Travel Guide: Airports For Tulum Trips

If you're planning a trip to Tulum, Mexico, you'll want to know the best airport to fly into to make the most of your time in this coastal paradise. Until recently, Tulum did not have its own airport, and travellers had to fly into either Cancun or Cozumel airport and make their way to Tulum from there. However, Tulum Airport (IATA: TQO) officially opened on 1 December 2023 and now offers direct domestic and international flights to and from over 15 cities. It is located approximately 40km (25 miles) south of Tulum. If you are still considering flying into Cancun or Cozumel, it's worth noting that the transfer time to Tulum is between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic and time of travel.

Tulum Airport (TQO)

Tulum Airport (IATA: TQO | ICAO: MMTU/MMTL), officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO), is located approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of Tulum, Mexico. The airport was inaugurated on December 1st, 2023, and received its first international flight from Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) on March 28th, 2024. Tulum Airport is currently serviced by more than 10 domestic and international airlines, with direct flights from over 15 cities.

The airport features a passenger terminal, an Executive Aviation Terminal, and a 3,700-metre runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft. The terminal building spans 70,000 square metres and provides standard international airport services across two floors, with departures on the top floor and arrivals on the ground floor. An air force base is also planned to be constructed within the airport grounds.

Tulum Airport is accessible by rail, with the Tulum Airport railway station located next to the airport. The station provides services to Tulum, Cancún International Airport, Chetumal Airport, and other popular tourist destinations in southeastern Mexico. Private transportation options are also available, including minivan, mid-sized van, and shuttle van transfers.

Prior to the opening of Tulum Airport, Cancún Airport served as the primary gateway to Tulum. Cozumel Airport has also emerged as a secondary option, and efforts have been made to establish alternative entry points to the region, such as the short-lived Chichen Itza International Airport. The construction of Tulum Airport, carried out by the Mexican army, is part of the López Obrador administration's strategy to involve the armed forces in significant infrastructure projects.

Cancun International Airport

The airport's history dates back to 1942 when the initial Cancun Airport was established to support the region's chewing gum industry. This early airport had a rudimentary runway and a wooden control tower, operating until 1973. A replica of the original control tower stands near the city's entrance. In the early 1970s, the Mexican government, in collaboration with the National Tourism Development Fund, transformed Cancun into a prominent tourist destination. The new Cancun International Airport's first commercial flight took off in 1975, quickly attracting international tourists.

Over the years, the airport has undergone significant expansions to accommodate growing demand. Terminal 2 opened in 2014, followed by a substantial expansion of Terminal 3 in 2016, adding six gates and commercial areas. To address overcrowding, Terminal 4 was inaugurated in 2017, making Cancun the first airport in Mexico with four terminals. The airport also boasts Latin America's tallest control tower at 97 meters, unveiled in 2009, doubling its passenger handling capacity.

Cozumel International Airport

Tulum has its own airport, Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum, which opened in 2023 and currently serves both domestic and international flights. However, if you are travelling to Tulum, an alternative airport to consider is Cozumel International Airport.

The airport has a terminal area of 9,514 square metres, an ICAO classification of 4D, and two runways. The longer runway, 11/29, is 2,700 metres long, while runway 05/23 is 2,500 metres in length. The airport can accommodate Boeing 767 aircraft and conduct 22 operations per hour. The apron has six aircraft stands, which are a combination of type C and type D. The passenger terminal features eight boarding gates, with six allocated for international flights and the remaining two for domestic flights.

Domestic flights to Tulum Airport

Tulum Airport (IATA: TQO/ICAO: MMTL or MMTU), officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, was inaugurated on December 1, 2023, and received its first international flight on March 28, 2024. The airport is located approximately 40 km (25 miles) south of Tulum.

The airport is open to both domestic and international flights. There are currently more than 10 domestic and international airlines flying to Tulum, with more than 15 cities offering direct flights to Tulum Airport. Domestic flights to Tulum Airport include major airports in Mexico, such as Guadalajara Airport, Mexico City Airport, Felipe Angeles Airport, Monterrey Airport, and Tijuana Airport.

If you are planning to travel to Tulum, you can fly directly to Tulum International Airport (TQO) via domestic flights within Mexico. The airport provides private one-way and round-trip transportation services, including minivan, mid-sized van, and shuttle van transfers for passengers and their luggage.

Prior to the opening of Tulum Airport, the closest airport to Tulum was Cancun International Airport, located approximately 73 miles away. The travel time from Cancun Airport to Tulum is around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of travel. During the peak season, from November to April, travel time may be longer due to increased traffic. Another option for reaching Tulum is Cozumel International Airport, although this option involves a more complicated journey, including a ferry ride to Playa del Carmen.

Travel time from Cancun to Tulum

Tulum Airport (IATA: TQO/ICAO: MMTL or MMTU), officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, is located approximately 40 km (25 miles) south of Tulum. The airport was inaugurated on December 1st, 2023, and currently has over 10 domestic and international airlines operating with direct flights from more than 15 cities.

If you are flying into Cancun and then travelling to Tulum, the journey will take around 1.5 hours by car. The drive is straightforward, along a well-maintained and signposted highway. It is also possible to take a bus or shuttle service, which will increase the travel time. The bus costs $6-$25 and takes around 2 hours, while a shared shuttle will cost around $15 and take 1.75 hours.

If you are already in Cancun, the travel time to Tulum is approximately 2 hours by car, and there are also bus and shuttle options available. The ADO bus service operates hourly and costs $13-$23 for a 2-hour journey.

Therefore, depending on your mode of transport and your starting point, the travel time from Cancun to Tulum can vary from 1.5 hours to 2.25 hours.

Frequently asked questions