Quick Answer
For most travelers, the best balance of cost, convenience, and time is the Metrobús Línea 4 to Buenavista + Metro Line B combination, costing under MXN $40 and taking about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2.5 hours. The cheapest option is the full public transport route (MXN $40), while the fastest and most convenient is a taxi or private shuttle (45-90 mins for MXN $500-750). The key transfer point is Buenavista station.
Option 1: Public Transport (Metrobús + Metro) – The Most Economical Choice
This is the budget-friendly choice, perfect for solo travelers or those with light luggage. It involves two main systems: Metrobús (bus rapid transit) and the Metro (subway).
Step-by-Step Guide
- Exit the Airport & Find Metrobús: After baggage claim, follow signs for “Transporte Público” or “Metrobús”. The station is located just outside the terminal.
- Take Metrobús Línea 4:
- Route: Board the southbound bus (direction “Buenavista”).
- Travel Time: Approximately 60-75 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost: MXN $30 (as of 2024). You need a rechargeable Tarjeta Mi card. Buy and top it up at the station.
- Key Stop: Your destination is the terminus: Buenavista.
- Transfer to Metro at Buenavista: Exit the Metrobús station and follow signs for “Metro Línea B”. It’s a short, well-signposted walk.
- Take Metro Línea B:
- Route: Take Line B northbound (direction “Buenavista – Ciudad Azteca”). Get off at the second stop: Ferrería.
- Travel Time: About 5 minutes on the train.
- Cost: MXN $5, paid with the same Tarjeta Mi card.
- Arrive at Terminal Central del Norte: Exit Metro Ferrería. The North Bus Terminal is directly connected via a pedestrian bridge. Follow the signs.
Pros, Cons & Who It's For
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Budget travelers, backpackers, those comfortable with crowds and navigating public transit. |
| Total Cost | ~MXN $35-40 per person. |
| Total Time | 1 hour 45 min – 2 hours 30 min (highly variable with traffic and wait times). |
| Major Advantage | Extremely low cost; reliable schedule during operating hours. |
| Major Drawback | Not luggage-friendly (stairs, crowds); can be confusing for first-timers; not available late at night. |
| Luggage Advice | Avoid if you have more than one medium-sized suitcase or large backpack. Metrobús has racks, but Metro can be packed. |
Authority Source: For official schedules and maps, visit the Metrobús Official Website and the STC Metro Official Website.
Option 2: Airport Shuttle & Private Transport – Direct & Comfortable
For a direct, door-to-door service without the high cost of a taxi, pre-booked shuttles or private transport services are ideal, especially for families or groups.
Types of Services Available
- Shared Shuttle Vans (Transporte Terrestre): These are semi-private vans that may make a few stops to drop off other passengers. You can book counters inside the NLU arrivals hall.
- Price Range: MXN $250 – $400 per person.
- Travel Time: 60-90 minutes.
- How to Book: Best to pre-book online for guaranteed availability. Walk-up bookings are possible but not assured.
- Private Car Service: A car or van exclusively for your party. The driver will meet you in arrivals with a sign.
- Price Range: MXN $700 – $1,200 for the vehicle (fits 2-4 people with luggage).
- Travel Time: 45-75 minutes.
- Providers: Companies like Sitio 290 (official airport partner) or international brands.
Booking Tips & What to Expect
Always confirm the final drop-off point (e.g., “main entrance” vs. “specific bus company door”). Provide your flight details for tracking. Payment is often required online or by card at the counter. Have your confirmation email/PDF ready.
Case Study: A family of four with 4 suitcases booked a private van for MXN $900. They were met promptly, helped with bags, and driven directly to the ETN counter at Terminal Norte, avoiding all stress. The cost per person was similar to a shared shuttle but with far greater convenience.
Option 3: Taxi & Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber, Cabify) – Fast & Door-to-Door
This is the most straightforward, hassle-free option, albeit the most expensive after private cars.
Official Airport Taxis (Sitio)
Inside the NLU arrivals hall, you will find official taxi booths (e.g., Sitio 290). You pay a fixed fare at the booth based on your destination zone, receive a ticket, and are directed to a certified taxi.
- Cost to Terminal Norte: Approximately MXN $550 – $700.
- Safety: This is the safest taxi option as vehicles and drivers are registered with the airport.
Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber, Cabify, Didi)
These apps work well at NLU. Designated pickup areas are usually in the parking or ground transportation zone.
- Cost: Typically MXN $500 – $650 for UberX. Prices surge during peak hours and at night.
- Advantage: Upfront pricing, driver tracking, and cashless payment.
- Tip: Ensure your data roaming is active or connect to airport Wi-Fi to book.
| Feature | Official Airport Taxi (Sitio) | Uber/Cabify |
|---|---|---|
| Price Certainty | Fixed price paid at booth. | Upfront estimate, can surge. |
| Payment | Cash/Card at booth. | Card in app. |
| Wait Time | Usually immediate. | 5-15 minutes. |
| Best For | Those wanting a guaranteed, official service. | Those comfortable with apps and wanting potential savings. |
Warning: Never accept rides from solicitors inside the terminal or in the parking lot who are not associated with an official booth or a booked ride-hail. Always use authorized services.
Cost & Time Comparison: Felipe Ángeles Airport to Terminal Central del Norte
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (MXN) | Approx. Travel Time | Best For | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metrobús + Metro | 35 – 40 (per person) | 1h 45m – 2h 30m | Ultra-budget, light luggage | Not late-night; challenging with bags |
| Shared Shuttle Van | 250 – 400 (per person) | 1h – 1h 30m | Small groups, medium budget | Pre-booking recommended; may have stops |
| Uber / Cabify | 500 – 650 (per vehicle) | 45m – 1h 15m | Convenience, 1-4 people | Surge pricing; needs app/data |
| Official Airport Taxi (Sitio) | 550 – 750 (per vehicle) | 45m – 1h 15m | Safety & immediate service | Most expensive taxi option |
| Private Car Transfer | 700 – 1,200 (per vehicle) | 45m – 1h 15m | Families, groups, luxury | Must book in advance |
Verdict: The Metrobús+Metro is the undeniable cheapest. For a balance, a pre-booked shared shuttle offers good value. For outright speed and convenience, Uber or an official taxi is best.
Essential Traveler Tips & Warnings
1. Luggage Logistics
If you have large bags but want to save money, consider using a luggage storage service (“Guardaequipajes”) at NLU Airport (if available) and taking public transport to explore, then returning for your bags before taking a taxi to the bus terminal. Alternatively, some bus companies offer luggage shipping services within Mexico, but this requires planning.
2. Navigating the Transfer at Buenavista
Buenavista is a major transport hub. While signs are present, it can be busy. Key landmarks: Look for the large “Buenavista” train station building. The Metro Line B entrance is across the plaza from the Metrobús exit. Allow an extra 10-15 minutes for this transfer if you're unsure.
3. Money & Connectivity
- Cash (Pesos): Essential for buying the Tarjeta Mi card and for small expenses. Withdraw some from ATMs in the arrivals hall.
- SIM Card: Consider buying a local SIM or eSIM at the airport for data to use maps and ride-hailing apps. Many providers have kiosks.
4. Timing Your Journey
Avoid Peak Hours (7-9 AM, 6-8 PM Weekdays): Traffic in northern Mexico City can be severe, doubling taxi/shuttle travel times. Public transport will be extremely crowded.
For Early/Late Flights: Check the operating hours of your chosen service. Public transport may not align with very early or red-eye arrivals. Always have a backup plan (e.g., a pre-booked taxi).
Source for Traffic Patterns: Consult real-time traffic data on apps like Waze or Google Maps before choosing a road-based option.
FAQs: Felipe Ángeles Airport to Terminal Central del Norte
What is the cheapest way to get from Felipe Ángeles Airport to Central del Norte?
The cheapest way is by public Metrobús and Metro. Take the NLU Metrobús Line 4 to Buenavista station (costs about MXN $30), then transfer to Metro Line B northbound to Terminal Central del Norte (Ferrería station). Total cost is under MXN $40 per person. However, this involves multiple transfers and is not recommended with heavy luggage.
Is there a direct shuttle bus from NLU Airport to the North Bus Terminal?
No, there is no single direct shuttle bus. The most direct public transport option is the Metrobús Línea 4 from NLU Airport to Buenavista station, followed by a short taxi ride or a Metro transfer to Ferrería (Terminal Central del Norte). Private shuttle services like ‘Transporte Terrestre’ offer direct door-to-door service but must be booked in advance.
How much is a taxi from Felipe Ángeles Airport to Terminal Central del Norte?
An official airport taxi (Sitio) or Uber/Cabify from NLU to Terminal Central del Norte costs approximately MXN $500 to $750 ($30-$45 USD), depending on traffic and vehicle type. The journey takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Always use authorized taxi services from inside the terminal or reputable ride-hailing apps for safety and fixed fares.
How long does it take to get from NLU Airport to the North Bus Terminal by public transport?
Using the Metrobús + Metro combination takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes, including walking and waiting times. The Metrobús ride is about 60-75 minutes to Buenavista, followed by a 20-30 minute Metro ride on Line B. Travel times can be longer during peak hours (7-9 AM, 6-8 PM).
What is the best option if I arrive late at night or very early in the morning?
For arrivals between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM, your only reliable options are pre-booked private transport or taxi/ride-hailing apps. Public Metrobús and Metro services have limited hours (typically starting around 5:00-6:00 AM and ending before midnight). Booking a private shuttle or airport taxi in advance is strongly recommended for late-night arrivals.
Is it easy to travel with large suitcases from the airport to the bus terminal?
Traveling with large luggage on public transport (Metrobús/Metro) is challenging due to crowds, stairs, and limited space. For 1-2 large bags, a taxi or private transfer is highly recommended. If using Metrobús, note that Line 4 buses have dedicated luggage racks. The Metro can be extremely crowded with no elevator access at some stations.
Can I use a credit card to pay for transport from NLU Airport?
Yes, but with limitations. Taxis and private shuttles at the airport usually accept credit cards. Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Cabify) are linked to your card. However, public transport (Metrobús, Metro) requires a rechargeable ‘Tarjeta Mi’ card or exact change in Mexican pesos. You can buy a ‘Tarjeta Mi’ at the airport Metrobús station or some convenience stores.
Where exactly at Terminal Central del Norte do buses from NLU Airport arrive?
If you take the direct Metrobús + Metro route, you will arrive at Metro Ferrería, which is connected to the Terminal Central del Norte via a pedestrian walkway. Taxis and private shuttles will drop you off at the main entrance of the specific bus company you are departing with (e.g., ETN, Primera Plus). The terminal is huge, so confirm your departure gate (Sala) in advance.