Which airport to fly into Playa del Carmen? Cancun Airport or Tulum?

Post by Kelly McLaughlin September 19, 2024.

Cancun International Airport is the closest to Playa del Carmen, 53 kms north and about 45 minutes drive time depending on your resort’s location. Tulum Airport is 104 kms south of Playa del Carmen and approximately 1 hour 40 minutes drive time. Cancun Airport is still the most convenient choice for Playa travelers, even with the new airport to the south.

Compare Cancun Airport to Tulum Airport: Just the Facts

Cancun Airport facts:

• Cancun Airport is located 53 kms/33 miles north of Playa del Carmen
• The Cancun International Airport opened in 1975
• Official name Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancun
• The airport code is CUN
• Four terminals welcomed more than 32 million visitors in 2023
• Ground transportation from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen costs approximately $87 USD one way, $152 round-trip

Tulum Airport facts:

• The Tulum Airport is located 104 km (65 miles) south of Playa del Carmen
• The Tulum International Airport opened December 1, 2023
• Official name of Tulum Airport: Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport
• The airport code is TQO
• One terminal with 13 gates capable of welcoming 5.5 million visitors annually
• Ground transportation from Tulum Airport to Playa del Carmen costs approximately $242 USD one way, $480 USD round-trip transfer

So, what’s the deal with the new Tulum Airport for Playa del Carmen travelers? Should I fly into Tulum or Cancun? How do I get to my Playa del Carmen hotel from the Tulum Airport or the Cancun Airport? The short answer:

The Cancun Airport is still the best option for Playa del Carmen travelers when you compare travel time and the average price of ground-transportation.

Should I fly into Tulum to get to Playa del Carmen? Is it ever a good idea?

With the right math, it could add up to be beneficial to fly into the Tulum Airport for your Playa del Carmen vacation. Low prices on flights to Tulum compared to Cancun may swing your decision. Money saved, time saved, the calculations vary based on flights, resort locations and the price of airport transfers.

Tulum Airport is far less busy than Cancun Airport meaning your time to pass through customs, immigration and baggage will be much faster. With only one terminal and 13 gates, it offers a calmer experience that some travelers may prefer.

My best advice for Playa del Carmen travelers? Choose the Cancun Airport, Tulum Airport doesn’t really add up most of the time

Apart from some very specific situations (flight sales and discounts most likely), I don’t think the Tulum Airport is convenient for Playa del Carmen vacation lovers. The extra distance to travel and the additional costs of transportation from the Tulum Airport to your resort mean you should probably stick with the Cancun Airport.

I’ve lived in the region for 20 years and I’ve done the trip from the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen many times and it is really a breeze, fast and direct on the 307 Highway. Private transportation is always the best way to go, takes all the stress out of the travel day. The ADO bus may save a few pesos but I always lose my mind in the heat, the crowds and the hassle of finding a ride once I land on 5th Avenue.

Peace and amor dear Playa del Carmen lovers, travel safe and Get Happy.Get Happy Shuttle Cancun!