Once, ranches thrived here. Today, welcome to Metro Portales! This station on Line 2 is more than just a stop. It’s a portal to the past.
Metro Portales gets its name from the Hacienda de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de los Portales. This was once a productive hacienda. It was owned by General Manuel Sánchez de Tagle. He supported Mexican independence. He was also a prominent writer.
Later, the hacienda was sold. It was divided into smaller sections. The area became a center for commerce and livestock. A brick kiln called La Ladrillera became famous. It built covered walkways. These walkways showcased bricks and provided rental space. The station logo depicts this walkway.
Metro Portales opened on August 1, 1970. The station serves the Colonia Albert and Colonia Portales neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are in the Benito Juárez borough. The station sits in the middle of Calzada de Tlalpan. Metro Portales is a surface station.
Every day, thousands of people pass through Metro Portales. In 2023, over six million passengers used the station. This averages to about 16,976 people daily.
The area is known for the Mercado Portales. This market opened in 1957. Surrounding tianguis sell used furniture and antiques. Dealers have been selling here for over 70 years. It’s an “insiders’ antiques market.” Dealers often find items here to resell in fancier shops.
You can transfer to trolleybus Line “D” from Metro Portales. This line runs between Metro Mixcoac and San Andrés Tetepilco.
From Metro Portales, you can walk to the Electric Transport Museum. You can also visit the original settlement of San Andrés Tetepilco. The east exit of the station is on Calzada de Tlalpan. It lies between Av. Victor Hugo and Hamburgo street. The west exit is also on Calzada de Tlalpan. It is between Av. Victor Hugo and Calzada Santa Cruz.
So, as you pass through Metro Portales, remember its history. Think of the hacienda, the brick kilns, and the bustling market. This station is a gateway to the past and present of Mexico City.