Roberta Aguirre
Cancun Airport is a busy gateway to the idyllic paradise of Cancun, Mexico, with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and world-famous nightlife. As the second busiest airport in Mexico, it can be quite a challenge to navigate, especially for first-time travellers. This guide will help you prepare for your arrival, so you can start enjoying your vacation as soon as possible. When you arrive, you will need to go through immigration, collect your luggage, and find transportation to your hotel. It is recommended that you pre-book your transportation to avoid negotiating with cab drivers after a long flight. There are various transportation options available, including taxis, private shuttles, and rental cars, which can cater to different budgets. To make your arrival smoother, it is also advised to fill out your immigration forms ahead of time and be aware of your airline's baggage policy to avoid extra charges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 16 kilometres from Cancun, in Quintana Roo, Mexico |
| Terminals | 4 commercial terminals and 1 FBO terminal |
| Transport options | Airport taxis, private services, public bus, rental car, shared shuttles |
| Immigration | Visitors from other countries enter the line for "visitors" and head to the self-serving kiosk options that require a passport |
| Transportation | Pre-booked transportation is recommended |
| Bus services | ADO buses depart to the airport every 30-45 minutes from Cancun or Playa del Carmen |
| Shuttle services | Free shuttle buses between terminals |
| Traffic | Second busiest airport in Mexico |
| Covid-era requirements | No proof of negative tests or vaccination required, but a digital form called the Vuela Seguro form was required until January 2022 |
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What You'll Learn
- Immigration: fill out the FMME form before arrival, then head to the kiosk and meet an official
- Baggage claim: collect your luggage and have it x-rayed before exiting
- Transport: pre-book taxis, shuttles, or rentals, or take a $5 public bus
- Airline terminals: check which terminal your airline operates from
- What to bring: cash, prescription medicine, and a photocopy of your passport?
Immigration: fill out the FMME form before arrival, then head to the kiosk and meet an official
Upon arrival at Cancun International Airport, you will be directed to the escalators leading down to the immigration area. If you are travelling from another country, enter the line for "visitors".
You should fill out the Forma Migratoria Electrónica (FMME) immigration form before your arrival in Cancun. This form is typically provided during your flight, but if you do not receive one, you can request it from an immigration agent at the airport. Alternatively, you can fill it out and print it in advance from the Cancun Airport website. If you happen to lose your form, there are immigration offices in Terminals 2 and 3 to assist you.
After filling out the FMME form, you can proceed to the self-serving kiosks to the left, which will require your passport. Even if you use the self-serving kiosk, you will still need to meet with an official to get your passport stamped. The immigration officer will advise you if you need to fill out any additional forms.
Once your passport has been stamped, you will exit into the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. Before leaving the airport, your luggage will need to be x-rayed. At the end of this line, you will present your immigration form. After reviewing your form, you will press a button, which will either turn green or red. A green light indicates you are free to go, while a red light indicates that your baggage will be searched.
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Baggage claim: collect your luggage and have it x-rayed before exiting
After passing through immigration, you will be in the baggage claim area. Here, you will collect your luggage and carry-on items. Cancun Airport has been described as crowded and understaffed, with travellers reporting long waits of several hours for their bags. However, other travellers report a fast and efficient experience, so your mileage may vary.
Once you have collected your luggage, you will need to have it X-rayed before exiting the airport. This is a standard security procedure. If you get a green light, you are free to go. If you get a red light, airport staff will perform a quick search of your baggage. This will be the last step before you exit the airport.
If you are missing any pieces of luggage or your luggage has been damaged, you will need to contact your airline directly and file a complaint with them. The airport cannot assist with these types of claims. Only the owner of a lost or forgotten item can claim it from the Lost & Found Office, which is operated by the Security Office. This must be done by phone or in person, not by email.
If you have pre-arranged transportation, your driver will be waiting outside the airport exit. They will usually be holding a sign with your name or your family's name. If you have not arranged transportation, there are several options available, including airport taxis, private services, public buses, rental cars, and shared shuttles.
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Transport: pre-book taxis, shuttles, or rentals, or take a $5 public bus
Cancun Airport offers a range of transportation options to suit different preferences and budgets.
Pre-booking Taxis
Official Cancun Airport taxis are available 24 hours a day from all terminals. It is important to note that you cannot hail a taxi at the airport; you must make a reservation in advance. Official taxis have a badge permit displayed on their windshield and are equipped with Wi-Fi and a radio/mobile to communicate with the dispatcher. The drivers are required to wear uniforms and carry Cancun Airport ID badges. It is recommended that you only travel with companies that have made a reservation online and received confirmation and detailed pick-up instructions. This can ensure you receive the discounted online rate, which can be up to 60% off the local rate.
Shuttles
Shared shuttle services are also available from the airport and cost $17.00 USD.
Rentals
The Cancun Airport Rental Car Center is the largest in the area, with a variety of international brands and local agencies operating 24/7. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance to secure a rental car. Services can be cancelled for free up to 48 hours before pick-up, and agencies often offer discounts and promotions online.
Public Bus
For a more affordable option, the ADO public bus service costs $5.00 USD and travels from the airport to Cancun Downtown, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum Downtown. Buses stop at all airport terminals and go directly to the ADO bus stations in each town. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance as routes often sell out.
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Airline terminals: check which terminal your airline operates from
Cancun International Airport has four separate terminals connected by a complimentary shuttle service. Terminal 1 is an FBO (Fixed Based Operator) terminal, used for private flights. Terminals 2, 3, and 4 host a variety of international and domestic airlines.
It is important to check which terminal your airline operates from, as this can impact your arrival and departure experience. For example, Terminal 2 is used for domestic flights and some international flights, whereas Terminal 3 exclusively handles international flights. Terminal 4, the newest terminal, also serves a variety of international airlines and one domestic carrier, Aeromexico.
Each terminal has its own unique facilities and services. Terminal 2 has lounges for both domestic and international flights, and you can find Money Exchange locations and parking facilities in Terminals 2, 3, and 4. Terminal 3 boasts the widest variety of shopping options, while all terminals offer free Wi-Fi.
Be sure to double-check your flight information and departure terminal to ensure a smooth arrival and departure experience at Cancun International Airport.
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What to bring: cash, prescription medicine, and a photocopy of your passport
When travelling to Cancun, it is important to be prepared. Here is a list of essential items to bring with you:
Cash
It is always a good idea to carry some local currency when travelling. In Cancun, you will need Mexican pesos. While many places accept US dollars, you will often receive change in pesos, and the exchange rate may not be in your favour. Additionally, smaller vendors may not accept card payments, so having cash is essential.
Prescription Medicine
Bringing your own prescription medicine is allowed, but ensure you only bring what you need for your trip. It is also a good idea to bring a copy of your prescription, in case you need to prove the medicine is for your personal use.
Photocopy of Your Passport
Having a photocopy of your passport is always a good idea when travelling. Should you lose your passport, having a copy will make it easier to replace. It is also useful to have a digital copy, which you can email to yourself, so you can access it on the go.
Other Useful Items
Some other useful items to bring include a sweater or blanket to combat cold temperatures in the airport and on the plane, and a tablet or eBook for entertainment. If you wear glasses, bring a spare pair, and be sure to bring plastic bags for your liquids and other items.
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Frequently asked questions
When you arrive at Cancun Airport, you will head down the escalator to immigration. If you are travelling from another country, enter the line that says "visitors". You can either see an official to get your passport stamped or use the self-serving kiosk options to the left. Once your passport is stamped, you will exit into the baggage claim area. Before leaving the airport, you are required to have your luggage x-rayed and press a big button after your form has been looked over.
Cancun Airport offers a variety of transportation options. If you have pre-arranged transportation, they will be waiting outside the airport with a sign with your name on it. If not, there are taxis, private shuttles, and rental cars available. You can also take a public bus or shared shuttle at a lower price.
You will need a valid passport to enter Cancun if you are a foreign traveller. It is also recommended that you bring a photocopy of your passport, so that you can keep the original in a safe place. You should also bring your prescription medicine and the prescription itself, as well as some cash.
