Travel to Mexico City by Car
Getting to Mexico City by car is straightforward thanks to the excellent motorway connections. The city is the junction of major federal highways, including the México-Querétaro (57D), México-Puebla (150D), México-Toluca (15D), México-Cuernavaca (95D) and the Circuito Interior. Driving in central Mexico City can feel a bit complicated due to heavy traffic, one-way streets, many tunnels, flyovers and the sheer size of the urban area.
Traffic is usually manageable outside rush hours, but expect heavy congestion during peak times (7–10 am and 5–8 pm on weekdays).
Hoy No Circula (Driving Restrictions)
Be aware that since 1989, Mexico City has operated the Hoy No Circula programme (and its extended version, Programa Ambiental Hoy No Circula) to reduce air pollution. Vehicles are restricted from driving in the metropolitan area on one day per week (Monday to Friday) based on the last digit of the registration plate and the colour of the sticker (holograma) obtained during the mandatory vehicle emissions test.
The restrictions apply Monday to Friday from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm in the ZMVM (Zona Metropolitana del Valle de México). Electric and hybrid vehicles with a valid green hologram are usually exempt. Foreign vehicles (with plates from outside Mexico City or Estado de México) follow special rules and can generally circulate freely for a short period (check current regulations). Always verify the latest rules on the official site before your trip, as they change seasonally.
Parking in Mexico City
Finding parking in central areas like the Historic Centre, Roma, Condesa or Polanco can be challenging, especially during weekdays. It is recommended to use parking garages or private car parks.
Parking in the city centre
There are plenty of multi-storey car parks (estacionamientos) in the main districts. In some, you pay in advance, in others, you pay on exit based on the actual time parked. Street parking is metered in many areas — use the parquímetros (pay at the machine with coins, card or via app). Popular apps for parking payment include Parkimovil, PagoPark and APC (Aparcamiento Público Controlado). Always check the signs carefully to avoid fines or towing.
Park-and-ride
A great solution for avoiding city-centre traffic and parking problems is to use park-and-ride facilities. Park your car outside the most congested zones (e.g. at shopping centres like Perisur, Parque Delta, or stations along the Tren Suburbano) and continue by Metro, Metrobús or public transport. Many of these facilities are free or low-cost.
Rental car in Mexico City
Renting a car in Mexico City is easy. Most major international companies have offices throughout the city and at all airports (AICM, AIFA and Toluca). You can book in advance or on arrival. You will need a valid national driving licence and a passport. Ask if the congestion/vehicle restriction rules are included in the price or if there are any limitations.
Car rental companies:
More information about traveling to Mexico City
Travel to Mexico City by airplane
Travel to Mexico City by train
