Is a 2½ hr layover in Mexico City long enough?
MEX · Licenciado Benito Juarez International · Mexico City, Mexico
Probably Enough
Ample time for any combination of terminals and re-screening, even with moderate delays.
Quick Stats
2
35m
25m
Aeroméxico
Minimum Connection Times
60min
✓90min
✓100min
✓75min
✓AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Tips for 2½ hr Connections
Check whether your connection stays within Terminal 2 (mostly Aeroméxico and SkyTeam partners) — this is far easier than a T1-T2 transfer.
If your itinerary spans T1 and T2, budget at least two hours since it involves landside transit, exiting one secure zone, and re-clearing security in the other.
International arrivals connecting to another international flight in the other terminal must clear Mexican immigration and customs first, adding significant time.
Use the free Aerotrén rather than walking outside, as Mexico City traffic and airport road congestion can make surface routes unpredictable.
Keep your boarding pass and connection documents accessible, since re-entering security at MEX can involve longer queues during peak banks in the morning and evening.
Busyness — Connection Risk
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
Getting Between Concourses
The Aerotrén is a free landside train connecting T1 and T2 in about 5-10 minutes, with a free shuttle bus as a backup or alternative; both require passengers to leave the sterile area first. Because there is no airside link between terminals, all T1-T2 transfers involve full security re-screening, and international arrivals must also clear immigration and customs before re-entering security on the other side.
Is 2½ hours enough for a layover at MEX?
Ample time for any combination of terminals and re-screening, even with moderate delays.
Other Layover Durations at MEX
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