Almost every visitor arrives through Cancún International Airport (CUN), one of the busiest airports in Latin America and the main gateway to the whole Riviera Maya — Playa del Carmen and Tulum included. It sits about 20km south of the Hotel Zone, with four terminals; most international flights land at Terminal 3 or 4.

Getting from the airport to your hotel

You've got four realistic options, in order of price:

  • ADO bus — the cheapest option, running directly from the airport to the Hotel Zone and downtown bus terminal. Comfortable, air-conditioned, and a good default if you're not renting a car.
  • Shared shuttle (colectivo) — a minivan that drops other travelers off first, so it's slower but noticeably cheaper than a private transfer.
  • Private transfer — book ahead online and a driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign. Worth it for late-night landings or larger groups splitting the cost.
  • Taxi — available at the official taxi stand outside arrivals. Airport taxis are metered/zoned by the airport authority, not the free-market taxis you'll find once you're already in town, so expect a premium.

💡 Local tip

Ignore anyone approaching you inside the terminal before you reach the official transfer or taxi counters — legitimate operators don't need to hustle for your business at baggage claim.

Renting a car at CUN

All the major international agencies operate here. Two things catch first-timers out: mandatory Mexican liability insurance (your card's rental coverage usually doesn't satisfy this — check before you fly), and the hard upsell at the counter. Decide what coverage you actually want before you land and say so clearly.

Flying in from elsewhere in Mexico

If you're coming from Mexico City, Guadalajara or Monterrey, domestic flights into CUN are frequent and often cheap. It's also possible to bus in from Mérida or the rest of the Yucatán via ADO's long-distance network, which is comfortable enough for the ~4 hour Mérida run.