Cancun Airport (CUN) Flights & Information

Cancun Airport (CUN) is the primary gateway to this world-famous resort destination. This is the largest airport in the country when it comes to international traffic, welcoming more non-Mexican travelers than even the nation’s capital. From Cancun, you can reach most major cities in the U.S. and a growing number of long-haul destinations nonstop. But, the airport’s terminals are overflowing with passengers and require a little know-how to get around. This guide should help travelers on their next trip to Cancun.

Terminal layout

Cancun’s international airport has grown considerably and serves a global roster of airlines and destinations with a good balance of full-service and low-cost carriers. This has forced the airport to continue its expansion, and it now has more terminals than any other airport in Mexico.

With four terminals currently operating and a fifth on the way, Cancun can be confusing for novice travelers. It is important to know which terminal you are departing from as they are not connected to each other. You would need to take a bus (it goes between terminals every ten minutes) or taxi to reach some terminals if you get off at the wrong one.

Low-cost airlines make up a significant presence here with Viva Aerobus operating a hub and Volaris using this as a focus city. If you are connecting between their flights or to other airlines, you may have to change terminals.

Terminal 1 is dedicated to charter airlines only, and Terminal 2 is the main hub for Viva Aerobus flights. It also has several other international airlines, mostly serving Latin and South America. There are a few European airlines here, too. This is where Alaska Airlines operates its departures.

Terminal 3 is where most U.S. and Canadian flights depart, including Air Canada, American, Delta and United. Terminal 4 is the newest and is where most European flights depart. This is also home to Aeromexico’s departures as well as U.S.-bound flights on Frontier, JetBlue and Southwest.

What you will find in the terminals

All of the terminals have numerous souvenir shops, restaurants, bars and even a pharmacy. Missing are convenient power outlets, but at least the Wi-Fi is free. After exiting security, the path to the gates is usually through the large duty-free shops.

One thing I like about Cancun airport as a warm-blooded traveler, but not everyone will, is the air conditioning. Bring a sweater if you get cold as the air is usually blasting.

Pros and cons of Cancun airport

With such a large airport serving a primarily tourism-focused passenger base, there are some special features of the airport, but also some annoyances that can hinder a trip. Here are some of the pros and cons of using Cancun airport.

Pro: Location

The airport is very convenient to the main hotel zone along the oceanfront strip in Cancun with transportation taking around 20 minutes to some of the most popular resorts. You can go from plane to pool in no time.

Other major resorts along the Riviera Maya are also within an hour’s drive. With so many resorts in this part of the country, Cancun’s airport can support the high amount of air traffic it gets.

Pro: Price comparison

While the location is convenient, the drive south to places like Tulum and Playa del Carmen can take at least an hour. Luckily, a new international airport in Tulum makes it easier to reach those resorts.

For travelers headed south of Cancun, this also provides more choice and gives people the chance to compare prices for flights arriving at either Cancun or Tulum. This is especially beneficial for people going to Playa del Carmen, which is about halfway between the two airports.

Con: Crowded terminals

The airport has grown so much that its terminals are completely jam-packed with people. Finding a seat can be a chore, and restaurants, bars and shops are packed to the brim. Just navigating the terminal while dodging bags, strollers and people can be frustrating. Lines for security can also be long.

While there are multiple terminals, there are enough people to fill them. Luckily, Tulum airport’s recent opening should help relieve some of the crowds.

Con: Poor lounge choices

You would think that an international airport of this size would have several lounges for premium cabin travelers and those with access through a lounge or credit card program. But, Cancun does not.

There are no airline-branded lounges, and the Priority Pass-accessible lounges are windowless and cramped. Expect long lines to form for much of the day with a waitlist to enter. While it is nice to enjoy free access for a few snacks and drinks, I recommend spending your money on something you actually want to eat or drink in the terminal.

How to get to and from CUN

The safest and most reliable option is to have your hotel or resort organize a transfer for you. Handling ground transportation arrangements in advance will save you a lot of headache when you arrive.

Prepare for a frenzy of taxi drivers and sales people crowding the arrivals area. It is overwhelming with people shouting and trying to get your attention. I don’t make eye contact and scan the sea of people for a sign with my destination on it for my prearranged ride.

While it is possible to book a ride on the ground with a reputable operator, it can be confusing, and you may not get the best deal. Take note that Uber does not pick up at the airport, and there is strong tension between rideshare services and taxi drivers. It is best to avoid using Uber if taxi drivers are present.

Beware of taxi scammers at the airport. This is a growing problem, and one that has been widely reported. Corruption between taxi companies and even the police means this is not a priority to resolve. If you must take a taxi at the airport, agree on the price before getting in the car.

It is common for the driver to change the price once you arrive or even to pretend that you did not understand. I have been scammed twice, once with the driver insisting that the cost was $120 for a five-minute ride after I originally agreed to $12. It is never a good idea to argue once you are in the vehicle.

I filed a chargeback with my credit card company over the phony price, and it was denied since I physically presented my credit card.

Airport hotels

There are numerous hotels surrounding the airport that offer a free shuttle. This is a great option if you do not plan to visit a resort and do not want to worry about the hassle of ground transportation.

The Hilton Garden Inn is situated at the terminals, and it is walkable from Terminals 2 or 3. It takes about ten minutes, but probably more of a trek with luggage. Luckily, there is a free airport shuttle.

Despite convenience, its rates are generally two to three times more than expected. I opt for the free shuttle to one of the nearby airport hotels like Courtyard Cancun Airport or one of the City Express properties (all of these are Marriott Bonvoy brands).

When I am arriving in the late evening, I typically stay at an airport hotel and then check into my resort the next day. This can save a lot of money as you don’t have to pay for an expensive night at a resort that you won’t be able to enjoy when arriving after dark.

Fun facts about Cancun airport

The airport was originally built in the 1940s to support the region’s chewing gum industry, which was booming at the time. This airport was located in what is now downtown Cancun, and the first runway is now Kabah Avenue.

Following government investment to build Cancun into a tourist mecca in the 1970s, a new airport was built. You can still see a replica of the original airport control tower at a traffic circle along Kabah Avenue. Today, Cancun’s air traffic control tower is the tallest in Latin America.

Cancun was the first airport in Mexico to welcome the double-decker Airbus A380 plane when Air France flew from Paris Charles de Gaulle. Currently, there are no A380 flights at Cancun though.

The busiest domestic route from Cancun is to Mexico City. The most commonly flown international route is to Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.

There is a bridge that crosses Luis Donaldo Colosio Avenue and leads to the airport. During its construction, it collapsed twice, and locals agreed this was because the builders did not ask permission or for a blessing from the “aluxes,” mythical creatures that live in the jungle and cause trouble if their needs are not met.

Eventually, a shaman provided guidance, and the builders added a small pyramid temple beneath the bridge to appease the “aluxes.” The bridge had no further problems, and you can still see the pyramid beneath the bridge.