Discovering The Airport Nearest To Tulum, Mexico

where is the airport of tullum

Tulum Airport (IATA: TQO | ICAO: MMTU/MMTL), officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Carrillo Puerto (Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport), is located approximately 20 kilometres (12-25 miles) southwest of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport, constructed and operated by the Mexican army, began commercial services on December 1, 2023, and received its first official international flight from the United States on March 28, 2024.

Characteristics Values
Official Name Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport
Other Names Tulum Airport, Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum
Location 20-40 km (12-25 miles) southwest of Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Inauguration Date December 1, 2023
First International Flight March 28, 2024, from Dallas Fort Worth
Airlines Aeroméxico, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, United, Viva Aerobus, Volaris, WestJet, Air Canada, Copa Airlines, Discover Airlines
Annual Capacity 5.5 million passengers
Transport Options Local taxis, ADO bus, private transportation, rental cars, shuttle
On-Site Amenities Starbucks, Domino's Pizza, convenience store, airport lounges

shunhotel

Tulum Airport's location

Tulum International Airport, officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Carrillo Puerto or Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, is located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport is about 20 miles from the city's hub, and it can take up to an hour to reach central Tulum from the airport. This travel time is expected to be shortened once the connector road to the main Highway 307 is completed.

The airport is situated 125 kilometres (78 miles) south of Cancún International Airport, which has traditionally served as the primary gateway to Tulum. The new airport in Tulum is part of the Mexican government's strategy to boost tourism in the region and to provide an alternative entry point to the tourist zone. The airport began commercial services on December 1, 2023, and it received its first official international flight from the United States on March 28, 2024.

Tulum Airport is currently served by more than 12 different airlines, offering both domestic and international flights. Domestic flights are operated by carriers such as VivaAerobus and Aeroméxico, with connections to Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Tijuana, and Toluca. Internationally, the airport is connected to cities such as Atlanta, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte, Miami, and Dallas/Fort Worth.

The airport features a passenger terminal, an Executive Aviation Terminal, and a 3,700-metre (12,100-foot) runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft. The airport is expected to have a train station connected to the Maya Train, providing access to other destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun, Merida, Palenque, and Bacalar.

shunhotel

Airlines that fly to Tulum Airport

Tulum Airport, officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (IATA: TQO, ICAO: MMTL), is located around 20-25 miles southwest of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport, constructed and operated by the Mexican army, first opened to domestic flights in December 2023.

Tulum Airport is currently receiving domestic flights from major airports in Mexico, such as Guadalajara Airport, Mexico City Airport, Felipe Angeles Airport, Monterrey Airport, and Tijuana Airport. The airport is served by Aeroméxico and VivaAerobus. Aeroméxico offers flights to Mexico City, while VivaAerobus serves various Mexican cities.

Internationally, Delta Air Lines offers nonstop flights from Atlanta, and Spirit Airlines provides flights from Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. American Airlines operates flights to Charlotte, Miami, and Dallas/Fort Worth, and United Airlines serves Houston, Chicago, Newark, Los Angeles, and Denver. JetBlue also offers nonstop flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The airport is expected to handle up to 5.5 million passengers annually and has a 3,700-meter runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft. With the opening of Tulum Airport, travellers can now access the Riviera Maya and the Yucatán Peninsula more conveniently, bypassing the previous two-hour commute from Cancun.

shunhotel

Transport options from Tulum Airport

Tulum Airport, officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO), is located around 20 to 25 miles southwest of Tulum, Mexico. The airport serves both domestic and international flights, providing an alternative gateway to the region, which has traditionally relied on Cancun Airport.

Taxi

Taxis are available from Tulum Airport, however, some travellers have reported that they can be expensive and unsafe.

Private Transfer

Private transfers are available to book in advance for up to 10 passengers to/from hotels, resorts, and Airbnbs in Tulum and beyond. These can be booked via WhatsApp or email.

Bus

The ADO bus system operates from Tulum Airport. Tickets can be purchased at the airport.

Car Rental

Renting a car at Tulum Airport is another option for travellers. Reservations can be made in advance via email or WhatsApp.

Train

The airport also has its own train station, which is connected to the Maya Train. This service provides connections to other destinations in southeastern Mexico, including Cancun and Chetumal.

With various transport options available, travellers can choose the most suitable option for their needs and budget.

shunhotel

Tulum Airport's history

Tulum International Airport, officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Carrillo Puerto, is an international airport located about 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport serves both domestic and international flights for Tulum and functions as a secondary gateway for tourists visiting the Mexican Caribbean, the Riviera Maya, and the Yucatán Peninsula.

The concept of a Tulum civil airport has been considered for years. In 2011, the project was announced, and bidding for construction contracts was set to conclude. However, due to a lack of funding and other issues, the project faced delays and challenges, causing it to come to a standstill. In 2018, political backing for the airport further diminished following the inauguration of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who placed less emphasis on the project.

Momentum for the airport's construction picked up again in 2022 when the López Obrador administration announced it as part of efforts to boost tourism, particularly in conjunction with the Tren Maya. The Tulum Airport project is part of the administration's broader strategy to engage the armed forces in significant infrastructure projects. Construction of the airport commenced in 2022, and it was initially scheduled to open in April 2024.

Tulum Airport officially opened to domestic flights on December 1, 2023, with commercial services operated by Grupo Olmeca-Maya-Mexica, a holding company owned by the Mexican military. The airport features a passenger terminal and a 3,700-metre (12,100-foot) runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft. It handled 39,768 passengers in its first month of operations, and by 2024, this number had risen to 1,237,248. On March 28, 2024, the airport welcomed its first international flight from Dallas Fort Worth, and it currently serves over 15 cities with direct flights.

shunhotel

Tulum Airport's future plans

Tulum International Airport, officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Carrillo Puerto, is located 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of Tulum, in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport, constructed and operated by the Mexican army, is part of the López Obrador administration's strategy to engage the armed forces in significant infrastructure projects.

The airport project was first announced in 2011 but faced delays due to funding issues and a lack of political backing. However, it regained momentum in 2022, and construction commenced under the leadership of the López Obrador administration. The airport officially inaugurated on December 1, 2023, and received its first international flight from Dallas Fort Worth on March 28, 2024.

The introduction of the Tulum airport is expected to have a significant impact on the region's growth and accessibility. With its strategic location on the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum is known for its ancient Mayan ruins and natural beauty. The airport is projected to elevate Tulum's appeal as a global hub for tourism and investment opportunities, streamlining travel logistics and reducing travel time compared to the Cancun International Airport.

Future plans for the airport include the construction of an air force base within the airport grounds. Additionally, the airport is expected to have its own train station connected to the controversial Maya Train project, which has faced concerns about environmental and social impacts, as well as its unprecedented cost. The train will connect Tulum with other destinations on the Yucatan Peninsula, enhancing the region's connectivity.

With a runway spanning 3,700 meters, the airport is designed to handle up to 5.5 million passengers annually. As of 2024, the airport has welcomed several international airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines, offering direct flights from various cities in the United States. The airport also continues to serve domestic flights within Mexico, operated by carriers such as VivaAerobus and Aeromexico.

Frequently asked questions

The Tulum International Airport, officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (IATA: TQO), is located about 20-25 miles southwest of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

The Tulum Airport officially opened on December 1, 2023, and received its first international flight from the United States on March 28, 2024.

You can get from the Tulum Airport to the city centre by taxi, rental car, shuttle, or bus. The ADO bus is the cheapest option, with a one-way fare of 220 pesos or about $12. Taxis and shuttles tend to range between $70 and $110, while shuttle prices depend on your group size and destination.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment