Flying from New York to Mexico City: what you need to know
You can choose from multiple airports when planning your flight from New York to Mexico City. Explore your options for leaving New York from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
When planning your arrival in Mexico City, Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) and Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU) are the major entry points.
The average duration of a direct New York to Mexico City flight is 5 hours 30 minutes.
Mexico City's timezone is UTC-6, which makes Mexico City two hours behind New York.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 42 weekly departures to choose from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from New York to Mexico City is with American Airlines at 20:00. Choose the first JFK to MEX departure operated by Aeromexico at 00:56 to make the most of your arrival in Mexico City.
To ensure you catch your New York to Mexico City flight, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
If you're travelling during a peak month like July, get to the terminal even earlier. It's smart to arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures. Check-in and security lines are longer during vacation periods like Christmas and New Year.
How to find the cheapest flights from New York to Mexico City
Score cheap New York to Mexico City flights by booking eight months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for bagging a bargain.
Schedule your trip for November. That's the best month for landing the biggest deals on plane tickets from New York to Mexico City. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across each month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from New York to Mexico City by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a lower fare pops up.
Save money on your New York to Mexico City flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from New York
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
You can book a direct flight from New York to Mexico City departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Start your trip at JFK and land at Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX).
Leading carriers that offer direct New York to Mexico City plane tickets from JFK include:
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your journey — and maybe even explore a different city. When searching for New York to Mexico City flights departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Las Americas International Airport (SDQ)
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
Located around 19 kilometres from central New York, JFK can be reached in about 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 20 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your journey? Stay near John F. Kennedy International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from New York to Mexico City or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are perfect:
Of the flights that depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport, 74.1% touch down on time at their destination.
The address for JFK is JFK Airport.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Prefer to jet off from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)? This popular hub offers nonstop flights from New York to Mexico City, seamlessly connecting to Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX).
From EWR, you can book a direct New York to Mexico City plane ticket with United Airlines.
Split up your New York to Mexico City flight with a stop so you can recharge or perhaps go somewhere you've never been before. Some top stopovers between Newark Liberty International Airport and Mexico City include:
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport (TQO)
Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)
EWR is around 14 kilometres from central New York. It takes 30 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your flight from New York to Mexico City? Check in to a hotel near Newark Liberty International Airport before your trip officially starts. Check out these accommodation options:
When it comes to flight punctuality, Newark Liberty International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 73.3%.
You'll find EWR at Building 1, Conrad Road.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
You can reserve a ticket from New York to Mexico City with one or more stops leaving from LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Here are some of the most common stopovers between LGA and Mexico City:
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
The trip to LGA from central New York is around 1 hour by public transport. If you prefer to travel by car, it'll take you about 25 minutes to cover the 13 kilometres or so.
Take the uncertainty out of departure day — stay close to LaGuardia Airport and know you'll get to the terminal with time to spare. Get settled at one of these hotels the day before if you have an early New York to Mexico City flight:
LGA has an on-time performance rating of 80.0%. This means the majority of its flights touch down as expected and your trip runs like clockwork.
You'll find LaGuardia Airport at Hangar 7 Centre.
Arriving in Mexico City
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
The distance from Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) to central Mexico City is roughly 6 kilometres. It'll take you about 25 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It typically takes 55 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
Consider booking a hotel close to MEX if you have a late flight from New York to Mexico City. Choose one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a Benito Juarez International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from INFINITY RENT, MEX or America to explore Mexico City and beyond.
Reserving your ride from Benito Juarez International Airport around four weeks ahead gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU)
Central Mexico City is approximately 32 kilometres from Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU). After your flight from New York to Mexico City has landed and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 55 minutes.
The trip will take roughly 1 hour 45 minutes on public transport.
Holiday Inn & Suites Mexico Felipe Angeles Airport is one accommodation option within a short drive of NLU. Drop your bags here after your flight from New York to Mexico City and then put up the 'Do not disturb' sign to get some rest.
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Europcar, MEX or Keddy By Europcar and be on your way in a flash.
Avoid potential price surges. Securing your ride one week ahead of your arrival at NLU will help you save.
Best time to go to Mexico City
April is the quietest month for flights from New York to Mexico City, while July is the most popular. Figure out the best time to go to Mexico City based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Mexico City is April, with temperatures ranging between 10ºC (50ºF) and 28ºC (82ºF). Book your New York to Mexico City ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from New York to Mexico City in January when temperatures average between 6ºC (43ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF).
More about Mexico City
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Mexico City right here. Check out these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from New York to Mexico City:
Zocalo and Chapultepec Park are a couple of top-rated attractions to add to your Mexico City must-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at National Museum of Anthropology.
Explore more of Mexico
You've seen Mexico City, now it's time to explore more of Mexico. Journey around 21 kilometres north-east to Ecatepec de Morelos to tick off its popular sights. From Grupo Scout 360 Aztlan to mirador del Valle Park and Kinder casanueva, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If there's time to check out another major stop in Mexico, head for Guadalajara, about 467 kilometres west of Mexico City. Guadalajara Cathedral, Teatro Degollado and Portales Tlaquepaque Park are key highlights.
