The decision for which airport to use in Mexico City is no longer just a matter of which offers the most convenient flight for your travel plans. The new railway connection between Buenavista to Felipe Ángeles International Airport makes it a bit easier to get from central Mexico City to AIFA. The type of airport you use can still have an influence on the way you travel from the airport to your hotel or office or meeting.
What the New AIFA Train Link Changes
The new Tren Felipe Ángeles has direct rail connection to Buenavista, with the newer airport being a more convenient choice for travelers arriving in central Mexico City. The service started on April 26, 2026 with the first service taking less than 60 minutes. The service will take approximately 43 minutes to plan its journey
This alters the ground transportation landscape but it does not equate to the interchangeability of AIFA and Mexico City International Airport (AICM).
Your flight, final destination, arrival time, luggage and plans of the day are still relevant.
If you are staying near central Mexico City and traveling light, the train may work well. If you need to reach a specific hotel, office, residence, or business address, a pre-booked private transfer offers a different level of convenience.
AICM vs. AIFA: What Is the Difference?
Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is the city's existing airport and is located within the urban area. If you're heading towards or coming from the center of Mexico City, the final road trip can be easy, since its location is convenient.
Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), meanwhile, is located in Santa Lucía, in the State of Mexico, north of the city. AIFA began passenger operations in 2022 and is around 35 kilometres north of Mexico City.
The main difference for you is therefore location.
Factor | AICM | AIFA |
Location | Within Mexico City | North of Mexico City |
Airport | Mexico City International Airport | Felipe Ángeles International Airport |
Rail connection | Existing city transport options | Direct Buenavista–AIFA train |
Best ground-transfer consideration | Final destination in the city | Rail or private road transfer |
Main concern | City traffic | Greater distance from central areas |
Your airline and flight schedule will ultimately determine which airport you use. Once that is decided, the next question is how you want to complete the journey.
How the Buenavista–AIFA Train Works
The airport you choose is dependent on your airline and flight schedule. Once that is decided, the next question is how you want to complete the journey.
Tren Felipe Ángeles is a rail branch that connects AIFA with Buenavista. On the official information published by the airport, the stations before reaching AIFA are Buenavista, Fortuna, Tlalnepantla, San Rafael, Lechería and other stations.
The train station is linked to the ground transportation terminal of the airport for travelers at AIFA.
These are general operating hours as per the current published AIFA information:
Monday to Friday: 5:00 a.m. to midnight
Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to midnight
Sunday and public holidays: 7:00 a.m. to midnight
An introductory fare of MXN 45 is listed on the airport website for flights to and from AIFA, but may change. The train uses Mexico city’s Integrated Mobility Card system.
After arriving at Buenavista, you can depart by other public transport or book another ride to your destination.
The last part is important.
The train gets you to a major transport hub. It does not take you directly to your hotel or meeting room.
Is AIFA Further Away from Central Mexico City?
Yes. AICM is a lot closer to the established central urban area than is AIFA, which is located north of Mexico City. AIFA is approximately 35 kilometres from Mexico City, as per the tourism and government information of the city.
The new train reduces the difficulty of covering that distance. However, your total journey does not end when the train reaches Buenavista.
For example, imagine you are staying at a hotel in Polanco.
With AIFA, your journey could involve:
AIFA → Train → Buenavista → Local transportation → Hotel
With a private transfer, it could be:
AIFA → Pre-booked vehicle → Hotel
The same consideration applies when you are traveling for a meeting. If your destination is a corporate office, conference venue, or residential address, getting off the train is only one part of the journey.
When Limo Transportation Makes More Sense
Public transportation can be useful when cost is a major consideration and you are comfortable managing connections.
However, things aren't always that way when it comes to business and leisure travel.
With limo transportation, you can book your transfer from the airport around your actual destination, instead of a railway station.
A private hire car can be very helpful when:
Have several pieces of luggage
Is traveling with family or group?
Have an early morning or late-night arrival
Must get to a business meeting directly
Want your airport journey arranged before you land
You also avoid the practical hassle of navigating an unfamiliar transport network after a long flight.
Does a Pre-Booked Chauffeur beat the Train?
It depends on the needs of your transfer.
The new train provides AIFA a useful connection with Central Mexico City. It may be a sensible option when you have the convenience of Buenavista for the onward journey.
A previously arranged driver will concentrate on the final destination.
Instead of planning the last part of your trip yourself, you can arrange your transfer in advance and travel directly to your destination.
That can be particularly helpful after an international flight. You may already be dealing with immigration, baggage collection, and airport navigation. Adding multiple transport connections can make the journey more complicated than necessary.
For leisure travelers, the same applies when you have children, older family members, large bags, or a full itinerary waiting in the city.
Plan Your Airport Transfer Before You Fly
The new train, AIFA–Buenavista, is another option for connecting with Mexico City. It's easier to access from the city and provides you with greater flexibility in flight option comparisons.
But the train is only one part of your ground transportation plan.
Before choosing how to travel from the airport, consider your final destination, arrival time, luggage, and how many connections you want to manage.
With Book a Limo, you can arrange your airport transfer in advance and travel directly to your destination without adding an extra station-to-hotel connection. You can also manage your booking through our Android and iOS app when you prefer to keep your travel plans in one place.
Whether you fly into AICM or AIFA, having your ground transfer planned ahead can make the first part of your Mexico City trip much easier.
Book your Mexico City airport transfer with Book a Limo and start your journey with the ride already arranged.