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How to Ride Mexico City’s Cablebús (And Which Line to Pick)

ByJessie Updated on

Float above Mexico City’s neighborhood rooftops, colorful murals, and green parks on the Cablebús, the city’s newest public transport.

Since its inauguration in 2021, Mexico City’s Cablebús has helped tens of thousands of chilangos (Mexico City locals) move across the city every day. 

While it’s become a commuting game-changer for locals living on the outskirts of town, it’s also attracted attention from travelers for its sweeping views and “off the beaten path” experience. 

With 3 Cablebús lines currently in operation (and a 4th in the works), each route offers unique scenery, culture, and accessibility. 

I rode Line 2 and explored the Iztapalapa neighborhood with a tour, and I also rode Line 3 over Chapultepec Park with my boyfriend.. 

I had great experiences with both lines, just different. 

Lines 1 & 2 let you see more local life and are best explored with a tour, while Line 3 is close to the touristic center of the city—perfect for a self-guided ride with tourist-friendly stops along the way.

Whether you’re looking for a safe solo adventure or an immersive cultural experience, Mexico City’s Cablebús is a unique experience that should not be missed!

History of the Cablebús

The first Cablebús line opened in 2021 to connect Mexico City’s hillside neighborhoods to the center of town, which were hard to reach with the existing public transport. 

It was designed to shorten commutes, improve safety, and cut down on traffic and pollution.

A fourth line is already in development. It’s expected to be completed in 2026 and will be even longer than Line 2, the current longest line.

Cablebús Lines Compared

Line Route & Ride Time Vibe Highlights Best For Tips
Line 1 Indios Verdes ↔ Cuautepec / Tlalpexco (~30 min) Off-the-beaten-path, everyday local life Colorful hillside homes, close to Basilica de Guadalupe Travelers curious about local neighborhoods A scenic ride without getting off and exploring.
Line 2 Constitución de 1917 ↔ Santa Marta (~40 min) Cultural, colorful, typical Mexican neighborhood Rooftop murals, sweeping Iztapalapa views Culture seekers, art lovers, and travelers wanting to go off the beaten path Best with a guide if you want to explore the neighborhood.
Line 3 Los Pinos ↔ Vasco de Quiroga (~20 min) Green, central, and peaceful Chapultepec Park, Cineteca Nacional First-time visitors, easy self-guided ride Get off at the Cineteca Nacional stop to explore deep within Chapultepec Park.

Which Cablebús Line Should You Ride?

Line 1

Choose Line 1 if you want to go completely off the beaten path and see everyday neighborhood life without getting out of the cable car.

It’s best if you just want to enjoy the ride without getting off, since there isn’t much for tourists to explore on the ground.

A good option for repeat visitors or travelers with extra time.

Line 2

Choose Line 2 if you want to pair the ride with exploring a famous, but not-at-all-touristic neighborhood most travelers never see.

Iztapalapa is famous for its rooftop murals and bustling streets, but it’s also known as one of Mexico City’s rougher (and iconic) neighborhoods.

To really experience it, go with a guided tour—you’ll get to walk through the neighborhood, eat at a local market, and feel safe navigating an area that can be tricky on your own.

Line 3

An afternoon riding Cablebús Linea 3 to Chapultepec Park with my friend Gaby.

Choose Line 3 if it’s your first time in Mexico City or you’re short on time.

This line is the closest to downtown and most tourist-friendly, running right alongside Chapultepec Park and connecting to sights like La Cineteca Nacional.

Jorge and I went one afternoon and it’s probably the quietest place in all of Mexico City – it was bizarre!

There was no traffic noise where we were in the middle of the Bosque de Chapultepec. It felt like we were somewhere in Scandinavia because of the tranquility and the architecture.

Jessie’s Take: If you’re only going to ride once, I’d go with Line 3—it’s close to the city center, easy to do on your own, and still has great views. But if you’ve got more time or you’re on a second trip, Line 2 with a guide is the most rewarding for a deeper, local experience.

Should You Go With a Tour?

If it’s your first time in Mexico City and you just want to ride the Cablebús for the views, Line 3 is easy to do on your own. 

But if you’re curious about diving deeper into local life, especially in a very Mexican neighborhood like Iztapalapa, a guided tour of Line 2 makes the experience way more meaningful (and stress-free).

I went with local guide Fernando, and I was surprised by how much I learned and enjoyed the tour, even as someone that’s been living in Mexico City for 7 years. 

A couple in my group had just done the hot air balloon ride over the pyramids of Teotihuacán and they said the Cablebús tour was a great addition to their trip because unlike the balloon ride, the cable cars allowed them to see the heart of Mexico City from above.

🚡Ready to see a side of Mexico City that most tourists never do? Book a guided tour with Fernando!

How to Ride the Cablebús

Getting There

Line 1 (Indios Verdes – Cuautepec/Tlalpexco)


The easiest way is by taking the MetroBus Line 1 directly to the first station, Indios Verdes, which takes about 50 minutes. 

You can also call an Uber to take you to the station, which is at least a 30 minute ride.

Line 2 (Constitución de 1917 – Santa Marta)


You can reach the start of Line 2 at Constitución de 1917 by taking the Metro Line 1 and changing to Line 8. That’s what we did with our tour guide, Fernando, when I went on the Cablebús tour, and it takes about an hour.

Uber is less adventurous but more straightforward and takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic. You can have the Uber drop you off at the start of Line 2 at Constitución de 1917.

Line 3 (Los Pinos – Vasco de Quiroga)

This is the most centrally located line.

You’ll likely be within biking distance if you’re staying in Roma or Condesa. 

The start of the line is at Los Pinos station, right by Chapultepec Park. 

You can either Uber straight there or hop on an ECOBICI if you’re feeling adventurous. 

Biking and driving take about the same amount of time, but I prefer to bike from our apartment in Roma Norte because it’s a scenic ride through Roma Norte, Condesa, and San Miguel Chapultepec neighborhoods. 

There’s an ECOBICI station where you can leave your bike right next to the Cablebús.

How Much Does It Cost?

Each ride costs 7 pesos (less than 50¢ USD).

Metro Card: Buying & Reloading

To ride the Cablebús, you’ll need a CDMX Integrated Mobility Card (Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada).

  • Buy one at most Metro, Metrobus, or Cablebús stations for around 15 pesos.
  • Reload it at kiosks or machines at most stations. Machines take coins, 20 peso bills, or 50 peso bills, and usually don’t give change.
  • The same card works for the Metro, Metrobus, ECOBICI, the Cablebús, and other CDMX public transport, so it’s worth having if you plan on biking or using public transport.

Getting On & Off

When it’s your turn, the staff will open the gate and you’ll step into the gondola as it glides slowly past the platform. 

The cabins don’t stop completely, but the movement is slow enough that boarding feels easy. Each gondola fits 10 people, so you’ll likely share with others. 

I don’t recommend trying to get a gondola to yourself. Follow the instructions of the operator and go in whichever one they tell you. 

When I’ve gone, I’ve had cable cars to myself and I’ve shared cable cars with 4 or 5 other people. For me it didn’t make a difference, but I did enjoy speaking with locals who use the Cablebús to commute and hearing how it’s cut their commute in half and makes their life easier. 

Once you’re seated, the doors close automatically, and you’ll be on your way. 

At your stop, simply step out as the cabin slows at the platform. Again, it doesn’t fully stop, but it’s simple and intuitive.

If you get off to explore a stop, you’ll need to pay again in order to continue riding down the line or return to the beginning. 

Is It Safe for Solo-Female Travelers?

A woman with long hair and a visible tattoo sits inside a cable car, looking out the window at a city view and a line of gondola cables stretching into the distance. She rests her head on her hand, wearing sunglasses and holding a black bag on her lap.

I would ride Line 3 solo without hesitation. 

Line 1 and 2 would also be ok to ride solo if you don’t get off at the stops to explore.

But I know if I tried to ride either of those lines by myself, Jorge would tell me I’m crazy and that it’s not safe and I would tell him he’s being dramatic. 

But if you want to be on the safe side, just go with a guide.

When is the Best Time to Ride the Cablebús?

Winter (December–February)

Winter can go either way. Some days the sky is hazy with little visibility, but other days, especially in January and February, the sky is so clear you can see the snow-covered volcano, Popocateptl, in the distance from Cablebús line 2. 

Spring (March–May)

Spring is all about the jacarandas. The visibility might not be perfect, but honestly, who cares when the whole city is bursting with purple blossoms? 

Riding over Chapultepec or through neighborhoods dotted with jacaranda trees feels dreamy this time of year.

Summer (June–August)

Yes, it’s rainy season, but don’t let that stop you. Mornings are usually bright and clear. I’ve ridden the Cablebús many times during the summer and it was great. Everything is greener and less dusty thanks to the regular rains.

Fall (September–November)

Fall skies are some of the bluest you’ll see all year. It’s also a magical time if you’re here for Día de Muertos. Ride Line 3 over Panteón de Dolores in the evening, to get a glimpse of flickering candles and altars from above for Day of the Dead. It’s on my list of must-do activities for Día de Muertos this year!

Best Time of Day to Ride

  • Mid-morning (after 10am): You won’t have to mess with rush-hour traffic getting to the Cablebús and there will be fewer people in line and inside the cable cars.
  • Sunset: Especially on Line 3 since it’s close to downtown. Floating above Chapultepec as the sun dips behind the skyline is one of those “wow” Mexico City moments. It’s a good time for scenic views, but not a good time to get off and explore.
  • Times to Avoid: Rush hour (7–9am and 5–7pm) are crowded with commuters, and I wouldn’t recommend riding late at night unless you’re with friends and know where you’re going.

Cablebús FAQs

Is the Cablebús safe for tourists?

Yes, riding the Cablebús is safe. The cabins are clean, modern, and staffed at every station. I wouldn’t get off and explore the neighborhoods of Line 1 or 2 without a guide, but Line 3 is safer to explore solo.

How many people fit in one cabin?

Each gondola fits 10 people. If it’s not busy, you might get lucky and have a cabin to yourself or just share it with your travel companions.

Do you have to ride with strangers?

Usually, you will share a cable car with at least one other person, but they’re roomy enough that it doesn’t feel cramped. If you go mid-morning on a weekday, you’ll have a better chance of getting one to yourself.

Do the windows open / is there AC?

The cabins don’t have AC, but they’re ventilated with small windows at the top that allow airflow. Mexico City’s climate is mild enough that it rarely feels uncomfortable, even on warmer days.

Your Next Stop

Whether you’re gliding above Chapultepec Park at sunset or floating over Iztapalapa’s sea of colorful rooftops, you’ll get a unique perspective of this massive city that most visitors miss. 

If you’re short on time, Line 3 is the easiest to experience on your own. 

But if you’re curious about diving deeper into local life, Line 2 with a guide gives you a window into a side of Mexico City few travelers get to see.

Want to know what that tour is actually like?

I wrote a whole post about my experience riding Line 2 with a local guide in Iztapalapa—murals, markets, tacos, and all.

Jessie is the creator of An Earthly Paradise. In 2018 she quickly fell for Mexico and has since called Mexico City home. She has traveled to 24 of 32 Mexican states. She helps fellow adventurers plan immersive and unforgettable trips to destinations all across Mexico.