Xochimilco From Mexico City | How to Get There & Park Easily

Where is Xochimilco located?

Address: Xochimilco, 16000, Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

Tucked in the vibrant southern end of Mexico City, Xochimilco feels like a world apart, with canals, floating gardens, and festive trajineras replacing the usual city buzz. Though far from the skyscrapers of Reforma, it’s still very much part of the capital’s soul. The area blends ancient Aztec waterways with a lively local scene, street food, music, and tradition.

All about Xochimilco tours and tickets

How to get to Xochimilco from Mexico City

Best for: Budget-friendly travel and avoiding city traffic.

Travel time: Approximately 1-1.5 hours from Mexico City Historic Center (Zócalo).

Closest stop: Xochimilco Station (Tren Ligero)

Timings: Metro runs daily from 5am to midnight; Tren Ligero operates from 5am to around 11pm.

From Zócalo or any downtown station, take Metro Line 2 (Blue Line) toward Tasqueña (last stop). At Tasqueña, transfer upstairs to the Tren Ligero (Light Rail)—a separate ticket is required. Board the light rail toward Xochimilco and ride to the final station: Xochimilco Station.

From there, walk 10–15 minutes or take a short taxi to your chosen boarding point, popularly known as embarcadero in Mexico (Nuevo Nativitas, Cuemanco).

Tip: Buy a rechargeable MetroCard at any station, as Tren Ligero doesn’t accept cash.

Best for: Travelers staying in southern neighborhoods or without easy Metro access.

Travel time: Approx. 1.5-2.5 hours from downtown Mexico City (travel time can vary based on your bus stop location).

Closest stop: Varies by route—most connect to Embarcadero Nativitas or nearby.

Timings: Buses run daily, typically from 5am to 11pm

Take RTP or Metrobús lines heading south toward Xochimilco. While buses are less direct and slower than the Metro + Light Rail combo, they can be convenient if you're staying near Coyoacán, San Ángel, or Tlalpan. Look for routes connecting to Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas or transfer to the Tren Ligero at Tasqueña if needed.

Tip: Expect traffic delays during peak hours—buses share the road with regular traffic.

Best for: Door-to-door convenience and groups sharing the fare.

Travel time: Approx. 30–60 minutes from downtown Mexico City (Historic Center).

Closest stop: Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas (or your chosen embarcadero).

Timings: Available 24/7

Taxis and ride-share apps like Uber, Didi, or Cabify offer a direct, comfortable ride to Xochimilco from anywhere in the city. Confirm your drop-off point as "Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas" or whichever dock you’re heading to (Cuemanco, Zacapa, etc.).

Tip: Avoid peak traffic hours (8–10am, 5–7pm) to save time and fare.

Getting to Xochimilco from Mexico City by car

Best for: Flexibility and travelers familiar with city driving.

Travel time: Approximately 40–60 minutes from downtown Mexico City.

Closest stop: Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas (or other preferred embarcadero).

Drive south via Calzada de Tlalpan or Periférico Sur, following signs for Xochimilco. Most embarcaderos offer parking for a small fee (usually paid in cash).

Tip: Arrive before 11am on weekends—parking fills up fast, especially at popular docks like Nuevo Nativitas.

Avoid the crowds—see best visiting times

Most major embarcaderos, like Nuevo Nativitas, Cuemanco, and Fernando Celada, offer secure, on-site parking lots.
Fees typically range from $20–$50 MXN per vehicle (cash only). These lots are often small and fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.
Nuevo Nativitas has one of the most organized parking areas, with attendants and designated spaces.
Cuemanco offers larger lots, better suited for group tours or visitors arriving in vans.
Street parking in surrounding neighborhoods is limited, unregulated, and not recommended due to security concerns and potential fines.
Some private homes and lots near the embarcaderos offer unofficial parking for a small fee—use at your own risk.

Tips for the best way to get to Xochimilco

Weekends, holidays, and sunny days bring in crowds. If you're aiming for a midday boat ride, leave before 9am to avoid traffic jams and parking chaos, especially if you're driving or using ride-share.
Metro tickets, light rail fare, parking, public restrooms, and tips are often cash-only. To make your life easier, carry $50–$100 MXN in smaller denominations.
Events like Día de los Muertos, Independence Day, or local saint celebrations draw big crowds to Xochimilco and may cause detours, road closures, or transit delays. Check local event calendars before you go.
Cell signal around some embarcaderos can be spotty. Once you arrive at Xochimilco Station or parking areas, use Google Maps offline or apps like Maps.me to navigate on foot or by taxi.
Use the metro if possible. It’s the most reliable route from central CDMX. Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña, then switch to the Tren Ligero to Xochimilco Station. From there, it’s a short walk or taxi to most docks.
Don’t rely solely on GPS when driving, as it often leads visitors through residential backstreets. Stick to major roads like Calzada de Tlalpan or Periférico Sur, and watch for signage toward Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas or Cuemanco.
Near the embarcaderos, some unofficial touts may try to direct you to overpriced private docks or charge extra. Stick to signed, official embarcaderos and ask for posted rates.

Plan your Xochimilco tour step by step

Book Xochimilco & Coyoacán tours

Xochimilco Trajinera Party with Unlimited Food and Drinks

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

3 hr.

Meals included

‌

Check availability

Full-Day Tour: Frida Kahlo Museum Tickets with Coyoacán Walk & Xochimilco Boat Ride

Free cancellation

Mobile ticket

9 hr. - 10 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

‌

Check availability

Frida Kahlo Museum and Xochimilco Premium Tour with Round-Trip Transfers

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

5 hr. 30 min.

Transfers included

‌

Check availability

Frequently asked questions about getting to Xochimilco from Mexico City

Where is Xochimilco located?

Xochimilco is in the southern part of Mexico City, about 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the city center. It’s a vibrant borough known for its UNESCO-listed canals, colorful trajinera boats, floating gardens, and lively weekend vibes. Though technically within Mexico City, it feels like a charming escape into tradition, music, and nature.

What is the best way to get to Xochimilco from Mexico City by public transport?

You can take the metro to Tasqueña (Line 2), then catch a minibús or RTP bus straight to Xochimilco’s embarcadero. The ride usually takes 45 – 60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Are there shuttle services for Xochimilco from Mexico City?

Yes, many Xochimilco tour operators and day trips that include round-trip transport plus boat boarding—all in one neat package.

What’s the travel time from the CDMX center to Xochimilco?

Expect 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the time of day, traffic, and your starting point. Early morning or late afternoon is usually faster.

Can I take an Uber or a taxi directly to Xochimilco?

Absolutely! An Uber from central CDMX runs about 250–350 MXN (US $15–20). Regular taxis typically cost around 200–300 MXN, but verify the fare.

Are there metro or bus connections near the dock?

The closest metro is Tasqueña. From there, minibuses, RTP, and pesero buses drop you off a few minutes’ walk from the embarcadero.

What’s the best time to go?

Aim for weekdays or early mornings (between 8am and 10am) to dodge crowds and heavy traffic.

Where is the embarcadero in Xochimilco?

The main docks are Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas and Embarcadero Cuemanco. Both are easily reached by public transport or ride-share from CDMX.