The stadium that has hosted three World Cup opening matches — and Tren Ligero is your answer. But on June 11 the crowds will be unlike anything you've seen. We break down every route step by step, whether you're staying near Reforma, Condesa, Polanco, or arriving straight from MEX or AIFA airport.
Ranked from most recommended to least — every option includes real pricing and honest timing.
The Tasqueña–Xochimilco light rail stops directly at Estadio Azteca station. Walk out of the station and you're at the stadium gates in about 5 minutes. On World Cup match days the CDMX government runs extra services. The new "El Ajolote" fleet launched May 2026 — newer, air-conditioned carriages.
The main approach from any part of the city. Ride the Metro to Tasqueña (Line 2 Blue) then transfer to the Tren Ligero. Line 2 runs through the city centre (Zócalo, Centro Médico) and connects with other lines at Ermita, Chabacano, and others. Metro fare is 5 pesos per journey.
Both Uber and DiDi are fully legal in CDMX. However, on match days we strongly recommend asking to be dropped at Tasqueña station and taking the Tren Ligero from there — roads around Azteca get severely congested. If you insist on going door-to-door, expect a long walk from where the driver drops you. Return trips: surging prices and 45–60 minute waits are common.
Roads around the stadium close on World Cup match days and parking is extremely limited and expensive. Coyoacán is already congested on normal days — expect 3–5× worse on match days. If driving on a non-match day, use Periférico Sur or Anillo Periférico and exit onto Calzada de Tlalpan.
The recommended Metro + Tren Ligero route for guests staying near Paseo de la Reforma and Polanco.
Polanco station sits on Paseo de la Reforma next to Parque Lincoln. If you're staying closer to Chapultepec along Reforma, Metro Line 1 or Line 7 both work. Fare: 5 pesos — pay with a MI card or buy a single-ride token at the vending machine.
💡 Get a MI card before match day — it works on Metro, Metrobús, and Tren Ligero so you won't need to queue for separate tickets.Tacubaya is a large interchange station serving Lines 1, 7, and 9. Transfer to Line 9 heading toward Chabacano (around 4 stops). The train passes through Mixcoac, Centro Médico, and Lazaro Cardenas before reaching Chabacano.
Chabacano is another major interchange serving Lines 2, 8, and 9. Board Line 2 in the direction of Tasqueña (the terminal stop). Ride approximately 7–8 more stops through Portales and Ermita until you reach the end of the line.
⏱ Polanco to Tasqueña takes approximately 35–45 minutes depending on transfer waits.Tasqueña has a Centro de Transferencia Modal (CETRAM) — walk through to the Tren Ligero platform. Board toward Xochimilco. Estadio Azteca is the 3rd stop from Tasqueña, approximately 15 minutes away.
💡 On World Cup match days the Tren Ligero runs extra services — waits are short but carriages will be packed. Arrive at Tasqueña with time to spare.From Estadio Azteca station it is about a 5-minute walk to the stadium gates. Check your gate number from the FIFA app or e-ticket before you leave. FIFA security is considerably stricter than regular matches — allow 30–60 minutes for queuing. Prohibited items include large bags, long-lens cameras, water bottles, and umbrellas.
🏆 Target arrival: 3 hours before kick-off for the opening match / 90 minutes for regular group-stage games.CDMX-official recommended routes by neighbourhood — fastest and most direct for each area.
| Neighbourhood | Recommended Route | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| Centro Histórico / Zócalo | Metro Line 2 from Zócalo direct to Tasqueña terminal → Tren Ligero → Estadio Azteca | ~40 min |
| Roma Norte / Condesa | Metrobús Line 1 → Metro Line 12 at Félix Cuevas → Line 2 at Ermita → Tasqueña → Tren Ligero | ~45–55 min |
| Polanco / Paseo de la Reforma | Metro Line 7 from Polanco → Tacubaya → Line 9 → Chabacano → Line 2 → Tasqueña → Tren Ligero | ~50–65 min |
| Reforma / Chapultepec | Metro Line 1 from Chapultepec → Balderas → Line 3 → Etiopía → Line 9 → Chabacano → Line 2 → Tasqueña → Tren Ligero | ~50–60 min |
| Coyoacán | Uber/DiDi to General Anaya station (Line 2) → Metro Line 2 → Tasqueña → Tren Ligero (avoids heavy Coyoacán traffic) | ~30–40 min |
| Xochimilco / Far South | Tren Ligero from Xochimilco heading north — Estadio Azteca station is before Tasqueña | ~20–30 min |
Mexico City has two main airports — MEX (AICM) is significantly closer and more convenient for Estadio Azteca.
Best option (public transport): Metrobús Line 4 from Terminal 1 → Metro Line 1 (Terminal Aérea station) → transfer to Line 2 → ride to Tasqueña terminal → Tren Ligero to Estadio Azteca
~15 pesos total · ~50–65 minutes · Cheapest optionUber/DiDi alternative: MEX to the stadium direct costs ~250–400 pesos normally. On match days expect 2–4× surge pricing. Our recommendation: Uber to Tasqueña station, then Tren Ligero — faster in traffic and much cheaper.
Public transport route: Tren Suburbano from AIFA → Buenavista station → Metro Line B → Garibaldi/Lagunilla → Line 8 → Bellas Artes → Line 2 → Tasqueña → Tren Ligero to Estadio Azteca
~35–50 pesos total · ~90–120 minutes · Multiple transfersAlternative: Uber/DiDi from AIFA direct to the stadium costs ~600–900 pesos normally. Journey time ~60–90 minutes depending on traffic. On match days surge pricing will be severe. If flying into AIFA, we recommend staying near Centro or Reforma and using Metro + Tren Ligero to reach the stadium.
87,000-capacity stadium + FIFA World Cup opening ceremony = enormous crowds. Prepare more than you would for any normal football match.
The opening ceremony begins about an hour before kick-off and people converge on the stadium very early. Account for Tren Ligero congestion, FIFA security queues, and finding your gate. For other matches without a ceremony, 2.5–3 hours before kick-off is usually enough.
The MI card (Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada) works on Metro, Metrobús, and Tren Ligero. Top up at vending machines inside any Metro station. Load at least 100–200 pesos — enough for your round trip. Cards cost 15 pesos at Metro ticket booths.
Download the CDMX area in Google Maps for offline use. The official Metro CDMX app helps navigate the interchange stations. Mobile signal inside underground Metro stations can be patchy. Screenshot your route as a backup before leaving the hotel.
The Tren Ligero stop is literally called "Estadio Azteca" and it sits next to the main entrance — walk out and follow FIFA signage. Wear comfortable shoes as the area around the stadium can be uneven. Follow the crowds from the station.
When 87,000 people exit simultaneously the Tren Ligero queue is brutal for the first 30–45 minutes. Stay in your seat, soak in the atmosphere, grab a snack nearby, then head out. Uber/DiDi on the return will have extreme surge pricing and long wait times.
Street vendors and food stalls around Azteca are largely cash-only. ATMs in CDMX charge ~30–40 pesos in fees per withdrawal. Withdraw pesos at MEX airport before entering the city — the rates and fees are usually competitive there.
Estadio Azteca is in southern CDMX — if your priority is minimising travel time, staying in Coyoacán or further south helps. But Roma Norte, Condesa, and Reforma offer far more choice, atmosphere, and things to do, and Metro + Tren Ligero makes the commute manageable.
Roma Norte, Condesa, and Reforma neighbourhoods offer the widest range of hotels, great restaurants, and easy Metro access to Tasqueña then Tren Ligero to the stadium in around 50 minutes. For the shortest possible journey, look at Coyoacán or Tlalpan, though with fewer options.
The questions travellers ask most before heading to Estadio Azteca for the 2026 World Cup.
The best option is Metro Line 2 (Blue) to Tasqueña terminal station, then transfer to the Tren Ligero (light rail) and ride to Estadio Azteca station — approximately 15 minutes from Tasqueña. The stadium entrance is a 5-minute walk from the station. On World Cup match days the CDMX government runs extra Tren Ligero services. You need a MI card (15 pesos to buy, then top up with credit) as cash is not accepted on board.
From Polanco: Metro Line 7 → Tacubaya → Line 9 → Chabacano → Line 2 → Tasqueña terminal → Tren Ligero → Estadio Azteca. Allow 50–65 minutes total. From Reforma/Chapultepec: Metro Line 1 or Metrobús Line 7 to Hidalgo, then transfer to Line 2 toward Tasqueña. Total fare including Tren Ligero is around 15–20 pesos.
From MEX Terminal 1: Metrobús Line 4 → Metro Line 1 (Terminal Aérea) → transfer to Line 2 → Tasqueña → Tren Ligero → Estadio Azteca. Around 50–65 minutes, approximately 15 pesos total. Uber/DiDi from MEX direct to the stadium costs ~250–400 pesos on normal days, but expect heavy surging on match days — we recommend Uber to Tasqueña and Tren Ligero for the final leg.
Yes, but with important caveats. On World Cup days — and particularly the June 11 opener — roads surrounding the stadium become heavily congested. Uber/DiDi drivers may be unable to reach the stadium entrance and will drop you some distance away. Prices surge significantly. We recommend using Uber/DiDi only to Tasqueña station and then taking the Tren Ligero — it is faster once traffic builds and far cheaper.
The MI card (Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada) is Mexico City's integrated transit card, valid on Metro, Metrobús, Tren Ligero, and public buses across CDMX. The card itself costs 15 pesos and you load credit as needed (up to 500 pesos). Buy and top up at vending machines in any Metro station. The Tren Ligero requires a MI card — cash is not accepted on board.
For the June 11 opening match (Mexico vs South Africa with the FIFA opening ceremony), leave your hotel at least 4–4.5 hours before kick-off. The Tren Ligero will be at full capacity, FIFA security is significantly more rigorous than standard club matches, and many fans arrive early specifically for the ceremony. For other World Cup matches without a ceremony, 2–2.5 hours before kick-off is generally sufficient.