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Flying To Tulum? 5 Things Americans MUST Know Before Booking

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If you’re a traveler from the U.S. who loves Tulum and you’re excited about being able to fly directly to the destination, you’ll be happy to know that the time is finally here.   

The first flights to Tulum from the U.S. are scheduled for March 28th, with several more to follow shortly after.   

As these flights get underway, there are three important things Americans need to know when flying to the new Tulum International Airport. 

Front of Tulum International Airport

Ground Transport May Cost More Than You Think  

Americans have not yet been able to fly into Tulum Airport, but domestic flights have arrived at the airport.   

Some passengers on those flights have complained of the high prices of ground transportation.   

Complaints have also come from transportation providers, who reportedly have to pay the airport what they say are excessive fees to pick up passengers.   

Estimates provided by service providers are more than $48, a cost that will inevitably be passed on to passengers.   

Tourists Waiting For An ADO Bus

It Won’t Be Connected To The Maya Train Once Flights Begin  

Eventually, the Tulum Airport will connect to the Maya Train, as a station will be located there.   

Unfortunately, the airport won’t yet be connected to the Maya Train when flights from the U.S. begin.   

Those who want to be able to access the Maya Train will either have to get to Playa del Carmen or Cancun. 

Maya Train Track Running Through the Yucatan Peninsula

Tickets May Cost More Than Cancun, But You Will Be Much Closer When You Land 

When supply is low and demand is high, it usually means that something will cost more.   

That being said, you can may end up paying more to fly to Tulum than you would to Cancun.   

The upside of that is that you don’t have to make the hour and 40-minute trip from Cancun Airport to Tulum.   

Train passenger with tickets in hand

The Tulum Airport Location Factor 

Tulum Airport, also known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, is located quite a bit outside of the actual town of Tulum.   

It’s about a 25-mile trip, which takes about 40 minutes.   

Not only does this take from your precious vacation time, but it contributes to the high price of transportation too.   

Tulum International Airport Felipe Carrillo Puerto

Flying Into Tulum Vs. Cancun – The Pros And Cons 

Not having to make the long haul from Cancun to Tulum isn’t the only pro to flying into Tulum.   

While transportation from Tulum Airport to the actual town of Tulum might cost more than you think, it’s likely going to cost even more to come from Cancun.   

On the other hand, one of the pros of flying into Cancun is that there are a lot more flights available from many more U.S. cities when flying into Cancun.   

The most recent count was around 42 direct flights from the U.S. to Cancun Airport.   

Tourists inside of Cancun International Airport

U.S. Cities Americans Will Be Able To Fly To Tulum From  

So far, two airlines are scheduled to offer flights from the U.S. to Tulum on the first day that they will be available, on that March 28th start date.   

Those airlines are American Airlines and Delta, and the flights will depart from Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, and Miami, and Atlanta, respectively.   

Other airlines that will be offering flights to Tulum in the near future are JetBlue and United Airlines.   

United Plane

Why American Travelers Love Tulum 

Millions of travelers visit Tulum every year, and the destination is a favorite among American tourists.   

They love the warm weather, the laid-back vibe, the culture, the beaches, and the nature that Tulum has to offer.   

This is why it only makes sense to have an airport in the destination, but considering these factors, you’ll have to decide which airport makes more sense for you to fly into. 

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Paul Emslie

Wednesday 27th of March 2024

What you also failed to mention is that Tulum Airport is not even close to being an operational international Airport. I was there last week and there was 2 stalls to buy a drink and 3 car hire facilities. Little things like an ATM or currency exchange, seating, food stalls,maps and other tourist information were non existent and not one person I tried to speak to could speak English. A lot has to happen in one week. As for taxis - expect to pay $US 100 - 150 initially.

Jim Spencer

Wednesday 27th of March 2024

Curious about whether it will be closer to Playa del Carmen if you fly into Tulum instead of Cancun??

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