With so many things to do around this huge city, you’ll want to know some of the main ways remote workers get around Mexico City. Indeed, this city has an established transport infrastructure, boasting Latin America’s second oldest underground rail network. The existing public transport network in Mexico City is extremely important because it transports millions of people daily across many neighborhoods in this huge metropolis. As such, remote workers will want to become well-acquainted with the workings of the system and also be extremely vigilant when it comes to using the system during peak hours.
Below we outline the main ways remote workers get around Mexico City.
The metro is one of the most affordable and convenient ways for remote workers to get around Mexico City. The network has twelve color-coded lines, connecting most neighborhoods in the city. In general, the network is easy to navigate even for those with little Spanish, but having a map handy on your phone and researching the shape of your trip before departing is always a good idea. You can ride the metro by buying a paper ticket at any metro station for 5MXN (single), or by touching in a rechargeable card you can buy for only 15 MXN. The Metro is relatively safe, although certain lines can get dangerously busy during peak hours. The service runs from 5am until midnight every day, and carriages to the front of the train are designated exclusively for women and children under the age of 12.
The city’s integrated rapid bus transit system is another way for remote workers to get around Mexico City. The Metrobus in Mexico City serves mainly neighborhoods across Avenida Insurgentes and Paseo de La Reforma in neighborhoods such as La Condesa and La Roma. Stations are located along the middle of these major thoroughfares, although sometimes they are found curbside. You can only ride the MetroBus system with the rechargeable card and a single trip has a cost of 6 MXN, with free transfers for up to 2 hours from the time of boarding. The MetroBus is convenient, easy to use and relatively safe, although pickpockets are common during peak hours. Front sections of the metrobuses are designated women-only also, and this is often strongly enforced during peak hours.
Recent years have seen the growth in bikeshare and electric scooter services across the city, making this another option for remote workers to get around Mexico City. The EcoBici system can be accessed from the major neighborhoods in the center of the city and offers affordable bike rentals to all citizens. Equally, electric scooter services from LIME and Uber are also available through the relevant apps. It is important to keep in mind just how congested the streets of Mexico City can be, and that road traffic accidents involving scooters and bikes in the city are common. Cyclists not used to congested cities should take advantage of the bike-only periods on Sunday mornings across Mexico City.
Getting an Uber will certainly be the easiest and safest way for remote workers to get around Mexico City. In general, you can get an uber quickly in the city and costs are largely affordable. You will certainly prefer taking an uber or a radio taxi instead of haling a city taxi on the street, as these can lack licenses and create dangerous situations. There are also lots of sitios, or taxi ranks, around the city where you can obtain a ride in a safer way.
For more information about living in Mexico City as a remote worker, check out our complete Mexico City guide.