Cancun International Airport

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is not just an air hub, but a true gateway to the Caribbean world of Mexico. It is here that the journey begins for millions of tourists heading to the white sandy beaches of the Riviera Maya, the mysterious ruins of the Mayan civilization, and the turquoise waters of the cenotes. As one of the busiest airports in Latin America, it serves as the main transport hub for the entire Yucatan Peninsula. Modern and well-organized, this airport is ready to ensure a comfortable start to your unforgettable holiday.

Cancun Airport consists of four terminals, each serving both domestic and international flights. For passenger convenience, a free shuttle bus operates between the terminals, making it easy to move between them. Inside, you will find everything necessary for a comfortable wait: numerous shops, restaurants to suit every taste, currency exchange points, and car rental offices. For those who value enhanced comfort, VIP lounges and a Fast Track service for expedited security clearance are available. You can reach the city centre or the Hotel Zone via ADO buses, official taxis, or by pre-booking a transfer.

Below is the essential contact information for Cancun International Airport (CUN), which will help you navigate upon arrival or before departure.

• Official Website: www.cancunairport.com — here you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: +52 998 848 7200. This is the main number for general inquiries.
• Address: Carretera Cancún-Chetumal Km 22, 77565 Cancún, Q.R., México.
• Email: The airport does not provide a general email address for inquiries. It is recommended to use the contact forms on the official website for communication.
• Social Media: The airport's official social media pages are a good source for operational news and updates.
• Lost and Found: If your items were lost within the terminal building, you should contact the airport's Lost and Found service. If the issue concerns luggage checked in for a flight, you must immediately contact the representative of your airline.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions, you can call the main phone number or speak to staff at the information desks located in all airport terminals.

Getting to Cancun International Airport (CUN) from the city centre or the popular Hotel Zone is quite simple. Travellers in Cancun have several transport options available, differing in cost, comfort level, and travel time. When planning your trip, it is worth deciding in advance which method suits you best.

Public Transport: ADO Buses

The most economical and reliable method is the branded buses of the ADO company. They run frequently between the main bus terminal in downtown Cancun and all airport terminals. The journey usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This is an ideal option for solo travellers and those wishing to save money. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance at the station ticket counters or on the official website, especially during the peak tourist season.

Taxi and Private Transfer

For those who value comfort and time, the best choice would be a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. This "door-to-door" option is particularly convenient if you are travelling with children or a large amount of luggage. The cost of the trip will be significantly higher than by bus and is generally fixed. Important tip: to get the best price and a guaranteed vehicle, book your transfer online several days before your flight.

Car Rental and Parking

If you have been exploring the beauties of Mexico in a rented car, you can return it at the airport without any issues. Most major rental companies have counters directly in the terminals. Allow extra time for the car return process. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, convenient parking with zones for short-term and long-term stays is provided.

Regardless of the chosen transport, always leave for the airport with plenty of time to spare. Traffic from the Hotel Zone can be unpredictable, especially during morning and evening rush hours.

International Airport Cancun (CUN) is one of the busiest in Latin America and consists of four main terminals: Terminal 1 (FBO), Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4. Terminal 1 mainly serves private and charter flights, while commercial passenger traffic is distributed among the other three.

The airport structure is such that Terminals 2, 3, and 4 are separate buildings, not connected by pedestrian walkways. To move between them, a free shuttle bus operates at intervals of approximately 10–20 minutes. It is important to verify in advance which terminal your flight departs from to plan your time correctly.

Each terminal has a clear division into zones:

• Arrivals Zone is usually located on the lower level. Here you will find passport control, baggage claim belts, and customs.
• Departures Zone is located on the upper level and includes check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and pre-flight security screening.

Navigation inside each terminal is intuitive thanks to numerous signs in Spanish and English.

Terminal Features:

• Terminal 2 primarily serves domestic flights within Mexico, as well as some international flights to Central and South America and Europe. It is considered the oldest operational terminal but has undergone modernization.
• Terminal 3 is mainly used for international flights from the USA, Canada, and Europe. Representatives of major global airlines are located here.
• Terminal 4 is the newest and most modern terminal, opened in 2017. It serves both international and some domestic flights, offering passengers a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and comfortable waiting lounges.

When planning your departure, allow sufficient time to complete all procedures. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 2 hours. In high season (from December to April) and during peak hours, queues for check-in and security can be significantly longer. Always check information about your flight and terminal on the airport or airline website to avoid confusion and unnecessary rushing.

The history of Cancun International Airport (CUN) reflects the rapid transformation of a small fishing settlement into one of the world's most popular resorts. The airport was opened in 1974, and its main task was to service the new tourism project that Cancun was at the time. Initially, it was a modest facility, but as the resort's popularity grew, so did its air harbour.

A key stage of development was continuous expansion. By the 90s, Terminal 2 was built to cope with the growing flow of tourists. However, one of the most serious tests in the airport's history occurred in October 2005, when Hurricane Wilma struck the region. The storm caused colossal damage to the infrastructure, including terminals and runways, leading to the temporary closure of the airport. The subsequent large-scale reconstruction not only restored but significantly modernized the airport.

The recovery became a catalyst for a new round of development. In 2007, the modern Terminal 3 was opened, focused primarily on international flights from North America and Europe. In 2009, a second runway was commissioned, which allowed for a significant increase in capacity. And in 2017, the opening of Terminal 4 took place, securing Cancun Airport's status as the second busiest in Mexico and one of the most important transport hubs in Latin America.

Interesting fact: today, Cancun Airport serves tens of millions of passengers a year and acts as the main gateway not only for the resort itself but for the entire Riviera Maya. Its history is a vivid example of how infrastructure can grow and develop alongside a tourist destination, overcoming even the most serious challenges.

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is a modern and well-equipped complex offering passengers a wide range of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminals house numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars, where you can grab a quick bite at famous fast-food chains or enjoy Mexican cuisine. Numerous Duty-Free shops offer standard assortments: perfumes, cosmetics, and other goods, while souvenir stalls and boutiques allow you to purchase gifts, clothing, and accessories.

For those who value enhanced comfort, VIP lounges operate at the airport (e.g., Mera Business Lounge and The Lounge by Global Lounge Network), where guests are offered snacks, beverages, press, and comfortable rest areas away from the general noise. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals, and numerous power outlets and special charging stations are provided for gadgets.

Financial matters can be settled at bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points (casas de cambio), which are located in all terminals. For first aid, medical units and pharmacies operate where necessary medicines can be purchased. These services make the stay at the airport safe and convenient.

Cancun Airport is well-adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, elevators, specially equipped toilets, and an assistance service can be booked in advance. Families with small children can use mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables, which significantly eases travel with little ones.

Although there are no hotels directly in the airport's transit zone, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity (e.g., Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriott), to which free shuttles operate. For business travellers, basic business services, such as work zones and copying equipment, are available in the VIP lounges, allowing for effective use of waiting time.

At Cancun International Airport (CUN), travellers will find a wide selection of establishments for every taste and budget, from a quick snack before departure to a leisurely dinner featuring Mexican cuisine. Most restaurants and cafes are located in the departure zones, after passing security control (airside).

In Terminal 3 and Terminal 4, which serve the majority of international flights, the most popular establishments are concentrated. Here you will find restaurants from famous chains such as Guy Fieri’s Kitchen & Bar, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and TGI Friday's, where you can order burgers, steaks, and other American-style dishes. If you wish to enjoy local flair one last time, visit Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville to try a classic Margarita and Caribbean-style snacks. This is a great option for a full lunch or dinner.

For those short on time, fast food outlets are scattered throughout the airport. You will easily find Starbucks for a cup of coffee, Domino's Pizza, as well as small cafes selling sandwiches, pastries, and salads. This is an ideal choice for a light and quick snack. Many establishments offer "combo meals", which allow for some savings.

Passengers with special dietary needs can also find suitable options. Most restaurant menus include vegetarian dishes, such as salads, vegetable burgers, or pasta. Gluten-free options are harder to find but are encountered in higher-end establishments. It is recommended to check ingredients with the staff. Unfortunately, certified Halal or Kosher dishes are practically unavailable at the airport.

Prices at Cancun Airport, as in most tourist hubs, are higher than in the city. Be prepared to pay around 10-15 USD for coffee and a pastry, and from 30-50 USD per person for a full meal with a drink in a restaurant. Most establishments in the departure zones operate 24/7 or adapt their schedules to flights, so you will not go hungry even during a night transfer.

To make your journey through International Airport Cancun (CUN) as comfortable as possible, use these tips to help navigate one of the busiest airports in Latin America. Knowing its features will save you time and stress.

Navigation between terminals and transfers: The airport consists of several terminals (T2, T3, T4), and a free shuttle bus runs between them. Be sure to check which terminal your flight departs from. If you have a connection, even to a domestic flight within Mexico, you will likely need to pass passport control, collect your luggage, pass customs, and then check it in again for the next flight in another terminal. Follow the "Conexiones" (Connections) signs and allow sufficient time for this process.

Customs control and migration form: Upon arrival, you will need to pass customs control. In Cancun, a "traffic light" system operates: after collecting luggage, you press a button that randomly determines whether your belongings require inspection ("red light") or not ("green light"). Regarding the migration form (FMM), for many tourists arriving by air, the process has become automatic — instead of filling out a paper form, a stamp indicating the permitted stay duration is placed in the passport. Be sure to check this mark.

Life hack when exiting the arrivals zone: After passing customs, you will enter the so-called "Shark Tank" corridor — this is an area where persistent representatives of timeshare companies and unofficial taxis will offer their services. The best tactic is to politely but firmly refuse and walk straight to the exit, where the counters for official transfers and buses you booked in advance are located.

Connectivity and other amenities: Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport, but the signal can be unstable. It is recommended to download offline maps and all necessary booking information in advance. If you need a local SIM card, it is more cost-effective to buy it in the city rather than at the airport. Also, do not forget to bring a portable power bank — power outlets in the waiting lounges are in high demand.

Choosing a seat on the plane: To enjoy an unforgettable view of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea when approaching Cancun, choose a window seat. If comfort and the ability to leave the cabin quickly upon arrival are priorities, book seats in the front part of the aircraft and on the aisle.