Cancun Airport Guide | Smart Transfers Blog

Kevin D.

Kevin D.

March 29, 2023

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Guía Aeropuerto Cancún |  Blog Smart Transfers

Cancun Airport Guide

In this complete guide to Cancun Airport, you will find all the information you need for your next trip to this wonderful destination.

Find basic information about the airport and transportation methods to help you get to your hotel in the easiest, fastest, and most comfortable way.

 

Cancun Airport Basic information

Cancun is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the Caribbean, with beautiful turquoise waters and soft, fine white sand. It has an excellent hotel offer for all kinds of national and foreign visitors, which will give you a unique experience. On the other hand, it has terrific attractions and activities to ensure the fun never ends.

Cancun International Airport receives more than 23 million visitors annually, making it the second busiest airport in Mexico. It is also one of the best-connected airports in Latin America.

-Official name: Cancun International Airport.

-IATA code: CUN

-Address: Cancun-Chetumal Highway Km. 22 | Cancun, Q. Roo, | CP 75220, Mexico.

-Telephone: +529984848 7200

 

Terminals

Cancun Airport has 4 terminals, the 4th and newest one, built-in 2018 for domestic and international flights. Each terminal has unlimited wifi; ramps, elevators, and restrooms for disabled travelers; baggage packing machines; ATMs; restrooms; pharmacies, public telephones, and other amenities.

  • Terminal 1. This terminal receives domestic flights from the U.S. and Canada and local charter flights.
  • Terminal 2. It has 31 gates and is used for international, domestic, and charter flights.
  • Terminal 3. With 18 gates, it handles international flights from North America and Europe.
  • Terminal 4. It has 54 gates and handles domestic and international flights. It has the best connectivity with more countries.

 

Airlines in Cancun Airport

Cancun Airport receives flights from the main national and international airlines, as well as charter flights.

Mexican Airlines: Aeromexico, VivaAerobus, Interjet, Aeromar, MAYAir, Volaris, etc.

International Airlines: AirEuropa, AirCanada, American Airlines, Atlantic Airlines, British Airways, Continental Airlines, MagniCharters, Martinair, Miami Air, Monarch, North America Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways, Westjet, etc.

 

Popular destinations in Cancun

Cancun is characterized by 4 popular destinations: Cancun Downtown, Hotel Zone, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.  Below you will find the most relevant information about them, such as their main attractions so that you can plan your itinerary in the best way from Cancun Airport.

 

Cancun Downtown

Besides being home to countless stores, Cancun Downtown is considered the ideal intersection to go from one place to another. You can find hotels, bars, restaurants, plazas, and many more attractions. Also, it has a very active life and is ideal for getting into the city's party, culture, and history.

Main attractions not to be missed

Mercado 28, Malecón Tajamar, Coco Bongo, Mandala, Parque de las Palapas.

 

Cancun Hotel Zone

The Cancun Hotel Zone is 25 km long and surrounded by the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon. It is home to several all-inclusive hotels, international restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

Main attractions not to be missed

Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA), Scenic Tower of Cancun Embarcadero; La Isla Cancun Paradise Experience.

 

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, the heart of the Riviera Maya, with spectacular beaches and cenotes; adventure parks and exclusive resorts to have the best vacations.

Main attractions not to be missed

Fifth Avenue, Rio Secreto, Xcaret Park.

 

Tulum

Tulum is one of the most acclaimed destinations in the Caribbean, thanks to its crystal clear waters, archaeological sites, beautiful ecotourism resorts, cenotes, and more.

This place has a romantic aura that makes it perfect for traveling as a couple. It is also the preferred destination for those looking for a relaxed and connected to nature lifestyle.

Main attractions not to be missed

Tulum Archaeological Zone, Dos Ojos Cenote, Gran Cenote, Casa Tortuga Tulum Cenotes.

 

Distances from Cancun Airport

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is located at the following distances from these destinations:

  • Cancun Downtown - 20 km (12.4 mi). Approximately 20-30 minutes.
  • Cancun Hotel Zone - 23.1 km (14.3 mi). Approximately 30 min.
  • Playa del Carmen - 55.4 km (34.4 mi). About 45 min.
  • Tulum - 118 km (73.3 mi). About 90 min.

 

Transportation from Cancun Airport

To get from Cancun Airport to your hotel quickly and easily, here are some of the most recommended transportation options.

 

Cancun Private Transfers

The fastest and most efficient way to get to Cancun Downtown or Hotel Zone from Cancun Airport is by booking a Cancun Private Transportation service. It will pick you up punctually from the airport and provide privacy and enough space for your luggage and companions.

Forget about sharing a vehicle with strangers and continuous stops. With a Cancun Private Transfer, you can enjoy a comfortable trip and respect your established times. Moreover, you can find Private Transportation in Cancun at a very affordable price with companies like Cancun Airport Transportation, starting from $24 USD.

 

Taxi Cancun

Cancun Taxi services from Cancun Airport have incredibly high rates, reaching up to $50 USD per trip for some destinations, as they do not have corresponding regulations.

There are taxi companies with exclusivity to operate at the Cancun Airport. Other conventional taxi drivers cannot make trips from the airport.

 

Bus service

Travelers looking for an economical option to get to their hotel from Cancun Airport can use an ADO bus service, which provides safety and affordable prices, starting from $5 USD per ticket.

There are different ADO routes, including those that arrive at the Cancun Centro, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum stations. However, it would help considering that there are no direct routes to the Hotel Zone, so you will have to use a second transportation service, which would be an extra expense.

On the other hand, taking an ADO bus may cause delays since you will depend on other passengers, who may take a long time to board and ask for continuous stops.