Mar 2, 20233 min read

Managing Cancun Airport

Location: Cancun, Mexico

Great for: Singles, Couples, Families, Groups, Elopements, Destination Weddings, and Honeymoons

Palm tree, ocean, and sandy beach in Riviera Maya, Mexico — Fly into Cancun then transfer to the Beach at Unico Riviera Maya.

So you made the decision, you're going to Mexico with gorgeous blue waters, sand between your toes, palm trees swaying in the wind, and an umbrella cocktail in your hand, but first, you have to get through the airport.

If you've never been to the Cancun airport, let me assure you, you can maneuver it easily so here are a few tips.

It is really much easier than the title sounds but there are a few things to watch for.

When you deboard the plane you will head to passport control. Make sure you have your boarding pass to show the agent. Some of them are not the most patient people when you have to look for it after tucking it away.

The next stop is the baggage claim and then through customs. If you have anything to declare choose that line if not, most don't go through the "Nothing to Declare" section and head toward your pick-up locations.

Here is where it can be daunting. As you walk the hall or I like to call it "run the gauntlet", you have people from car rentals, taxi companies, and tour groups, all yelling at you to get your attention. If you already have pick-up arrangements, keep walking. Always have a plan or book a transfer in advance to save the hassle. You will thank me.

Whew, through there. Next, you'll reach an area with sliding doors that looks like it might be for hotel guests of a timeshare. It is the last area before the exit so keep walking, Here you will see lines and lines of people waiting to help you, sell you something, or offer a timeshare. As mentioned earlier, you should have already made arrangements and just mention that and they will tell you which area to stand if that was not already clear on your documents. Whew, you did it, you ran the gauntlet and survived, metaphorically, of course, it is as safe as any other airport.

As you exit the doors, and the heat from the sun hits your skin, you'll know you are almost there. Walk past the mini-mart into the area labeled A through D.

People will approach you but it's more subdued there than in the hallway. It looks a bit chaotic but there is order to it all. If you've reached this point and don't know where to stand, you will see people with signs for your transportation.

Cars and vans at Cancun Airport waiting to transfer passengers. — Cancun Airport Transfer Location

If you did not make arrangements, here you will find Taxis, private transport, and shared transport.

Say goodbye to the airport and hello to Cancun!

Pro tip: Try to arrive on an early flight so you can take advantage of the day and ask your resort to store your bags if your room is not ready. When you leave, look for a later flight because you don't want to be sitting in the airport waiting for the airline desks to open because you had to leave so far ahead from your resort. However, allow enough time to get to the airport with traffic and construction in the area. One caveat, a later flight means a busier airport so make your choice about what is important.

If you have time in the airport there is plenty of shopping to keep you busy and dining too.

Empty Cancun Airport early in the morning. — Cancun Airport Early Morning

At Vibrant Travel, we research, plan, and book vacations, honeymoons, and destination weddings for curious travelers, couples, busy professionals, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull together all the details needed to create memorable, hassle-free trips. We would love to help you too.

Call today at 407-517-4744 to end the frustration of doing it all yourself.

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