Information and Travel Guide for Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
The largest airport in Latin America, Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport is also one of the busiest. Over 26 million passengers crossed through this airport in 2011, which serves as a hub to AeroMexico and SkyTeam. Additionally it is a second hub to Aeromexico Connect. It features two very long runways and was slated for expansion until the nearby farmers refused to sell their land.
History
Originally established as Balbuena Military Airport in 1928, it featured five runways. Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport lost three of its runways in the 1970s when land was given away for poor persons to build their homes. It wasn't until 1978 that the Mexico control tower began operation and it is still in service today. Throughout the years, the airport has undergone many renovations in order to improve functionality and passenger comfort.
Services and Amenities
Financial Services - Banks and ATMs are scattered throughout the airport offering access to funds and currency exchange.
Luggage Services - Porters are available for tip and both baggage packing as well as locker storage facilities are located in the airport.
Internet Facilities - Travellers needing access to the Internet will find facilities located in Lounge E.
Car Rental Services - Several rental car facilities can be found both terminals of the airport.
Restaurant Services - Cafeterias, bars and fast food restaurants are available for travellers; some are open for 24 hours.
Shopping services - Travellers wishing to shop can get handmade crafts as well as access duty-free shops.
Business Services - Business facilities are available in terminal 1 with several faxing and copying centers available.
Other Services - Information and help desks are located throughout the airport to help travellers who need assistance.
Parking
The airport features parking for nearly 5,000 cars in five car parks. Both long-term and short-term parking is available and all car parks are within close proximity to the terminal. Rates will vary depending upon the duration of the stay.
Surrounding Area
To leave Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport, travellers can use a taxi, subway, rental car or bus. It is advised that travellers only use taxis that have a designated logo on the side of them.
Travellers have their option of tours that they can take throughout Mexico's capital city. Tours such as the Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera art culture tour will introduce travellers to the two of the best known artists in the area. Other culture tours include the Guadalupe shrine and Teotihuacan pyramid tour which will introduce travellers to the vast architectural history that is remaining in Mexico City.
Travellers wanting to gain an insight to the history of Mexico City can visit the Anthropology Museum that has been in operation since 1964. It features many exhibits that document the history of Mexico City through artifacts.
Contact Information:
Address: Benito Juárez International Airport, Av. Capitán Carlos León S/N Col Peñón de los Baños Delegacion, Venustiano Carranza, DF CP 15620, México. Number of Terminals: 1 Telephone: (0)5 571 3600 or 571 3007 Fax: (0)5 726 0107 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.aeropuertosmexico.com/Ingles Time Zone: GMT - 6 (GMT - 5 from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October) Location: The airport is located 13km (8 miles) east of Mexico City IATA airport code: MEX