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!
2 ways to get from Mexico City to Cancun
There are two ways to travel the distance of 620 km (385 miles) from Mexico City to Cancun: by bus (27h55m) and flight (1h35m). The journey takes between 1h35m - 27h55m and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 668 MXN ($38.50) for the flight.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.
Mexico City to Cancun by Flight
Flights from Mexico City to Cancun are both fast and cheap, making them the most convenient choice when travelling this route.
While we’re not always in favour of taking flights due to their environmental impact, we can’t deny that it’s the best option to get from Mexico City to Cancun.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Mexico City to Mexico City Airport
The departure airport for flights from Mexico City to Cancun is Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX), located 10 km east of the city centre. You can get there in 4 ways: a 45-minute Metrobus, 25-minute taxi/Uber, 30-minute minivan, or 50-minute Metro.
For a combination of budget and convenience, we recommend taking the Metrobus, which only costs 30 MXN ($1.60). Take Line #4. You can ask the assistance of your hotel for the nearest bus stop or you can board one at Republica de Argentina, the closest bus stop to the main square.
If you prefer a private and fast ride, we recommend hailing an Uber with rates from 200 MXN ($11.00).
Staying outside of Mexico City centre? A Metro ride is the cheapest option at 5 MXN ($0.20). Note that you may have to make at least one train transfer.
Another convenient option is a shared minivan that will pick you up from your hotel and take you straight to Mexico City Airport. Fares start from 180 MXN ($9.50) from the city centre and 315 MXN ($17.00) from other areas. You can conveniently book your shared minivan ticket via BookAway.
For more details, you can check out our guide on How to get to/from Mexico City Airport.
Step 2: Mexico City to Cancun by Flight
You shouldn’t have a hard time getting nonstop flights from Mexico City to Cancun. There are plenty of schedules to choose from, with flights departing every 20-40 minutes from 06:00 to 23:00.
The cheapest flight costs 540 MXN ($29.50) and travel time is a little over 2 hours.
There are 4 airlines flying from Mexico City to Cancun: AeroMexico, Interjet, VivaAerobus and Volaris. You can often get the cheapest flight prices with Viva Aerobus.
AeroMexico is a bigger airline and their service is superior, but this tends to come at a higher price. Interjet has mid-range prices, while Volaris is also on the affordable side.
For the best chance at cheap flights, it’s better to plan ahead and book your plane tickets some weeks in advance.
Step 3: Cancun Airport to the City Centre
Your arrival airport is Cancun International Airport. If you want to head straight to Cancun city centre or the beach/resort area once you arrive, you can do it by bus, shared minivan or with a private shuttle. All three options have an average duration of 30 to 40 minutes.
The bus is the cheapest option with ticket prices from 98 MXN ($5.00). These buses, operated by ADO, depart from the airport roughly every hour from 08:20 to 21:40. They park at Cancun’s main bus terminal, just within walking distance from many hotels in the city centre.
Shared minivans are a good option if you want to be dropped off at your hotel’s doorstep but don’t have the budget for a taxi. They depart every hour, 24 hours a day from Cancun Airport. You can book this service on BookAway, with rates starting at 158 MXN ($8.50).
The most comfortable option is to hire a private transfer, but as with most things, this comes at a higher cost. Rates start from 500 MXN ($27.50) for a 4-seater car. We recommend booking your ride online beforehand via BookAway for more spacious cars and trusted drivers.
For more info, visit our page for Cancun Airport.
Mexico City to Cancun by Bus
If flying’s not really your thing, there are also buses operating direct trips from Mexico City to Cancun. But there’s a catch, they take around 28 hours to complete the journey.
We don’t really recommend the bus because apart from the travel time taking more than 1 day, fares are at least 2x more expensive compared to taking a flight. Even round-trip flights are cheaper than a one-way bus ticket! But if you’re up for it, make sure to stock up on water, snacks and maybe a podcast or two to pass the time.
Step 1: Mexico City Centre to Central Norte Bus Terminal
Buses from Mexico City to Cancun depart from ADO’s northern bus terminal called Central Mexico Norte.
The easiest and most direct way to get to the northern bus terminal is via a 30-minute Uber/Taxi. Rates from the city centre start from 100 MXN ($5.50).
A more budget-friendly option would be to take the Metro, which only costs 6 MXN ($0.30). However, you’re going to have to make several transfers as there are no direct trains from the city centre to Central Norte. And since you already have a 27-hour bus ordeal ahead of you, we don’t recommend taking the Metro for this route.
Step 2: Mexico City to Cancun by Bus
Mexico’s most popular bus company, ADO, is the sole operator of buses from Mexico City to Cancun. All buses are airconditioned and equipped with reclining seats and a toilet. There are 4 bus departures daily.
Throughout your journey, the bus will make a few stops in different towns including Villahermosa, Campeche and Merida. Here, you should be able to stretch your legs, go to the toilet and grab a few snacks to keep you going for the rest of the trip.
One “advantage” of taking the bus is that if you had chosen to fly, you probably wouldn’t have the chance to see these smaller cities within Mexico. We’re not sure whether this “advantage” is worth the 27-hour bus ride though!
Bus options from Mexico City to Cancun
It’s best to book your tickets online at least a day before so you won’t have to worry about them on the day of your trip. We recommend using BookAway, where tickets are cheaper than when you book them directly on the ADO website.
Step 3: Cancun Bus Terminal to the City Centre
Buses park at the ADO Bus Station in downtown Cancun, with many hotels and hostels located close by or just a few blocks away. This gives you the perfect opportunity to exercise your legs after the long bus journey.
But if you’re staying further away or in the beach areas, you may want to take a taxi to get to your final destination. Taxis are available from outside of the bus terminal and are metered, so rates will depend on the distance and time. An average taxi ride to the beach area is around 210 MXN ($11.50).
Another option is to use public transport. Buses pass in front of the bus terminal on Avenida Tulum and lines R-1, R-3 and R-38 can take you to the beach and hotel area. The rate for the buses is 15 MXN ($0.80), to be paid directly to the bus driver.
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 Mexico City to Cancun
What to expect when visiting Cancun?
Cancun’s location makes it the perfect jumping-off point for a number of day trips, combining adventure, history and culture. From Cancun, you can explore the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza or go swimming at the nearby Cenote Ik Kil and Balankanche Caves.
Cancun has so much to offer and this hasn’t gone unnoticed. It’s definitely worth a spot on your itinerary. Just keep in mind that it’s more for tourists who want to go on a relaxing holiday. If you’re looking for a more authentic Mexican experience, you’ll have to go elsewhere.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Mexico City 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 Isla Mujeres (and back)
Cancun to Chichen Itza (and back)
Most popular routes in Mexico
Cancun to Chichen Itza (and back)
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.
