I will have a six hour layover in Mexico City on March 1st. Anything I could/should do while there or stay in the airport? Thx

With only 6 hours, I would stay in the airport. The customs/immigrations will use a bit of the time and you would be rushed to really see anything of the city.
The airport has many nice shops and restaurants--especially in the international terminal area. There, you will find and atrium with many levels of shops and restaurants. Should have no problem entertaining yourself!

I think if I had six hours, I would venture out. Just make sure that you leave plenty of time to get back.

I would NOT risk leaving the airport only because Mexico City traffic is known for being even worst than Los Angeles!
I'll say enjoy anything within 5 minutes.

If your flight arrives on time and there is a short wait at immigration, you would have time to leave the airport. But I wouldn't count on a short wait at immigration -- it has taken at least an hour on three of my four recent trips.

However, if the immigration line is quick 6 hours at the airport can be a long time. If you don't mind spending some cab fare, you could drive to the Zocalo for a look around or have a quick visit to one of the museums or just go somewhere nice for lunch.

Traffic can be terrible at any time of day and is unpredictable - one day you get to the airport from downtown in 30 minutes, the next day at the same time it takes 90 minutes. So if you do venture out, I would start the return to the airport 3 hours before your next departure time.

I wouldn't get out of the Airport

Traffic is so unpredictable and taking in consideration you have to look for safe taxis once you want to get back to the airport that would consume most of your time.

Better read a good book or shop in the stores located in National and International sections.

Thanks to all! Based on your responses we'll probably hang at the aeropuerto!

While I agree with the sentiments about traffic and immigration lines, I think you *could* have time to do something interesting without too much risk.

Why not use the Metro subway if you want to get out of the airport for a couple hours???

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

I have to agree with Tiogringo. I think 6 hours is a long time. I have left the airport before using the metro. We didn't have any problems.

Hello dougout:

Mark (TioGringo) is right. I live in this crazy city but I can tell you that 6 hours are enough for a quick visit to the Zocalo for example. (Hopefully you don´t see it with people complaining something to the government in front of the National Palace). You could see the Cathedral, the National Palace and the archaeological site of the Templo Mayor in less than a couple of hours. All is within the main square.

I wouldn´t recommend the Metro because, even though it is indeed quick, it is not the safest way of transport.
I have a friend that is a taxi driver that could pick you up at the airport and take you back on time and be with you so that you feel safe and comfortable.
If you are interested in this option, send me an e-mail or call me to my mobile +52-55-54081006 and I can make arangements with him for you. If I would have a chance, I could even say hi to you in person.

Hope this helps.

Fernando

OK Fernando, I will consider your kind offer. We have no immigration worries as we are returning from Cancun to the US through the city. A little excursion might be fun! I'll let you know.

With six hours I did the following- they wouldn't check my bags for the next flight yet. I put them in the storage lockers at the far end of the National terminal. From the lockers it is about 100 yards to the metro entrance. I took the metro to the Zocalo, about 1 hour because I got lost briefly. This gave me two hours on the Zocalo to see the National Cathedral, check out the National Palace and a quick p[eek at the Templo Mayor. About 45 minutes back to the airport. Got checked in and had to wait about a hour for my flight. For me this is worthwhile- Speaking Spanish and having been in the metro in past helped. If you wanted a little adventure you could do this. To prepare I would get a map of the metro and study it so you would have a good handle on how to get around on the metro. It will certianly make the time go fast. Needless to say, secure your stuff and use common sense big city saftey precautions if you do this.