Mexico City Public Transit: Metro, Metrobús, Cablebús, and Ecobici
Mexico City's public transit is one of the cheapest big-city systems in the world — and one card runs almost all of it. Here's how to use the Metro, Metrobús, Cablebús, RTP buses, and the Ecobici bike-share like a local.
The one card: Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada (MI)
Nearly everything runs on the Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada (Integrated Mobility Card). Buy it for MXN 15 at any Metro station ticket booth or at the vending machines in Metro, Metrobús, Cablebús, and light-rail stations (machines take cash and cards). Load credit at the same machines; the maximum balance is MXN 500. Each system deducts its own fare when you tap — the card is a shared wallet, not a flat pass.
Metro: MXN 5 flat, any distance
The CDMX Metro (12 lines, ~195 stations) charges a flat MXN 5 per ride, unchanged since 2013 — transfers between lines inside the paid area are free. It's the fastest option on main corridors during rush hour, and absurdly cheap. Service runs roughly 05:00–00:00 on weekdays (later start on weekends/holidays).
Rush-hour reality check: cars are extremely crowded 7–9:30am and 6–8:30pm. Some lines have women-and-children-only cars at the front during peak hours — respect the signage. Keep your bag in front of you and your phone put away; pickpocketing is the main risk, not violent crime.
Metrobús: MXN 6 (MXN 30 to the airport)
The Metrobús BRT system (7 lines) costs MXN 6 per ride, paid only with the MI card — no cash at the turnstile. Transfers between lines are free if you stay inside the system and complete the transfer within about two hours, heading one direction. Line 4 to the airport (Terminals 1 and 2) costs MXN 30 and runs daily (roughly 4:30am–midnight). You can also now tap a contactless bank card or phone wallet (Apple Pay, Google Wallet) directly at Metrobús turnstiles.
Cablebús, RTP, Tren Ligero
- Cablebús (aerial cable cars over the hillside boroughs): MXN 7 per ride with the MI card. More of a commuter system than a tourist one, but the views are spectacular.
- RTP buses: city buses, a few pesos per ride (typically MXN 4–8 depending on route) with the MI card — useful where the Metro doesn't reach.
- Tren Ligero (light rail to Xochimilco): MXN 3.
Ecobici bike-share
Ecobici is the city's public bike system, now also linked to the MI card. Register in the app or at ecobici.cdmx.gob.mx. Plans (2026, IVA included): annual MXN 588, 1-day MXN 134, 3-day MXN 263, 7-day MXN 441 — all with unlimited 45-minute trips (overstay fees apply: ~MXN 27–56 per extra block). Note the annual plans are priced for CDMX residents; visitors typically use the day/week passes. The Condesa–Roma–Centro–Polanco corridors have the densest station coverage and expanding protected bike lanes — stick to those at first.
Practical tips
- Buy and load your MI card on day one; it pays for itself within two rides versus any alternative.
- Avoid the Metro 7–9:30am if you have luggage — take Metrobús or a rideshare instead.
- Google Maps covers CDMX transit routing well, including Metrobús and Cablebús.
- Keep small change: while the card is king, some RTP routes and suburban connections still take cash.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists buy the MI card?
Yes — no ID or residency required. Any Metro booth or station vending machine sells it for MXN 15.
Is the Metro safe at night?
Reasonably, on main lines before ~10pm, but cars thin out late. After 10:30pm, most locals switch to Uber/DiDi.
Does the MI card work outside Mexico City?
It's a CDMX system card. Some connected services (Tren Suburbano, Mexibús) accept it, but don't expect it to work in Guadalajara or Monterrey.
Sources
- https://mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx/e/getting-around/using-the-metro/?lang=en
- https://mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx/e/getting-around/metrobus/?lang=en
- https://ecobici.cdmx.gob.mx/planes-y-tarifas/
- https://www.metrobus.cdmx.gob.mx/dependencia/PagoMB
- https://public-rides.com/mx/cdmx/mexico-city