Cancún International Airport (CUN) is the gateway to the entire Riviera Maya. With over 25 million passengers per year it is the second busiest airport in Mexico — and it can feel overwhelming if you do not know what to expect. This guide walks you through every step from wheels-down to your hotel lobby.
Terminals Overview
CUN has four terminals. Terminals 2 and 3 handle the vast majority of international flights. Terminal 4 serves charter and some international carriers. Terminal 1 (the original) handles a small number of domestic flights. All terminals are connected by a walkway and a free shuttle bus that runs every 10–15 minutes.
Immigration & Customs
Most nationalities — including citizens of the USA, Canada, the EU, and the UK — do not require a visa to enter Mexico as tourists. At immigration, you will fill out a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) tourist card, which may be done digitally during your flight or at kiosks in the terminal. Keep your receipt — you will need it on departure.
After immigration, collect your checked baggage and proceed to customs. Mexico uses the random red-light / green-light system: push the button, and a green light means you go straight through; a red light means your bags will be inspected. Declare any item worth over USD 500 (or USD 300 for land crossings).
Money: Exchange Rates & ATMs
The exchange booths inside the arrivals hall offer notoriously poor rates — sometimes 15–20% below market. For the best rate, use an ATM (cajero automático) in the arrivals hall and pay in pesos everywhere. Look for ATMs branded Banamex, BBVA, or Santander, which typically charge lower foreign transaction fees than independent machines. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops in the Hotel Zone also accept USD, though you will receive change in pesos.
SIM Cards & Connectivity
Mexican carriers Telcel, AT&T Mexico, and Movistar all have kiosks in the arrivals hall. A tourist SIM with 3–5 GB of data for 30 days costs around MXN 200–350 (approx. USD 10–18). Telcel has the widest coverage along the Riviera Maya. Alternatively, many travellers use an eSIM from providers like Airalo or Holafly, which can be activated before departure.
Getting Out of the Airport: Your Options
Option A — Official Taxi (Sitio)
Yellow taxis in fixed-rate zones operate from the airport. Fares to the Hotel Zone are set at roughly MXN 600–900 depending on the zone. Buy your ticket at the official taxi booth inside the terminal before exiting — never accept an offer from someone approaching you in the arrivals hall.
Option B — Shared Shuttle
Shared shuttles (like those operated by ADO or Cancún Transfers) depart when full and stop at multiple hotels along the route. They are cheaper than taxis but can add 45–90 minutes to your journey if your hotel is the last stop. Not ideal after a long flight.
Option C — Private Transfer (Recommended)
A pre-booked private transfer is the most comfortable and time-efficient option. Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, handles your luggage, and takes you directly to your destination with no stops. Greenway Transfers offers fixed-price transfers from CUN to any hotel or private residence along the Riviera Maya — prices are quoted upfront, with no surge pricing or hidden fees.
Useful Tips
- Arriving at night? The airport operates 24 hours, but the surrounding roads can be very dark. A private transfer is strongly recommended after 10 PM.
- Travelling with children? Request a child seat when booking your transfer.
- Long layover? Terminal 3 has a comfortable transit lounge with showers, Wi-Fi, and a full restaurant.
- Departure taxes: International departure taxes are typically included in your airline ticket. Confirm with your carrier before departure.
- Left luggage: All terminals have staffed luggage storage facilities, useful if your check-in is not until late afternoon.
With a little preparation, arriving in Cancún is effortless — and the moment you step outside and feel the warm Caribbean air, you will know the adventure has already begun.
