Cancún International Airport

Cancún International Airport (CUN), officially Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancún, is Mexico's second-busiest airport and the primary gateway to the Riviera Maya. Located approximately 20 km (12 miles) southwest of Cancún's Hotel Zone, the airport handles over 30 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in Latin America and a major entry point for tourists visiting the Yucatán Peninsula.

The airport has four terminals:

• Terminal 1: Primarily domestic flights and some charter operations
• Terminal 2: The main international terminal handling most European, Canadian, and Latin American carriers
• Terminal 3: Domestic flights and some international carriers
• Terminal 4: Exclusively serves US airlines (American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, etc.)

Critical note: Terminals 2, 3, and 4 are connected and within walking distance of each other. Terminal 1 is located separately and requires a shuttle bus (5-10 minutes) to reach the other terminals. Terminals are not connected airside - all connections between terminals require exiting security.

Timeshare warning: Upon exiting arrivals, you will encounter aggressive timeshare salespeople offering "free transportation" or "welcome packages." Politely decline and proceed directly to your pre-arranged transport or official taxi/rideshare areas.

CUN is located 20 km (12 miles) southwest of Cancún's Hotel Zone and 65 km (40 miles) north of Playa del Carmen.

Destination	Distance	Taxi/Rideshare Time	Cost (approx.)
Cancún Hotel Zone	20 km	20-35 min	MXN 400-700 (~USD $22-40)
Downtown Cancún	18 km	20-30 min	MXN 350-550 (~USD $20-30)
Playa del Carmen	65 km	50-70 min	MXN 1,200-1,800 (~USD $65-100)
Tulum	130 km	1.5-2 hours	MXN 2,500-3,500 (~USD $140-195)
Puerto Morelos	35 km	25-40 min	MXN 600-900 (~USD $35-50)

Traffic note: The main highway (Highway 307) can experience significant delays, particularly during peak tourist season (December-April) and weekend evenings.

No rail connection: Unlike some major airports, CUN has no train or metro link. Ground transport options are taxis, rideshare, shuttles, rental cars, and buses.

Uber operates at CUN and is typically the most affordable option:

Uber Pickup:

• Request your ride inside the terminal
• Follow signs to designated rideshare pickup area (varies by terminal)
• Terminal 4: Pickup area is outside arrivals, follow "Uber" signs
• Typical wait time: 5-15 minutes

Typical Uber fares:

• Cancún Hotel Zone: MXN 250-450 (~USD $14-25)
• Downtown Cancún: MXN 200-350 (~USD $11-20)
• Playa del Carmen: MXN 900-1,400 (~USD $50-80)
• Puerto Morelos: MXN 400-600 (~USD $22-35)

Important: Local taxi unions have historically opposed rideshare. While Uber operates, pickup locations may be less convenient than in other cities. Follow the app's instructions carefully.

Authorized Airport Taxis:

Official airport taxis use fixed rates by zone. Purchase tickets at booths inside arrivals.

• Purchase at kiosk before exiting terminal
• Fixed price by destination zone
• More expensive than Uber but guaranteed availability
• Only use official yellow airport taxis - do not accept rides from solicitors

Typical taxi fares:

• Cancún Hotel Zone: MXN 500-800 (~USD $28-45)
• Downtown Cancún: MXN 400-600 (~USD $22-35)
• Playa del Carmen: MXN 1,500-2,200 (~USD $85-125)

Private Transfers:

For groups or destinations like Playa del Carmen/Tulum, pre-booked private transfers can be cost-effective. Many hotels offer transfer packages. Compare prices before arrival.

ADO Bus Service

ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) operates first-class bus service from CUN to destinations throughout the Riviera Maya and beyond.

Station location: The ADO bus station is located at Terminal 2 (short walk from T3/T4).

Key routes from CUN:

Destination	Duration	Fare	Frequency
Playa del Carmen	1 hour	MXN 250-350 (~USD $14-20)	Every 30-60 min
Downtown Cancún	30-40 min	MXN 100-150 (~USD $6-8)	Every 30 min
Tulum	2-2.5 hours	MXN 350-450 (~USD $20-25)	Several daily
Mérida	4-5 hours	MXN 600-900 (~USD $35-50)	Several daily
Chichén Itzá	2.5-3 hours	MXN 400-550 (~USD $22-30)	Limited departures

How to ride ADO:

1. Exit arrivals and walk to ADO terminal (T2)
2. Purchase ticket at counter or kiosk (credit cards accepted)
3. Confirm departure bay and wait for your bus
4. Luggage stored in compartment below

Tips:

• First-class ("Primera Clase") buses have AC, reclining seats, and onboard restrooms
• Book online at ado.com.mx for guaranteed seats during peak season
• Playa del Carmen: ADO is often cheaper and more comfortable than taxi for solo travelers

Colectivos (Shared Vans)

Colectivos are shared passenger vans that run along Highway 307:

• Much cheaper than taxis: MXN 50-150 (~USD $3-8) to most destinations
• Depart when full (typically 10-15 passengers)
• Less comfortable with luggage
• Pickup available outside airport area (short walk or taxi to colectivo stands)

Note: Colectivos from the airport require walking outside the terminal area. Most tourists find ADO buses more convenient.

CUN offers parking facilities at all terminals operated by ASUR:

Terminal	Type	Hourly	Daily Max
T2/T3/T4	Covered	MXN 50/hr	MXN 300/day (~USD $17)
T2/T3/T4	Open	MXN 35/hr	MXN 220/day (~USD $12)
T1	Covered/Open	MXN 35-50/hr	MXN 220-300/day

Tips:

• First 15 minutes free
• Pay at automated machines before returning to vehicle
• Long-term rates available for multi-day parking
• Online booking at ASUR website for discounts

For travelers based in Cancún, airport parking is useful for departures. Most tourists arrive via other transport.

CUN has expanded dining options across all terminals, though selection is best in Terminals 3 and 4.

Terminal 4 (US carriers - best selection):

• Margaritaville: Jimmy Buffett-themed restaurant with full menu, drinks
• Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Seafood, American fare
• Johnny Rockets: American burgers and milkshakes
• La Tequilera del Aeropuerto: Mexican food and tequila bar
• Starbucks: Coffee and snacks
• Haagen-Dazs: Ice cream

Terminal 3:

• Green Spot: Healthy options, salads, sandwiches
• Café Punta del Cielo: Quality Mexican coffee chain
• Quick-service options: Various grab-and-go

Terminal 2 (International):

• La Habichuela: Outpost of famous Cancún restaurant, upscale Mexican
• Grab-and-go stands: Sandwiches, snacks
• Coffee shops: Standard airport offerings

Terminal 1:

• Limited options - primarily convenience stores and snack bars

Tips:

• Eat before security if on a budget - prices are 40-60% higher airside
• Terminal 4 has the best variety
• La Tequilera is good for a proper sit-down Mexican meal with margaritas

Free WiFi is available throughout all terminals:

Network name: "CUN FREE WiFi" or "ASUR FREE WiFi"

How to connect:

1. Select network from available options
2. Open browser and accept terms
3. Watch brief advertisement (may be required)
4. Connect

Details:

• Free, unlimited duration
• Speed: Adequate for email, browsing, messaging
• May buffer on video streaming
• Coverage: All terminals

Premium WiFi: Some lounges offer faster speeds.

Tip: If free WiFi is slow, Starbucks and other chains have their own networks.

SIM cards are available in arrivals areas:

Locations:

• Telcel stores (Terminals 2, 3, 4)
• AT&T Mexico kiosks
• Convenience stores: Limited options

Major carriers:

• Telcel: Best coverage throughout Yucatán Peninsula and resort areas
• AT&T Mexico: Good coverage in tourist zones
• Movistar: Budget option

Typical costs:

• Prepaid SIM with 3-5 GB: MXN 200-300 (~USD $11-17)
• Prepaid SIM with 10+ GB: MXN 400-600 (~USD $22-35)

Tips:

• Bring passport for SIM registration (Mexican law requires ID)
• Telcel has the best coverage in the region, including remote areas and archaeological sites
• US T-Mobile customers have free Mexico roaming
• Consider eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Ubigi) activated before arrival for immediate connectivity

ATMs are located throughout all terminals, both landside and airside.

Banks with ATMs at CUN:

• HSBC
• Santander
• Banamex (Citibank affiliated)
• BBVA
• Banorte
• Scotiabank

Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN). As of January 2025, approximately MXN 17-18 = USD $1.

ATM tips:

• Always choose pesos when prompted for currency conversion
• Decline "dynamic currency conversion" (poor rates)
• ATM fees: MXN 30-80 per transaction typical
• Withdraw at bank ATMs for best rates and security

Currency Exchange:

• Exchange booths in arrivals (Travelex, others)
• Rates are poor - 8-15% worse than market rate
• Recommendation: Use ATMs for pesos, avoid exchange booths

US Dollars in the Riviera Maya:

• Widely accepted in tourist areas
• Exchange rate offered by businesses is typically 10-15% worse than market rate
• Always better to pay in pesos

Credit cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted. American Express less common outside large hotels.

CUN offers duty-free and general retail across terminals:

Duty-Free (Dufry):

• Stores in all terminals after security
• Best purchases: Tequila, mezcal (excellent selection of premium Mexican spirits)
• Vanilla: Mexican vanilla extract (verify authenticity - avoid "vanilla" with coumarin)
• Perfumes and cosmetics
• Tobacco products

Terminal 4 shops:

• Largest retail selection
• Hudson News: Books, magazines, travel items
• Destination Cancún: Souvenirs, beach items
• Sunglass stores: Ray-Ban, etc.
• Duty-Free Americas: Alcohol, tobacco, perfume

Terminal 2/3 shops:

• La Europea: Wine and spirits
• Mexican crafts and souvenirs
• Standard airport retail

Best buys:

• Tequila/Mezcal: Premium bottles at competitive prices
• Mayan crafts: Silver jewelry, textiles (quality varies)
• Hot sauce: Diverse Mexican hot sauce selection
• Coffee: Chiapas and Veracruz beans

Tip: For authentic handicrafts at better prices, shop in Playa del Carmen or Tulum rather than the airport.

Lounge options at CUN are more limited than major hub airports.

Priority Pass Lounges

Terminal 2:

• The Lounge by Global Lounge Network: Priority Pass accepted. Hot food, full bar, WiFi, showers. Quality varies; can be crowded during peak departures.

Terminal 4:

• The Lounge Cancún: Priority Pass accepted. Standard amenities: food, drinks, seating. Busy during afternoon US departures.

Airline Lounges

VIP Lounge Cancún (Terminal 3):

• Access: Various credit cards, airline partners
• Standard amenities

Terminal 2 lounges:

• Some European carriers may offer lounge access for Business Class passengers
• Check with your airline

Day Passes

Day passes typically available:

• Price: MXN 500-800 (~USD $28-45)
• Purchase at lounge reception or through LoungeBuddy app
• Subject to capacity

Tip: CUN lounges are not exceptional. For short layovers, airside restaurants may be a better option.

Near Airport:

• Courtyard by Marriott Cancun Airport: Closest hotel to terminals, short shuttle ride. Business-style hotel with restaurant and pool (~MXN 2,000-3,000/night, ~USD $110-170).

• Hilton Garden Inn Cancún Airport: Reliable option near airport with free shuttle (~MXN 1,800-2,800/night, ~USD $100-160).

• One Cancún Centro: Budget option in downtown Cancún, 20 min from airport (~MXN 900-1,400/night, ~USD $50-80).

In Cancún Hotel Zone (20-35 min from airport):

The Hotel Zone offers hundreds of hotels ranging from budget to ultra-luxury. Popular options:

• Budget: Hostel Mundo Joven, basic hotels on Kukulcan Blvd
• Mid-range: Fiesta Americana, Krystal, GR Caribe
• Luxury: Le Blanc, Nizuc, JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton

In Playa del Carmen (50-70 min from airport):

More charming alternative to Cancún with pedestrian-friendly center:

• Budget: Hostels on 5th Avenue
• Mid-range: Thompson Playa del Carmen, Mahekal Beach Resort
• Luxury: Rosewood Mayakoba, Fairmont Mayakoba

Tip for early departures: Stay near the airport if flying before 8 AM. The Courtyard Marriott is the most convenient option.

Cancún and the Riviera Maya offer world-famous beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant nightlife.

Cancún Hotel Zone (20-35 min from CUN):

• Beaches: Stunning turquoise Caribbean waters, white sand
• Nightlife: Coco Bongo, La Vaquita, Mandala, The City nightclub
• Shopping: La Isla Shopping Village, luxury boutiques
• Water activities: Snorkeling, jet skis, parasailing

Playa del Carmen (1 hour from CUN):

• 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida): Pedestrian shopping street with restaurants, bars, boutiques
• Beach: More relaxed than Cancún, excellent beach clubs
• Ferry to Cozumel: 45 min crossing for diving and snorkeling
• Nightlife: Smaller scale but vibrant, centered on 5th Avenue

Tulum (2 hours from CUN):

• Tulum Ruins: Clifftop Mayan ruins overlooking Caribbean - stunning
• Beach zone: Bohemian-chic hotels, beach clubs, cenotes
• Cenotes: Swim in crystal-clear freshwater sinkholes (Gran Cenote, Cenote Dos Ojos)
• Vibe: Wellness-focused, yoga retreats, eco-tourism

Day Trips from Cancún:

• Chichén Itzá (2.5-3 hours): UNESCO World Heritage Mayan city, one of New Seven Wonders
• Isla Mujeres (20 min ferry from Cancún): Laid-back island, golf cart rental, beautiful beaches
• Cozumel (45 min ferry from Playa): World-class diving and snorkeling
• Xcaret/Xel-Há: Eco-parks with snorkeling, wildlife, cultural shows
• Akumal: Sea turtle snorkeling in a quiet bay
• Cobá: Climb a Mayan pyramid in the jungle (you can still climb Nohoch Mul)

Cenotes (sinkholes): The Yucatán Peninsula has thousands of cenotes - freshwater swimming holes:

• Gran Cenote (Tulum)
• Cenote Dos Ojos
• Cenote Ik Kil (near Chichén Itzá)
• Cenote Azul
• Sistema Sac Actun (world's longest underwater cave system)

Practical Tips:

• Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN). USD widely accepted but at poor rates.
• Water: Drink bottled water. Ice in tourist restaurants is purified and safe.
• Safety: Tourist areas are generally safe. Use common sense; secure valuables.
• Tipping: 10-15% at restaurants. MXN 20-50 for hotel staff, drivers.
• Language: English widely spoken in tourist areas. Basic Spanish appreciated.
• Best weather: December to April (dry season). May-October is hotter with occasional rain and hurricane season (August-October).
• Seaweed: Sargassum seaweed affects some beaches periodically. Check current conditions before booking beachfront accommodation.

Getting Around the Riviera Maya:

• Uber: Works in Cancún and Playa del Carmen
• Taxis: Abundant but negotiate fare before riding (outside Cancún Hotel Zone)
• Rental cars: Useful for exploring cenotes, ruins, and off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Colectivos: Cheap shared vans along Highway 307
• ADO bus: Comfortable first-class service between major destinations