Tulum Airport: Duty-Free Shopping Experience And Availability

Tulum's new airport, which opened on March 28, 2024, is a welcome addition to the area, offering an alternative to the busy Cancun Airport for travellers to the region. The airport is expected to serve five million international passengers a year, mainly from North America and Europe. With 18 lanes and a relatively modest number of international flights, the airport should be well-equipped to handle the planned passenger traffic. Leading travel retailer 3Sixty Duty-Free and More has announced the opening of its new cutting-edge duty-free experience at the airport, offering seasonal price savings. While the airport is still a work in progress, with ongoing construction in food and drink areas, it boasts a spacious and airy ticketing area with a translucent roof, and travellers can expect efficient baggage claim.

Tequila options and prices

While there is no online catalogue for the duty-free shop at Tulum Airport, it does have a wide selection of tequila. However, some travellers have noted that the tequila options at the duty-free are mostly mass-produced brands such as Don Julio, Herredura, and Clase Azul. If you're looking for specific tequila options and prices, it might be worth checking out local stores in Tulum.

For example, a user on Reddit recommended buying tequila from a local mezcalero or from a store called Chedruai, which has a good selection and nice prices. Another user mentioned that La Europea in Cancun has a wider variety of tequila options, although it is more expensive. If you're looking for single estate and small-batch tequila, one user suggested brands like G4, Tapitio, and Siete.

It's worth noting that some travellers have found the tequila at duty-free shops in Mexico to be more expensive than at local stores. However, others have mentioned that duty-free prices for tequila in Mexico are better than what you would find in the United States. For example, one traveller noted that the La Pinta Pomagranate Tequila was $5/US higher at Cheridui than at a booze store next to baggage claim.

Ultimately, if you're looking for a specific type of tequila or are price-conscious, it might be worth exploring options outside of the Tulum Airport duty-free shop.

Quality of duty-free tequila

The Tulum International Airport features a "cutting-edge duty-free experience" by 3Sixty Duty-Free and More. While there is no online catalog available for the duty-free tequila selection at the Tulum Airport, travelers have shared their experiences with the quality of duty-free tequila in other airports in Mexico.

At the Cancun International Airport, for instance, travelers have noted that while there is a wide selection of tequila brands, the prices are much higher compared to other places. The duty-free shop at the Cancun Airport is said to carry mostly big-name brands, with a focus on pushing flavored tequila options. For those seeking unique and higher-quality tequilas at a more affordable price, it is recommended to explore options outside of the airport, such as La Europea in Playa del Carmen or local supermarkets and liquor stores.

One traveler shared their experience at the duty-free shop in Ixtapa, Mexico, where they noticed a 2.5-liter bottle of Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia, which exceeded the typical 2-liter limit for carrying alcohol on an airplane. This highlights the importance of being mindful of import allowances, even when purchasing duty-free items.

When it comes to the quality of duty-free tequila, it is worth noting that some travelers have expressed disappointment with the options available at airports. In the case of the Tulum Airport, one traveler described the tequila selection as "mass-produced junk," specifically mentioning brands such as D Julio, Herredura, and Clase Azul. However, it is important to consider that duty-free shops may offer convenience and a range of options for those who are pressed for time or unable to explore other shopping avenues. Ultimately, the decision to purchase duty-free tequila depends on individual preferences, budget, and the specific options available at the time of travel.

Tulum Airport's development

The Tulum International Airport, officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, is located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The concept of a Tulum civil airport has been in the works for several years, with the project gaining momentum in 2022 when it was announced by the López Obrador administration as part of efforts to boost tourism in the region.

The airport construction began in 2022 and commercial services were inaugurated on December 1, 2023, by Grupo Olmeca-Maya-Mexica, a holding company owned by the Mexican military. The airport features a passenger terminal, airport lounges, and an Executive Aviation Terminal with dedicated facilities for general aviation. The runway is 3,700 metres (12,100 ft) long, capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, and the airport can handle up to 5.5 million passengers annually.

The airport serves both domestic and international traffic, functioning as a secondary gateway for tourists visiting the Mexican Caribbean, the Riviera Maya, and the Yucatán Peninsula. There are currently more than 10 domestic and international airlines flying to Tulum, with more than 15 cities offering direct flights. Major carriers such as Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines offer services to various destinations in Mexico, the United States, and Europe.

The Tulum Airport railway station, located next to the airport, provides convenient transportation to prominent tourist destinations in southeastern Mexico, including Tulum, Cancún, and Chetumal. The airport is expected to trigger tourist, economic, and social growth in the region, with a focus on boosting real estate investments in the Riviera Maya. Future plans for the airport include the construction of an air force base within its grounds.

Passenger experience

The Tulum International Airport, also known as the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, is a relatively new airport that opened in December 2023. It is located just 25 miles from downtown Tulum and is expected to serve five million international passengers annually, mainly from North America and Europe. The airport is designed to accommodate the increasing demand and distribute traffic to the region, halving drive times to popular beach destinations.

The airport boasts a modern and bright construction, with glass ceilings that allow natural light to illuminate the interior. Upon entering the brand-new terminal through any of the four ground-level doors, passengers are greeted by an inverted Mayan god, known as the Descending God of Tulum, which is a unique feature that ties the airport's design to the ancient culture of the region.

In terms of duty-free shopping, the airport features a "cutting-edge duty-free experience" operated by 3Sixty Duty Free and More, a leading global omnichannel travel retailer. Passengers can expect a multi-sensory shopping journey, with a selection of duty-free items, including tequila, whisky, and other spirits. However, some passengers have expressed disappointment with the quality of the duty-free liquor, describing it as "mass-produced junk".

The overall passenger experience at Tulum Airport is generally positive, with the airport offering a more tranquil alternative to the busier Cancun Airport. The security and departure processes are straightforward, with efficient passport and boarding pass checks, followed by security X-ray screenings for personal items. The departures concourse is designed as a single straight hallway, with gates for domestic Mexico flights to the left and gates for US-bound flights to the right. Passengers can conveniently collect their luggage from one of the few carousels available and exit the airport within a reasonable amount of time.

Transportation options from the airport include taxis and shuttle services, although passengers should be cautious of potential scams and overpricing by drivers. For a more affordable option, passengers can opt for the ADO bus service to and from the airport.

Baggage claim

Tulum International Airport is a new airport development in Mexico, which welcomed its first international flights in March 2024. The airport is located 20 miles from the centre of Tulum and is expected to serve five million international passengers a year.

The airport has 18 lanes and three carousels in the baggage claim area for international carriers. The baggage claim area is located very close to where the ground crew unloads bags from the aircraft, which should help to get bags back to passengers quickly. There is a customs station after baggage claim, where all belongings, including carry-on bags, will be scanned.

After baggage claim, passengers exit the airport through the arrivals/pickup area, where there are booths for various transportation options, including taxi, rental car, and shuttle services. There is a government-imposed airport pickup fee, which can be over $200 for a 45-minute drive. The ADO bus to Tulum Centro is the cheapest option, at 220 pesos or $12.

Frequently asked questions