Roberta Aguirre
Tulum, Mexico, is a popular tourist destination known for its ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and cultural attractions. The closest airport to Tulum used to be Cancun International Airport (CUN), located approximately 80 miles away, but in December 2023, Tulum International Airport (IATA: TQO), also known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, opened its doors. This new airport offers travellers a more convenient gateway to the area, with modern facilities and quick baggage and immigration processes. However, there have been reports of limited taxi access to the airport, making ground transportation more expensive than expected. Travellers on a budget can consider taking a bus from the airport or flying into Cancun and then taking a bus, private transfer, or taxi to Tulum.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Tulum Airport (TQO) |
| Other Names | Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, Tulum International Airport |
| Location | South of Tulum, Mexico |
| Opening Date | December 2023 |
| First International Flight | March 2024 (from Dallas Forth Worth, US) |
| Airlines | More than 10 domestic and international airlines |
| Cities with Direct Flights | More than 15 |
| Transport Options | Bus, car rentals, shuttles, taxis |
| Alternative Airports | Cancun International Airport (CUN), Cozumel International Airport (CZM), Merida International Airport (MID) |
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What You'll Learn
Tulum International Airport (TQO)
Tulum, Mexico, has traditionally relied on Cancún Airport as its primary gateway for tourists. However, the Tulum International Airport (IATA: TQO, ICAO: MMTL), officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, provides an alternative. The airport first opened in December 2023 and received its first international flight from Dallas Fort Worth in March 2024.
The airport is located approximately 40km (25 miles) south of Tulum and is around 30-50 minutes from the town and beach. It is part of a broader strategy by the López Obrador administration to engage the Mexican army in significant infrastructure projects. The airport provides standard services, including check-in and arrivals areas, security, baggage claim, taxi stands, and car rental services. It also has an Executive Aviation Terminal with airport lounges and dedicated facilities for general aviation.
There are currently more than 10 domestic and international airlines flying to Tulum, with direct flights from over 15 cities. These include domestic flights from major Mexican airports such as Guadalajara, Mexico City, Felipe Angeles, Monterrey, and Tijuana. Internationally, Delta Air Lines offers non-stop flights from Atlanta, and there are also flights from various US cities, including Dallas Fort Worth.
Travellers should be aware that the newness of the airport and some restrictive taxi policies can make transportation more expensive than expected. Tulum is also well-connected by bus to other areas of Mexico, with affordable and comfortable options available.
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Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Cancun Airport is easily accessible from most major cities worldwide, including more than 40 cities in the US and 20 in Europe. It offers a range of facilities, including first-class shops, duty-free areas, and famous restaurants. It is also known for its friendly service, making it a convenient option for travellers. The airport is regulated by international laws and has specific arrival time recommendations, such as 2 hours for domestic and 3 to 4 hours for international flights.
Terminal 1 of Cancun International Airport has seven gates, catering to charter airline flights, with Magnicharters and VivaAerobus as the main operators. Terminal 2 has 22 gates and primarily handles domestic and international flights from various regions, including South America, Europe, and Central. Terminal 3 has 21 gates and mainly accommodates international flights between Cancun, the US, Canada, and Europe. Terminal 4, inaugurated in 2017, has 12 gates and a capacity of up to 9 million passengers annually.
The airport offers various transportation options, with the primary mode being road travel. Ground transportation can be arranged in advance, although official airport taxis are generally discouraged due to their higher costs. Local taxis are not permitted for pickups, but other transportation companies offer transfers to and from hotels, often with online pre-booking options. ADO Bus Services provide affordable travel to destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Mérida. Additionally, travellers can utilise the short- and long-term parking facilities available at all terminals.
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Cozumel International Airport (CZM)
Tulum, Mexico, is served by the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO), more commonly known as the Tulum International Airport. The airport first opened in December 2023 and received its first international flight from the United States in March 2024. While this airport is the closest to Tulum, it has limited taxi access and restrictive policies that can make transportation more expensive than expected.
Alternatively, travellers can fly into Cozumel International Airport (CZM). This airport is located on the Caribbean island of Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and serves the city of San Miguel, Cozumel. It acts as a secondary gateway for Mexican Caribbean and Riviera Maya tourism. Cozumel Airport is among the top 15 largest airports in Mexico for international passenger traffic. It is situated 5 metres (16 ft) above mean sea level and has a terminal area of 9,514 square metres (102,410 sq ft). It has two runways, with a capacity to receive Boeing 767 aircraft, and six aircraft stands for disembarkation. The passenger terminal has eight boarding gates, with six allocated for international flights and two for domestic flights.
In 2023, Cozumel International Airport served 677,503 passengers, increasing to 712,958 passengers in 2024. It is one of ten airports in the Mexican southeast region operated by the Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste ASUR. From 1978 to 2002, the airport served as the headquarters for the regional airline AeroCozumel, a subsidiary of Mexicana.
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Merida International Airport (MID)
The airport features two runways: Runway 10/28, which is 3,200 metres (10,500 feet) long, and Runway 18/36, which spans 2,300 metres (7,500 feet). The passenger terminal is a two-story structure. Adjacent to the terminal is a commercial aviation apron capable of accommodating up to 11 narrow-body aircraft or a combination of three narrow-body and three wide-body aircraft. Additionally, a remote stand is available for two narrow-body aircraft. The airport can handle large airplanes such as Boeing 747s and 777s, but most daily flights involve smaller aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The airport can manage up to 30 operations per hour.
The history of the airport dates back to its inauguration in 1929 when Mexicana de Aviación introduced a route connecting Mérida to several other cities in Mexico, operated with a Ford Trimotor aircraft. In 1964, Mexicana de Aviación sold the airport to the Mexican government, and a significant reconstruction was completed in 1968. During the 1960s, American Airlines provided service to the airport, making it one of the few airports in Mexico, apart from Mexico City and Acapulco, served by a major airline. In the 1990s, the airport became part of the Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, a consortium that includes several other airports in Mexico.
Travellers heading to Tulum, Mexico, have several transportation options, including flying into Tulum International Airport (TQO), Cancun International Airport (CUN), or Merida International Airport (MID). Tulum International Airport is located just over half an hour from the town, beginning operations in December 2023 and welcoming its first international flight from the United States in March 2024. However, taxi services to and from the airport can be expensive due to limited access. Cancun International Airport is a popular alternative, offering more frequent flights and additional transportation options to Tulum. For those choosing to fly into Merida International Airport, shuttle services and bus connections are available for travel to Tulum and other areas of Mexico.
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Transport options from Tulum Airport
The Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO), commonly known as the Tulum International Airport, is located just over half an hour from Tulum town and slightly longer from the beach. The airport, which first opened in December 2023, offers a range of transport options for travellers.
One option is to take a taxi. However, due to the airport's newness and some restrictive taxi policies, this option can be quite expensive. The cost of a taxi from the airport to your hotel can be as high as $175 or more for a 30 to 60-minute ride.
Another option is to use a private or shared shuttle service, such as Amstar, which offers transfers to all major all-inclusive hotels and resorts in the Tulum area. These services can be booked in advance, and some even offer real-time flight monitoring to ensure they are ready to receive you upon arrival.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider taking the bus. Tulum is well-connected by bus to other areas of Mexico, especially Playa del Carmen and Cancun, with dozens of daily buses between the cities. ADO buses are a common and recommended choice, offering comfortable, air-conditioned rides at affordable prices (as low as $8 per person, depending on the route).
For those who prefer more flexibility, renting a car at the airport is also an option. This alternative allows you to travel at your own pace and explore nearby places like the Tulum Ruins or Playa del Carmen.
Additionally, for those travelling in larger groups, private transportation for up to 10 passengers can be arranged to and from various destinations, including Tulum Centro, the Tulum Hotel Zone, Akumal, and Cancun. These transfers can be booked in advance via WhatsApp or email.
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Frequently asked questions
The closest airport to Tulum, Mexico, is Cancun International Airport (CUN).
Cancun International Airport is approximately 73 miles from Tulum, which takes between 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes by car.
Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is another airport close to Tulum, Mexico, but it is a more complicated trip as it is on an island.
Cozumel International Airport is about 50 miles from Tulum, but the trip can take between 1 hour 45 minutes to 3 hours due to travel logistics.
Yes, the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO), also known as Tulum International Airport, has been open since December 2023 and offers domestic and international flights.
