Travel guide · Teotihuacán
Figuring out how to get to Teotihuacan from Mexico City starts with your plan for the day. For a daytime visit to the pyramids, the bus from Terminal Central del Norte is the cheapest option, while Uber, DiDi or your own car give you more comfort.
A hot air balloon ride changes everything. Check-in is at 5:30 a.m. and the public bus can’t get you there in time, so your real options are driving, staying nearby the night before, or booking a package with transportation from Mexico City.
How far is Teotihuacan from Mexico City?
The archaeological site is about 50 km (31 miles) northeast of Mexico City and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Depending on how you travel and on traffic, the trip takes 45 to 75 minutes.
The site opens at 9:00 a.m. In 2026, admission is $105 MXN for Mexican visitors and $210 MXN for foreign visitors, and it’s free for Mexican visitors on Sundays.
By bus: the budget option for a daytime visit
- Bus line: Autobuses México-San Juan Teotihuacán, from hall 8 (sala 8) at Terminal Central del Norte, on Metro Line 5.
- Frequency: every 15 to 20 minutes, starting around 7:00 a.m.
- Travel time: 50 to 60 minutes each way.
- Cost: about $55 to $65 MXN each way.
- Return: the last bus back leaves around 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.
It’s a good choice for exploring the archaeological site during the day, but it won’t work for a balloon flight. The first bus leaves around 7:00 a.m., an hour and a half after balloon check-in.
By Uber, DiDi or car
An Uber or DiDi takes 45 to 75 minutes and costs roughly $250 to $450 MXN each way. Getting there is easy, but finding a ride back from the pyramids can be hard, so have a backup plan.
Driving gives you full control of your schedule and is a practical way to reach the balloon port before 5:30 a.m. Flights depart from the Vívelo en Globo balloon port on Libramiento San Martín de las Pirámides, in the State of Mexico.
If you’re driving before dawn, leave with time to spare. The maximum arrival tolerance is 15 minutes, and after that the pilot may take off without you.
How to get to Teotihuacan from Mexico City for a balloon ride
Flight day starts very early: check-in and coffee at 5:30 a.m., inflation at 5:45 a.m., and takeoff around 6:15 a.m. That’s why you’ll want one of these three options:
- Your own car: drive straight to the balloon port; the shared flight includes parking.
- Stay nearby: book a room the night before in San Juan Teotihuacán or San Martín de las Pirámides (lodging isn’t included).
- Transportation package: round trip from a central area of Mexico City, with no pre-dawn driving.
With Ruta Mágica, the shared flight with round-trip transportation costs $3,290 MXN per person. The flight, breakfast and 1.5-hour Essential tour package is $4,090 MXN with a Spanish-speaking guide or $4,290 MXN with an English-speaking guide, per person.
Transportation packages are priced for 2 to 15 adults. If you’re traveling with children or a different group size, ask before booking.
Read next: Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Price in 2026: What You’ll Pay
Which option is right for you?
- Pyramids only, on a budget: the bus from Terminal Central del Norte.
- Pyramids only, with more comfort: Uber, DiDi or your own car, with a plan for the ride back.
- Balloon ride without driving: a package with transportation from Mexico City.
- Balloon ride with a car: drive before dawn or stay nearby the night before.
The flight wraps up before the archaeological site opens at 9:00 a.m., so you can make the most of the rest of the day. For a guided visit, private tours are available in Spanish or English, priced in Mexican pesos (MXN), with site admission not included.
Read next: Teotihuacan Day Trip Itinerary with a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the bus to a hot air balloon ride in Teotihuacan?
No. Check-in is at 5:30 a.m. and the public bus starts running around 7:00 a.m., so you’ll need a car, a room nearby, or a package with transportation from Mexico City.
How much does it cost to get from Mexico City to Teotihuacan?
By bus, about $55 to $65 MXN each way. By Uber or DiDi, roughly $250 to $450 MXN each way.
How long does it take to get from Mexico City to Teotihuacan?
The bus takes 50 to 60 minutes, and an Uber or DiDi takes 45 to 75 minutes. The site is about 50 km (31 miles) northeast of the city.
Where do Ruta Mágica’s balloon flights depart from?
From the Vívelo en Globo balloon port on Libramiento San Martín de las Pirámides, State of Mexico. If you book a transportation package, the round trip starts from a central area of Mexico City.