Ruth Haines
Cancun Airport is the second busiest airport in Mexico, so it's no surprise that it's open 24 hours a day. The airport comprises four terminals, connected by a shuttle bus, and serves both domestic and international flights. If you have a long layover or an early departure, you may be wondering where you can catch some sleep in the airport. While there are no dedicated sleeping areas, some travellers opt to sleep in the public areas of the airport, such as the food court, or on the padded seats with armrests in Terminals 2 and 3. However, the airport can be noisy, bright, and cold at night, so it may be worth considering a nearby hotel that provides a free airport shuttle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | CUN |
| Number of Terminals | 4 |
| Terminal 1 | Handles charter flights; has virtually nowhere to sleep |
| Terminal 2 | Serves domestic, Central and South American and European flights; has padded seats with armrests and a few double seats |
| Terminal 3 | Takes care of U.S., Canadian and some European flights; has padded seats with armrests |
| Terminal 4 | Handles international flights; has VIP lounges and sleeping pods available |
| Shuttle Services | Complimentary shuttles are available between terminals |
| Food Options | Limited options available after 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| WiFi | Available but with limited connectivity |
| Lounges | Available in Terminals 2, 3 and 4; some are open 24 hours and accessible for a fee |
| Luggage Storage | Lockers are available for a fee |
| Nearby Hotels | Hilton Garden Inn Cancun Airport, Comfort Inn Cancún Aeropuerto, Courtyard by Marriott Cancun Airport, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cancun Airport |
| Scams | Reports of scammers advising travellers that it is impossible to stay in the airport overnight and directing them to hotels |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in the airport vs. a hotel
Sleeping in the Cancun Airport vs. a Hotel
Sleeping in the Cancun airport is possible, as it is open 24 hours, but there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. Terminal 1 has virtually nowhere to sleep, while Terminals 2 and 3 have padded seats with armrests. Terminal 2 has a few double seats where shorter travellers can stretch out, but comfortable seating is scarce throughout the airport. Earplugs, eye shades, and a warm layer are recommended due to noise, lighting, and cold temperatures. There are also reports of scammers telling travellers that it is impossible to stay in the airport overnight and directing them to hotels. Food and drink prices at the airport are also very high.
If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are several hotels near Cancun Airport that provide free airport shuttles, including the Hilton Garden Inn Cancun Airport, located a short walk across the road from Terminals 2 and 3. Other nearby options include Comfort Inn and Courtyard Marriott, which are right outside the airport. These hotels can be especially convenient if you have an early morning departure or a long commute to the airport and want to avoid waking up too early or dealing with potential transportation delays.
For those on a bigger budget, there are also VIP lounges in Terminals 2, 3, and 4, with a couple of them open 24 hours a day. However, if you're looking to save money, sleeping in the airport can be a viable option, especially if you come prepared with your own food, drinks, and items for comfort and convenience, such as earplugs and eye shades.
Ultimately, the decision between sleeping in the airport and staying in a hotel depends on your budget, comfort level, and personal preferences. If you value privacy, quiet, and a comfortable bed, a hotel might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you're on a tight budget or prefer the convenience of staying directly in the airport, sleeping in the terminal can be a workable solution, especially for a short layover or overnight sleepover.
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Terminal 1 vs. Terminal 2 vs. Terminal 3 vs. Terminal 4
Terminal 1 handles charter flights and reportedly has virtually nowhere to sleep. Terminal 2 serves domestic, Central and South American, and European flights. It has padded seats with armrests and a few double seats where you can stretch out. Terminal 2 also has a 24-hour lounge and a few short benches without armrests. Terminal 3 takes care of US, Canadian, and some European flights. It also has padded seats with armrests and a 24-hour lounge, but it is located landside. Terminal 4 handles international flights and has a VIP lounge that is open 24 hours and sleeping pods available in the Mera Business Lounge.
Overall, while there are some options for resting and sleeping in all four terminals, such as padded seats and 24-hour lounges, Terminals 2 and 4 stand out as they offer more choices for travellers. Terminal 2 has benches without armrests and a few double seats, while Terminal 4 has sleeping pods and a VIP lounge. However, it is important to note that some travellers have reported discomfort due to noise, lighting, and cold temperatures, regardless of the terminal. Therefore, it is recommended to bring items such as earplugs, eye shades, and a sweater or blanket when planning to sleep in the airport.
Additionally, if sleeping in the airport is not preferable, there are several hotels located within a short distance that provide free airport shuttles. Some of these hotels include the Hilton Garden Inn Cancun Airport, Comfort Inn Cancun Aeropuerto, Courtyard by Marriott Cancun Airport, and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cancun Airport. These hotels can be a more comfortable and convenient option, especially if you have an early flight or a long layover.
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Lockers and luggage storage
Cancun International Airport offers luggage storage services. Prices vary depending on the size of the luggage, typically starting around $10 USD per day for smaller bags. The luggage storage facilities are located in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, near the arrivals area. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
There are also alternative luggage storage services outside the airport, such as LuggageHero, which offers hourly and daily rates starting at $3.39 per bag. Their bag storage app allows you to see all their locations and choose the most convenient one. Their insurance on your luggage is only valid if the payment has been made directly to LuggageHero.
Another option is Qeepl, which offers luggage storage services near Cancun Airport, starting at MX$73.90 per day. They work with reliable local businesses near the airport, and your bag will be kept somewhere safe and supervised.
Please note that the lockers at the airport are small and may not be suitable for large pieces of luggage.
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Food and drink
If you're spending the night at the airport, you might want to grab a bite to eat. Terminals 2 and 4 have VIP Lounges that are open 24 hours, and Terminal 3 has a 24-hour lounge as well, but it's landside. There's also a large food court area where you can find something to eat. However, be warned that the prices for food and drink at Cancun Airport are said to be outrageous, even more so than at most airports. If you want to avoid the high prices, there are a few hotels within easy shuttle distance of the airport that you could consider.
Terminal 2 has a Starbucks where you can get a coffee and a light bite to eat. There are also various restaurants in the airport, including a cheeseburger restaurant.
If you're looking for a heartier meal, you might want to consider the all-you-can-eat option at one of the lounges. For $39, you can get all-you-can-eat food and drink. This could be a good option if you plan to spend a significant amount of time at the airport and want to make the most of the amenities.
In addition to the food and drink options inside the airport, there are also some hotels nearby that offer free airport shuttles. These include the Hilton Garden Inn Cancun Airport, Comfort Inn Cancún Aeropuerto, Courtyard by Marriott Cancun Airport, and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cancun Airport. These hotels may have restaurants or room service that you can take advantage of during your stay.
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Scams to look out for
Cancun Airport is a well-known spot for scammers. Here are some scams to look out for when sleeping in the airport:
Being misled about airport policies
Some travellers have reported being approached by scammers who claim that it is not possible to stay in the airport overnight and then direct them to hotels. However, it is important to note that sleeping in the airport is allowed, and there are no dedicated sleeping areas or rest zones. So, if you plan to sleep in the airport, be aware of misleading information and make sure to check the official airport policies.
Aggressive porters
Aggressive porters have been reported at the airport. If you do not require their services, it is recommended to hold your ground and ignore them.
Transportation offers outside the terminal
It is strongly advised to avoid transportation offers from outside the arrivals terminals. If you choose to travel by taxi, it is recommended to familiarise yourself with the safety tips on the airport website in advance.
Overpriced taxis
Some travellers have reported issues with overpriced taxis between terminals. It is recommended to use the complimentary shuttles instead, if possible.
Limited amenities
Cancun Airport has been described as not a comfortable place to stay overnight. There are reports of scarce comfortable seating, noise, lighting issues, cold temperatures, and expensive food. Be prepared with earplugs, eye shades, a sweater or travel blanket, and your own food if possible, to make your stay more bearable.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Cancun Airport is open 24 hours, so you can sleep in the airport if you have an early flight or a layover.
Terminal 1 has virtually nowhere to sleep. Terminals 2 and 3 have padded seats with armrests, and Terminal 2 has a few double seats. Terminal 2 also has some short benches without armrests.
Yes, there are sleeping pods available in Mera Business Lounge near Terminal 4. There are also 24-hour lounges in Terminals 2, 3, and 4, but these can be expensive.
Yes, there are several hotels within a few kilometres of the airport, including the Hilton Garden Inn Cancun Airport, Comfort Inn Cancún Aeropuerto, Courtyard by Marriott Cancun Airport, and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cancun Airport. Many of these hotels provide free airport shuttles.
The airport is reportedly noisy, bright, and cold overnight, so bring earplugs, eye shades, and a sweater or blanket. Keep an eye on your luggage or use one of the lockers in the airport, which are inexpensive.
