Tijuana to Cancun
Leaving from...
Going to...
What to expect when visiting Cancun
Cancun is a vibrant beach city overlooking the Caribbean Sea. With its crystal blue waters and snow-white sand, the city can be too touristy for some visitors. But its location on Mexico’s east coast makes it the perfect gateway to other destinations like Chichen Itza, Isla Mujeres and Holbox.
You’ll find most tourists in the Hotel Zone, which is full to the brim with all-inclusive resorts, restaurants and lively bars. Depending on what you’re looking for, Cancun can just be a short stopover or a holiday destination by itself. Whichever you decide, make sure to explore other nearby destinations for a more authentic Mexican experience!
1 way to get from Tijuana to Cancun
The flight is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 440 km (273 miles) from Tijuana to Cancun. The journey takes around 5 hours and costs start from 2,010 MXN ($120).Where to stay in Cancun?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Cancun at the bottom of this page.
Tijuana to Cancun by Flight
Tijuana to Cancun flights are plenty, and you shouldn’t have a hard time getting into one any time of the day. But before you choose which one to take, it’s important to take note of two factors: time and budget.
If you prefer a quick trip, then prepare to spend at least 1,800 MXN ($110) on airline tickets for a 4.5-hour direct flight. But if you don’t mind taking it a bit slow, then you can save a lot of money with a 6-hour indirect flight with fares from 1,210 MXN ($73).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: City centre to Tijuana Airport
Flights from Tijuana to Cancun depart from Tijuana Airport, located north of the city, next to the border with the United States.
To get to Tijuana Airport, you can get a taxi for around 160 MXN ($8.50) or hail a cheaper Uber for about 110 MXN ($6.00). It takes around 15 minutes to get to the airport from the city centre.
Step 2: Tijuana to Cancun by Direct Flight
Direct flights from Tijuana to Cancun are definitely faster but quite expensive. Flight time is around 4 hours 15 minutes and rates for plane tickets start from 1,800 MXN ($99.00).
Three airlines fly direct from Tijuana to Cancun: Viva Aerobus, Volaris and Hahn Air. Even the earliest flight departs late in the evening, so you will arrive in Cancun early morning the next day.
To find the best flight deals, check out Skyscanner weeks in advance.
Indirect flights are cheaper
If you’re looking to save money, flights with a layover in either Mexico City or Guadalajara are your best option. Airfares for these indirect flights start from 1,210 MXN ($66.00) and the journey takes around 6 hours.
There are three airlines offering indirect flights from Tijuana to Cancun: VivaAerobus, Volaris and AeroMexico. These are available all day long so the earliest flight departs as “early” as past midnight.
To find the cheapest flights, it is best to book at least several weeks in advance. Last-minute flight deals may be too expensive, even for indirect flights from Tijuana to Cancun.
Step 3: Cancun Airport to the City Centre
When you arrive at Cancun International Airport, there are two main areas where most visitors will stay, downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone by the beach.
To get to any of them, you can use the bus, shared minivan or a private shuttle. All three options have an average duration of 30 minutes.
Buses from Cancun Airport to the city’s main bus terminal depart several times a day from 08:20 to 23:10 (roughly every 40 minutes). A ticket costs 98 MXN ($5.00) and you can book one online via ClickBus.
Shared minivans drop you off at your accommodation. Rates start from 158 MXN ($8.50), more budget-friendly than a taxi since you are sharing the ride with other travellers. They depart every hour, 24 hours a day, from Cancun Airport. You can book the minivans on BookAway.
Private transfers are provided by several companies that offer different vehicle options. You can compare some of these companies and book online through BookAway. Rates start at 500 MXN ($27.50).
For more detailed info, you can visit our page on Cancun Airport to the City Centre.
Cancun to Tijuana guide
Are you travelling this route round trip? If yes, you can also check out our guide from Cancun to Tijuana.
Our favourite places to stay in Cancun
Sina Suites - Treating Yourself
Resorts in Cancun can cost you a bomb! Sina Suites gives you that resort-style feel without the high prices. Ever wanted your own private marina in a hotel? No? Well now you probably do, and Sina Suites has one. It also has a large swimming pool set amongst gardens that overlook the lagoon.
Every day, enjoy a continental breakfast and delicious Mexican food in their poolside restaurant/bar that sits underneath a traditional thatched hut! You’ll also get more than just a room here, most suites also offer a kitchenette and balcony.
- Views overlooking Cancun lagoon
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Bar and restaurant
- Great location
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Viento Suites - Mid Range
Viento Suites is an escape from the busy and hectic Cancun. Once you’re inside the walls of this hotel, chilling in the garden beside the swimming pool, you’ll forget about the outside world.
The location couldn’t be more perfect. It’s situated within Downtown Cancun, but also very close to the Hotel Zone and beaches. The rooms look like those found in a high-class hotel, but without the extortionate prices.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- BBQ facilities
- Great location
- Clean and spacious rooms
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Yellow Capsule Hotel - Budget Friendly
Looking for a unique sleeping experience? The Yellow Capsule Hotel will definitely give you that. Instead of traditional rooms, you sleep in a pod. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the future when you clamber into your bright and spacious pod.
The capsules are clean and include everything you need for a comfy stay, a mirror, outlets, a safe and storage space. When you’re done hanging around in your pod, you can chill at the hotel’s terrace and enjoy their free breakfast.
- Cool capsule sleeping experience
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Great location
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
Estancia Tulbayab 36 - Budget Friendly
If you’re looking for a more homely feel than a to hotel, then definitely stay at Estancia. The owners will instantly make you feel welcome and are always there to offer advice.
The homestay offers a very convenient location, close to the local markets and not too far from the ADO bus station. The rooms are clean and spacious, plus a steal for the price. If you fancy doing some cooking whilst in Cancun, you can make use of the communal kitchen.
- Great location
- Clean and spacious rooms
- Helpful and friendly hosts
- You’ll feel at home
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Tijuana to Cancun
What is the distance from Tijuana to Cancun?
The distance from Tijuana to Cancun is 440 km (273 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Tijuana to Cancun?
The fastest way to get from Tijuana to Cancun is by flight and takes 5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Tijuana to Cancun?
The cheapest way to get from Tijuana to Cancun is by flight with ticket costs starting from 2,010 MXN ($120).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Tijuana to Cancun. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Cancun Travel Guides
The Ultimate Cancun Travel Guide
18 best things to do in Cancun
Routes from Cancun
Cancun to Chichen Itza (and back)
Cancun to Isla Mujeres (and back)
Most popular routes in Mexico
Cancun to Chichen Itza (and back)
Was this post helpful?
Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 1
No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
We are sorry that this post didn't meet your expectations.
Your feedback is very valueable to us
What was missing in this post? (TIP: If you want us to reply to your feedback, you can leave your email in this text box.)
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
- Explore more
- Cancun travel guides
- Routes from Cancun
- Most popular routes in Mexico