<p>We&#39;ve lived in Roma Norte for over four years. Between us and our 280+ Airbnb guests, we&#39;ve taken hundreds of rides on Uber and Didi across Mexico City — at rush hour, at 2 AM, to the airport, from the airport (when that was still easy), and everything in between.</p>
<p>Here&#39;s what we actually tell our guests when they ask: <strong>download both apps before you land.</strong> But open Didi first.</p>
<h2>The short answer</h2>
<p>Didi is usually 10–20% cheaper than Uber for the same route. Uber has more drivers and slightly faster pickup times. Both are safe. Both work with international credit cards. You want both on your phone.</p>
<p>That said, there are real differences that matter depending on where you&#39;re going, what time it is, and whether you&#39;re paying cash or card. Let&#39;s break it down.</p>
<h2>Price comparison: real rides from Roma Norte</h2>
<p>These are actual fare ranges we see regularly in March 2026. Prices fluctuate with demand, but this gives you a realistic picture.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Route</th>
<th>Uber (MXN)</th>
<th>Didi (MXN)</th>
<th>Savings</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Roma Norte → Condesa</td>
<td>$40–70</td>
<td>$35–55</td>
<td>Didi ~15% less</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Roma Norte → Polanco</td>
<td>$60–100</td>
<td>$50–85</td>
<td>Didi ~15% less</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Roma Norte → Coyoacán</td>
<td>$120–180</td>
<td>$100–150</td>
<td>Didi ~15% less</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Roma Norte → Centro Histórico</td>
<td>$50–80</td>
<td>$40–65</td>
<td>Didi ~15% less</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Roma Norte → AICM Airport</td>
<td>$120–200</td>
<td>$100–170</td>
<td>Didi ~15% less</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Roma Norte → Xochimilco</td>
<td>$200–300</td>
<td>$170–250</td>
<td>Didi ~15% less</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Roma Norte → Teotihuacán</td>
<td>$500–600</td>
<td>$450–550</td>
<td>Didi ~10% less</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>Why is Didi cheaper?</strong> Two reasons. Didi takes a smaller cut from drivers (about 20%) compared to Uber (about 25%). And Didi uses dynamic pricing less aggressively — when Uber spikes to 1.8x on a rainy Friday evening, Didi is often still at 1.2x or lower.</p>
<p><strong>Pro tip:</strong> When Uber shows surge pricing, check Didi. The difference during peak hours can be 30–40%, not just 15%. We&#39;ve saved $50+ MXN on single rides this way.</p>
<h2>Availability and wait times</h2>
<p>Uber has more drivers in Mexico City. Period. Mexico is Uber&#39;s third-largest market globally, with about 25 million users and 300,000+ registered drivers nationwide. You&#39;ll almost always get an Uber within 3–5 minutes in Roma Norte, Condesa, or Polanco.</p>
<p>Didi has fewer drivers overall, but it&#39;s growing fast. In central neighborhoods, wait times are comparable — usually 4–7 minutes. Where you&#39;ll notice the difference is late at night (after midnight) or in less touristy areas. If Didi can&#39;t find a driver, Uber almost always can.</p>
<p><strong>Our approach:</strong> Open Didi first for every ride. If the wait time is under 7 minutes and the price looks good, book it. If Didi shows 10+ minutes or no drivers available, switch to Uber.</p>
<h2>Safety: both are solid</h2>
<p>Let&#39;s be direct — both Uber and Didi are significantly safer than street taxis in CDMX.</p>
<p>Both apps give you:</p>
<ul>
<li>Driver name, photo, license plate before pickup</li>
<li>Real-time GPS tracking of your route</li>
<li>Digital payment (no cash transaction needed)</li>
<li>Trip history and receipts</li>
<li>Rating system that holds drivers accountable</li>
<li>Option to share your trip with a contact in real time</li>
</ul>
<p>Didi also uses a 4-digit security PIN that you give to the driver before they start the ride. Uber has rolled out a similar verification feature. Both are good additions, especially for airport pickups where multiple drivers may approach you.</p>
<p><strong>One important difference:</strong> Uber lets you request &quot;Uber Mujer&quot; in some cities (female driver for female passengers). As of March 2026, this is not yet available in Mexico City, but it&#39;s been rumored for launch before the World Cup.</p>
<p><strong>Avoid InDrive.</strong> It&#39;s cheaper, but the driver vetting is minimal, vehicles can be sketchy, and the negotiation model means less accountability. We don&#39;t recommend it to our guests.</p>
<h2>Payment: cash vs card</h2>
<p><strong>Uber:</strong> Works with international Visa, Mastercard, and Amex. You can also pay in cash. Most drivers prefer cash because Uber takes weeks to process card payments to them.</p>
<p><strong>Didi:</strong> Also accepts international cards and cash. Didi was actually built with cash-first markets in mind, so the cash experience is smoother.</p>
<p><strong>Our recommendation:</strong> Add your card to both apps, but carry small bills ($50 and $100 MXN notes). Some drivers may cancel if they see card payment, especially for short rides. Having cash avoids that friction entirely. Also, many drivers can&#39;t break a $500 MXN note — keep smaller bills on hand.</p>
<h2>The airport situation (March 2026 update)</h2>
<p>This is where things get complicated. As of March 12, 2026, the Mexican government deployed Guardia Nacional (National Guard) at AICM airport to prevent Uber and Didi drivers from picking up passengers inside the terminals. This happened after taxi union protests.</p>
<p><strong>What this means for you:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>You can still REQUEST an Uber or Didi from the airport — but the pickup won&#39;t be at the terminal</li>
<li>For Terminal 1: you&#39;ll need to walk about 500–900 meters to a nearby street where drivers can safely stop</li>
<li>For Terminal 2: the walk is 500–1,200 meters</li>
<li>The apps still work; the drivers are just waiting outside the enforcement perimeter</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The alternative:</strong> Buy a pre-paid authorized airport taxi ticket at the &quot;Sitio&quot; booth inside arrivals. Fixed rate to Roma Norte is $700–1,000 MXN. Yes, it&#39;s 4–5x what Uber/Didi would cost, but you walk straight from the terminal to a licensed car with zero hassle.</p>
<p><strong>Our full airport guide:</strong> <a href="/en/cdmx-nomad/airport-transportation-cdmx">Read our AICM airport transportation guide for the complete breakdown →</a></p>
<p>Uber has filed a legal injunction (amparo) arguing their drivers have the right to operate at federal airports, and a federal judge has issued a temporary suspension protecting Uber drivers from sanctions. But enforcement is ongoing. Check our airport guide for the latest.</p>
<h2>NEW: Uber Shuttle (launched January 2026)</h2>
<p>Uber has launched &quot;Uber Shuttle&quot; in Mexico City ahead of the World Cup — a shared van/bus service with fixed routes, fixed schedules, and no surge pricing. Think of it as a middle ground between Uber and the Metrobús.</p>
<p>Currently it&#39;s running routes to and from Santa Fe, but Uber plans to expand routes as the World Cup approaches, especially to Estadio Azteca and fan zones. Look for &quot;Uber Shuttle&quot; as an option in the regular Uber app. It uses a security PIN like Didi, and it&#39;s significantly cheaper than a regular Uber ride.</p>
<p>This could be a game-changer during the World Cup when regular Uber/Didi prices will spike hard.</p>
<h2>Other apps worth knowing about</h2>
<p><strong>Cabify:</strong> Still exists in CDMX but smaller market share. Slightly more expensive, slightly nicer cars. Fine as a backup.</p>
<p><strong>Taxi CDMX:</strong> The city government is reportedly building its own ride-hailing app for the World Cup. Not yet launched as of March 2026.</p>
<p><strong>InDrive:</strong> Budget option where you negotiate fares with drivers. We don&#39;t recommend it — lower safety standards, unreliable vehicles, bidding model is stressful. Fine for locals who know what they&#39;re doing, not ideal for visitors.</p>
<h2>Tips we give every guest</h2>
<p><strong>1. Always verify before getting in.</strong> Check the license plate, driver name, and car model match what the app shows. This takes 5 seconds and is the single most important safety habit.</p>
<p><strong>2. Sit in the back seat.</strong> Always. It&#39;s safer and it&#39;s the cultural norm in Mexico — sitting up front with the driver is unusual.</p>
<p><strong>3. Rush hour will wreck your plans.</strong> Weekdays 7–10 AM and 4–8 PM, Mexico City traffic is brutal. A 15-minute ride becomes 45 minutes. Either leave early, take the Metro, or wait it out at a café.</p>
<p><strong>4. Rain = price spike.</strong> The moment it starts raining (common in afternoon/evening during rainy season, May–October), both Uber and Didi prices jump 30–50%. The Metro doesn&#39;t care about rain.</p>
<p><strong>5. The Metro is often faster.</strong> For cross-town trips during rush hour, the Metro ($5 MXN per ride) beats any rideshare in both speed and cost. We use Uber for convenience, but the Metro is the real workhorse.</p>
<p><strong>6. Don&#39;t take street taxis at night.</strong> Period. Use Uber or Didi. The safety gap between app-based rideshare and random street taxis is real, especially after dark.</p>
<p><strong>7. Tip in cash.</strong> If the ride was good, hand the driver $10–20 MXN in cash. Both apps have tipping options, but cash tips go directly to the driver without platform cuts.</p>
<h2>Our verdict</h2>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th>Uber</th>
<th>Didi</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Price</strong></td>
<td>Higher, more surge pricing</td>
<td>10–20% cheaper, less surge</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Availability</strong></td>
<td>More drivers, faster pickups</td>
<td>Growing, good in central areas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Best for</strong></td>
<td>Late night, less touristy areas</td>
<td>Daily rides, budget-conscious</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Payment</strong></td>
<td>Card + cash</td>
<td>Card + cash</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Safety</strong></td>
<td>Excellent</td>
<td>Excellent</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Airport</strong></td>
<td>Currently restricted at AICM</td>
<td>Currently restricted at AICM</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>App quality</strong></td>
<td>Slightly better UX</td>
<td>Functional, getting better</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Driver earnings</strong></td>
<td>~75% of fare</td>
<td>~80% of fare</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>Bottom line:</strong> Download both. Open Didi first for everyday rides. Switch to Uber when Didi can&#39;t find a driver or you&#39;re in a hurry. Use the Metro when traffic is insane. Never take a random street taxi at night.</p>
<hr>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Staying in Roma Norte or Narvarte?</strong> Our apartments come with a welcome guide that includes exact Uber/Didi instructions for common routes — airport to apartment, apartment to best restaurants, and day trip logistics. Fast Wi-Fi for downloading apps, and your driver can drop you at the door.</p>
<p><a href="https://stayworkcdmx.com?utm_source=rincones&#038;utm_medium=blog&#038;utm_campaign=uber-vs-didi&#038;utm_content=end-cta">→ See all listings on StayWork CDMX</a></p>
</blockquote>
<hr>
<p><em>Last updated: March 22, 2026. Prices and availability change constantly — we update this post as things evolve. The airport situation is particularly fluid ahead of the World Cup.</em></p>
<p><em>Written by Agustín &amp; Analí — hosts of <a href="https://stayworkcdmx.com?utm_source=rincones&#038;utm_medium=blog&#038;utm_campaign=uber-vs-didi&#038;utm_content=author-box">StayWork CDMX</a> with 280+ guest reviews. We take rideshares in CDMX daily and have strong opinions about surge pricing.</em></p>


We’ve taken hundreds of rides on both apps in Mexico City. Here’s the real difference between Uber and Didi — prices, availability, safety, airport pickups, and which one to open first.

Uber vs Didi in Mexico City: Which App Should You Use? (A Local’s Honest Take)

<p>We live in Roma Norte. We walk these streets every day. And right now, in March 2026, Mexico City is in the middle of tearing itself apart to look good for the World Cup.</p>
<p>If you&#39;re planning to come to CDMX in the next few months — whether for the tournament, for remote work, or just to travel — here&#39;s what you&#39;ll actually find when you land. No sugarcoating.</p>
<h2>The streets are a construction zone</h2>
<p>Walk around Roma Norte right now and you&#39;ll see it immediately: sidewalks ripped open, exposed pipes, orange barriers, dust everywhere. The city is rebuilding streets, repaving roads, and upgrading infrastructure across the central neighborhoods ahead of the FIFA World Cup kicking off in June.</p>
<p>It&#39;s not just Roma Norte. Condesa, Juárez, the Centro Histórico, and the roads leading to Estadio Azteca — they&#39;re all getting work done at the same time. The result is a city that feels like it&#39;s under renovation from every angle.</p>
<p>The dust is real. If you have allergies or sensitive lungs, bring a mask for walking around during the day. Some blocks are worse than others — the construction moves section by section, so one week your street is fine and the next week it&#39;s a pit.</p>
<p><strong>Our honest recommendation: if you can, come AFTER the World Cup month (July onwards).</strong> By then, the construction should be mostly done, the streets will be freshly paved, and you&#39;ll get to enjoy the upgraded version of the city without the chaos of building it. The city is going to look incredible once it&#39;s finished — it&#39;s just not finished yet.</p>
<p>If you&#39;re coming during the construction period (now through June), don&#39;t let it stop you. The city is still fully functional, restaurants and cafés are open, the Metro works, and the neighborhoods are alive. You&#39;ll just need to dodge some orange cones and deal with dustier-than-usual streets.</p>
<h2>Safety: better than you think</h2>
<p>Here&#39;s something that might surprise first-time visitors: Mexico City feels safe.</p>
<p>We&#39;ve lived here for over four years and hosted 280+ guests from all over the world. The most common thing our guests say after their first day is: &quot;I expected it to feel more dangerous than this.&quot;</p>
<p>The central neighborhoods — Roma Norte, Condesa, Narvarte, Juárez, Polanco — are walkable, well-lit, and full of people at all hours. There&#39;s police presence, there are security cameras, and the streets are active from morning until late at night. It feels more like Barcelona or Buenos Aires than what most people imagine when they think &quot;Mexico City.&quot;</p>
<p><strong>Our strong recommendation: stay in Roma Norte, Condesa, or Narvarte.</strong> These neighborhoods are safe, walkable, and have everything a remote worker or traveler needs within a few blocks — cafés, restaurants, grocery stores, coworking spaces, parks, and excellent Metro access. You don&#39;t need a car. You don&#39;t need to take taxis everywhere. You walk.</p>
<p>That said, common sense applies everywhere:</p>
<ul>
<li>Don&#39;t flash expensive electronics on empty streets late at night</li>
<li>Use Uber or Didi instead of hailing random taxis (especially at night)</li>
<li>Keep your phone in your front pocket in crowded Metro cars</li>
<li>Stay in the neighborhoods you know, especially if you&#39;re new</li>
</ul>
<p>But honestly? Most of our guests feel safer here than they expected. The vibe is relaxed, people are friendly, and the neighborhoods where digital nomads and travelers stay are genuinely comfortable.</p>
<h2>Watch out for protests and street closures</h2>
<p>This is something no travel guide mentions but you&#39;ll experience it if you&#39;re here for more than a few days: <strong>teacher union demonstrations regularly block major streets in CDMX.</strong></p>
<p>Right now (March 2026), the CNTE (teachers&#39; union from several states) has been holding protests near the city center. When they demonstrate, they block transit on major avenues — and the ripple effect is brutal.</p>
<p>We&#39;ve had several days recently where Paseo de la Reforma — one of the city&#39;s main arteries — was completely gridlocked because protesters were blocking intersections. If you have a meeting, a flight, or anywhere you need to be on time, check the news that morning.</p>
<p><strong>Practical tips for dealing with protests:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Follow <a href="https://x.com/ABORDONMX">@ABORDONMX</a> or <a href="https://x.com/LOSMOCHILEROS_">@LOSMOCHILEROS_</a> on X/Twitter — they post real-time traffic and protest alerts for CDMX</li>
<li>Google Maps usually updates traffic quickly when major roads are blocked</li>
<li>If Reforma is blocked, everything between Centro and Chapultepec will be slow — plan alternative routes or just wait it out at a café</li>
<li>The Metro is your best friend when streets are blocked — it runs underground and isn&#39;t affected by surface protests</li>
<li>These protests are peaceful. You&#39;re not in danger — you&#39;re just stuck in traffic</li>
</ul>
<p>This is part of daily life in Mexico City. Locals are used to it. Once you learn to check for it in the morning, you adjust quickly.</p>
<h2>What this means for digital nomads and remote workers</h2>
<p>If you&#39;re coming to CDMX to work remotely, here&#39;s the bottom line:</p>
<p><strong>The good:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The city is safe in the central neighborhoods. We walk home at midnight regularly.</li>
<li>Wi-Fi in apartments and cafés is fast and reliable — this hasn&#39;t changed.</li>
<li>The cost of living is still excellent for anyone earning in USD or EUR.</li>
<li>The food, culture, and social scene are as good as everyone says.</li>
<li>The city will look amazing once the World Cup renovations are done.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The temporary inconveniences:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Street construction makes some sidewalks dusty and noisy during the day.</li>
<li>The airport (AICM) is also under major renovation — <a href="/en/cdmx-nomad/airport-transportation-cdmx">read our AICM guide</a>.</li>
<li>Occasional protest-related traffic jams on Reforma and nearby avenues.</li>
<li>Some streets may have detours or temporary closures in your neighborhood.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>None of these are dealbreakers.</strong> They&#39;re inconveniences that last a few months. The city underneath is still one of the best places in the world for remote workers — affordable, walkable, culturally rich, and incredibly welcoming to foreigners.</p>
<h2>Best neighborhoods to stay (and why)</h2>
<h3>Roma Norte</h3>
<p>The heart of the digital nomad scene. Art deco architecture, the best café density in the city, walkable to everything. Our Roma Norte loft is here — <a href="/en/roma-norte/coffee-shops-remote-work">5-minute walk to the best coffee shops</a>. Construction is happening on some streets but the neighborhood is fully operational.</p>
<h3>Condesa</h3>
<p>Adjacent to Roma Norte, slightly calmer and greener. Parque México is beautiful for morning runs. More residential, slightly more expensive. Great for people who want a quieter base.</p>
<h3>Narvarte</h3>
<p>Our second neighborhood. Calmer, more local, less touristy. Near the hospital district and Parque Delta. Excellent Metro access. Significantly cheaper than Roma Norte or Condesa. Great for longer stays where you want to save money without sacrificing comfort.</p>
<h3>Where NOT to stay</h3>
<p>Tepito, Doctores (parts of it), La Merced late at night, and areas far from Metro lines if you don&#39;t have a car. Stick to the neighborhoods above and you&#39;ll have a great experience.</p>
<h2>The World Cup timeline</h2>
<p>Here&#39;s what to expect over the next few months:</p>
<p><strong>Now through May 2026:</strong> Peak construction. Streets being rebuilt, airport under renovation, dust and noise. The city is hustling to get everything ready.</p>
<p><strong>June 2026:</strong> World Cup begins (June 11). Construction pauses. The city will be packed with fans, prices will spike, and the energy will be electric. Amazing to experience but not ideal for quiet remote work.</p>
<p><strong>July 2026 onwards:</strong> The sweet spot. Construction mostly done, World Cup crowds gone, freshly renovated streets and infrastructure. This is when the city will shine. If you can time your visit, this is it.</p>
<hr>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Planning your CDMX stay?</strong> Our apartments in Roma Norte and Narvarte are set up for remote workers — fast Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace, self check-in, and monthly discounts. We&#39;ll help you navigate the construction, the airport, and everything else.</p>
<p><a href="https://stayworkcdmx.com?utm_source=rincones&#038;utm_medium=blog&#038;utm_campaign=world-cup-cdmx&#038;utm_content=end-cta">→ See all listings on StayWork CDMX</a></p>
</blockquote>
<hr>
<p><em>Last updated: March 22, 2026. We update this post as the situation evolves. The World Cup starts June 11.</em></p>
<p><em>Written by Agustín &amp; Analí — hosts of <a href="https://stayworkcdmx.com?utm_source=rincones&#038;utm_medium=blog&#038;utm_campaign=world-cup-cdmx&#038;utm_content=author-box">StayWork CDMX</a> with 280+ guest reviews. We live in Roma Norte and deal with the construction dust every day.</em></p>


We live in Roma Norte and the city is tearing itself apart to get ready for the 2026 World Cup. Dusty streets, blocked roads, teacher protests — but also one of the safest and most exciting cities for digital nomads. Here’s the honest picture.

Mexico City Right Now Is a Beautiful Mess. Here’s What to Expect Before the World Cup.

<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Last updated: March 22, 2026</strong></p>
<p>If you&#8217;re flying into Mexico City right now, you need to be prepared. The AICM (Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México) is simultaneously undergoing its biggest renovation in decades AND dealing with a fresh ban on Uber and Didi inside the terminals. The combination means longer waits, confusing detours, and significantly more walking than you&#8217;d expect.</p>
<p>We&#8217;ve hosted over 280 guests in Roma Norte and Narvarte. Airport arrival is the #1 thing people message us about before their trip. Here&#8217;s the honest, up-to-date guide.</p>
<h2>The current situation (March 2026)</h2>
<p>Two things happened at the same time:</p>
<h3>1. Massive World Cup construction</h3>
<p>Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. The AICM is racing to finish a $9.2 billion MXN renovation before the tournament starts in June — and they&#8217;re nowhere near done.</p>
<p>As of March 2026, the renovation is roughly 40% complete. The airport director has publicly admitted that not all work will be finished before the World Cup. Over 2,000 workers are operating 24 hours a day across both terminals.</p>
<p>What this means for you as a passenger:</p>
<ul>
<li>Blocked walkways and rerouted corridors in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2</li>
<li>Construction barriers, dust, and noise in several areas</li>
<li>Some boarding gates relocated or temporarily closed</li>
<li>Baggage claim carousels being replaced (28 of them)</li>
<li>Elevators and escalators out of service in several sections</li>
<li>Façade work on Terminal 1 has eliminated the sidewalk between doors 2–6 — you may have to walk on the road with your luggage</li>
<li>Signage is unreliable because things change week to week</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Our advice: arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight.</strong> The construction makes everything take longer — security checkpoints, walking to gates, and finding your way through detoured corridors. Don&#8217;t cut it close.</p>
<h3>2. Uber and Didi banned from picking up inside</h3>
<p>On March 11, 2026, licensed taxi drivers blocked both terminals in a protest against ride-hailing apps. The government sided with the taxi drivers. Since March 12, the Guardia Nacional (National Guard) is permanently stationed at the AICM to prevent Uber and Didi from operating inside the airport&#8217;s federal zone.</p>
<p>This means:</p>
<ul>
<li>Uber and Didi drivers <strong>cannot</strong> enter the terminal to pick you up</li>
<li>If a driver is caught picking up passengers inside, they risk losing their plates</li>
<li>The official airport taxis now have a near-monopoly on arrivals</li>
<li>Prices for official taxis have surged to <strong>$700–1,000 MXN</strong> ($35–50 USD) for a ride to Roma Norte — a trip that costs $80–150 MXN on Uber</li>
</ul>
<p>The ban is not temporary. It was negotiated as a condition to prevent permanent taxi blockades during the World Cup.</p>
<h2>How to get from AICM to Roma Norte (or Condesa / Narvarte)</h2>
<p>Here are your four realistic options, ranked from cheapest to easiest:</p>
<h3>Option 1: Uber or Didi — still works, but you have to walk out</h3>
<p>This is what most of our guests do. Uber and Didi are NOT gone — you just can&#8217;t get picked up inside the terminal anymore. You need to walk outside the airport&#8217;s federal zone to a designated pickup area.</p>
<p><strong>From Terminal 1:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Exit the terminal through any door</li>
<li>Walk toward Circuito Interior (Boulevard Puerto Aéreo)</li>
<li>Head toward Metro Terminal Aérea station (Línea 5)</li>
<li>The pickup zone is approximately <strong>800–900 meters</strong> from the nearest terminal door</li>
<li>Open Uber or Didi and request your ride from there</li>
<li>Enter your terminal number and door in the app notes</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>From Terminal 2:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Exit through Puerta 1 (Door 1)</li>
<li>Walk to Eje 1 Norte / Avenida Fuerza Aérea Mexicana</li>
<li>The pickup bay is approximately <strong>500 meters</strong> from the door — though some sources say up to 1,200 meters depending on which door you exit</li>
<li>Request your ride from there</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Cost to Roma Norte:</strong> $80–150 MXN ($4–8 USD)<br />
<strong>Total time:</strong> 25–40 minutes (including the walk)</p>
<p><strong>The reality check:</strong> You&#8217;ll be walking 500–900 meters with your luggage, potentially at night, past construction zones. The walk is on public roads and generally safe, but it&#8217;s not the smooth arrival experience you might expect. If you&#8217;re arriving at 2 AM with heavy bags after a 10-hour flight, think about whether the $600+ savings is worth it.</p>
<p><strong>Pro tips:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Install Uber AND Didi before you fly — have both as backup</li>
<li>Download CDMX offline maps in Google Maps (airport Wi-Fi is unreliable)</li>
<li>Get a Mexican eSIM before you land (Airalo or Holafly) so you have data immediately</li>
<li>Request UberX or Didi Express for the best price</li>
<li>Surge pricing hits hard between 6–9 PM and Sunday evenings</li>
</ul>
<h3>Option 2: Official airport taxi — expensive but zero hassle</h3>
<p>Licensed taxi booths are inside both terminals. You buy a ticket at the counter, tell them your destination, and walk to the taxi stand.</p>
<p><strong>Cost to Roma Norte:</strong> $700–1,000 MXN ($35–50 USD)<br />
<strong>Total time:</strong> 15–25 minutes</p>
<p>Yes, you&#8217;re paying 5–10x more than Uber for the exact same 10 km trip. That price difference is exactly why the taxi drivers fought so hard to ban apps from the terminals — and why the government backed them.</p>
<p><strong>When this makes sense:</strong> Late-night arrivals, heavy luggage, first-time visitors who don&#8217;t want to navigate construction zones in the dark, or anyone who values a stress-free arrival over saving money. No judgment — after a long flight, sometimes you just want to be in bed as fast as possible.</p>
<h3>Option 3: Pre-arranged private transfer</h3>
<p>Several companies offer meet-and-greet service inside the terminal with a name sign. You book in advance, they handle everything.</p>
<p><strong>Cost:</strong> $400–600 MXN ($20–30 USD)<br />
<strong>Total time:</strong> 15–25 minutes, zero walking</p>
<p>This is the sweet spot between Uber prices and official taxi convenience. We can arrange this for our StayWork CDMX guests — just send us your flight number when you book.</p>
<h3>Option 4: Metro — cheapest, with caveats</h3>
<p>Metro Terminal Aérea (Línea 5) connects to the airport. From there you can reach Roma Norte via transfers.</p>
<p><strong>Cost:</strong> $5 MXN ($0.25 USD)<br />
<strong>Total time:</strong> 40–60 minutes with transfers</p>
<p><strong>Honest take:</strong> We don&#8217;t recommend this if you&#8217;re arriving with luggage larger than a backpack, at night, or on your first visit. The Metro is safe during daytime rush hours but the transfers with suitcases through crowded stations are not fun. It&#8217;s a great system once you&#8217;re settled — just not ideal for airport arrival.</p>
<h2>Quick comparison</h2>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Option</th>
<th>Cost (to Roma Norte)</th>
<th>Time</th>
<th>Walk with luggage?</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Uber / Didi</td>
<td>$80–150 MXN</td>
<td>25–40 min</td>
<td>500–900m walk to pickup</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Private transfer</td>
<td>$400–600 MXN</td>
<td>15–25 min</td>
<td>None — they meet you inside</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Official taxi</td>
<td>$700–1,000 MXN</td>
<td>15–25 min</td>
<td>None</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Metro</td>
<td>$5 MXN</td>
<td>40–60 min</td>
<td>Stairs and transfers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>What to expect inside the airport right now</h2>
<p>Based on current reports (March 2026) and feedback from our recent guests:</p>
<p><strong>Terminal 1:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Façade work between doors 2–6 has eliminated the sidewalk — you walk on the road</li>
<li>Boarding gates in module 5 (gates 24–28) under renovation</li>
<li>Baggage claim belts 1–3 being replaced</li>
<li>New security screening equipment being installed (should be faster once done)</li>
<li>Construction dust and noise in several corridors</li>
<li>The Aerotrén (inter-terminal train) station is under renovation</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Terminal 2:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Boarding lounges in the north and south wings under renovation</li>
<li>Parking structure being upgraded (new signage, colored floors by level)</li>
<li>New digital signage screens installed in some areas</li>
<li>International baggage claim area under construction</li>
<li>Bathroom renovations across multiple levels</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Both terminals:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Rerouted walking paths with temporary barriers</li>
<li>Some commercial areas closed or relocated</li>
<li>Floors, ceilings, walls being replaced in phases</li>
<li>Electrical, plumbing, and drainage systems being overhauled</li>
<li>2,000+ workers active 24/7</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The construction is scheduled to pause between late May and July 2026</strong> during the World Cup, then resume until the end of the year. If you&#8217;re visiting during the tournament, the airport should be calmer but still not fully finished.</p>
<h2>Before you fly: preparation checklist</h2>
<ul>
<li><input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Download Uber AND Didi apps, add payment method</li>
<li><input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Download Google Maps offline map for Mexico City</li>
<li><input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Get an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) or plan to buy a Telcel SIM at the airport ($150–200 MXN)</li>
<li><input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Have $1,000 MXN cash as backup (some taxis and shuttles are cash-only)</li>
<li><input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Know your terminal number (check your airline)</li>
<li><input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Tell your host your flight number and arrival time</li>
<li><input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Leave extra time — arrive 3 hours before departure flights</li>
<li><input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Pack light or use a backpack if you plan to walk to the Uber pickup</li>
</ul>
<h2>Once you&#8217;re in Roma Norte, you won&#8217;t need taxis again</h2>
<p>This is the silver lining. The airport transfer is the one painful moment of arriving in Mexico City. Once you&#8217;re in Roma Norte, everything is walkable — cafés, coworking spaces, restaurants, groceries, Metro stations. Our guests rarely take a taxi or Uber during their stay because the neighborhood is that well-connected on foot.</p>
<p>The airport chaos is temporary. Your stay in Roma Norte won&#8217;t be.</p>
<hr />
<blockquote><p><strong>Landing soon?</strong> Our Roma Norte loft is 20 minutes from AICM. Fast Wi-Fi, a dedicated desk with a 27&#8243; QHD monitor, rooftop pool, and self check-in — so you can arrive on your own schedule, even at 2 AM after fighting through airport construction.</p>
<p><a href="https://stayworkcdmx.com/en/chic-nomad-loft---roma-norte-office-fast-wi-fi?utm_source=rincones&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=aicm-airport&amp;utm_content=end-cta">→ See our Roma Norte loft on StayWork CDMX</a></p></blockquote>
<hr />
<p><em>Last updated: March 22, 2026. The airport situation is evolving rapidly. We update this post as new information becomes available. The World Cup starts June 11 — expect further changes.</em></p>
<p><em>Written by Agustín &amp; Analí — hosts of <a href="https://stayworkcdmx.com?utm_source=rincones&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=aicm-airport&amp;utm_content=author-box">StayWork CDMX</a> with 280+ guest reviews. We&#8217;ve navigated AICM arrivals more times than we can count.</em></p>


Mexico City’s airport is under massive construction for the 2026 World Cup. Uber and Didi are banned from picking up inside. Here’s what to expect when you land and how to get to Roma Norte, Condesa, or Narvarte without overpaying.

CDMX nomad