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5 Things Travelers Should Know As Tulum Airport Officially Begins Operations

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Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport near Tulum officially opened to the public on December 1, with several domestic airlines already operating from the huge new airport.

A number of international airlines – including United and Spirit – are set to launch flights to the state-of-the-art airport early next year, providing a huge boost for tourism in Tulum.

a scenic view of tulum and its blue water

With the busy winter season well underway, here’s a look at 5 important things travelers should know about the new Tulum airport.

Where Is It Located?

american airlines landing at an airport

Technically speaking, Quintana Roo’s newest international isn’t even located in Tulum. Instead, it’s situated in the Felipe Carrillo Puerto municipality, from which it derives its name. 

Tulum airport is around 40 kilometers southwest of downtown Tulum, meaning travelers have to factor in the duration of public transit or private transfers when estimating their arrival time. The distance from Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport to Cancun is around 170 kilometers. 

@travellingintime Tulum is so special & unique, i dont want it to change 😭 #tulumairport #tulum ♬ original sound – Travelling in Time

These Airlines Have Announced Routes To Tulum Airport

Tulum International Airport is expected to welcome up to five million passengers yearly. For now, however, only a handful of domestic carriers like Viva Aerobus operate flights to and from the new airport.

That’s set to change early next year, with American Airlines, Delta, and Spirit Airlines due to launch new nonstop routes to the sunny destination. American will launch three routes starting March 28th from Dallas/Forth Worth, Charlotte, and Miami. 

@sammiller.life It's not just an airport. 🇲🇽 There's a bigger plan in action by Mexico. They are building a network of major projects that is plugging in the south east of Mexico into the global economy. This is big. REALLY big. Industrial parks are being built, ports are being expanded, railways systems are being connected, country wide conveyer belts are being created. Today the new Tulum International Airport gets inaugurated, a giant piece of the puzzle that is the new Mexico. #tulumrealestate #tulummexico #Yucatan #mexico #vivamexico #tulumairport ♬ original sound – Sam Miller

Meanwhile, Spirit has announced new nonstop connections to Tulum from Fort Lauderdale and Miami, with Delta also revealing a new service from Atlanta to Tulum. Although no U.S. carriers currently operate flights to the popular destination, travelers can already book flights to secure the best deals. 

Public Transport Options For Travelers

Travelers currently have several options when it comes to using public transport to reach downtown Tulum from Tulum airport and vice versa.

The famed ADO bus company currently offers the most convenient and affordable means for reaching the coastal hotspot’s main districts, with one-way tickets costing just $17 per person, although no official timetables have yet been released. 

@kiabethcastillorealstate *Tulum AirportConstruction Progress* #Tulum| Tulum International Airport 5.5 Million passengers will be able to admire the Materials of our beautiful region but Above all, the local workforce It will have the capacity to serve 5 million passengers a year. It will become the second largest airport on the peninsula, in addition to offering a high range of airport services. 📸 Government of Mexico 🇲🇽 Source: Mary Hernández Municipal President of the municipality of Carrillo Puerto ******** #Avance de Construcción del Aeropuerto de Tulum #Tulum| Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum Tendrá una capacidad para atender a 5 millones de pasajeros al año. Se convertirá en el segundo aeropuerto más grande de la península, además de ofrecer una alta gama de servicios aeroportuarios. 5.5 Millones de pasajeros van a poder admirar los Materiales de nuestra hermosa región pero Sobretodo La mano de obra local 📸 Gobierno de México Fuente: Mary Hernández Presidenta Municipal del municipio de Carillo puerto #tuluminternationalairport✈️ #tulum #tuluminvestment #Tulumrealestate#rivieramayarealestate#inversionesentulum#bienesraicesmexico #mexicorealestate #latininvestors #latininvestorsassociation ♬ sonido original – KiabethCastilloRealEstate

Meanwhile, a taxi ride should set travelers back around $54. Although costing significantly more, taxis or private transfers also provide the fastest way to reach Tulum and the airport. 

In the near future, travelers will be able to transfer directly to Sections 5 and 6 of the Maya Train from Tulum Airport, providing easy access to Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancun airport. 

These Hotspots Are Best Reached Via Tulum Airport

If you’re planning to visit the Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo, then Tulum airport will make reaching a number of growing hotspots easier than ever before.

From Chetumal’s vibrant culture to Bacalar’s eco-wonders, Tulum airport is a gateway to exploring the region’s Mayan history, stunning nature, and remote villages.

@ecbrealestate #tulum #airport #newairport #realestate ♬ California Dreamin' – The Mamas & The Papas

Some of the most interesting nearby locations travelers are keen on visiting right now include the massive Sian Ka’an nature reserve, with its astonishing variety of flora and fauna, as well as the centuries-old Muyil Ruins just south of the airport. 

Safety First

As with all public airports across the Mexican Caribbean, travelers are being warned to exercise increased precaution when transiting through Tulum airport.

The massive new facility is operated by the Mexican Air Force, with officials announcing huge troop deployments to protect arriving and departing travelers.

@annaeez For those of you travelling to Tulum, here’s one way you can get there from the Cancun Airport! #cheaptravel #tulum #tulumtips #traveltips #browngirlstravel #tulum2023 ♬ Obituary – Alexandre Desplat

Meanwhile, visitors should plan their transportation to and from the airport carefully, opting for private transfers whenever possible to avoid costly taxi fares.

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