiDi) over taxis. The price difference is significant and removes one more source of stress from navigating the city. Trust me, that extra $5-10 savings on airport transfers and late-night Uber rides really adds up!

What is the safest way to get around Mexico City?

When it comes to safety, my top recommendation for getting around Mexico City is Uber or other reputable ride-hailing apps like DiDi. From my extensive experience, these apps offer the best combination of safety features, accountability, and ease of use for tourists navigating the city.

Here are the key reasons I believe Uber is the safest transportation option in CDMX:

  1. Driver vetting: All Uber drivers undergo thorough background checks and must meet strict requirements to join the platform. You can view your driver’s name, photo, license plate, and rating before getting in the car.
  2. GPS tracking: Uber tracks your ride in real-time using GPS. You can follow your route in the app to ensure you’re going the right way and share your trip status with trusted contacts.
  3. Cashless transactions: With Uber, there’s no need to carry cash or worry about being shortchanged. All payments are handled securely through the app.
  4. Accountability: If anything goes wrong, you have a record of your driver and trip in the app. You can easily report issues to Uber’s customer support for follow-up.
  5. Emergency assistance: In the event of an emergency, the Uber app has a built-in SOS button that connects you directly with local authorities and shares your real-time location and trip details.

That’s not to say other modes of transportation in Mexico City are inherently unsafe. The metro, for example, is generally secure thanks to the presence of police and security cameras. Thousands of chilangos ride it daily without incident. However, pickpocketing and petty theft do occur, especially on crowded trains. As a tourist unfamiliar with the system, you’re a more attractive target.

If you do opt for the metro, take basic precautions like:

  • Keeping your valuables secure and out of sight
  • Being extra vigilant during rush hours when trains are packed
  • Avoiding empty cars late at night
  • Sticking to well-lit, populated stations after dark

My Top Tips for Using Uber in Mexico City

At this point, I use Uber so frequently and automatically in Mexico City that I barely have to think about it. But I’ve picked up several key tips that I wish I knew as a first-time visitor.

Here are my top recommendations for a smooth Uber experience in CDMX:

  1. Tip your driver in the app, especially if they provide great service or have a nice car. A little propane goes a long way! 10-20% is a good benchmark.
  2. Screenshot or save your accommodation address in Spanish before you arrive. This avoids confusion or language barriers when inputting your destination.
  3. If your pick-up spot is on a busy street, walk a block or two to a quieter spot where it’ll be easier for your driver to pull over safely. Mexico City traffic is no joke!
  4. Double and triple-check the car model, license plate, and driver photo in the app before getting in. Occasionally fake Uber drivers will try to pick up unsuspecting passengers.
  5. As a solo female traveler, I make a point to sit in the back seat. This small act helps set boundaries and is more culturally appropriate in Mexico.
  6. Give a quick “hola” and “gracias” to your driver. A little friendliness and basic Spanish is always appreciated, even though the Uber app removes most language barriers.
  7. Don’t leave your driver waiting – be ready to hop in right when they arrive to avoid racking up wait time fees and starting the ride on an annoying note.

Uber in Mexico City: The Verdict

After many trips and hundreds of rides, I can’t recommend Uber in Mexico City highly enough. It’s convenient, reliable, affordable, and a breeze to use – even if you don’t speak Spanish.

Sure, the Metro is even cheaper. But for getting to/from the airport with luggage, late-night outings, or reaching far-flung spots, Uber is indispensable.

From my experience, Uber is very safe for tourists in Mexico City. By following common sense precautions like checking the driver/vehicle info, sitting in the back, and tracking your route in the app, the risk is minimal.

So go ahead and embrace Uber as you explore this incredible metropolis. Before long, you’ll be conquering Mexico City’s urban jungle like a true capitalino!

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