A Local Expert’s Opinion: Cancun Airport vs Tulum Airport
There isn’t a “better” airport, but there can be one that’s more convenient for you. The key is understanding the real differences, because a lot of online information gives the impression that Tulum Airport is much closer to Tulum than it actually is. Even road signs can be misleading.
Personally, I measured the distances from Playa del Carmen using Waze:
- Cancun Airport: 43 km, approximately 39 minutes
- Tulum Airport: 86 km, approximately 1 hour 39 minutes
In other words:
- Traveling to Tulum Airport takes almost three times longer than traveling to Cancun Airport.
- The distance to Tulum Airport is almost double that to Cancun Airport.
To summarize: Cancun Airport is one-third faster and the distance is half that of Tulum Airport.
Tulum Archaeological Site
From my test point, the Tulum archaeological site is about 56 minutes away. This means that from Tulum’s hotel zone to Tulum Airport, it would take around 45 minutes.
Transportation Costs
I won’t provide a detailed table, but it’s important to understand the difference:
- Tulum Airport has fewer transportation options and higher prices, due to stricter regulations and political control over transport providers.
- Cancun Airport offers many more options, for example:
Taxi for 1–4 people:
- From Cancun Airport:
- Cancun hotel zone: $25–$50
- Playa del Carmen: $60–$90
- Tulum: $130–$200
- From Tulum Airport:
- Tulum hotel zone: $80–$100
- Playa del Carmen: $120–$200
- Cancun: $220–$300
As you can see, transportation from Tulum is much more expensive, especially if your final destination is far.
Road Safety
- Tulum – Tulum Airport: a two-lane road, one lane in each direction, with no divider, making it less safe.
- Tulum – Cancun: two or three lanes with a median wall, making it much safer.
Services and Facilities
- Both airports are similar in terms of basic services.
- However, Tulum Airport is isolated, with very little around it—mainly gas stations, military buildings, and federal land.
Conclusion
There isn’t a “better” airport, only the information you need to make the best choice:
- If your destination is Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, or Akumal, Cancun Airport is more convenient in terms of distance, travel time, and cost.
- If your destination is Tulum, Tulum Airport is closer—but keep in mind higher prices and a less safe road.
With this information, you can decide where it’s worth saving—on your flight or on transportation—and which airport is actually closer to your destination.
