How to Get to Teotihuacan Pyramids from Mexico City

Posted 21/01/2024 | 21st January, 2024

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Are you planning a trip to the Teotihuacan Pyramids and feeling overwhelmed by the many choices for getting there?

Don’t let this put you off seeing the fantastic Mexico City pyramids.

This post has you covered – with all the different options of how to get to Teotihuacan Pyramids from Mexico City, including organised tours, taxis, self-drive, and the Teotihuacan bus.

Table of Contents

What are the Teotihuacan Pyramids

The Teotihuacan Pyramids in Mexico City are awe-inspiring ancient wonders that transport you back in time. Built by an unknown civilisation around 200 BCE, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon are two of the most spectacular sights to see in Mexico.

Visiting the Teotihuacan Pyramids is undoubtedly one of the best things we did in Mexico City.

How to Get to Teotihuacan Pyramids from Mexico City

Transportation can become overwhelming when planning your trip to the Teotihuacan Pyramids. Four main ways to access this UNESCO World Heritage site are covered in detail below.

⭐ Teotihuacan Bus From Mexico City (Cheapest Option)

⭐ Teotihuacan Pyramids Tour

⭐ Drive to Teotihuacan Pyramids From Mexico City

⭐ Taxi / Uber from Mexico City to Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan Bus From Mexico City (Cheapest Option)

Taking the Teotihuacan bus from Mexico City is by far the cheapest way to visit. I was initially very concerned about taking this journey (as a complete CDMX public transport novice!). However, the journey is absolutely fine.

Getting to Central de Autobuses del Norte

First, you need to make your way to the Mexico City Norte bus station.

You’ve got two options to get to Central de Autobuses del Norte: Taxi/Uber or Metro.

Of course, Uber will be the quickest but most expensive option. If you’re making the effort to take the bus from Central de Autobuses del Norte, I recommend using the metro to get there.

If it’s your first time using the metro, you will first need to purchase the metro card. These can be bought from any machine at any station and cost $15 MXN. You do not need to buy more than one card, regardless of how many people are in the group. Simply take turns scanning the card through the barrier.

You can use the same machine to top up your card, with each journey amazingly only costing $5 MXN. The Metro operates the same as every metro around the world, with handy maps in each station to let you know you’re heading in the right direction.

Getting From Central de Autobuses del Norte to Teotihuacan Pyramids

Once you’re in the station, turn left and head to gate eight to buy your tickets. This is the penultimate gate (we stood in the wrong queue, and a kind guy took one look at us and immediately directed us to the correct counter).

A one-way ticket costs $52 MXN, and we were able to pay by card.

We managed to grab tickets for a bus that departed in ten minutes. Therefore, I recommend checking the bus times before taking a toilet break and grabbing some snacks.

Teotihuacan Pyramids Tour

The most convenient way to see the Teotihuacan Pyramids is to take a guided tour. As you would expect, this is also the most expensive way to visit them.

Viator has heaps of options, including private tours and those for larger groups. Many of these day trips include other Mexico City highlights, such as the Guadalupe Shrine, Tequila tasting, and Tlatelolco.

Note: If you don’t want to take a tour from Mexico City, there are plenty of tour guides (Spanish and English speaking) at the entrance.

Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Tour

A hot air balloon ride over the Teotihuacan Pyramids is an extremely popular activity. We couldn’t find anywhere to arrange this at the Pyramids, so to avoid disappointment, book this in advance. Numerous operators offer this tour, including hotel pick-up, drop-off, and breakfast. Flights last between 30 and 50 minutes and provide a spectacular view of the pyramids of Teotihuacan.

Drive to Teotihuacan Pyramids From Mexico City

The most flexible option is renting a car and driving to the Teotihuacan Pyramids from Mexico City.

Personally, I would not feel confident navigating the crazy roads of Mexico City alone. However, if you’re an experienced driver or staying on the outskirts of the city, then this might be the option for you!

In regular traffic, the drive should take around one hour and twenty minutes, and having your own rental allows you to set off as early (or late) as you like.

There is ample parking at the Teotihuacan Pyramids site.

Discover Cars is highly regarded as one of Mexico’s best car rental companies. They have bilingual customer service too, if you’re concerned that your Spanish isn’t quite up to scratch.

I’ve heard and read about lots of car rental scams in Mexico City, so I would highly recommend using a company like this in advance to avoid any hassle or upset.

The drive is relatively straightforward once you’ve escaped the initial Mexico City traffic. Access to a rental car will also allow you to enjoy other day trips from Mexico City in your own time.

Taxi / Uber from Mexico City to Teotihuacan

If you’re wondering how to get to Teotihuacan Pyramids from Mexico City, and are short on time, then an Uber or Taxi might be the best option.

Uber is plentiful and reasonably priced in Mexico City. We never waited longer than five minutes for a car to arrive, but I suspect you might wait a little longer for one to drive to the pyramids.

The price will obviously vary depending on the time of day and availability of drivers, however, you should expect to pay around $800 MXN one way.

If you’re short on time and part of a group, an Uber to the Teotihuacan Pyramids will certainly be the best option.

Practical Tips for Teotihuacan Pyramids

⭐ If you’re not getting a guide, download some information to your phone beforehand.

⭐ Wear sunscreen. There is no shade here, and the midday Mexican sunshine is strong!

⭐ Bring cash. You will likely want to buy some water, snacks or souvenirs – and you will need cash to pay.

⭐ You can no longer climb the pyramids. Climbing was banned a few years back to preserve this ancient wonder. Nevertheless, it’s still certainly worth the visit!

⭐Dedicate some time to the Teotihuacan Museum, which provides a wealth of information and artefacts about this ancient city.

Frequently Asked Questions – Teotihuacan Pyramids, Mexico

How Far Are the Pyramids From Mexico City?

Teotihuacan Pyramids are around 50km from Mexico City.

How Much Is a Taxi From Mexico City to Teotihuacan?

Of course, taxi and Uber fares will vary depending on the time or day of the week, but expect to pay between $800 and $1000 MXN for a one-way journey.

What Is the Teotihuacan Pyramids Address?

The address for Teotihuacan Pyramids is 55825 San Martín de las Pirámides.

What are the Teotihuacan Hours of Opening?

Teotihuacan is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm, 365 days a year.

How Long Does the Bus Take To Teotihuacan Pyramids?

The bus from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte to the Teotihuacan Pyramids takes around one hour. Be aware that Mexico City traffic can be crazy, so this time could vary significantly!

How Much Does Entrance to Teotihuacan Pyramids Cost?

Entrance to the Teotihuacan Pyramids is 80 MXN per person. Tickets cannot be purchased in advance and can simply be purchased at the ticket office on the day.

Do I Need a Tour to Visit Teotihuacan Pyramids?

No, you absolutely do not need to take a tour to visit the Teotihuacan Pyramids! Tours can be very beneficial as they remove all the stress of travel and provide great information. However, they are not mandatory.