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The distance between Cancun Airport and the Hotel Zone is only just over 14 miles, but the drive can take a lot longer than you would expect.
Travelers currently have to leave their hotels hours ahead of time in order to be there the suggested three hours before a scheduled flight.
But a new bridge coming to Cancun will speed up airport transfers for tourists, meaning they may soon be able to enjoy a bit more of their last hours at their hotels.
Cancun Airport Activity
In 2022, Cancun International Airport was the second busiest airport in Mexico and was among the top 10 busiest airports in the world.
It welcomed more than 30 million passengers to the Mexican Caribbean last year and continues to operate an average of more than 500 flights a day.
Many of these flights carry international passengers visiting Cancun and other destinations in the Riviera Maya.
@amoytravels Everybody and their momma is in Cancun #crowded #uhohpeople #cancuninternationalairport #cancunmexico #cancun ♬ Uhohpeople – Katreyla
Traffic Delays
It’s no surprise that such a busy airport is going to have a lot of traffic traveling back and forth, and with that comes traffic delays.
The bulk of the traffic delays are in the area leading up to and around the airport.
The new bridge, and other road infrastructure projects that are in the works, will help break up some of that traffic.
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@karenmanaois It took us 4 hours to get to 8 miles 😑 #cancunmexico #cancunairport #cancuntravel #cancuntraffic ♬ Funny Song – Cavendish Music
The New Bridge
The new bridge, deemed the bridge of Nichupte Lagoon, will connect Cancun’s city area to the Cancun Hotel Zone, an area that currently gets very congested.
The vehicular bridge, along with a new four-lane extension of the main road, will help speed up the flow of traffic considerably.
The Nichupte bridge is expected to be completed by the spring of 2024, with an estimated completion date of sometime in April.
@galucancun Asi avanza la construcción del puente sobre la Laguna Nichupté de #cancun #ICA #trenmaya #quintanaroo #vialidad #puente #obras #fy #cancunmexico #Totinos425 ♬ Canyons – BCD Studio
Getting To Cancun Airport By Car
Many people take taxis to and from the airport, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best way.
Taxis in Cancun do not have meters, so prices can vary considerably from one cab to the next, sometimes costing as much as $60 for a one-way trip to or from the airport.
The ongoing battle between taxi drivers and Uber drivers is also something to consider, as a number of incidents between them have occurred with passengers on board.
@carissamonyce Game changer!!!! Take the ado bus to central and uber anywhere for a fraction of the price if your hotel doesn’t include transportation. #cancun #mexico #mexicovacation #adobus ♬ everyone stream Carly Rae Jepsens Dedicated album – jaden 🕊
Getting To Cancun Airport By Bus Or Shuttle
Buses and shuttles are inexpensive options for getting to and from Cancun airport.
ADO buses are the cheapest option, costing less than $10, but the bus only goes to downtown Cancun, where you’ll have to take another bus or other form of transportation to get to your hotel.
Also, buses only arrive at the airport around every 45 minutes, so you could end up waiting.
Shuttles are another option and plentiful and fairly cheap as well, with rates starting as low as $26 for two passengers for a one-way trip.
@gringomexicano20 The taxis always will make you pay more money than you actually need to. So I would suggest taking ADO for 5 dollars and getting where you need to be safe, and with money in your pocket 🇲🇽😕#taxi #cancun #cancunairport #springbreak #beach #playadelcarmen #cancun #tulum #xcaret #xcaretmexico #beaware ♬ Boy's a Liar Pt. 2 – PinkPantheress & Ice Spice
Getting To Cancun Airport With Prívate Transportation
Private transportation is a bit more expensive but a much better way to get to and from the airport.
Prices start at around $40 one way per person, though booking roundtrip may offer some savings.
One of the great things about private transportation is your driver will be waiting for you upon arrival, so you can just walk right out of the airport and head to your hotel.
@privatedrivercancun #privatedriver #choferprivado #cancunairport #aeropuertocancún #transportacionterreste #cancun #playadelcarmen #tulum ♬ Shake It – INNDRIVE
Getting To The Airport Early
Depending on where in the Hotel Zone you are staying, travel times to the airport are anywhere from 40 minutes to over an hour.
Add that to the 3 hours prior to your flight that you’re supposed to arrive at the airport, and you’re leaving your hotel up to four and half hours before your flight.
Hopefully, this will all change by next April, and tourists will no longer have to worry about making it to Cancun Airport on time.
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Debby
Sunday 28th of May 2023
Can you explain this miracle of time travel where guests leave the resort 90 minutes before a flight to arrive at the airport 3 hours before?
Patti
Saturday 27th of May 2023
Are they doing anything in Cancun to stop the sargassum weed? Thanks. Patti
Wendy Wyatt
Monday 29th of May 2023
@Patti, They are trying but Cancun does not make the sargussum all they can do is try to keep up with the influx from the sargasso sea.