Located on Calzada de Tlalpan, the Mexico City Stadium—recently renovated under the name Estadio Banorte—is the venue for major sporting and entertainment events in the south of the capital. The closest, safest, and most efficient arrival point is the Estadio Azteca Light Rail Station (Estación Estadio Azteca del Tren Ligero), which connects directly to the venue’s concourses and access ramps. To get there, the Tasqueña station on Metro Line 2 (Blue color) is where you will make a direct transfer to board the Light Rail, but first you need to consider the following:
Before planning your route, you must acquire the MI Card, which is the only way to access the entire public transportation network in Mexico City.
- Costs: The plastic card costs $15.00 MXN, plus the balance you wish to top up (up to a maximum of $500.00 MXN).
- Where to get it: At the automatic vending machines for Metrobús, Cablebús, and Light Rail, or at the ticket booths of any Metro station.
- Recharge from your cell phone: If your phone has NFC technology, you can add balance instantly from the official App CDMX or Mercado Pago, just by holding the card close to your cell phone.
1. From the Historic Center
This is the most direct and tourist-friendly route. Locate any Metro Line 2 station in the heart of the city (Zócalo/Tenochtitlan, Allende, Bellas Artes, or Pino Suárez). Take the train towards Tasqueña and, upon reaching the terminal, transfer to the Light Rail to the Estadio Azteca station.
2. From Roma-Condesa and the Insurgentes Corridor
If you are near Insurgentes, take Metrobús Line 1 (the red buses) southbound and get off at the Félix Cuevas station. There, transfer to the Insurgentes Sur Metro station (Line 12) towards Ermita station. At Ermita, change to Line 2 (Blue) towards Tasqueña and connect with the Light Rail.
3. From Reforma, Chapultepec, and Polanco
On Paseo de la Reforma, board the double-decker buses of Metrobús Line 7. Get off at the Hidalgo station and enter the Hidalgo Metro (Line 2 Blue) towards Tasqueña. If you are in Polanco, take Metro Line 7 (Orange), travel to Tacubaya, change to Line 9 (Brown) towards Chabacano, and there take Line 2 (Blue) straight to Tasqueña.
4. From Coyoacán and Xochimilco
- From Coyoacán: Although the historic center of Coyoacán is geographically close, it is a mistake to try to get directly to the stadium by car or mobility app (like Uber or DiDi) on event days. Hours before a match, the surrounding roads and Calzada de Tlalpan collapse, there are closures, and vehicular access becomes completely saturated. To avoid getting stuck in traffic and missing the beginning, the smartest strategy is to request a short car ride only up to the General Anaya Metro station (Line 2) or towards the Tasqueña terminal. From there, the Light Rail will take you to the door of the stadium.
- From Xochimilco: Board the Light Rail at the southern terminal (Xochimilco) towards Tasqueña; the Estadio Azteca station will be exactly halfway through your journey.
Connectivity from the airports
- Mexico City International Airport (AICM): Take Metrobús Line 4 (which has a special area for luggage) from Terminals 1 or 2 towards the Historic Center. Get off at the San Lázaro station, enter Metro Line 1 towards Pino Suárez, change to Line 2 (Blue) towards Tasqueña, and connect with the Light Rail.
- Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA): Board the Suburban Train (Tren Suburbano) from the airport terminal to the Buenavista station in the center. There, connect with Metro Line B to Garibaldi, then take Line 8 to Bellas Artes and, finally, Line 2 (Blue) to Tasqueña.
Taxis and private transportation
If you are visiting the city for the first time, it is crucial that you know how to distinguish official vehicles and understand the basic safety and billing rules.
- Street Taxis (Official CDMX): They are easy to identify because they are painted in white and pink colors. They operate strictly with a taximeter (there are no negotiable fixed rates on the street) and are paid in cash. Tipping them is not mandatory. The safest way to use them is through the App CDMX (downloadable on any cell phone); in its “Mi Taxi” module, you can request an official unit to your location or verify the vehicle’s license plates upon boarding, which links your trip to the police monitoring center (C5).
- Taxi Stands (Authorized Bases): These are vehicles parked at exclusive bases outside hotels, shopping centers, or terminals. They charge fixed rates that are usually slightly higher than those on the street, but they have a strict registry of each driver, guaranteeing maximum safety. At airports, never accept rides from people who approach you walking in the arrival halls; hire the service solely at the official counters inside the terminal.
- Mobility Apps (Uber, DiDi, etc.): These platforms operate with total legality and are the preferred option for many visitors. They allow you to pay with a bank card and know the fare in advance.
Tip for airports: Due to federal regulations, at the AICM the drivers of these apps will ask you to walk to a meeting point outside the main doors. If you are carrying a lot of luggage, it is better to pay for an official stand taxi (taxi de sitio).
The Return from the Stadium: At the end of a match or massive concert, Calzada de Tlalpan becomes completely saturated. Avoid requesting your vehicle exactly outside the doors, as traffic is chaotic and the dynamic rates of the apps skyrocket. The locals’ recommendation is to walk a few blocks or take the Light Rail a couple of stations northbound before requesting a car.
