Mexico City Metro Fare and the Integrated Mobility Card
One rechargeable card covers Metro, Metrobús, Tren Ligero, Trolebús, Cablebús and Ecobici. What it costs, where to load it and when you can just tap a bank card.
A Mexico City Metro ride costs MXN 5, transfers inside the Metro included, and a Metrobús ride costs MXN 6, as of November 2026. Both take the Integrated Mobility Card (Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada, or MI card) or a contactless bank card or phone at equipped gates; paper Metro tickets ended on March 1, 2024.
How much does each system cost?
Fares are flat: one price per entry, whatever the distance. The MI card works on all the systems below.
| System | Fare per ride | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | MXN 5 | City visitor guide, 2026 |
| Metrobús | MXN 6 | Metrobús notices, 2025 |
| Metrobús to the airport (Line 4) | MXN 30 | AICM, February 2026 |
| Cablebús | MXN 7 | City government fare list |
| Trolebús | MXN 4 | City government fare list |
| Tren Ligero | MXN 3 | City government fare list |
The Metro price includes transfers between lines inside the network. Changing from Metro to Metrobús, or to any other system, means paying again. Fares for Cablebús, Trolebús and Tren Ligero are the ones the city government last published; check the operator before relying on them. City notices also say older adults ride free on Metro, Tren Ligero and Trolebús with the right credential.
Where do you buy and top up the MI card?
The MI card is sold and recharged at Metro ticket booths (taquillas) and at automatic machines in Metrobús, Cablebús and Tren Ligero stations. The machines take cash and bank cards. The city’s English visitor guide lists the card at MXN 15, while the Spanish version of the same page says MXN 10, so expect one of those amounts at the booth.
- Maximum balance: MXN 500.
- You can top up before the balance runs out.
- Keep the purchase receipt and note the card number printed on the back.
The Metro’s rechargeable card page has the current rules.
How do you load the card at a machine?
- Choose the recharge option (recarga) on the screen.
- Place the MI card on the reader and wait for the balance to show.
- Pick the amount, then pay with cash or a bank card.
- Keep the card on the reader until the screen confirms the new balance, and take the receipt.
At Metro taquillas, hand over the card and the cash and say the amount you want loaded; staff return the card with the new balance. Top up ahead of time rather than at rush hour, when lines form.
Can you pay with a bank card or phone?
Yes, at equipped gates. The city’s Metro guide says turnstiles accept contactless credit and debit cards and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet. Metrobús says its service takes the MI card, bank cards, smartwatches and NFC phones. Cash is not accepted at Metrobús turnstiles, and Metro cash is used only to buy or top up the card.
A contactless card is convenient for visitors. Residents who ride every day usually keep an MI card and carry a bank card as a backup. For short hops between Metro stations, see our guide to Ecobici bike share.
What are the Metro’s hours?
The Metro runs 365 days a year:
- Monday to Friday: 5:00 to midnight.
- Saturday: 6:00 to midnight.
- Sundays and holidays: 7:00 to midnight.
The first cars of each train are reserved for women and children; signs and floor markings show where. Metrobús hours vary by line, and some lines run extended weekend service.
On the Metrobús you pay at the station gate, not on the bus. Most stations sit in the middle of the avenue, so check the route number and direction on the platform before boarding.
How do you ride the Metrobús to the airport?
The airport service is part of Metrobús Line 4 and costs MXN 30, according to a February 2026 notice from the airport. Buses run between Amajac station on Paseo de la Reforma and Terminals 1 and 2, passing the Historic Center. You pay with the MI card, sold at machines in both terminals. Our guide to getting from the airport to the city has stops and hours.
What happens on contingency days and closures?
Lines and stations close for works and events from time to time, and the city sometimes runs replacement buses. Check the Metro’s and Metrobús payment and access page and their social accounts before long trips. Changes are announced on short notice, and our city news page reports major closures.
Large marches and events in the Historic Center and on Reforma often close Metrobús stations for a few hours. Plan an alternative route on those days.
Bottom line
Buy an MI card on your first trip, load MXN 100 to 200 and keep a contactless card as a backup. Budget MXN 5 per Metro entry, MXN 6 per Metrobús entry and MXN 30 for the airport bus.
FAQ
Do children pay on the Metro?
Rules for children and older adults are set by each operator and depend on age and credentials. Ask at the taquilla or check the Metro’s site before you travel.
Who rides free on the Metro?
City notices say older adults ride free on Metro, Tren Ligero and Trolebús. Eligibility depends on age and the credential you show, so ask at the taquilla.
Do I get a refund for unused balance?
The balance stays on the card for future trips. The card is a stored-value product, so plan top-ups instead of loading large amounts.
