Cancun International Airport
Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancún
Cancun, Mexico · Since 1974
Last updated:
About CUN
Mexico second-busiest airport and gateway to the Yucatan Peninsula resorts.
Why "CUN"?
CUN comes from Cancun, which in the Mayan language means nest of snakes or place of the golden snake. The city was developed as a resort in the 1970s.
Terminals
Terminal 2
Handles domestic flights and some international carriers. Older terminal with adequate facilities. Connected to Terminal 3 by an inter-terminal walkway.
Terminal 3
Modern terminal handling most international flights, especially from the US and Canada. Opened in 2007 with extensive duty-free shopping.
Terminal 4
The newest terminal opened in 2013. Handles overflow international flights and some charter operations. Modern facilities with good shopping.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at CUN
Showing 8 of 45 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
MXN 600-800 (USD 35-45) to Hotel Zone
20-35 minutes to Hotel Zone to city center
Public Transport
MXN 100 (USD 6) ADO bus to downtown
30-45 minutes to downtown Cancun to city center
Parking at CUN
Terminal 2 Parking
Terminal 3 Parking
Terminal 4 Parking
Economy Parking
Airport Lounges
Mera Business Lounge T3
Premium lounge with Mexican and international cuisine, premium tequila selection, cocktail bar, and business facilities.
American Airlines Admirals Club
Located in Terminal 3 for AA premium passengers. Complimentary food and beverages, shower suites, and work stations.
VIP Lounge Cancun T3
Spacious lounge in Terminal 3 with Mexican food, cocktails including tequila and mezcal, and views of the tarmac.
United Club
United lounge in Terminal 3 with snacks, beverages, and comfortable seating for premium United passengers.
VIP Lounge Cancun T2
Domestic terminal lounge with Mexican snacks, beverages, beer, and Wi-Fi. Basic but comfortable.
Where to Stay
Nearby Hotels
One Cancun Centro
Downtown Cancun, 15-minute drive
Budget hotel in downtown Cancun. Simple but clean rooms. Good for overnight layovers with affordable dining nearby.
Hilton Garden Inn Cancun Airport
Airport entrance road, 3-minute drive
Comfortable hotel near the airport with outdoor pool, restaurant, and complimentary shuttle service.
Courtyard by Marriott Cancun Airport
Adjacent to airport access road, 5-minute drive
Modern Marriott hotel steps from the airport with pool, restaurant, and free airport shuttle. Day rooms available.
NH Cancun Airport
Adjacent to airport, 5-minute shuttle
Spanish chain hotel with pool, gym, restaurant, and complimentary airport shuttle. Popular with transit passengers.
Food & Dining
Taco Bell Cantina
Mexican Fast Food
Taco Bell with cantina concept serving beer and frozen drinks alongside the regular menu. Quick and affordable.
06:00-21:00
McDonald's
Fast Food
Standard McDonald's available in both terminals. Open early for morning departures.
05:30-22:00
La Casa de las Margaritas
Mexican Traditional
Authentic Mexican restaurant serving tacos, enchiladas, mole, and of course excellent margaritas. Live mariachi music at times.
07:00-22:00
Johnny Rockets
American/Burgers
Classic American diner with burgers, milkshakes, and all-American favorites. Familiar comfort food before your flight.
06:00-22:00
Starbucks
Coffee/Cafe
Standard Starbucks menu with some Mexico-exclusive drinks. Multiple locations in terminals 2, 3, and 4.
05:00-22:00
Punta Cana Grill
Caribbean/Grill
Caribbean-inspired grill with jerk chicken, grilled seafood, tropical cocktails, and fresh fruit juices.
07:00-21:00
Car Rental
Hertz
Arrivals Hall, Terminals 2, 3, and 4
Major brand with counters in all terminals. Mandatory liability insurance in Mexico. Read coverage terms carefully.
National Car Rental
Arrivals Hall, Terminal 3
Reliable brand with good selection. Mexican liability insurance mandatory and included. Full coverage recommended.
Europcar
Arrivals Hall, Terminal 3 and 4
International brand with competitive rates. Check rental includes CDW and liability before signing.
Sixt
Arrivals Hall, Terminal 3
Premium vehicles available. GPS recommended for navigating Riviera Maya. Topes (speed bumps) are common on highways.
America Car Rental
Off-airport with free pickup, 5-minute drive
Popular local company with competitive rates. Free airport pickup. Read reviews carefully - insist on documented car condition.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Duty Free Shopping
Extensive duty-free shopping in Terminal 3 with Mexican tequila, mezcal, vanilla, handicrafts, silver jewelry, and international brands.
Tequila and Mezcal Tasting
Several duty-free shops in Terminal 3 offer guided tequila and mezcal tastings. Learn to distinguish reposado, anejo, and extra anejo.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Visit El Rey Archaeological Zone
Small Mayan ruins in the Hotel Zone, just 20 minutes from the airport. See ancient temples and iguanas in a tropical setting.
Visit Cancun Hotel Zone Beach
Take a taxi to the Hotel Zone and enjoy the stunning Caribbean beach. Public beach access available near Km 9. Crystal clear turquoise water.
Downtown Cancun Food Tour
Take the ADO bus to downtown Cancun and explore Parque de las Palapas with authentic Mexican street food, tacos al pastor, and fresh fruit.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (30 minutes free, then paid plans)
- Speed Rating: ●●●○○
- Power Outlets: Type A, Type B (US/Mexico standard, 120V)
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: From USD 8 per item per 24 hours
- Medical Services: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
Money & Currency
- Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
- Exchange: Multiple exchange houses in all terminals. Rates at arrivals are less favorable. ATMs available throughout. Better rates in town.
- Hours: 06:00-22:00 daily (some 24 hours)
- Tipping: Tipping is expected in Mexico. 10-15% at restaurants, 20-50 MXN for porters, round up taxi fares. US dollars also widely accepted for tips.
Smoking Areas
Outdoor smoking areas only outside terminal buildings
Lost & Found
- Phone: +52 998 848 7200 ext. 3523