How to Ride the Mexico City CableBus As a Tourist

With unparalleled views of colorful neighborhoods, the CDMX skyline, and nearby mountains, riding the Mexico City CableBus is one of the best things to do in the city.

But since the Mexico City cable car system is only a few years old, and was actually created as a public transportation solution rather than a tourist attraction, very few visitors know it exists. 

As of 2023, there are now two CableBus lines in Mexico City. They are the longest and second longest cable car routes in the whole world. 

Even after living in Mexico and visiting Mexico City a handful of times, I only learned about the cable cars on my fifth time in the city. As soon as I heard about it, I knew I had to give it a try.

My experience on Mexico City’s CableBus was so delightful that I plan to go again next time I’m in CDMX. In the meantime, I wanted to create a CableBús Mexico City guide so that more tourists like me can respectfully explore more of this beautiful city from above. 

To create this guide, I did my research and worked with a local tour guide who rides the CableBus daily. Of course, I also rode the entire length of the Iztapalapa line myself (it’s a long journey and I highly recommend it!)

Traveling over a steep hill in Iztapalapa on CableBus line 2

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Best Mexico City Cable Car Tour

On your first time riding the CableBús, I highly recommend going with a tour guide. It gives you the opportunity to learn about the places you’re seeing from a local and makes it easier to figure out how the cable car system works. 

Even though cable car tickets are so cheap ($7 pesos), paying extra to go with a guide is well worth it. Plus, there is an incredible group of local guides who host daily cable car tours. 

In addition to riding the cable car, they take you to tons of hidden gems along the way. Here is a little bit more about the Mexico City CableBus tour:

Mexico City CableBus Tour

★★★★★ 5/5 stars
Leaves from Palacio de Bellas Artes in Centro Historico

Fly over unexplored parts of Mexico City via cable car with a small group. Your tour guide will help you respectfully immerse in local culture as you explore the Quetzalcoatl market, visit the Museum of Cultures, wander through nontoursity neighborhoods, ride the full length of the Iztapalapa cable car line, and taste a pre-hispanic alcoholic drink (pulque). 

Some views from Mexico City’s CableBus

How to Ride the Mexico City CableBus 

If you choose to ride the CMDX cable car without a guide, you’ll first need to decide which line to ride. 

There are currently two Mexico City cable car lines. Both feature impressive panoramic views, and both cost $7 pesos per ride. 

Cablebús Line 1

Line 1 is the second longest cable car line in the world at 9.2 kilometers. The line runs between the neighborhoods of Indios Verdes and Cuautepec, a northern Mexico City suburb. The gorgeous ride takes about a half hour one-way. 

Cablebús Line 2

Line 2 is the longest urban cable car line in the world at 10.6 kilometers. The line runs through the Iztapalapa district, featuring rooftop murals and mountain views. You can ride the entire line in about 40 minutes. 

Which Cablebús is Better?

Both CableBus lines feature stunning views. However, if I were to choose one, I would recommend riding line 2, which is slightly longer. Another advantage of taking line 2 is that it starts and ends at different Metro lines, which easily connect you back to other areas of Mexico City. 

Getting On and Off Mexico City Gondolas

You can get on or off the Mexico City CableBus at any of the stops. However, if you’d like to get the full CableBus, experience be sure to board at the beginning or end of one of the two lines:

★ Indios Verdes Cablebús Stop (Line 1)
★ Cuautepec Cablebús Stop (Line 1)
★ Constitución de 1917 Stop (Line 2)
★ Santa Marta Cablebús Stop (Line 2)

You can reach these CableBus stops via Uber, DiDi, or subway. Subway line 3 takes you to Indios Verdes, subway line 8 takes you directly to Constitución de 1917, and subway line A takes you directly to Santa Marta.

Tips for Boarding Cable Cars in Mexico City

After paying for your cable car ticket ($7 pesos), you will likely have to wait in a short line to board the cable car.

Boarding happens quickly, so be sure to have your entire group with you and all your belongings secured. A staff member will assist you as you board and will likely ask half of your group to sit on one side, and half on the other side for balance. 

When you arrive at other stations in the cable car, don’t get off (unless you need to) and ride the cable car to the last station. 

Also read: The Ultimate Mexico City Packing List

Also Read: What to Wear in Mexico City for Men and Women

Mexico City CableBus FAQs

Is the Mexico City cable car system safe for tourists? 

In general, Mexico City’s CableBus is perfectly safe for tourists. However, it’s important to take the same safety precautions you would when riding in public transportation in any other city. 

Don’t wear flashy jewelry, be mindful of people standing close to you, and watch your belongings. And if you plan to get off the CableBus and explore an unfamiliar neighborhood, be sure to do your research ahead of time. 

If you have any safety concerns, I highly recommend booking a CableBus tour with a local guide rather than trying to do it on your own. 

How many people fit in one cable car? 

Each cable car fits up to ten people at a time. 

Do you have to ride the cable bus with strangers? 

If you are traveling by yourself or with a very small group, you may be asked to ride in a cable car with other people. However, you can always ask to take a car by yourself. 

Why did the Mexico City government implement the CableBus system?

Mexico City’s aerial tramway system was implemented as a public transportation solution for some of the poorest parts of the city. The CableBus connects communities that don’t have direct access to the metro system, enabling people to shorten their commutes and gain greater access to jobs, education, medical care, and other essential services. 

Does Mexico City have a gondola? 

Yes! The CableBus is one of Mexico City’s newest forms of public transportation, featuring the world’s longest gondola routes. 

Does Mexico City have plans for a new line? 

CableBus line 3 is currently being built, and the city is currently discussing the possibility of a fourth line. 

What are the current stops for CableBus line 1 and line 2?

CableBus Line 1 stops include:

★ Indios Verdes Cablebús Station
★ Ticomán Cablebús Station
★ Cablebús La Pastora Station
★ Campos Revolución Cablebús Station
★ Tlalpexco Cablebús Station
★ Cuautepec Cablebús Station

CableBus Line 2 stop include:

★ Constitución de 1917 Station
★ Quetzalcoatl Cablebús Station (Mercado D.U. Quetzalcoatl)
★ Las Torres Buenavista Cablebús Station
★ Xalpa Cablebús Station
★ Lomas de la Estancia Cablebús Station
★ San Miguel Teotongo Cablebús Station
★ Santa Marta Cablebús Station

Final Thoughts: Riding the Cable Car in Mexico City as a Tourist

I am convinced that these new cable car lines have the best view in all of Mexico City. Whether you’re a first time visitor to Mexico City, or a frequent visitor, I highly recommend taking the CableBus to see and explore more of this gorgeous metropolis.