Dreaming of turquoise waters, white sands, and endless sun? Cancun has it all, and with the right travel tips, getting there in 2025 can be super affordable. I’ve been to Cancun several times, and over the years, I’ve picked up some incredible strategies for snagging the best deals on flights.
For this article, I’ll walk you through the 5 cheapest airports to fly into Cancun, along with the best airlines and booking tricks to keep your costs low. Whether you’re ready to relax on the beach or dive into the vibrant nightlife, here’s how to get to Cancun without overspending. Let’s dive in and make that beachside escape happen on a budget!
#1 tip to find cheap flights to Cancun
Looking for cheap flights to Cancun? For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! In 2025, I’ve saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $169 roundtrip fare from Boston to Cancun.
There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time) to try it for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON25 to save 25%!
Now without further ado, here are the best Cancun flights in 2025.
Cheapest Places to Fly to in Cancun in 2025
Looking for the ultimate guide on finding flights to Cancun? Below are the cheapest flights to Cancun from the US and other places around the world.
1. Cancun International Airport (CUN)
- 🏠 Location: 20 minutes from Cancun’s Hotel Zone
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: High traffic volume and airline competition lower fares
- ✈️ Best Airlines: JetBlue, Delta, Aeromexico
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Fly midweek during shoulder seasons for fares as low as $190–$320 roundtrip from major U.S. cities
Flying directly into Cancun International Airport is often the most budget-friendly and convenient option for travelers heading to the Yucatán Peninsula. As one of the busiest airports in Latin America, CUN is packed with nonstop routes from major hubs across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Thanks to its scale and airline competition, roundtrip fares frequently drop below $300, especially in May or late September when tourist traffic dips. The airport has four terminals and is well-organized, making arrivals and transfers relatively smooth, even during peak months.
Its central location makes Cancun a great base to explore nearby destinations. Playa del Carmen is only an hour away, and Tulum is reachable by direct bus or rental car. From history buffs heading to El Rey Ruins to beachgoers hitting the Hotel Zone, CUN puts you within easy reach of it all.
Fun Fact: CUN is the second-busiest airport in Mexico and the most connected airport in the Caribbean by international routes.
- Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Mexico
- You may also like: Best Things to Do in the Caribbean
- For more reading: Beautiful Places in the Caribbean
2. Cozumel International Airport (CZM)
- 🏠 Location: On Cozumel Island, a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Smaller airport with surprising flight deals from U.S. hubs
- ✈️ Best Airlines: American, United, Aeromexico
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for connecting flights through Mexico City to score cheaper fares into CZM
Cozumel often flies under the radar, but this tiny island airport sometimes beats Cancun on price. Roundtrip flights can range from $230 to $360, especially from Houston, Dallas, and Miami. The airport is compact and stress-free, making arrivals quick and hassle-free.
Right after you land, you’re less than 15 minutes from top island attractions. The waterfront promenade in San Miguel is a quick ride away, as are snorkeling hotspots like Chankanaab Park and Palancar Reef. It’s a great place to spend a few days unwinding before heading to the mainland.
For the best mix of low fares and ideal weather, time your visit between May and early July or during October when crowds are smaller and temperatures are comfortable. The full journey to Cancun adds time, but many travelers find the detour worth it for the peace, views, and often cheaper airfare.
Fun Fact: Despite being on a small island, Cozumel International Airport handles its own customs and immigration, so travelers can fly in directly from abroad without stopping on the mainland first.
- Read next: Aeromexico Business Class Guide
- You may also like: Most Beautiful Places in Tulum
- For more reading: Things to do in Cancun when it rains
3. Merida International Airport (MID)
- 🏠 Location: About 3.5 hours west of Cancun by car
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Lower tourist demand keeps prices down
- ✈️ Best Airlines: VivaAerobus, Aeromexico, Volaris
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book a roundtrip to Merida and an open-jaw return from Cancun to explore both cities affordably
If you’re open to a road trip, flying into Merida International Airport can save you money and add cultural depth to your trip. Fares often range from $240 to $370 roundtrip, and you’ll be landing in one of Mexico’s most vibrant colonial cities. Colorful buildings, Mayan markets, and laid-back plazas give it a totally different feel from the coast.
Merida’s airport is small but efficient, and budget airlines frequently run deals to and from major U.S. cities. It’s especially cheap to fly in during May and October, when crowds are low but the weather is still warm.
The drive to Cancun is scenic, passing cenotes and villages along the way. Many travelers use Merida as a base to visit Uxmal, Celestún, or even Campeche before heading east toward the beach. It’s a great value pick for adventurous travelers.
Fun Fact: MID is one of the few airports in Mexico equipped with a dedicated Mayan cultural exhibit inside the terminal, showcasing local heritage to arriving passengers.
- Read Next: 12 Most Beautiful Places in Mexico
- Read More: 13 Cheap Flight Destinations from Cancun
Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel this year…so I couldn’t recommend it more!
4. Chetumal International Airport (CTM)
- 🏠 Location: Southern Quintana Roo, near the Belize border
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Less tourist traffic and more low-cost domestic flights
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Volaris, Aeromexico
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Fly into Chetumal in August for the lowest fares, then work your way north through the Riviera Maya
Chetumal International Airport is one of the most affordable airports to fly into if you don’t mind a longer journey to Cancun. Roundtrip fares from the U.S. can dip as low as $210 to $330, especially during the low season in August. Though fewer international flights arrive here, domestic routes from Mexico City often come with steep discounts.
From CTM, you’re just 30 minutes from Bacalar, home to the stunning Lake of Seven Colors. The area is quiet, scenic, and ideal for a laid-back start to your trip. Other nearby gems include Mahahual, a peaceful beach town perfect for snorkeling and slow travel.
Cancun is about five hours away by car or bus, so this route works best if you’re planning to explore southern Quintana Roo first. For travelers with flexible schedules, the savings and scenery make it a solid budget option.
Fun Fact: Chetumal International Airport shares its runway with a Mexican Air Force base, giving it one of the most secure perimeters in the region.
5. Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO)
- 🏠 Location: About 80 miles south of Cancun
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Still growing, with limited but competitive routes
- ✈️ Best Airlines: VivaAerobus, Aeromexico
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Check for new routes launching in spring and fall, when fares often drop to fill seats
Tulum’s Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport is changing the game for travelers heading to the southern Riviera Maya. If you’re staying near Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or Akumal, flying into TQO can cut travel time and occasionally offer a better deal than Cancun. Roundtrip fares usually range from $240 to $380, depending on departure city and season.
The airport is small and efficient, with shorter lines and less chaos compared to Cancun International. It’s just a 30-minute drive from central Tulum, which makes it especially convenient for travelers focused on exploring that part of the coast.
May and October are great times to fly in, with fewer crowds and better flight availability. While nonstop international routes are still limited, TQO is adding new connections every few months, making it one to watch for future budget trips.
Fun Fact: TQO is one of the newest airports in Mexico, built with eco-conscious materials and surrounded by preserved jungle areas.
- Read Next: Top 10 Airlines to Fly to Cancun, Mexico
