Alright folks, let’s talk about navigating Monterrey Airport in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Seriously, first time landing there, felt like being tossed into a washing machine – everything just spinning around me. Had NO clue about the layout. Zero. This quick guide? Came straight from needing it myself.
Getting My Bearings Inside
Stepped off the plane expecting signs. Ha. Wishful thinking. Took maybe five minutes of walking past random gates to spot a giant signboard – you know, the kind listing all the flights? Finally saw that Terminal A handles all the international stuff. Domestic flights? Mostly packed into Terminal B. Finding where Terminals A and B actually were though? Different story.
Grabbed my bags – felt like everyone else kept pulling my bags too, super annoying – and started wandering. Saw signs pointing left for “Salidas” (Exits, thank god I remembered basic Spanish) and “Servicios”, but nada for Terminal A specifically. Ended up walking almost outside before spotting a smaller overhead sign with arrows for both terminals. Dumb luck.
Terminal Hopping – Easier Than I Thought?
Found out Terminals A and B are actually connected inside security. Didn’t realize this! Saw people just walking freely between them. Super convenient if you land domestic (Terminal B) but gotta catch an international flight later from Terminal A. No need to clear security twice. Massive time saver.
- Terminal A (International): Felt more modern, kinda glitzy actually. Big long hallways stuffed with fancy duty-free shops – perfumes, tequila, the works. Check-in counters felt spread out.
- Terminal B (Domestic): Way more crowded. Bustling with locals. Check-in lines were longer here, moved kinda slow. Noticed more fast food spots than actual restaurants near the gates.
Food options? Honestly, forget gourmet. Unless you love fast food chains and $7 mediocre coffee. Saw maybe one decent looking sit-down place in Terminal A that was packed. Grabbed some tacos de birria from a hole-in-the wall counter – surprisingly amazing, saved the day. Budget more time to eat if you’re picky.
The Final Countdown – Getting Out
Post-security for departures? Surprisingly smooth. Lines moved okay at immigration for me at Terminal A. But here’s the big tip: That exit fee thing? Yeah, the “FIBRA” tourist tax? Still a thing. They didn’t ask at immigration itself, just assumed my airline included it (some do, some don’t!). Saw the sign after checking in and panicked a bit. Had to hunt down an official-looking counter near Gate 20-ish in Terminal A to buy the damn receipt. Paid cash, got this little sticker. Don’t skip this! They might hassle you at the gate if you don’t have proof.
Exiting finally to the city? Taxi lines outside were messy. Found the official cab stand near the Terminal A exit after more wandering. Lady behind a counter quoted a fixed price straight to my hotel downtown – felt safer than haggling with randoms. Took maybe 20 minutes. Not the fastest, but got me there.
Overall? It works, but bring some patience and comfortable shoes. You’ll walk circles before you find your gate. And that FIBRA tax? Still the dumbest obstacle. Saved my sanity knowing where to look for that sticker counter. Seriously, hope this saves someone else the headache!
