How to Visit Teotihuacán: Guide to the Pyramids Near Mexico City

On a day trip to Mexico’s majestic pyramids

During our 10 days in Mexico City, we naturally wanted to visit the famous Teotihuacán pyramids.

The archaeological site is one of the absolute must-sees when visiting the capital, and we’d recommend everyone to plan a day trip from Mexico City to Teotihuacán.

We were amazed by how vast the complex was and ended up spending almost the entire day walking among the impressive pyramids, studying the ancient details, having lunch, and visiting the small museum.

In this Teotihuacán travel guide, we share how to get to Teotihuacán from Mexico City, how to visit the site, what to see once you’re there, and our best tips for making the most of your trip.

Where to stay near Teotihuacán

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• Value for money: Hotel GS Quinto Sol – Modern rooms and a lovely pool close to the southern entrance (Gate 1).
• Value for money: Villas Arqueologicas Teotihuacan – Pool, playground and massage treatments, located just a short walk from Gate 1.
• Budget: Temazcal Casa de Barro – Unique Mexican-style cabins set in a small garden near Gate 1.
• Apartments: Teoti Querido – Cosy, small apartments with a simple kitchen, living area and rooftop terrace offering pyramid views, within walking distance of Gate 5.

Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Teotihuacán here.

What is Teotihuacán?

Teotihuacán (from Nahuatl, meaning “birthplace of the gods”) was the largest pre-Columbian city in Mexico and reached its peak around 1,400 years ago.

It is thought that between 100,000 and 200,000 people lived here! That makes it a fairly large city at the time.

Located about 40-50 kilometres (~ 25-31 miles) northeast of Mexico City, Teotihuacán is one of the country’s most famous archaeological sites – especially renowned for the two Teotihuacán pyramids: the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.

Today, the site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique cultural significance, and the entire pyramid complex is remarkably well-preserved.

A trip to Mexico City is not complete without visiting Teotihuacán, in our opinion. Luckily, it’s both cheap and relatively easy!

In our Teotihuacán travel guide, we’ll cover how to get to Teotihuacán from Mexico City, what to see in Teotihuacán, and everything you need to know for a day trip to the pyramids.

How much time to spend in Teotihuacán

How much time do you need to see Teotihuacán?

Well, to fully experience the site, we would recommend setting aside a whole day for visiting Teotihuacán.

The area is very large, so there is plenty of walking. If you want to take a lunch break and browse the small souvenir shops, time passes quickly.

We arrived around 9:30 and stayed until 16:00.

Along the way, we had an hour for lunch outside the site and later visited the unique cave restaurant La Gruta for a drink, which took about another hour.

The on-site museum also requires some time, so it’s worth including in your visit.

Overall, you should allow at least 4-5 hours, but if you want to take your time exploring, eating, and relaxing, a full day is ideal.

This schedule makes it easier to enjoy all the wonderful things to see in Teotihuacán – from the pyramids to smaller archaeological features.

Practical information about Teotihuacán

Opening hours

Teotihuacán is open every day of the year, making it one of the few attractions in Mexico that isn’t closed on Mondays.

The archaeological site is open from 8:00 to 17:00, with ticket sales ending at 16:30.*

The museums open slightly later, from 9:00 and close at 16:30.

We recommend arriving as early as possible.

This helps you avoid the busiest crowds and the strongest sun, and gives you plenty of time to see all of Teotihuacán, including the main Teotihuacán pyramids.

Prices

The entrance fee to Teotihuacán is 90 pesos per person (around 4.2 EUR / 4.9 USD).*

Children under 13 enter for free.

Remember to keep your ticket, as you’ll need it to access the museums or to re-enter the site – for instance, if you leave for lunch and want to return.

Tickets are purchased at the entrance, and currently, cash is the only accepted method.

Tip: Entry is free for Mexican citizens on Sundays. If you prefer to avoid crowds, choose another day of the week for your visit.

*Information on opening hours and prices was last updated in 2025.

Map

The archaeological site of Teotihuacán sits next to the city of San Juan Teotihuacán, roughly 40-50 kilometres (~ 25-31 miles) northeast of Mexico City.

Here you can see the scale of the complex and plan how to visit Teotihuacán efficiently, whether by car, taxi, or bus from Mexico City.

Our experience at Teotihuacán

We arrived by bus from Mexico City (see further down in our Teotihuacán travel guide for details) and started at Gate 2, where the bus dropped us off.

From there, we walked along a road lined with juice vendors and small shops selling clothes, bags, jewellery, hats and a variety of souvenirs.

At the end of the road, it’s impossible to miss that you’ve arrived as the enormous Pyramid of the Sun stands before you!

The Pyramid of the Sun is one of the largest pyramids in the world, and in our view, it was the most impressive of the Teotihuacán pyramids.

Avenue of the Dead

West of the Pyramid of the Sun runs the central avenue of Teotihuacán, the Calzada de los Muertos, which translates to the Avenue of the Dead.

Plaza de la Luna lies at the far end, where you’ll find the Pyramid of the Moon and several other smaller (yet still impressive) pyramids.

As you make your way along the avenue, be sure to stop at the Mural del Puma – a well-preserved mural of a puma with beautiful colours.

The Pyramid of the Moon and the plaza

The area around Plaza de la Luna is likely where you’ll spend the most time. At least it was for us.

The massive Pyramid of the Moon is truly impressive, and the surrounding pyramids make the entire square fascinating to explore.

Climbing the pyramids is no longer allowed, but you can still walk close to and around them, which we would definitely recommend.

Tip: There is very little shade here, so wear light, covering clothing, a hat and sunscreen. We did all of that, but still got a little too much sun. Make sure to bring plenty of water as well.

Palaces and temples

If you walk from Plaza de la Luna towards Gate 3, you’ll come across three other notable attractions worth visiting:

• Palacio de Quetzalpapálotl (Palace of Quetzalpapálotl)
• Templo De Los Caracoles Emplumados (Temple of the Feathered Snails)
• Templo de los Jaguares (Temple of the Jaguars)

Palacio de Quetzalpapálotl (Palace of Quetzalpapálotl) is the remains of a restored palace with murals, columns, carved stone reliefs and intricate motifs. Its name combines the Quetzal bird (a sacred bird in Mesoamerican culture) with papálotl, meaning butterfly in Nahuatl. From the palace, you get a striking view of the Pyramid of the Moon and the plaza.

Templo De Los Caracoles Emplumados (Temple of the Feathered Snails) is hidden beneath the palace, but it’s well worth a visit. Inside, you’ll find several well-preserved, colourful murals and stone reliefs depicting birds, flowers and feathered snails – creatures often carrying spiritual or mythological significance in Mesoamerican culture.

Templo de los Jaguares (Temple of the Jaguars) contains original murals showing ornate jaguars playing instruments and other motifs. In Mesoamerican culture, the jaguar symbolised power, strength, warriors and transformative abilities.

These temples and the palace are some of the few shaded areas at the site, making them a perfect spot to rest and take a short break.

Templo de Quetzalcóatl

If you walk back along the Alley of the Dead (Calzada de los Muertos), passing the Pyramid of the Sun and continuing south towards Gate 1, you’ll reach the Templo de Quetzalcóatl.

It’s a long, sunny walk, but definitely worth it!

Along the way, you can explore smaller excavations such as Plaza Oeste, Palacio de Tetitla and Palacio de Atetelco.

The temple, also known as the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (whose name is Quetzalcóatl), resembles a pyramid.

What makes it special are the finely crafted decorations and sculptures of the feathered serpent’s head.

Visitors can climb the temple, which we of course did, and enjoy the view from the top.

There are also far fewer people here than at the larger pyramids, making it a more peaceful spot to explore.

Teotihuacán Museum

The Museo de la Cultura Teotihuacana is a small but excellent museum, packed with fascinating information.

It offers an in-depth look at the life and culture of the ancient city, with exhibitions featuring artefacts, sculptures, ceramics, art, and even skeletons.

Signs are provided in both English and Spanish.

We particularly enjoyed the large 3D model of Teotihuacán.

Positioned behind the miniature city, you can see the Pyramid of the Moon through the window. Pretty cool!

Tip: Consider visiting the museum around midday when it’s hottest outside. The air-conditioned interior is a welcome break from the sun.

Restaurants and food options in Teotihuacán

You can’t buy food or drinks inside the archaeological site itself, but there are plenty of options just outside – from snack stalls selling water and soft drinks to several full-service restaurants.

Mezcaleria Conejo en la Luna

We had lunch at Mezcalería Conejo en la Luna, near Gate 2.

We enjoyed a generous guacamole, an oven-baked sweet potato with hummus and chickpeas and a refreshing lemonade.

It wasn’t the best meal we had in Mexico, but given the location right next to Teotihuacán, the quality and prices were quite reasonable.

There are also several other restaurants along the same street if you’d like more choices.

La Gruta

Later in the afternoon, we needed a shady break and something to drink, so we visited the atmospheric La Gruta.

This underground restaurant is set in a cave just outside Gate 5, behind the Pyramid of the Sun. We just had a drink each to cool down.

The prices are high, and the food reviews aren’t particularly good, so it’s mainly worth visiting for the unique setting rather than the cuisine.

There were plenty of staff on duty and it wasn’t very crowded, but the service was still a bit slow, and it was difficult to get hold of the waiters.

Still, it was pleasant to sit in a slightly cooler spot for a while before returning to the archaeological site.

How to get to Teotihuacán

If you’re travelling from Mexico City to Teotihuacán, you can drive yourself, take an Uber (or a similar service), catch a bus, or join a guided tour.

• Driving, for example with Uber, is usually the fastest and easiest option, though it tends to be the most expensive (unless you’re renting a car for several days).
• A guided tour that includes transport is also an easy solution if you don’t want to plan the trip yourself.
• We opted for the public bus, which was the cheapest option, and fortunately, it was both simple and comfortable.

First, we’ll go into more detail on how to go to Teotihuacán by bus. After that, we’ll cover driving there yourself or using a rideshare service, and finally, we’ll suggest a few guided tours to Teotihuacán you might consider.

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Bus from Mexico City to Teotihuacán

Taking a public bus is by far the cheapest way of getting from Mexico City to Teotihuacán.

That’s exactly how we did it ourselves.

The first step is to make your way to the Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte.

If you’re near a metro station in Mexico City, the easiest way is to take the metro to Autobuses del Norte (La estación Metro Autobuses del Norte) on the yellow Line 5.

A metro journey costs just 5 pesos, regardless of how many changes you make.

From the metro station, the large bus terminal is hard to miss.

Buying bus tickets

At the main entrance, head left to one of the ticket booths selling tickets to Teotihuacán.

The bus company is called Autobuses Teotihuacan, though the signs may say Zona Arqueológica or Pirámides.

When we travelled by bus to Teotihuacan, the tickets were sold at gate number 8.

The first bus departs around 6:00 in the morning, and thereafter buses run approximately every 15-20 minutes throughout the day (as far as we know).

A single ticket costs 68 pesos per person each way (~ 3.2 EUR / 3.7 USD), making a return ticket around 136 pesos (~ 6.4 EUR / 7.4 USD) in 2024.

The ticket from Mexico City to Teotihuacán usually has a departure time printed on it, while the return ticket is open.

Remember to take cash!

The bus ride to Teotihuacán

Head out to the buses, where staff will usually help you find the correct platform.

If not, it’s a good idea to ask for directions to make sure you’re in line for the right bus.

The bus from Mexico City to Teotihuacán takes around an hour, although it can vary depending on traffic and sometimes takes up to 1.5 hours.

The first stop is in the city of Teotihuacán itself, and the stop for the archaeological site comes about five minutes later – get off at Gate 2.

Returning to Mexico City by bus

You can buy your return ticket at the same time as your outbound ticket.

Return tickets are open, so you can take the bus back whenever it suits you.

It’s also possible to purchase the return ticket directly on the bus.

To catch the bus back, return to the spot where you got off (Gate 2) or ask for directions.

As far as we know, the last bus from Teotihuacán to Mexico City departs around 18:00.

When we returned at 16:00, buses were leaving approximately every ten minutes.

Safety and comfort

We found the buses to be comfortable, with soft, reclining seats, and we felt safe throughout the journey.

As always, keep a close eye on your belongings – particularly on the metro in Mexico City, where it can get crowded and you may be standing close to others.

Drive yourself

You can either rent a car yourself or take an Uber (or similar service) to get to Teotihuacán.

Traffic in Mexico City can be hectic, so be prepared for a busy drive if you’re behind the wheel. Generally, driving in Mexico is safe.

Depending on your starting point in Mexico City and the time of day, the journey usually takes around 45-60 minutes, though it can extend to 1.5 hours during heavy traffic.

There are routes both north and south of Lago de Texcoco, so check Google Maps before you leave to see which route is best and to get up-to-date information on roadworks or traffic jams.

We didn’t rent a car ourselves, but we know that there are several options for a one-day hire or longer.

We usually compare car rental deals on DiscoverCars (adlink), where the quoted price includes all mandatory fees, taxes and basic extras, so there are no surprises at pickup.

Parking

Parking at Teotihuacán costs 50 pesos (~ 2.3 EUR / 2.7 USD) for a standard car, and the lot is right by the entrance.

Be sure to take the parking ticket with you, rather than leaving it in the car.

Using Uber or other rideshare services

A cheaper alternative to a taxi is using a rideshare app such as Uber, Didi, Cabify or Beat.

These services are generally more affordable than regular taxis, and you can check the driver’s rating and trip history beforehand.

Rideshare is also considered a safer way to travel in Mexico City, where many unofficial taxis operate.

With Uber (or a similar service), you get the convenience of being driven directly from your hotel or apartment to the Teotihuacán pyramids without navigating traffic yourself – though it is not the cheapest option.

Some of the roads to Teotihuacán are toll roads, so your driver may ask you to cover the toll (which is usually less than 100 pesos).

For the return journey, you can either arrange a pick-up with your driver (which can be costly) or hope to find a rideshare heading back to Mexico City at the right time.

Alternatively, the bus is always an option: simply buy a return ticket on the bus to Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte.

Tip: Make sure to select the Teotihuacán pyramids as your drop-off point, not the nearby town of the same name.

Guided tour to Teotihuacán

A guided tour to Teotihuacán is worth considering if you want convenient transportation and detailed insights into the archaeological site.

Most tours include transport from Mexico City, so you won’t need to worry about taking public transport or driving yourself.

For history and culture enthusiasts, having a guide is particularly rewarding. They can explain the city’s heyday, the significance of the site, who lived there, and share fascinating stories about the ruins, while also answering any questions you might have.

Tours are available as private experiences or in small groups.

If you’re wondering how to visit Teotihuacán on a tour, take a look at some options for guided tours of the Teotihuacán pyramids below.

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Where to stay near Teotihuacán

Although it’s possible to stay right next to Teotihuacán, most visitors prefer to base themselves in Mexico City and take a day trip to the Teotihuacán pyramids.

See our guide to where to stay in Mexico City for an overview of the best areas and hotels in the city.

You can also see all the best hotels in Mexico City here (adlink).

If you do consider staying near Teotihuacán, there are several good hotels within a short distance of the ruins.

The main advantage is being able to visit the archaeological site early in the morning or late in the afternoon, without spending much time on transport.

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• Value for money: Hotel GS Quinto Sol – Modern rooms and a lovely pool close to the southern entrance (Gate 1).
• Value for money: Villas Arqueologicas Teotihuacan – Pool, playground and massage treatments, located just a short walk from Gate 1.
• Budget: Temazcal Casa de Barro – Unique Mexican-style cabins set in a small garden near Gate 1.
• Apartments: Teoti Querido – Cosy, small apartments with a simple kitchen, living area and rooftop terrace offering pyramid views, within walking distance of Gate 5.

See the cheapest and best hotels in Teotihuacán here (adlink).

Our best tips for visiting Teotihuacán

• Arrive early. This helps you avoid both the largest crowds and the harshest sun.
• Protect yourself from the sun. There is very little shade, and even with covering clothing, a hat and sunscreen, we still got plenty of sun.
• Bring your own water. Save money and reduce plastic waste by carrying a refillable water bottle.
• Remember cash. Both the entrance fee and any souvenir purchases must be paid in cash.
• No climbing the pyramids. The rules were recently changed, so you can no longer climb the largest ruins.
• Avoid Sundays. Entry is free for Mexican citizens, making it the busiest day of the week.
• Toilets are available at all entrances. However, it’s common for there to be no toilet paper, so bring some just in case.

What to bring to Teotihuacán

• Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
• A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
• Sunscreen (adlink) and sun hat or cap. The UV index in Mexico is high, and when you’re outside all day, you’re bound to get a lot of sun. We recommend using an organic, vegan sunscreen without oxybenzone and other harmful chemicals.
• Hiking shoes, sneakers or comfortable sandals that you can walk around in.
• A refillable water bottle and snacks, in case you don’t want to purchase them on site.
• Mexican pesos to pay the entrance fee and to buy souvenirs or snacks.
• Toilet paper. We’ve heard that the toilets can run out of toilet paper, so it might be nice to bring some yourself as a backup.

Sustainable travel tips

To travel as sustainably as possible, we recommend the following:

• Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
• Avoid single-use plastics.
• Sort your waste correctly and don’t throw it on the ground.
• Take only photos and leave only footprints. Let everything stay in its natural place.
• Follow the rules and don’t climb the pyramids.
• Show consideration to other visitors.
• Respect the local wildlife.
• Use an environmentally friendly sunscreen.

Thank you for reading our guide to Teotihuacán

Thank you for reading our Teotihuacán travel guide. We hope you found it useful!

What do you think of the Teotihuacán pyramids?

If you’ve already been there, it would be great to hear your best tips and tricks in the comments.

Don’t hesitate to ask us anything if you haven’t been to Teotihuacán yet. We are happy to help.