If you are flying to or from Cancun, let us tell you something: the airport looks like a resort… until you realize it is one of the busiest airports in Latin America, and everything can go great or go crazy.
After several flights (some with stopovers, some direct), here are our real, unfiltered tips so you don't get caught in a curve. Whether it's your first time or you're already a regular traveler, these tips can save you time, money, and headaches. 🙌
1. Know your terminal before arriving at the Cancun airport
Cancun Airport has four terminals, and they are not as close together as you would think. There is a free shuttle between terminals, but if you have to run for a connection… We hope you make it, as they don't always leave and wait for passengers who haven't arrived.
Here we tell you about the 4 terminals you can find in Cancun and what kind of flights arrive there:
- T1: charter flights.
- T2: domestic and Latin American flights.
- T3 and T4: most international flights.
Another way to find out which terminal your flight arrives at is by looking at your flight ticket, which usually arrives in your email inbox.
TIP: Verify your terminal directly with the airline. Apps like Google Flights sometimes do not have updated information. Never trust them.
2. Arrive well in advance of your flight, whether you are flying in or out of Cancun.
No kidding. This airport fills up as early as 5 am. In high season (December, Easter, summer), 3 hours before the flight is the minimum for even domestic flights.
⚠ ️ If you arrive late, be prepared for lines at security, immigration, and even paying dearly for fast food at the terminal.
3. Beware of “welcome to Cancun” guys who want to sell you everything.
As soon as you leave immigration, you will feel like you are in an ambush of vendors. They offer you everything from “free” tours to VIP transportation. Do NOT stop there.
Politely ignore them, keep walking until you see the transportation area or official exits. All legitimate services are up ahead.
Have you booked your transfer? A tip to avoid being scammed by pirate carriers at the airport is to wait for a person with the signage of the agency you booked with, your name on a paddle, or the representative who knows your name and destination. This way, you will avoid being scammed at the airport.
4. Cancun Airport Transportation: what works (and what doesn't).
There is no Uber inside the airport, although you can take it outside (if you are willing to walk with suitcases).
Taxis: we only recommend taking a cab service at the Cancun airport with official agencies. If you have not booked before, it will be excessively expensive.
ADO (bus): super option if you are going to Playa del Carmen or Tulum, not recommended if you are traveling in a group or looking for comfort, only for travelers looking to get to downtown Cancun or already know the city.
Private or shared transportation: ideal if you are not looking for stress, but book them before and online, this will prevent you from overspending and have more points covered at the time of your arrival.
Our favorite hack: Private online transportation. No lines, no waiting, you'll thank us later 😉.
5. Money Exchange at Cancun Airport? Avoid it at all costs.
There are exchange houses, but the rate is not good. If you can, withdraw cash at an ATM inside the airport.
👀 Avoid the ones right in the arrivals area; the ones in the terminals usually give better change. Still, use the card whenever you can.
6. Food and coffee: why WE DO NOT recommend eating at the airport.
There are options such as Starbucks, Domino's, etc., but prices are triple the usual. If you can, bring snacks or buy something in town before going to the airport.
☕ We recommend that you bring your empty reusable bottle and fill it after the security check. Bottled water can cost up to 60 pesos.
If you don't need to drink so much water, you can wait until you get to the city center, where you will notice the abysmal change in airport prices for food and beverages.
While we recommend not consuming food and drinks at the airport, what we do recommend is to visit the Duty-Free stores, where you will find perfumes, bottles of liquor, souvenirs, clothing, or duty-free accessories. These items are sometimes worth buying at the airport.
7. What to take in your backpack (because you will need it)
- Power bank (it will be a great help)
- Headphones to isolate yourself from the chaos of an international airport
- An extra change of clothes if you check luggage
- Mosquito repellent and biodegradable sunscreen
- Your immigration form (FMM), if you still get one
- Passport, ID card
8. Apps that can save you if you are arriving or departing from Cancun Airport.
FlightAware: This app is a great help, especially if you plan to track your flight in real time, or if, in any case, your transportation agency or a trusted acquaintance wants to know how your flight status is going. It is very useful when there are flight delays.
Google Maps offline: especially useful if you are going to Tulum or Bacalar.
This app can help you because it has the option to download maps of complete locations without the need of internet afterwards to move around the city. It is the updated maps that will save you from getting lost in an unknown place, without cellular data.
WhatsApp or email with your transportation reservation: you will be asked for it at the airport exit. If you are coming from abroad, you may need a special permit or QR, you can also download it to your cell phone and have it at hand.
🚫 BONUS: What NOT to do at Cancun Airport.
Don't rely on spontaneous “help” to carry your bags. They ask for a tip, or it may be theft disguised as help.
Don't say out loud that it's your first time in Cancun 😅. Sometimes that attracts opportunists who want to sell you things, and they will surely do it excessively.
Don't forget to block your cards before traveling, and have RFID protectors for your cards. Now everything is contactless, and so are the charges… we don't want you to have to call your bank later to report an unrecognized charge, right?
_
So now you know: get ready, take a deep breath, and let the tropical adventure begin.
Do you have doubts about how to get around Cancun after the airport? Or do you want tips for Tulum or the Riviera? We'll read you in the comments or DM's 📩
Published on Jun 09, 2025
