Flight Guide to Cancun (Mexico)
Board a flight to Cancun and dream of this paradise's white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and endless sunshine. Although the luxury resorts have only been around since the 1970s, Cancun has developed into a vacation destination par excellence. Whether your budget is modest or extravagant, Cancun has something for everyone, no matter what you're in the mood for.
Choose from indulgent spa treatments, world-class golf courses, swimming with dolphins, horseback riding on the beach, and day trips to the interactive aquarium. For those looking to delve into Mexico's history, there are archaeological sites filled with Mayan architecture and artifacts scattered across the Yucatán Peninsula. And if the Hotel Zone starts to feel a bit too touristy, head to downtown Cancun for a taste of everyday Mexican life, enjoying affordable but delicious local fare at neighborhood restaurants and shopping at open-air markets.
Booking Flights to Cancun
Cancun International Airport (CUN), also known as Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancún, is the main gateway to this Mexican beach haven. Several international carriers offer scheduled services to this airport, while charter flights are more frequent during the peak winter travel season. Airlines offering great deals on flights to Cancun include Air Transat, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and United Airlines. Air Canada, Sunwing, and WestJet operate direct flights between Cancun and Canadian cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary.
Round-trip flights to Cancun from the U.S. typically range from 200 to 600 USD, depending on the season and departure city. Flights from Canada are slightly higher, with round-trip fares starting at 300 to 800 CAD. Flights from Europe usually ranges from 600 to 1000 EUR. Booking in advance and being flexible with travel dates can help you secure the best deals.
When to go and weather
The peak season for flights to Cancun is from December to March, when visitors from colder countries escape to Mexico's sunny shores. If you're planning a trip during this time, book flights well in advance, as affordable fares are hard to find and hotels fill up quickly.
Summers in Cancun can get very hot, with temperatures often reaching the mid-30s°C (mid-90s°F). The most pleasant time to visit is during the shoulder seasons (April to early June and late October to November), when you can avoid the intense summer heat, the hurricane season (June to November), and the peak tourist crowds. Flights and hotel rates during these periods are also more affordable, with round-trip fares often 100–200 USD cheaper than during peak season.
Arriving in Cancun
Once your flight arrives at Cancun International Airport (CUN), you can choose from several ground transportation options to get to downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone. Note that there are no traditional taxi services or hotel shuttles at the airport, so your options are limited to public transport, private shuttles, or rental cars.
• Public Transit: A non-stop bus service operates between the airport and downtown Cancun. Buses run hourly from 8:10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and depart from Terminals 2 and 3. The trip takes about 30 minutes, and one-way tickets cost approximately 5–7 USD. Online bookings are recommended to secure a seat, and a transport representative will meet you at the arrivals gate. However, this option may not be ideal for travelers heading to the Hotel Zone, as you’ll need to transfer to a taxi from the bus station.
• Airport Shuttle: Shuttle services are operated by Cancun Airport Transportation Services. Shared-ride shuttles cost between 15–20 USD for a one-way trip and 30–35 USD for a round-trip ticket. You can book in advance or visit the transport desk upon arrival. There’s also a scheduled shuttle-bus service that runs 10 times daily and goes directly to the downtown bus station, with fares averaging $8 USD.
• Chauffeured Car Services: Enjoy a stress-free arrival with a chauffeur waiting for you at the arrivals gate. Cancun Airport Transportation Services offers meet-and-greet options, with fares ranging from 50 USD for an economical private vehicle to 50 USD 70 USD for VIP service and $130 USD for a limousine. Round-trip bookings often come with discounts.
• Car Rental: Major car rental companies like Dollar, Hertz, Thrifty, and Budget have counters at the airport. Due to high demand, it’s essential to book your rental car in advance to avoid being stranded. Daily rental rates start at around 30–50 USD, depending on the vehicle type and rental duration.
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