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How to get from Cancun to Mexico City
Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world with over 20 million inhabitants. Don’t let that overwhelming number of people put you off though, the city has a unique charm and it’s definitely worth exploring. You’ll get lost in time exploring its unique contrast of pre-Columbian, colonial, modern and contemporary architecture.
The capital of Mexico is a history hub and a great place to learn about the entire country’s culture, traditions and cuisine. Mexico City actually has the most museums in the world! Some very interesting ones to add to your list are the following: National Anthropology Museum, the Soumaya Museum, the National Palace of Fine Arts and the House Studio Museum of renowned painters Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera. There’s plenty to keep you occupied!
New to Mexico City? Our compact Mexico City guide shows you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and many more tips for your visit to Mexico City!
2 ways to get from Cancun to Mexico City
The best way to cover the 1,620 km (1,006 miles) from Cancun to Mexico City is a 3.5-hour flight with combined rates from 808 MXN ($47.00), already including transfers. Another option is the bus, but it takes around 28 hours and is also more expensive with rates from 2,025 MXN ($115.00).
If you immediately ruled out taking the bus as soon as you saw that it took over a day, then flying from Cancun to Mexico City is your only option.
Flying will save you a lot of time and also from having a bad back! The airlines flying this route offer great flight deals all year round, especially when you book in advance. The cheapest flight often costs around 808 MXN ($47.00), already including airport transfers. Flight time is around 2 hours 10 minutes plus over an hour to get to and from the airports.
And if you choose to fly from Cancun to Mexico City, we encourage you to include a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
Cancun to Mexico City by Flight
Despite a flight distance of 1,296 km., flying from Cancun to Mexico City is the easiest and most convenient option in this case.
A large number of flights cover this route, especially during peak tourist seasons (December – February, Easter). This means that if you plan ahead, it’s likely you’ll still get a good rate even during busy periods.
Step 1: City Centre to Cancun Airport
Flights bound for Mexico City depart from Cancun International Airport, located 18 km south of Cancun city centre. That’s a 30 to 40-minute journey that you can complete in three ways: by bus, shared minivan or private transfer.
We recommend taking a shared minivan for convenience that doesn’t break the bank. You will be picked up from your hotel – whether that’s in Cancun city centre or at the Hotel Zone. You can easily book a shared minivan ticket online via BookAway from 158 MXN ($9.00).
The bus is a cheaper option if you’re coming from Cancun city centre. You can board an ADO bus from Cancun’s main bus terminal. They are available about every hour from 08:20 to 21:40. A bus ticket costs 98 MXN ($5.50).
If you’re in a group, it won’t be too expensive to take a taxi or a private transfer. You can hail a taxi from the streets, or you can pre-book a cheaper private transfer also on BookAway. Rates start from 500 MXN ($29.00) for a 4-seater car.
For more info, you can check out our page for Cancun Airport.
Step 2: Cancun to Mexico City by Flight
Flight departures from Cancun to Mexico City are frequent. They depart every 20 to 40 minutes from 06:00 to 23:00, with a flight time of approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Four airlines fly direct from Cancun to Mexico City: AeroMexico, Interjet, Viva Aerobus and Volaris. In terms of service, AeroMexico has the best standard, but the price is often the highest. Interjet offers mid-range rates, while Viva Aerobus and Volaris offer cheap flights.
Prices for airline tickets can go as low as 620 MXN ($36.00) when you book at least a few weeks ahead. Regularly check Skyscanner for the cheapest flights!
Step 3: Mexico City Airport to the City Centre
You will arrive at Mexico City Airport, also called Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX), located on the eastern side of the city centre.
Fortunately, it’s easily accessible by different means of transport: a 45-minute Metrobus, a 25-minute taxi/Uber, 30-minute shared minivan, and 50-minute Metro.
If on a budget but still want convenience, go for the Metrobus. It will take you from Mexico City Airport to the city centre for only 30 MXN ($1.70). Take Line #4, which you can find just outside the arrivals hall of both Terminal 1 & 2. Make sure you know which bus stop is closest to your hotel!
If you want to be brought straight to your hotel and are travelling in a group, it’s best to take a taxi or Uber. Fares start from 300 MXN ($17.50) for a taxi and 200 MXN ($11.50) for an Uber ride.
Is your destination a bit outside of the city centre? Both the Metro and shared minivan can take you to downtown Mexico City, but are more cost-efficient if you’re heading to other zones in the capital. A Metro ticket costs only 5 MXN ($0.20). If you prefer a shared minivan, you can book one online through BookAway for 315 MXN ($18.00).
Visit our page for Mexico City Airport for a more detailed guide to get to the city centre.
Cancun to Mexico City by Bus
If for whatever reason you couldn’t or didn’t want to fly, you can also take the bus from Cancun to Mexico City.
Direct buses are available, but it’s important to note that they take around 26 to 28 hours to complete the journey. Also, bus tickets are quite expensive. Even last-minute flights and round-trip flights are cheaper!
But if you’re really determined to take the bus, we recommend stocking up on water, snacks and a podcast or five. And wear comfortable clothes! Luckily, the views will help keep you distracted from time to time.
Step 1: Cancun City Centre to Bus Terminal
Cancun bus station is conveniently located in the city centre and is easily accessible by foot or via a short taxi ride.
If you’re staying in the resort or beach area, you can take a 15-minute taxi for around 210 MXN ($12.00). You can also save some money by using the local public transport. Lines R-1, R-3 and R-38 will drop you off at Avenida Tulum, right in front of the bus terminal. A bus ticket costs 15 MXN ($0.80).
Step 2: Cancun to Mexico City by Bus
Buses from Cancun to Mexico City are operated by ADO. There are 3 to 4 departures a day and travel time is at least 27 hours.
ADO is a popular company throughout Mexico that offers buses with AC, reclining seats and a toilet. You can expect the bus to stop a few times so you can eat, restock your supplies and take a little walk to stretch your legs.
Prices start from 1,800 MXN ($105.00). They vary daily and the earlier you book, the higher the chance of you getting lower rates.
Bus Schedule from Cancun to Mexico City
We recommend purchasing your tickets online through BookAway, where prices are often cheaper than even ADO’s own booking website.
Step 3: Mexico City Bus Terminal to the City Centre
Mexico City has a number of different bus terminals, but the buses coming from Cancun will drop you off at Central Mexico City or Central de Autobuses del Norte, about 10 km north of the city centre.
After coming from quite a long journey, it’s really best to just take a taxi to your hotel. Travel time is around 30 minutes and rates start from 210 MXN ($12.00). You can also try hailing Uber for around 80 MXN ($4.60) if you have internet access.
A cheaper option would be to take the Metro from Autobuses del Norte Station. A ticket only costs 5 MXN ($0.20), but you’ll have to make at least two transfers. After taking a 27-hour bus ride, we don’t think that’s a good idea.
Our favourite places to stay in Mexico City
Casa Emilia - Treating Yourself
Staying at Casa Emilia will make you feel like you’re staying in a cosy jungle retreat, rather than in a massive metropolitan city. All of the spaces around the hotel are designed for ultimate comfort and luxury, which it certainly achieves. You can relax on the terrace, in access hall or in the hotel’s sunroom.
Two of our favourite experiences at the hotel are the delicious breakfast and the huge, comfy beds offering a great night’s sleep. If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the place to do it.
- Incredible breakfast
- Cosy jungle design
- Bike rental available
- Excellent location
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Casa Pancha - Treating Yourself
Located in the neighbourhood of Condesa, Casa Pancha mirrors the atmosphere of the area. The hotel’s culture is certainly one of its selling points, offering simplicity, originality, community and connection.
With a mixture of dorms and private rooms, it’s an easy place to meet people whilst maintaining privacy. The hotel is bright and natural throughout, with both a backyard and a balcony area to relax in. The staff are super friendly here and their love for the hotel quickly spreads through the space.
- Dorms and private rooms available
- Private garden and balcony
- Amazing staff
- Perfect location
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Stanza Hotel - Mid Range
If there’s any neighbourhood that you want to stay in Mexico City, La Roma should definitely be up there. And that’s where Stanza Hotel is located. It puts you close to the tree-lined streets that are brimming with hip cafes and bars.
The hotel rooms are clean and modern, offering everything that you could ask for. The beds are also huge and super comfy. If you don’t fancy leaving the hotel one night for dinner, the onsite restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean-Mexican fusion food.
- Great location
- Clean and modern rooms
- Onsite Mediterranean-Mexican fusion restaurant
- Helpful, English-speaking staff
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Casa Indigo - Budget Friendly
This place gets booked out fast (we’re talking months in advance)! The location is perfect and it’s super affordable. Casa Indigo is close to the historic centre, plus the rooms are clean and beautifully decorated.
The host, Salvador, will make your stay unforgettable with his friendliness and warm welcome. On top of all of that, you can enjoy a large roof terrace offering stunning views over Mexico City.
- Great location
- Huge roof terrace
- Friendly host
- Fully equipped kitchen
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
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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.
