Guides & insights / Relocation & Lifestyle
Getting here: the airports
October 26, 2026
Cancún is the main gateway to the entire Mexican Caribbean and one of the busiest airports in Latin America, operated by ASUR. It has four passenger terminals and direct flights from across Canada, the United States, Europe and Latin America. For most buyers, Cancún will be the easiest and most flexible place to land.
Updated 2026-10-26 · 3 min read · 495 words · Private draft awaiting owner review.
Cancún International Airport (CUN)
Cancún is the main gateway to the entire Mexican Caribbean and one of the busiest airports in Latin America, operated by ASUR. It has four passenger terminals and direct flights from across Canada, the United States, Europe and Latin America. For most buyers, Cancún will be the easiest and most flexible place to land.
From the airport, Cancún's Hotel Zone is about 20 minutes away by road, Puerto Morelos about 25 minutes, Playa del Carmen around 50 minutes, Puerto Aventuras roughly an hour and ten minutes, and Tulum around an hour and forty minutes, depending on traffic. Pre-booked private transfers are the most comfortable option; taxis and shared shuttles are also available.
Tulum International Airport (TQO)
Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport opened near Tulum in December 2023 and is operated by the Mexican state. It brings travellers to within about 25 minutes of Tulum town and is convenient for anyone looking at homes in Tulum, Akumal or further south.
Routes have changed since opening. During 2026, international traffic fell and several airlines suspended services, leaving direct routes to a handful of U.S. cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Miami. For winter 2026–27, the Quintana Roo government has announced new and returning routes, including Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City and Calgary, plus Newark. Announced schedules can change, so confirm with the airline before booking.
Cozumel International Airport (CZM)
Cozumel has its own international airport with direct flights from several U.S. cities, mainly in the winter season. Most visitors, however, arrive on the island by passenger ferry from Playa del Carmen: the crossing takes around 40–45 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. A car ferry also runs from Calica, south of Playa del Carmen.
Chetumal International Airport (CTM), for Bacalar
Chetumal, the state capital near the border with Belize, has a smaller airport with domestic connections, mainly via Mexico City. Bacalar is about 40 minutes north of Chetumal by road. Alternatively, Bacalar is roughly four hours by car from Cancún, or a little over two hours from Tulum.
The Tren Maya
The Tren Maya railway now links many towns of the Yucatán Peninsula, with stations including Cancún Airport, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Tulum Airport and Bacalar. Schedules and services have expanded gradually since opening, so check the current timetable before relying on it for a viewing day. For most property visits, a private driver remains the most flexible way to see several residences in one day.
Arriving to view property
If you are planning a viewing trip, tell us your dates and which areas interest you. We will suggest the best airport for your route, arrange the order of viewings so you are not crossing the coast twice, and, through Unlimited Travels, can organise airport transfers, a driver for viewing days, car rental and accommodation. Bring your passport; if you decide to reserve a residence during your visit, it is the first document a developer or notary will ask for.
Updated 27 October 2026. Figures are Estimated and should be confirmed with a notary, bank or tax advisor.
Sources
Questions & answers
Getting here: the airports
Cancún is the main gateway to the entire Mexican Caribbean and one of the busiest airports in Latin America, operated by ASUR. It has four passenger terminals and direct flights from across Canada, the United States, Europe and Latin America. For most buyers, Cancún will be the easiest and most flexible place to land.