Hello,

I’ll be flying home from Ixtapa to Chicago in February with a five-hour layover in Mexico City in early February. (I couldn’t get a nonstop or better connection.) I have a five-hour layover. With that in mind, any advice on how or where to pass the time? Is taking the train into the city a viable option? I’ve never been to Mexico City, so even if I just spent a few minutes somewhere and headed back to the airport … Assuming I land on time, I figure I would have about 2 1/2 hours to go someplace and get back to the airport. Anyway, I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

Should be easily doable, I'd think. I'd go to the centro histórico and grab something to eat at a classic cdmx cafe such as Cafe de Tacuba or similar. Sanborn's in the Casa De Azulejos would be good too, it's a chain restaurant, but in a beautiful building. Then just walk around a bit and take in the sights. Probably best to stash your luggage and take the metro or metro. I'm pretty sure no luggage is permitted on either. You could take taxis or Uber but traffic can be too unpredictable.
https://andrewtraveling.com/how-to-g...-city-airport/

Thank you! I’m assuming my suitcase will be checked all the way to Chicago since the flight from Ixtapa will be domestic (both flights are AeroMexico).

I didn't think about your luggage being checked through; that makes sense. And I should have said 'metro or metrobus'. If you do take a taxi from the airport, you buy your voucher inside according to the zone you'd be visiting, then present it to the attendant outside. If you do go to centro, just tell the clerk in the ticket booth 'Zócalo' and you'll be in the historic center.

Thanks again.

Going back to the airport, Uber is better than a taxi.

2 and 1/2 hours isn't a ton of time, but I would head to the Zocalo and take in the Catedral, the Templo Major and the biggest Mexican flag you ever saw. Agree with MLGB, don't take a taxi use Uber.

Thanks!