Flying from Mexico City to New York: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your trip from in Mexico City. Check out your options departing from Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) or Santa Lucia Air Force Base (NLU) when organising your flight from Mexico City to New York.
Step off the plane at one of New York's major hubs like Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Alternatively, touch down at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
The average time for a direct flight from Mexico City to New York is 5 hours 1 minute. New York's timezone is UTC-4, making New York 2 hours ahead of Mexico City.
The busiest route for flights from Mexico City to New York is from Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Take your pick of 166 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to get going first thing, the earliest flight from MEX to JFK is the 00:15 American Airlines service. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the final departure is at 23:20 with American Airlines.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your flight from Mexico City to New York.
Delays at check-in and security are likely if you're travelling during high season, so allow some extra breathing space. A good general rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
To travel to United States for tourism purposes, you will need an embassy visa if you have a passport from Mexico. However, visa rules are subject to change and you may need further documentation depending on the purpose and duration of your trip. Always check the most up-to-date guidelines before you book your cheap flight from Mexico City to New York.
Flying from Mexico City
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
You can book a direct flight from Mexico City to New York jetting out of Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX). Start your trip at MEX, and then land at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
These are some of the most well-known carriers offering direct flights from Mexico City to New York taking off from MEX:
We make it a piece of cake to plan a flight from Mexico City to New York that includes a stopover. To see all your options leaving from Benito Juarez International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply choose a flight that has a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Some popular stopovers include:
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
MEX is about 8 kilometres from central Mexico City. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take you 24 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be approximately 57 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Mexico City to New York? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by picking one of these stays close to Benito Juarez International Airport:
Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU)
Split up your flight from Mexico City to New York with a stop so you can freshen up or perhaps go somewhere you've never been before. Some top stopovers between Benito Juarez International Airport and New York include:
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Mexico City to NLU in about 1 hour and 46 minutes. The terminal is roughly 40 kilometres away, and making the journey by car takes approximately 55 minutes.
Getting everyone to the airport on time before your flight from Mexico City to New York is much easier when you stay close to Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport. Consider booking a room at Villa Granada the night before you fly out.
Arriving in New York
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is around 24 kilometres from the centre of New York. With your own car rental or in a cab, the drive is around 28 minutes.
It typically takes 1 hour and 11 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Mexico City to New York. Stay at one of these accommodation options near EWR instead:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Once your flight from Mexico City to New York has landed, you can get to the city centre in about 48 minutes by car. Central New York is roughly 48 kilometres from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
You can also opt for public transport, which will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
There are some cosy hotels to call home for the night near JFK. Tuck yourself in after your flight from Mexico City to New York at one of these perfectly located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Mexico City to New York
ر.ق. 587 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Mexico City to New York. Return flights start from ر.ق. 1,106. These fares may change based on availability.
To score cheap tickets from Mexico City to New York, reserve your trip 2 months before the departure date.
The cheapest month for flight tickets from Mexico City to New York is October. You can easily compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool to find the dates with the lowest fares.
Snapping up a cheap ticket from Mexico City to New York is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when the price has dropped.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Mexico City to New York.
Best time to go to New York
February is the quietest month for flights from Mexico City to New York, while August is the most popular. Pick the best time to go to New York based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book your flight from Mexico City to New York for July if you'd like to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in New York to range from 18ºC to 30ºC.
Look for cheap tickets from Mexico City to New York in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -6ºC and 8ºC on average.
More about New York
Once you've booked your flight from Mexico City to New York, think about where you'll stay in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring New York:
Statue of Liberty and Central Park are a couple of top attractions to add to your New York itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Empire State Building.
Complete your New York trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Mexico City to New York to track down awesome deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare your options in one place. Plus you'll find all the info you need to drive in New York, from the most popular car type to the best time to book.