How to get to Cancún
Helpful Hints for a Smooth Arrival into CancúnMost visitors arrive in Cancún by air, even if that means hopping on a connecting flight from Mexico City, which is often cheaper than driving or taking a bus from the capital.
Serving more than 30 million travelers a year, the Cancún International Airport is second only to Mexico City in annual passenger traffic and it's the Yucatán Peninsula's main point of entry. Visitors arriving by land often comment on how surprised they are by the comfort, affordability, and efficiency of Mexico's long-distance buses. Cancún also sees a fair share of cruise ship passengers rolling into town from the nearby port of Cozumel. And coming soon, travelers in the region will be able to reach Cancún via a new high-speed train called the Tren Maya.
By Plane
Cancún’s airport (CUN) operates more than 500 flights a day with many international routes originating from the US, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Aeromexico, Mexico’s flagship airline, operates both international and domestic flights to and from Cancún. For national departures, you’ll find the best deals on low-cost carriers Viva Aerobús and Volaris, which provide nonstop service from the capital and major Mexican cities. It’s a cattle call, but you can’t beat the fares. Most connecting flights to Cancún go through Mexico City (MEX).
Cancún’s airport is about 12 miles south of the city, and upon arrival, you’ll have no problem finding transportation into the hotel zone and downtown.
By Train
Once the shiny new Maya Train (Tren Maya) is up and running, visitors will easily be able to reach Cancún from faraway places such as Palenque, in Chiapas, or from the colonial cities of Mérida and Campeche, both of which have international airports.
Set to launch by year-end, the intercity railway runs along a 960-mile loop route around the Yucatán Peninsula with stops at about 40 stations across five states. All told, the Maya Train will connect Cancún to five international airports in the region if you include the newest aeropuerto in Tulum.
Fares have yet to be established for the Maya Train but the government has said foreigners can expect to pay more than locals.
By Bus
Long-distance buses arrive at the downtown ADO bus station. If you’re thinking about doing the 24-hour bus ride from Mexico City, it costs around M$2000 ($110), roughly the going rate of round-trip airfare to Cancún during the low season, so it’s probably not worth it.
Travelers coming from Mérida will find frequent departures to Cancún from the first- and second-class bus terminals in the city center. On average, the five-hour trip costs around M$950 ($52). From Palenque, Chiapas, it’s about 13 hours to Cancún Centro for about M$1300 (US$72). Buses and passenger vans run along Highway 307 from as far south as Chetumal, near the Belize border, up to the Riviera Maya and Cancún.
By Boat
Cancún has no cruise ship docks due to its shallow waters. Some of the big liners used to anchor off the hotel zone’s northern shore and passengers were transported to the hotel zone in tender boats but that ship has sailed (see what we did there). Instead, most cruise ship passengers arrive in Cozumel, a Caribbean island 11 miles east of Playa del Carmen and relatively close to Cancún.
When driving on a highway in the far left lane, fast-approaching vehicles from behind will often flash their high beams or indicate with their left turn signal that they want to pass.
Receiving more than 3 million passengers a year, Cozumel boasts one of the busiest cruise ship ports in the world. Nearly all the big-name cruise lines dock in Cozumel: Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival, MSC, Disney, and the list goes on. Many originate in the US Gulf Coast states.
Cozumel has three terminals: the centrally located Punta Langosta as well as Puerta Maya and SSA, which lie about 3 miles south of downtown. Passengers disembarking in Cozumel do not require a visa. To reach Cancún, frequent ferries depart to Playa del Carmen, where you can catch a bus or passenger van to the Centro. It takes about 80 minutes to get from Playa del Carmen to downtown Cancún.
By Car
If you’re coming from Villahermosa or Veracruz, Highway 180 takes you past the beautiful colonial cities of Campeche and Mérida, worthy destinations in their own right, before veering east toward Chichén Itzá, Valladolid, and finally to downtown Cancún. Travel time from Mérida to Cancún is about five hours unless you take toll road 180D, which saves you about 30 minutes.
As a rule of thumb in Mexico, it's best to avoid traveling at night due to poorly lit roads and ubiquitous potholes. Driving during the day also significantly lowers the risk that you'll be a victim of crime.
Alternatively, for some road-tripping along the Caribbean coast, take Highway 186 east toward Chetumal and look for the turnoff to Highway 307, which is a straight shoot to Cancún. Notable stops along the way include Laguna Bacalar, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos.
Most highways in the region are well-maintained and toll-free. When driving in the wildlife-rich Yucatán always be on the lookout for animals crossing the road.
If you’re coming from somewhere far away like Oaxaca or Mexico City, toll roads are the safest and most convenient option. Keep in mind that federal toll roads do not accept credit or debit card payments, however, you can use them to purchase and recharge tag cards, pre-paid electronic devices that allow you to make automatic payments at toll plazas. Purchase a TAG TeleVia or Pase card at any convenience store, then just add credit.
What to Know about Visa and Passport Policies
Citizens from most countries do not require a visa to visit Mexico but you’ll need to show a valid passport. Upon entering Mexico, all visitors must fill out a tourist card known as a Multiple Migratory Form (FMM), which allows you to stay in the country for 180 days. Hold on to the stamped document to present at check-in on the return flight. If you forget or lose the card, you may have to pay a $60 replacement fee.