Mexico City International Airport (MEX), officially Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez, is one of the busiest airports in Latin America, and if you’ve ever flown through it during a morning departure bank, you know the terminals can feel chaotic.
Crowded gates, long lines, and limited seating make lounge access less of a luxury and more of a survival strategy.
The good news? MEX has one of the strongest lounge lineups in the region, including multiple American Express Centurion Lounges, one of the highest-rated Priority Pass lounges in North America, and Aeromexico’s flagship Salón Premier.
As someone based in Mexico who flies through Benito Juárez regularly, I’ve spent plenty of hours testing these lounges firsthand, and there’s a real difference between the best and the rest.
This guide covers every lounge worth knowing in Terminals 1 and 2, how to get in (often for free), and which ones to prioritize depending on your airline and card setup.
What are the best airport lounges in Mexico City?
If you’re short on time, here’s the bottom line.
Best overall lounge at MEX
The Grand Lounge Elite (Terminal 1) has table service, an à la carte menu with Mexican specialties, is open 24/7, and is accessible with Priority Pass.
Best lounge in Terminal 2
The American Express Centurion Lounge, a two-story flagship with restaurant-quality food, shower suites, and complimentary spa services
Best for Aeroméxico/Delta flyers
Aeroméxico Salón Premier (Terminal 2)
Best 24-hour budget option
VIPort Lounge (both terminals), pay at the door or use Priority Pass
Now let’s break down each one.
First: Know Your Terminal
Before you plan your lounge visit, confirm which terminal you’re flying from. They’re on opposite sides of the airfield and connected only by the Aerotrén and a shuttle bus, so you can’t casually walk between them.
- Terminal 1 handles most international carriers: United, American, Air Canada, Air France, Lufthansa, Iberia, LATAM, Avianca, Volaris, VivaAerobus, and others
- Terminal 2 is the home of Aeromexico, Aeromexico Connect, Delta, and Copa
Aeromexico occasionally operates from both terminals, so always check your boarding pass before heading to a lounge.
Best Airport Lounges in Terminal 1
The Grand Lounge Elite: Best Priority Pass Lounge at MEX
The Grand Lounge Elite is the reason many frequent flyers actually look forward to a layover at MEX.
It’s routinely ranked among the top Priority Pass lounges in North America, and it earns that reputation.
Unlike the typical buffet-and-couches formula, the Grand Lounge Elite offers proper table service with an à la carte menu, think fully loaded burritos, pork tacos, and cooked-to-order Mexican dishes, plus cocktails made at a real bar.
The décor is striking: vibrant blue and red seating surrounded by lush greenery that makes it feel more like a boutique hotel lobby than an airport lounge.
Location
Terminal 1, airside, near Gate 19 (follow the hallway past Lounge 19).
Hours
Open 24/7, maximum 3-hour stay
Access
Priority Pass, LoungeKey, select Visa Infinite/Signature cards issued in Mexico, and certain business class tickets
Amenities
À la carte dining, full bar, showers, shoe shine, hand and foot massage, specialty coffee
Good to know
A smart-casual dress code applies, and access can be restricted during peak hours. Arrive early
Lounge 19: The Grand Lounge Elite’s Sister Lounge
Just before the main Grand Lounge Elite entrance sits Lounge 19, operated by the same group. It offers a similar premium experience, including shoe-shine service, massages, and even a golf cart service to your gate (subject to availability).
During busy periods, it sometimes operates on an advance-reservation basis, so if you’re turned away, the main Grand Lounge Elite is just down the corridor.
Location
Terminal 1, ground level at Gate 19
Hours
24/7
Access
Priority Pass and partner programs; reservations may be required at peak times
Terraza by The Grand Lounge Elite
The newest member of the Grand Lounge Elite family, the Terraza offers a more relaxed, open-air-inspired setting.
Location
Terminal 1, past the security check at Entrance G and through duty-free
Hours
Daily, 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Access
Priority Pass; smart casual dress code; two children under 12 free per cardholder
American Express Centurion Lounges (Terminal 1)
Terminal 1 hosts two Centurion Lounges, one in domestic departures between Gates 17 and 18 and one serving international departures near Gate 8.
Both offer the classic Centurion formula: quality hot food, premium drinks, and comfortable workspaces, though they’re smaller than the Terminal 2 flagship.
Hours
Daily, 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Access
Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders with same-day boarding pass; Platinum members may bring two complimentary guests or immediate family
Good to know
These lounges can hit capacity during morning departure waves
The Lounge Mexico by Global Lounge Network
A solid fallback when the Grand Lounge Elite is full. It won’t win design awards, but it’s open 24 hours, offers drinks, snacks, and Wi-Fi, and accepts walk-in payment if you don’t have a membership.
Location
Terminal 1, airside, next to Gate 31
Access
Priority Pass, prepaid passes, or pay at the door
VIPort Lounge (Terminal 1)
Another 24-hour option, located opposite Gate 9. It’s a functional, no-frills lounge with a quiet area, a children’s play zone (kids under 5 free), and a three-drink limit on alcohol. Perfect for red-eye departures when the premium lounges are your second stop, not your first.
American Admirals Club
American Airlines’ lounge in Terminal 1 serves oneworld premium passengers. It’s small, with limited seating and average catering. Honestly, if you have Priority Pass, the Grand Lounge Elite is the far better use of your time.
Best Airport Lounges in Terminal 2
The Centurion Lounge: Terminal 2’s Crown Jewel
The American Express Centurion Lounge in Terminal 2 is widely considered the best lounge option for Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders at MEX.
Spanning two stories on the third floor of the terminal, it delivers restaurant-quality meals, a premium bar, shower suites, and complimentary spa services, a rarity even among flagship lounges.
Location
Terminal 2, airside, third floor (follow signs for VIP lounges after security, above the HSBC Lounge).
Access
Amex Centurion and Platinum cardholders with same-day boarding passes.
Standout amenities
Spa treatments, shower suites, full hot meal service, and ample seating across two levels.
If you’re flying Aeromexico or Delta and hold an Amex Platinum, this should be your default pre-flight stop.
Aeroméxico Salón Premier
Aeromexico operates its Salón Premier lounges in Terminal 2, serving both domestic and international departures, with the international location on the mezzanine level near Gate 75.
The lounge was fully redesigned in recent years and features multiple seating zones across two levels, two bars with an excellent drink selection, a quiet room, and an upstairs restaurant area.
Hours (international)
5:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Access
Aeromexico and SkyTeam business class passengers, SkyTeam Elite Plus members (any cabin), Club Premier Titanium members, Priority Pass (larger location), or pay at the door (around $880 MXN)
- Amenities: Showers, dedicated rest zone, full bar, buffet
- Honest take: The drinks program is the highlight; the food is decent but not memorable, and the space can feel dark and cramped at peak times
VIPort Lounge (Terminal 2)
Located next to Gate 75 and open 24 hours, this is Terminal 2’s utility player, handy for early departures before the Salón Premier opens its buffet or when other lounges are at capacity.
MEX Lounge Comparison Table
| Lounge | Terminal | Hours | Access Methods | Showers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Grand Lounge Elite | T1 | 24/7 | Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Visa premium (MX) | Yes | Best overall experience |
| Lounge 19 | T1 | 24/7 | Priority Pass (reservations at peak) | Yes | Massages, golf cart service |
| Terraza by Grand Lounge Elite | T1 | 3 p.m.–11 p.m. | Priority Pass | No | Afternoon/evening flights |
| Centurion Lounge (Domestic) | T1 | 5 a.m.–10 p.m. | Amex Platinum/Centurion | Yes | Amex cardholders, domestic |
| Centurion Lounge (International) | T1 | 5 a.m.–10 p.m. | Amex Platinum/Centurion | No | Amex cardholders, international |
| The Lounge Mexico | T1 | 24/7 | Priority Pass, pay at door | No | Overflow / late-night |
| VIPort Lounge | T1 & T2 | 24/7 | Priority Pass, pay at door | No | Budget, families, red-eyes |
| Centurion Lounge | T2 | Daily | Amex Platinum/Centurion | Yes | Best lounge in Terminal 2 |
| Aeroméxico Salón Premier | T2 | 5 a.m.–1 a.m. | Business class, SkyTeam Elite Plus, Priority Pass, pay at door | Yes | Aeromexico/Delta flyers |
How to Get Into MEX Lounges (Often for Free)
You don’t need a business class ticket to enjoy the best airport lounges in Mexico City. Here are the main access routes:
Priority Pass
The single most valuable membership at MEX, unlocking the Grand Lounge Elite family plus several others across both terminals. Many premium credit cards include it free.
American Express Platinum or Centurion
The only way into the three Centurion Lounges, which include some of the best facilities at the airport.
Mexican-issued premium Visa cards
Visa Infinite, Signature, and some Platinum cards issued in Mexico include lounge access at select MEX lounges, a benefit many local cardholders don’t realize they have.
Business class or elite status
SkyTeam Elite Plus members get Salón Premier access even when flying economy.
Pay at the door
Most independent lounges (VIPort, The Lounge Mexico, Salón Premier) sell day access, typically in the $40–50 USD range.
Insider Tips for Lounge Hopping at MEX
Arrive with buffer time
The best lounges (Grand Lounge Elite, Centurion T2) enforce capacity limits during morning and evening peaks. Getting there 2.5–3 hours before departure gives you the full experience.
Mind the 3-hour rule
Most Priority Pass lounges at MEX cap stays at three hours.
Dress the part
The Grand Lounge Elite lounges enforce a smart-casual dress code. Leave the flip-flops in your carry-on.
Check your gate before settling in
MEX gates can change, and Terminal 1 is a long walk. From Gate 19 to the far international gates takes time, especially with ongoing World Cup renovations.
Don’t sleep on the food at Grand Lounge Elite
Order from the à la carte menu rather than grazing the buffet. The made-to-order Mexican dishes are the whole point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best airport lounge in Mexico City?
The Grand Lounge Elite in Terminal 1 is widely regarded as the best airport lounge at MEX, thanks to its 24/7 hours, table-service dining with an à la carte Mexican menu, showers, and spa-style extras. For Amex cardholders, the two-story Centurion Lounge in Terminal 2 is equally impressive.
Does Mexico City Airport have Priority Pass lounges?
Yes. MEX has multiple Priority Pass lounges. Terminal 1 alone has five, including the Grand Lounge Elite, Lounge 19, Terraza, The Lounge Mexico, and VIPort, while Terminal 2 offers the Aeromexico Salón Premier and VIPort Lounge.
How many Centurion Lounges are at MEX?
There are three American Express Centurion Lounges at Mexico City airport: two in Terminal 1 (domestic and international) and a two-story flagship in Terminal 2 with spa services and shower suites.
Can I pay for lounge access at Mexico City airport without a membership?
Yes. Several lounges, including VIPort, The Lounge Mexico, and the Aeromexico Salón Premier, allow walk-in day access, typically for around $40–50 USD (roughly $880 MXN at Salón Premier).
Are MEX lounges open 24 hours?
Several are. The Grand Lounge Elite, Lounge 19, The Lounge Mexico, and both VIPort Lounges operate 24/7, which is a lifesaver for red-eye departures and early-morning connections.
Which terminal at MEX has better lounges?
Terminal 1 has more variety and the standout Grand Lounge Elite, while Terminal 2 has the best single Amex facility (the two-story Centurion Lounge) plus Aeromexico’s Salón Premier. Both terminals are well covered. Your airline determines which you’ll use.
Final Thoughts
Mexico City’s Benito Juárez Airport punches well above its weight when it comes to lounges. Between one of North America’s best-rated Priority Pass lounges, three Centurion Lounges, and solid 24-hour independents, there’s virtually no departure time or budget that goes uncovered.
My advice: if you fly through MEX even a couple of times a year, a credit card with Priority Pass or Amex Platinum benefits pays for itself in lounge value alone, especially with airfare and terminal crowds only increasing ahead of the World Cup.