The Best Options For Getting To Xochimilco From Mexico City

Planning On Visiting The Floating Gardens Of Xochimilco On Your Next Trip To Mexico City But Wondering What Are The Best And Safest Options For Getting Here?

I didn’t even know about the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco on my first visit to Mexico City, so I didn’t check them out until my second trip here, and although I enjoyed my visit, this area isn’t the safest, it can be a bit cheesy, and it’s a pretty big tourist trap, so here are a few things I learned and some suggestions I have on getting here from the city.

🛶 Getting To Xochimilco From Mexico City

These boat rides are more fun with a large group of people.

⭐️ Overall – Getting To Xochimilco From Mexico City:

🚘 although it’s completely possible to do on your own by taking a taxi or Uber (I don’t recommend public transportation) down to Xochimilco from CDMX, it’s not something I would personally do again because of how sketchy and annoying this area felt with all of the vendors and boat guides

🛶 instead, I’d suggest that the best way for getting to Xochimilco from Mexico City is on a guided tour so you don’t have to worry about transportation, pester-y boat guides, or being in a less safe area on your own

Continue reading for more details on all of this so you can plan out a safe trip to the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco.

🚘 All Options For Getting To Xochimilco From Mexico City

Although it’s still technically part of Mexico City, the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco are pretty far from most of the touristy parts of the city and it can take up to an hour to reach depending on where you’re coming from and at what time you’re traveling (there’s a lot of traffic here).

While I definitely think there is an easier, less stressful way to get to Xochimilco from Mexico City, here are all the possible options to get yourself here:

Is Uber Available From Mexico City To Xochimilco

If you want to visit Xochimilco on your own without a guided tour, the best, safest, nicest, and possibly cheapest option is going to be with an Uber.

I have used Uber to get around this entire city (including to Xochimilco) and not had any real problems myself (although the Uber driver tried hard to push us into going on a boat with his “friend”), but I have read about some safety issues, so even though it is generally one of the safer options, you should still remain cautious and aware.

Here are some of the best ways for getting to Xochimilco from Mexico City.

Are Taxis A Safe Option

Taxis are not generally a very safe option in Mexico City, plus there are lost of fake taxis, they’re known to way overcharge (especially foreigners), the drivers can be pretty sketchy, the cars aren’t very nice, and communication can be hard, so it’s usually best to avoid them.

Sometimes they are necessary though, so if you have to use one, make sure to get an official certified one, don’t hail any off the street.

Is There Public Transportation From Mexico City To Xochimilco

Aside from visiting some nearby cities (like Puebla or Cholula), I wouldn’t recommend using public transportation in Mexico City because it’s not very safe, it’s usually very crowded, it might take you through more dangerous parts of town, and it will take a lot longer.

Are Guided Tours Better

If you want a safe, convenient, and stress-free way to get to Xochimilco from Mexico City, your best option is going to be on a guided tour. There are a lot of options, but these are a few of the highest rated:

🛶 Xochimilco Canoe or Kayak tour with an organic breakfast at dawn

🛶 Private Xochimilco tour with Frida Kahlo and Coyoacan

🛶 Xochimilco Mexican party tour with guacamole and unlimited drinks

🛶 Xochimilco Day of the Dead tour with boat ride and La Llorona show

These canals are not quite like how they used to be 100 years ago or so, but they're still worth visiting at least once.

Can You Get Private Transportation

Private transportation is a great, safe option for getting to Xochimilco, but it is a more popular option for the airport or Teotihuacan, so you may or may not be able to find good options for Xochimilco.

Can You Walk From Mexico City To Xochimilco

By car it is about an hour from the center of Mexico City, so if you’re staying in any of the safer tourist areas of the city, it is definitely not an option to walk to the canals.

➡️ Still Concerned About Safety In Mexico City? here is a guide to help you be extra safe in this capital city

🪷 Is Xochimilco Even Worth Visiting?

Despite having a few downsides (like the cheesy/touristy-ness), I think it’s still worth taking a colorful boat ride through the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco at least once if it’s convenient on your Mexico City itinerary.

I also don’t think you need to visit more than once unless you want to return for some of the Day of the Dead festivities (like the La Llorona show).

➡️ Looking For Other Fun Things To Do In Mexico City? don’t miss going to a soccer game, watching a Lucha Libre show, checking out Teotihuacan, eating some delicious food, or celebrating at some special events

🔁 Sum Up: Getting To Xochimilco From Mexico City

Although it’s still technically a part of Mexico City, depending on traffic and where you’re coming from, it can take about an hour to get to the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, but if you choose the easy, stress-free option of a guided tour or even if you go alone using Uber, it’s still a pretty easy place to reach.