Top 13 Destinations with Cheap Flights from Cancun Right Now

Ready to escape paradise for… more paradise? After digging through mountains of flight data from Cancun International, I found some deals that seriously made me question my math skills. When I spotted tickets to Havana costing less than a fancy dinner at La Habichuela, I knew I had to share these finds.

I’ve tracked down the best places in Cancun to fly from without destroying your wallet. Want to swap the Caribbean for the Pacific waves of Puerto Vallarta or trade Mexican street food for Cuban ropa vieja? From quick flights to Mexico City (usually under $100) to surprisingly affordable hops to Panama City, these 13 destinations prove you can keep the adventure going without emptying your bank account. Trust me, some of these prices will shock you.

#1 tip for finding cheap flights from Cancun

Looking for cheap places to fly from Cancun? Before jumping into all the coolest cities and airports to fly into, I want to share a quick tip to save money on airfare.

For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. CUN) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.

In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $185 roundtrip fare from Boston to Cancun. On average, I save about $300 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!

If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Best Destinations with Cheap Flights from Cancun

Looking for cheap flights from Cancun? Fly to Merida for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and Mayan heritage. Visit Cozumel, a paradise for snorkeling, diving, and stunning beaches. Explore Tulum, known for its breathtaking ruins, crystal-clear cenotes, and bohemian vibes. Travel to Playa del Carmen for lively nightlife, beachfront resorts, and easy access to the Riviera Maya. Whether you’re looking for history, adventure, or relaxation, these are top destinations to fly to 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 in 2024…so I couldn’t recommend it more!

1. Cancun to Merida ($100–$180 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour
• 🛫 Airlines: Volaris, Aeromexico (5+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🌞 for perfect weather without humidity
• 🏆 Perfect for: History lovers 🏛️, foodies 🌮, cultural explorers 🎭

Merida is like stepping into a rainbow that somehow transformed into a city. This colonial gem in the Yucatan delivers streets lined with pastel-colored buildings, authentic Mayan culture you won’t find in Cancun’s tourist zones, and food so good you’ll be texting photos to friends back home.

Paseo de Montejo is Merida’s most impressive boulevard, lined with massive trees and jaw-dropping mansions built by henequen plantation millionaires who flaunted their wealth with European-style palaces long before today’s influencers made showing off cool. The city’s main square comes alive each night with free cultural performances, while the massive Lucas de Gálvez Market offers sensory overload with local delicacies like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork that will ruin all other pulled pork for you forever). 

Flights from Cancun are quick and affordable with Volaris often running specials below $120 roundtrip, especially for midweek travel. The best time to go is between November and April, when the weather is warm, dry, and perfect for exploring without the sticky humidity. Booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead usually gets you the best mix of price and flight times.

2. Cancun to Cozumel ($29–$75 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 20 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: MAYAir, Volaris (multiple daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🐠 for optimal underwater visibility
• 🏆 Perfect for: Snorkelers 🤿, scuba divers 🐡, beach lovers 🏝️

Cozumel is where Caribbean paradise meets world-class diving. This island gem delivers crystal clear waters, laid-back vibes, and incredible marine life without the massive resorts and party crowds of Cancun.

Palancar Reef is part of the second-largest barrier reef system in the world with visibility often exceeding 100 feet and dive sites suitable for every level. The west side of the island has calm, turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while the wilder east coast features dramatic rocky shores where you can find hidden beaches all to yourself. San Miguel town gives you that authentic Mexican feel with colorful streets, local restaurants serving fresh seafood, and shops selling handcrafted souvenirs without the aggressive hawkers of mainland tourist zones.

MAYAir offers tiny 12-seater planes with amazing aerial views and fares starting around $29 one-way if booked in advance. April brings perfect weather with lower humidity and smaller crowds than winter high season. 

3. Cancun to Tulum ($37–$90 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Volaris, VivaAerobus 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November-April 🌞
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, Mayan history buffs 🏺, yoga enthusiasts 🧘, eco-travelers 🌿

The Tulum Archaeological Site is a must-see, with its breathtaking cliffside ruins overlooking the Caribbean. This place is basically history with an ocean view, no filter needed. If you’re here for the beaches, Playa Paraíso is exactly what the name suggests: pure paradise, where powdery white sand meets impossibly clear water. Beach clubs range from affordable to ultra-luxe, so you can vibe however you like.

For the wellness crowd, Tulum is basically a retreat for the soul. Whether you’re into sunrise yoga, sound baths, or holistic healing, this place has it all. And if you’re traveling on a budget, Tulum Pueblo offers affordable hostels, plus local street food that keeps both your belly and your wallet happy.

Flights to Tulum are limited, so Cancún International Airport is your best bet. From there, VivaAerobus and Volaris offer quick, budget-friendly flights, with roundtrip fares often dipping below $80.November to April is the sweet spot for visiting, with sunny skies, warm but not scorching temperatures, and little to no rain.

4. Cancun to Playa del Carmen ($39–$100 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: Approximately 11-12 hours (with connections)
• 🛫 Airlines: KLM, Lufthansa, American Airlines, United
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April 🌞
• 🏆 Perfect for: Nightlife lovers 🍸, beachgoers 🏖️, digital nomads 💻

Playa del Carmen is a perfect mix of stunning beaches, wild nightlife, and just enough culture to make you feel like you’re not just another tourist.

The Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) is where the magic happens. It’s a bustling street that’s basically an outdoor party. Shop, eat, drink, and people-watch your way through this pedestrian paradise. Hit up Mamitas Beach for those picture-perfect turquoise waters and white sand that look like they’ve been photoshopped.

For the best deals from Amsterdam, KLM often has competitive prices, but keep an eye on Lufthansa and American Airlines too. Book 3-4 months ahead and aim for mid-week flights to snag the cheapest fares. The dry season (December to April) is golden. We’re talking perfect sunshine, zero rain, and those Instagram-worthy beach days.

5. Cancun to Chetumal ($105–$200 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Aeromexico, Volaris (2+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March 🌞
• 🏆 Perfect for: Off-the-beaten-path explorers 🧭, nature lovers 🍃, history buffs 🏺

Chetumal is where authentic Mexico meets border town energy. This overlooked capital of Quintana Roo gives you access to incredible Mayan ruins, pristine lagoons, and cultural experiences without the tourist hordes or inflated prices of the Riviera Maya.

Bacalar Lagoon is nicknamed the “Lagoon of Seven Colors” because of its mind-blowing blue waters in different shades that literally look Photoshopped in real life. The Mayan Culture Museum houses one of the most impressive collections of artifacts in Mexico in a modern building designed to look like a traditional Mayan structure. What makes Chetumal special is its location as a gateway to both southern Mexico and neighboring Belize, giving the city a unique multicultural vibe you won’t find in resort towns.

Score flight deals on Aeromexico Connect by booking 6-8 weeks ahead and targeting midweek travel for the best rates. November brings perfect weather with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, while July offers hot but ideal conditions for swimming in the Bacalar cenotes and lagoons. 

6. Cancun to Monterrey ($167–$280 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: VivaAerobus, Aeromexico, Volaris (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April 🍂 for comfortable temperatures and outdoor activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, hikers 🥾, food lovers 🍖

Monterrey gives you a completely different side of Mexico where dramatic mountains erupt from the desert, industrial-chic neighborhoods buzz with craft breweries, and nobody’s trying to sell you beach blankets or timeshares.

Chipinque Ecological Park offers hiking trails that climb up the iconic Cerro de la Silla (Saddle Mountain) with views that’ll make your Instagram followers think you hired a drone. The massive Fundidora Park transformed a shutdown steel factory into Mexico’s coolest urban park with museums inside old industrial buildings, bike paths weaving through giant machinery, and even a Formula 1 track. 

The sweet spot for visiting is October-November or March-April when daytime temps hover in the perfect mid-70s for exploring both city and mountains. Flight deals pop up regularly with VivaAerobus often running promotions below $200 roundtrip, especially for midweek travel. 

7. Cancun to Guadalajara ($190-$220 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2.5 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Volaris, Aeroméxico, VivaAerobus (5+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to May 🌵 for ideal weather and cultural festivals
• 🏆 Perfect for: Culture lovers 🎭, tequila enthusiasts 🥃, mariachi fans 🎵

Guadalajara is Mexico without the tourist filter. A place where mariachi music was born, tequila flows from its source, and the food is so good locals debate the best torta ahogada spot like it’s a religious matter.

The stunning Centro Histórico delivers Spanish colonial architecture on a grand scale with four massive plazas connected by pedestrian streets and anchored by the twin-spired cathedral. The Hospicio Cabañas houses mind-blowing ceiling murals by José Clemente Orozco that tell Mexico’s history in bold, trippy strokes that’ll make you lie on the floor staring upward until security gets suspicious. Just outside the city, the actual town of Tequila lets you tour distilleries where Mexico’s famous spirit is made from blue agave plants that stretch across the landscape like spiky alien farms.

Volaris and VivaAerobus battle for the cheapest fares on this route, with deals sometimes dropping below $200 roundtrip especially during shoulder seasons. October to May brings perfect weather with warm days and cool nights ideal for exploring both city and countryside.

8. Cancun to Mexico City ($140-$170 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Aeroméxico, Volaris, VivaAerobus (15+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🏙️ for dry season with pleasant temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, food lovers 🌮, culture seekers 🎭

Mexico City is like stepping into the ultimate Mexican highlight reel where ancient pyramids, colonial architecture, and ultra-modern skyscrapers create a megalopolis that somehow feels both chaotic and completely addictive.

The massive Zócalo plaza sits where Aztec temples once stood before Spanish conquest, now dominated by the enormous Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace with Diego Rivera murals that tell Mexico’s complex history. Art is everywhere, from the stunning Palacio de Bellas Artes with its marble exterior and Tiffany glass curtain to the intimate Frida Kahlo Museum in the blue house where the iconic artist actually lived. 

Flights from Cancun are pretty cheap with fierce competition between Volaris and VivaAerobus often driving roundtrip fares below $150, especially for midweek travel. November through April delivers perfect weather with sunny days around 70°F and minimal rain, ideal for exploring both outdoor markets and museums.

9. Cancun to Belize City ($190-$220 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1.5 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Tropic Air, Maya Island Air, TAG Airlines (3+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April ☀️ for perfect diving and beach conditions
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏄‍♂️, divers 🐠, adventure seekers 🌴

Belize City isn’t the prettiest city you’ll ever see, but it’s the perfect gateway to Caribbean paradise – a launching pad for pristine islands, the world’s second-largest barrier reef, and jungle adventures where you can go from snorkeling with sharks to exploring Mayan ruins in the same day.

The real magic happens when you hop a quick water taxi to Caye Caulker with its “Go Slow” motto and golf-cart-only transportation, or Ambergris Caye where the barrier reef sits so close to shore you can swim to it from some beaches. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve delivers an underwater superhighway of nurse sharks, rays, and tropical fish in crystal clear waters, while the famous Blue Hole attracts divers from around the world to descend into this perfectly circular abyss. 

The dry season from December to April offers perfect weather for both beach lounging and jungle exploring. Flight options include several small regional carriers like Tropic Air with tiny planes that fly low enough for incredible views of the Caribbean. 

10. Cancun to Guatemala City ($230-$270 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Avianca, TAG Airlines, Volaris (4+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April ☀️ for dry season with clear skies
• 🏆 Perfect for: Culture seekers 🏛️, nature lovers 🌋, budget travelers 💰

Guatemala City is where urban energy meets incredible day trip options. This Central American capital gives you access to some of the most stunning landscapes and cultural sites in the region without the tourist markup you’d find in more popular destinations.

The city itself has way more to offer than most travelers realize. Zona 1 features colonial architecture and the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, while Zona 10 (aka Zona Viva) buzzes with trendy restaurants and nightlife. The real magic happens when you use Guatemala City as your base. Antigua is just an hour away with its cobblestone streets and volcano views, while Lake Atitlan offers one of the most stunning natural settings on the planet surrounded by traditional Mayan villages.

Flight deals from Cancun appear regularly with TAG Airlines and Avianca competing for the best fares, often dropping below $250 roundtrip during promotions. November through April offers perfect exploring weather during Guatemala’s dry season when volcanic hikes and ruins aren’t obscured by cloud cover.

11. Cancun to San Salvador ($170-$210 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Avianca, Volaris, TAG Airlines (4+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🌞 for ideal weather and outdoor activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: History lovers 🏰, surfers 🏄‍♂️, food adventurers 🍲

San Salvador flies completely under the tourist radar, which means you get incredible volcanos, Pacific surf beaches, and the world’s best pupusas without fighting crowds or paying inflated prices.

The city sits in a valley surrounded by volcanos, with the perfect cone of San Salvador Volcano (El Boquerón) offering hiking trails to a massive crater rim with views stretching all the way to the ocean on clear days. History comes alive at Joya de Cerén, a UNESCO site where a volcanic eruption perfectly preserved a pre-Hispanic farming village – basically Central America’s version of Pompeii. The striking Metropolitan Cathedral houses the tomb of Archbishop Óscar Romero, whose assassination sparked El Salvador’s civil war.

Flights from Cancun are surprisingly affordable with Volaris and Avianca offering competitive rates, sometimes dropping below $200 roundtrip especially in shoulder seasons. November to April delivers perfect weather with sunny days and minimal rain, ideal for both city exploration and day trips to surf towns and volcanic parks.

12. Cancun to Havana ($90-$120 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Cubana de Aviación, Aeroméxico (3+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March ☀️ for pleasant temperatures and minimal rain
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, vintage car lovers 🚗, culture seekers 🎵

Havana exists in its own time warp where 1950s Chevys rumble past crumbling colonial mansions, salsa rhythms spill from doorways at all hours, and your phone probably won’t work. Here, you’ll experience the world’s most fascinating living museum firsthand.

Old Havana (Habana Vieja) delivers cobblestone streets lined with buildings in various states of beautiful decay, from freshly restored colonial gems to structures seemingly held together by nothing but paint and prayers. The famous Malecón seawall serves as the city’s living room where locals gather at sunset to socialize, fish, and romance against the backdrop of crashing waves. 

Flights from Cancun are your easiest gateway to Cuba, with Cubana de Aviación offering the most consistent service at surprisingly affordable rates, often below $100 one-way. November through March brings perfect weather with sunny days around 75-80°F and low humidity, making it the ideal time to visit.

13. Cancun to Miami ($100-$130 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: American Airlines, Aeroméxico, Spirit Airlines (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🌴 for perfect beach weather without humidity
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, nightlife seekers 🍸, art enthusiasts 🎨

Miami serves up a perfect combo of Latin spice and American excess where you can party on sugar-sand beaches by day, feast on Cuban food by afternoon, and dance till dawn in clubs where celebrities might be at the next table.

South Beach delivers that iconic Miami experience with Art Deco buildings in pastel colors lining Ocean Drive, beautiful people rollerblading along the beachfront, and the Atlantic stretching out in fifty shades of blue. For culture beyond beaches, Little Havana keeps Cuban traditions alive with domino players in Maximo Gomez Park, hand-rolled cigars, and the best Cuban sandwiches outside Havana itself.

Flight deals between Cancun and Miami are consistently affordable with American Airlines and Spirit competing for the best fares, sometimes dropping below $100 one-way even in high season. The ideal time for visiting is January through March when Florida delivers 75-80°F days and minimal humidity, perfect for both beach lounging and urban exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cheapest Flights from Cancun

Looking to expand your knowledge about the cheapest destinations from Cancun? Here are some common questions I get a lot about cheap flights from Cancun to anywhere.

What are the cheapest destinations to fly to from Cancun?

Popular cheap destinations from Cancun include Miami, Havana, San Salvador, Guatemala City, Belize City, and more. Prices can vary based on seasonality and airline promotions.

Which airlines offer the most affordable flights from Cancun?

Airlines such as Volaris, Interjet, VivaAerobus, and Aeromexico often have competitive rates for flights departing from Cancun.

What is the cheapest day to fly out of Cancun?

Traditionally, midweek flights—think Tuesdays and Wednesdays—are often cheaper than weekend flights. Why? Most vacationers prefer to start their holiday on a weekend and return on a weekend, making those flights more in demand and, therefore, more expensive. Flying midweek can also mean fewer crowds, shorter lines, and a generally more pleasant airport experience.

However, these are general trends and can vary depending on the time of year, the airline, and the destination. High season in Cancun, which includes major holidays and the December-January and spring break periods, can throw these trends out the window. During these times, flights can be expensive every day of the week.

When is the best time to book cheap flights from Cancun?

The optimal time to book cheap flights from Cancun is during off-peak seasons when tourist traffic is lower. Mid-week departures, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, often offer better deals compared to weekend flights. Booking several weeks to a few months in advance can yield savings, but it’s also beneficial to set fare alerts on flight comparison sites to catch any unexpected price drops. Avoiding major holidays can further ensure you snag a budget-friendly ticket.

Is it cheaper to book a round trip or two one-way tickets?

Whether it’s cheaper to book a round trip or two one-way tickets depends on the airline, the route, and the current promotions or deals available. Historically, round-trip tickets were often more economical than booking two separate one-way flights. However, with the rise of budget airlines and more flexible booking options, there are instances where two one-way tickets can be more cost-effective. It’s always a good idea to compare both options before finalizing a booking.

How can I stay updated on flight deals from Cancun?

To stay updated on flight deals from Cancun, consider setting up fare alerts on flight comparison websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights. Subscribing to newsletters from airlines operating out of Cancun can also provide exclusive deals and promotions. Additionally, following travel deal websites and airlines on social media platforms can keep you informed about flash sales or limited-time offers. Always be ready to act swiftly, as some deals might be short-lived.

Do budget airlines fly out of Cancun?

Yes, budget airlines do operate out of Cancun. Cancun International Airport serves as a hub for several low-cost carriers that offer affordable routes to various destinations. Airlines such as Volaris, Interjet, and VivaAerobus provide budget-friendly options for travelers. These airlines often have competitive fares, making Cancun a popular departure point for cost-conscious travelers.

Are last-minute flights from Cancun cheaper?

Last-minute flights from Cancun can occasionally be cheaper, as airlines aim to fill unsold seats on imminent departures. However, this is not a consistent trend and can be a gamble, as prices might also surge due to high demand, especially during peak seasons. It’s always advisable to compare prices and monitor trends before banking on last-minute deals. For the best chances of savings, flexibility in travel dates and destinations can be beneficial.

Which nearby airports should I consider for cheaper flights?

When seeking cheaper flights, considering alternative nearby airports can be a smart strategy. Depending on your destination, you might find better deals or more flight options. For instance, if you’re in a major city, look into regional or secondary airports in the vicinity. Additionally, some budget airlines prefer smaller airports due to lower operational costs, which can translate to savings for travelers. Always factor in additional transportation or potential overnight stays when weighing the cost benefits of flying from an alternative airport.

How do flight prices from Cancun vary throughout the year?

Flight prices from Cancun fluctuate based on seasons and demand. Typically, fares rise during peak tourist seasons, such as the winter months when travelers seek warmer climates and during major holidays. Conversely, the off-peak or shoulder seasons, like late spring and early fall, often see reduced prices due to decreased demand. It’s also worth noting that special events or festivals in destination cities can impact flight costs.

Are there direct flights from Cancun to international destinations?

Yes, there are direct flights from Cancun to numerous international destinations. Cancun International Airport is one of Mexico’s busiest airports and serves as a major gateway to the Caribbean, North America, South America, and Europe. Travelers can find non-stop flights to cities in the United States, Canada, Europe, and various countries in Latin America, facilitated by both major and budget airlines. The availability of these direct routes makes Cancun a popular starting point for international travel.