What to Expect Your First Time Arriving at Cancun Airport

Post by Kelly McLaughlin - August 14, 2025

TL;DR: How to Arrive Happy at Cancun Airport

• Show your passport and get your entry stamp (no FMM needed)
• Pick up your luggage
• Pass through customs (searches are rando)
• Walk past aggressive sales agents (don’t stop)
• Exit the terminal
• Find your Happy Shuttle greeter in a bright green uniform
• Board your van and relax

Flying into Cancun for the first time?

Welcome to paradise! Just know that Cancun Airport can be a bit hectic if you’re not prepared. This guide walks you through exactly what to expect from touchdown to hotel, plus how Happy Shuttle Cancun makes your arrival way easier.

✅ Private, prepaid rides
✅ 17,000+ 5-star reviews
✅ No scams, no confusion

Sign up now and GET 10% Off Round-trip Cancun Transfers to Akumal

Enter your email.

Yes please, I want to get Happy!

Cancun Airport Arrival Guide (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Immigration – Just a passport stamp

Upon landing at Cancun International Airport (CUN), your first stop is immigration. There’s no tourist card (FMM) anymore, you only need your valid passport.The officer will stamp it, note your authorized stay (up to 180 days), and you're done.

Step 2: Luggage pick-up and customs

Next, head to baggage claim and grab your bags.

Proceed to customs, where some travelers are randomly selected for a quick bag scan or visual check. It’s fast and nothing to stress about.

Step 3: Walk through the airport “Gauntlet”

After customs, you’ll enter a long hallway full of people shouting offers for rides, tours, or “help.” Travelers call this area The Gauntlet—a maze of aggressive sales agents and timeshare reps. They might wear uniforms, hold clipboards, or say they’re “official,” but…

❌ Don’t stop
❌ Don’t give your name
✅ Smile and say “No, gracias”
✅ Keep walking straight to the exit doors

Step 4: Find your Happy Shuttle outside

Once outside the Cancun Airport arrivals terminal, the tropical air hits and you’ll find a bit of a crowd. But don’t worry: Look for our Happy Shuttle greeters:

– ✅ Bright green uniforms
– ✅ Clipboard + sign with the Happy Shuttle Cancun logo
– ✅ Located outside the terminal (never inside)

We don’t use name signs (hello, privacy?). Just tell the greeter your name and have your email confirmation handy. They’ll check you in and call for your van if needed. There may be a short wait due to airport traffic, but Happy Shuttle will be there.

Why risk it with taxis or scams?

Happy Shuttle Cancun gives you:
– ✅ Locked-in pricing (no surprise fees)
– ✅ Bilingual customer support
– ✅ Clean, private vans with A/C
– ✅ 17,000+ real 5-star reviews from happy travelers

No confusion. No games. Just reliable transportation from Cancun Airport to your hotel.

Cancun Airport FAQs for First-Timers

Do I need a tourist card to enter Mexico?
No. Cancun Airport no longer requires the FMM. You’ll just receive a passport stamp on arrival.

Where do I find Happy Shuttle Cancun? Outside the arrivals terminal. Look for green uniforms, official airport ID, and the Happy Shuttle logo—not a name sign.

What if my flight is delayed?
No problem. We monitor your flight and adjust automatically.

Final Arrival Tips from the Happy Local Experts

– Use the restroom before exiting the terminal
– Keep your confirmation email handy
– Avoid exchanging money at the airport (poor rates)
– Walk confidently past the sales zone—just say “No, gracias” and head outside

Book Now and Arrive Happy

Start your vacation with a stress-free arrival from the folks at Happy Shuttle Cancun, the most reliable airport transportation in town.

✅ Trusted by thousands of travelers
✅ No haggling. No stress. Just Happy.
→ Book now and arrive Happy.