When planning your dream getaway to Tulum, Riviera Maya, one important decision can shape your travel experience: Should you fly into Cancun Airport or Tulum Airport? While both options will eventually get you to paradise, they offer very different travel experiences, costs, and convenience levels. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each airport to help you decide which one is best for your vacation in Tulum.
Long story short… Fly to Cancun Airport!, its easier, faster and cheaper. Book with us at: Cancun Airport Transportation.
Flying into Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Cancun International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the region, serving millions of travelers each year. It’s the main international hub for the Mexican Caribbean with destiantions such as Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen… and is located about 120 km (75 miles) from Tulum, roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, depending on traffic conditions.
Pros of flying to Cancun Airport:
Wide range of international flights from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Latin America
Affordable fares due to high competition between airlines
Well-developed airport transportation options: in this case US! Cancun Airport Transportation
Excellent infrastructure and services (restaurants, lounges, car rentals)
Frequent daily flights from most major cities
Cons of Cancun Airport:
Can be very busy and crowded, especially during high season
Longer travel time to Tulum (up to 2 hours with traffic)
Navigating ground transportation can be confusing for first-time visitors… but not if you use CAT.
Flying into Tulum Airport (Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport – TQO)
The brand-new Tulum International Airport (TQO) officially opened in late 2023 and is located just 25 to 30 minutes from Tulum town and beach hotels. It was built to improve direct access to Tulum and the southern Riviera Maya.
As a personal opinion, the Tulum Airport was built more as an access to the most southern part of the Riviera Maya called Costa Maya, where you can find destinations such as Bacalar, Mahahual and other marvels, but is not ideal for Tulum, it is located about 45 minutes from Tulum town with regular traffic and still 15 to 30 minutes mor to get to Tulum Hotel Zone, when there is traffic its almost the same time as getting from Cancun Airport and more expensive!
Pros of flying to Tulum Airport:
Much closer to Tulum, cutting transfer time significantly. As a note, we also operate in Tulum! Cancun Airport Transportation offers rides from Tulum, but prices are significantly higher due to airport taxes being higher.
Smaller airport = faster immigration, baggage claim, and exit
Less crowded and easier to navigate
A growing number of domestic flights from major Mexican cities
There were international flights increasing from select U.S. hubs, but now they have been closing the route.
Cons of Tulum Airport:
Fewer international flight options (for now)
Airfare may be more expensive due to limited airline competition
Limited dining and lounge facilities (as of 2025)
Airport infrastructure and transportation services still developing and very expensive.
Cancun vs. Tulum Airport: A Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Cancun Airport (CUN) | Tulum Airport (TQO) |
| Distance to Tulum | 120 km / ~2 hours | 30 km / ~30 minutes |
| Number of Flights | Very high | Limited (but growing) |
| International Access | Extensive | Still expanding |
| Airport Crowds | High | Low to moderate |
| Ground Transportation Options | Very established | Still growing |
| Cost of Flights | Generally cheaper | Potentially higher |
| Travel Convenience | Cheaper transportation | Really expensive transportation |
Transportation to Tulum: What to Expect
Transportation to Tulum From Cancun Airport:
Private transportation: Fast, direct, and stress-free, different transportation options are available and are cheaper: Cancun Airport Transportation
Transportation to Tulum From Tulum Airport:
Private transfers are the most reliable and comfortable, but significantly higher than from Cancun Airport.
Pro Tip: In either case, either Tulum Airport or Cancun Airport: Book your airport transfer in advance to avoid delays and ensure availability. Book it here: Cancun Airport To Tulum
So… Which One Should You Choose?
Choose to fly to Cancun Airport, you’ll thank me later…
You’re looking for cheaper flights
You’re flying internationally from cities with limited direct access to Tulum
You don’t mind a longer transfer to save money, yes, it is cheaper from Cancun Airport even if it’s a little longer!
You want more airline options and flexible travel dates
To wrap things up!
Both Cancun and Tulum airports are good options for reaching Mexico’s most beautiful beach destinations — but Cancun Airport definitely beats Tulum Airport nowadays, having more options and better deals.
No matter which airport you choose, comfortable and reliable transportation to Tulum is just a click away. Reserve your private airport transfer in advance and start your vacation stress-free!