Looking for the cheapest places to fly into Mexico? Having explored dozens of countries, including multiple regions in Mexico, I’m excited to share some amazing airfare deals to this vibrant destination for 2025.
From the stunning beaches of Cancún to the colorful streets of Mexico City, there are incredible fares to explore this culturally rich country. Through the fall of 2025, you can find flights to Mexico for as low as $135 roundtrip. And I’ll be sharing the top airlines, so you won’t have to sacrifice comfort for savings.
Ready to plan your Mexican getaway? Here’s your ultimate guide to finding the cheapest cities to fly into Mexico for your next adventure!
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1. 🇲🇽 Cancún International Airport (CUN)
- 📍 Location: 16 kilometers southwest of the Hotel Zone
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Spirit, JetBlue, Frontier, Southwest, Breeze Airways
- 💰 Typical Roundtrip: $93 to $200 from major US hubs
- 🎯 Best For: Beach lovers, spring breakers, all inclusive seekers
- 🆕 What’s New in 2026: 17 new routes launching including Breeze Airways, Southwest from Las Vegas, Frontier from Charlotte/Chicago Midway/Raleigh, plus Aer Lingus direct from Dublin
- 💡 Pro Tip: New E-Gates at Terminal 4 cut immigration to under 30 minutes
Cancún remains the undisputed champion for cheap Mexico flights, and it’s not even close. I’ve flown here more times than I can count, and fares just keep getting more competitive as airlines pile into this route. The secret is sheer volume. So many carriers fight for your business that prices stay suppressed year round.
What excites me most for 2026 is the wave of new routes hitting this airport. Breeze Airways launched their first ever international flights in January and picked Cancún for four of their seven routes. Southwest finally connects Las Vegas starting June 4th (the only nonstop between those two party capitals). Frontier added Charlotte, Chicago Midway, and Raleigh with $99 intro fares.
The airport is also getting a massive facelift ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Terminal 1 is reopening mid 2026 after a complete rebuild and Terminal 4’s expansion adding more gates to reduce those painful tarmac waits. I recommend booking midweek departures on Tuesday or Wednesday for the best deals. Fly during May or late October to dodge both spring break and hurricane season..
- Read next: Cheapest Airports to Fly Into Cancun
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2. 🇲🇽 Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
- 📍 Location: 5 kilometers east of downtown (there’s also AIFA, 45km north, as a budget alternative)
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Aeromexico, Volaris, Viva Aerobus, American, United, Delta
- 💰 Typical Roundtrip: $93 to $220 from major US hubs
- 🎯 Best For: Culture seekers, foodies, World Cup fans
- 🆕 What’s New in 2026: FIFA World Cup Opening Match at Estadio Azteca (June 11), major airport renovation completing mid 2026, Aeromexico adding 12 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to fleet
- 💡 Pro Tip: Fly into MEX not AIFA unless you’re on a tight budget with extra time. AIFA is 45km out and ground transport is still catching up
Mexico City is where I send people who want the real Mexico (beyond the beaches). The capital is hosting the FIFA World Cup Opening Match on June 11, 2026 at the legendary Estadio Azteca, so expect flight demand to spike between June and July. If you’re planning a World Cup trip, book your flights now. Trust me, prices will only climb from here.
Aeromexico runs this airport as their main hub with connections to over 90 cities worldwide. However, the real savings come from homegrown budget carriers Volaris and Viva Aerobus. These two airlines announced a merger in 2025 and between them control nearly half of Mexico’s domestic market, which keeps fares low on routes from cities like Dallas, Houston, Chicago, and LA. The airport itself sits just 5 kilometers from the center, so you can be exploring the Zócalo within 30 minutes of landing.
One thing worth knowing is that Mexico City now has a second airport called Felipe Ángeles (AIFA) about 45 kilometers north. Fares there run cheaper but ground transport is still catching up, so I’d only recommend it if you’re connecting domestically and have schedule flexibility. For most visitors, MEX remains the better choice.
3. 🇲🇽 Tijuana International Airport (TIJ)
- 📍 Location: Right at the US border, accessible from San Diego via the Cross Border Xpress
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Volaris, Viva Aerobus, Aeromexico
- 💰 Typical Roundtrip: $120 to $180 for domestic Mexico flights (plus $35 to $46 for CBX bridge pass)
- 🎯 Best For: Southern California residents, budget travelers heading anywhere in Mexico
- 🆕 What’s New in 2026: Volaris now offers 33 direct routes from Tijuana, TJX booking code lets you bundle your bridge pass directly with your flight
- 💡 Pro Tip: Select “TJX” as your departure city when booking to include the bridge pass automatically
This is the insider pick most Americans don’t know about. Tijuana’s airport sits directly on the US border, and a 390 foot pedestrian bridge called Cross Border Xpress connects it to a terminal on the San Diego side. You walk across, clear customs in about 10 minutes, and you’re at your gate without ever setting foot in Tijuana itself.
Flights out of Tijuana cost a fraction of what you’d pay from LAX or San Diego. Volaris flies 33 direct routes to cities like Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancún, often under $100 roundtrip. Even after the bridge pass and $15 daily parking, families regularly save hundreds of dollars per trip.
The process sounds intimidating but it’s simple. Drive to the CBX terminal in Otay Mesa (20 minutes from downtown San Diego), check in at the airline counter on the US side, and walk across the enclosed bridge with your luggage. Budget about 30 minutes from entrance to gate on normal days, though weekends and Monday mornings get busier.
4. 🇲🇽 Guadalajara International Airport (GDL)
- 📍 Location: 11 miles south of downtown Guadalajara
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Volaris, Viva Aerobus, Aeromexico, American, Alaska
- 💰 Typical Roundtrip: $140 to $200 from major US cities
- 🎯 Best For: Exploring real Mexico beyond the beach resorts
- 🆕 What’s New in 2026: Terminal 2 under construction, new BRT line connecting airport to Estadio Akron, Viva Aerobus added 8 new US routes including Oakland, Dallas, and San Antonio
- 💡 Pro Tip: Book on a Sunday and at least 28 days out to save up to 24% on fares
Guadalajara doesn’t get the hype of Cancún or Mexico City, but that’s exactly why I love recommending it. You get authentic Mexico without the tourist markup, and the flight deals reflect that. Volaris flies direct from 44 cities including LA ($81), Dallas ($92), and Chicago ($101). Fares regularly dip below $100 each way if you time it right.
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👉 Send me cheap 2026 flightsThis is one of three Mexican cities hosting FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, and Estadio Akron will welcome four games including a Mexico national team match on June 18. The state expects 2.5 million visitors during the tournament. If you’re planning a World Cup trip, book your flights now before prices climb. A new electric BRT line will connect the airport directly to the stadium and downtown by tournament time.
May tends to be the cheapest month to fly here, and the weather is perfect with warm days and mild evenings. The airport sits about 35 minutes from downtown by taxi, though traffic can stretch that to an hour during rush hour. From Guadalajara you can easily day trip to Tequila (yes, the actual town!), Lake Chapala, or the stunning Barranca de Huentitan canyon.
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5. 🇲🇽 Monterrey International Airport (MTY)
- 📍 Location: 17 miles northeast of downtown Monterrey
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Viva Aerobus, Volaris, Aeromexico, American, United
- 💰 Typical Roundtrip: $145 to $230 from major US cities
- 🎯 Best For: Mountain scenery, business travelers, catching World Cup matches
- 🆕 What’s New in 2026: Terminal A fully renovated, new metro line connecting airport to Estadio BBVA
- 💡 Pro Tip: September is the cheapest month to fly, and Thursday departures save around 16% compared to Sundays
Monterrey flies under the radar for most American tourists, but the fares reflect that in a good way. Viva Aerobus dominates this airport with direct flights from 43 cities, and I’ve seen deals from Chicago for $64, San Antonio for $67, and Houston for $78. If you live in Texas, this is one of the most affordable international trips you can take.
The city is hosting four FIFA World Cup matches in 2026 at Estadio BBVA, and the state has poured $8 billion into infrastructure upgrades to get ready. A new metro line will connect the airport directly to the stadium and downtown, which means you won’t need to deal with taxi negotiations or traffic. The airport itself just finished a complete renovation of Terminal A and is building a second runway to handle the expected 2.2 million World Cup visitors.
Monterrey feels completely different from beach resort Mexico. It’s a modern industrial city surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, with fantastic food, craft breweries, and outdoor adventures like hiking Cerro de la Silla. The cooler months from September through February offer the best weather and the lowest fares, so plan accordingly.
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6. 🇲🇽 Mérida International Airport (MID)
- 📍 Location: 6 miles from downtown Mérida, Yucatán
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Viva Aerobus, Volaris, American, United
- 💰 Typical Roundtrip: $150 to $220 from US cities
- 🎯 Best For: Budget travelers who want Yucatán without Cancún prices
- 🆕 What’s New in 2026: Viva Aerobus launching new LA direct route, TAG Airlines adding Guatemala City connection
- 💡 Pro Tip: Fly into Mérida and bus to Cancún for $37 in 4.5 hours if you want both experiences on one trip
If you want to explore the Yucatán Peninsula without paying Cancún resort prices, Mérida is your move. I’ve seen roundtrip fares from Miami as low as $58, Houston for $96, and Dallas for $100. The city itself costs about 30 to 40 percent less than Cancún for hotels and restaurants, so your savings compound fast once you land.
Direct flights from the US are more limited than Cancún, but Viva Aerobus and American have been adding routes steadily. You can fly nonstop from Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Orlando, and Viva ran a seasonal LA route this past winter that’s expected to become permanent by mid 2026. If your home airport doesn’t have a direct option, connecting through Mexico City on Volaris or Aeromexico usually keeps the total fare competitive.
From Mérida you’re perfectly positioned to visit Chichén Itzá (about 75 miles away), swim in cenotes, and explore the colonial downtown without fighting through tourist crowds. The dry season from November through April offers the best weather, and that’s also when you’ll find the most flight options. The airport is small and easy to navigate, and a taxi downtown takes about 20 minutes.
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7. 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR)
- 📍 Location: 2 miles northwest of downtown Puerto Vallarta
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Volaris, Southwest, Alaska, American, United, Viva Aerobus
- 💰 Typical Roundtrip: $170 to $260 from major US cities
- 🎯 Best For: Beach lovers who want reliable flight options from almost anywhere
- 🆕 What’s New in 2026: Southwest launching Las Vegas route June 6, San Diego route started March 5, major airport expansion completing 2027
- 💡 Pro Tip: May is the cheapest month to fly, and booking on a Sunday saves 6 to 13 percent versus Friday
Puerto Vallarta isn’t the cheapest airport to fly into Mexico on this list, but the tradeoff is you can get there from almost anywhere. Volaris regularly posts one way fares under $100 from LA ($75), Chicago ($80), and San Antonio ($79), which can bring your roundtrip well under $200 if you time it right. Southwest alone now flies here from seven US cities, including new Las Vegas and San Diego routes.
The competition between 17 different airlines keeps prices in check and gives you flexibility if your schedule changes. Alaska, American, United, Delta, and Frontier all serve PVR alongside Mexican carriers Volaris and Viva Aerobus. You can often find last minute deals or use miles from whatever loyalty program you’re already in. The airport sits just 2 miles from downtown, which means you can be on the beach within 30 minutes of landing.
I’d also recommend Puerto Vallarta if you’re attending World Cup matches in Guadalajara. It’s only a 3 hour drive and hotel prices are much lower than in the host city. The rainy season runs June through September, which is when you’ll find the cheapest fares but also afternoon thunderstorms.
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8. Tijuana ($120–$200 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 2-5 hours with direct flights from many West Coast cities
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Volaris, Alaska, Spirit, JetBlue (best deals often Tuesday-Thursday)
- 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Border location advantage 🏆, high flight volume ✈️, competitive carriers 💰, alternative to San Diego 🌉
- 🔥 Perfect for: Foodie adventurers 🌮, border hoppers 🚶♂️, day-trippers 🚗, budget travelers 💰
Tijuana is way more than just a border town. This bustling city has transformed into a legit culinary destination with some of the best street food in Mexico, plus it’s your budget backdoor into Southern California without the SoCal prices.
Avenida Revolución has shed its sketchy reputation and now boasts hip breweries, food halls, and boutique shops that locals actually visit. The Playas de Tijuana neighborhood offers beachfront vibes with the unique experience of seeing the border wall dramatically extend into the Pacific Ocean. For food lovers, Telefonica Gastro Park is a collection of food trucks serving everything from incredible seafood tacos to artisanal ice cream.
The best time to visit is April to October when temperatures are warm but not scorching, and rainfall is minimal. Flight-wise, Volaris consistently offers the cheapest fares, especially if you book 4-6 weeks ahead.
9. Cabo San Lucas ($180–$270 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 2-6 hours with direct flights from most major U.S. airports
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Southwest, American, Alaska (best deals often Tuesday-Wednesday)
- 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Tourism competition 🏆, west coast proximity 🌊, airline route expansion ✈️, package incentives 🏨
- 🔥 Perfect for: Beach enthusiasts 🏖️, luxury seekers 🛥️, partiers 🍹, sport fishing fans 🎣
Cabo San Lucas delivers that perfect mix of beach paradise and party vibes without requiring a trust fund to visit. This desert-meets-ocean destination at the tip of Baja California has enough flight competition to keep prices surprisingly reasonable for a place this famous.
The iconic El Arco rock formation where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez is basically the money shot everyone comes for, and it actually lives up to the hype in person. Medano Beach is where the action happens with beach clubs, water sports, and people watching that’ll keep you entertained all day. For something more chill, Chileno Bay offers incredible snorkeling with way fewer crowds. Trust me, swimming with tropical fish in crystal clear water while your friends back home are stuck in traffic is worth every penny of that plane ticket.
May and October are usually when prices drop to around $180-$210 roundtrip from western cities. Southwest and Alaska Airlines frequently battle it out with sales, especially for midweek flights booked 6-8 weeks ahead.
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10. Mérida, Mexico ($150–$235 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 3-6 hours with most routes requiring one connection
- 🛫 Best Airlines: United, American, Aeromexico, Volaris (best deals often Tuesday-Thursday)
- 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Growing tourism awareness 🏆, gateway to Yucatán 🗿, emerging destination status 🌅, alternative to Cancun 🏝️
- 🔥 Perfect for: Culture seekers 🏛️, authentic food lovers 🌮, cenote explorers 💦, colonial architecture fans 🏰
Mérida is Yucatán’s best-kept secret that somehow stays cheap despite being ridiculously beautiful. While the Cancun crowd is fighting over beach chairs, you’ll be wandering colonial streets, discovering actual Mayan culture, and wondering why more people haven’t figured this place out yet.
The Plaza Grande is where everything happens: live music, food vendors, and locals actually hanging out (not just other tourists). The buildings are all painted in these crazy bright colors that make every photo look like you applied a filter. Just outside town, you can dive into cenotes—insane natural swimming holes that look fake but aren’t. Chichén Itzá is obviously a must, but when you visit from Mérida, you beat all the Cancun tour buses and actually get photos without 500 strangers in them.
Best time to visit is November to March when the weather won’t melt your face off. United and American usually have the cheapest connecting flights through Houston or Miami, and midweek flights can save you like $40-60 compared to weekends.
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Visiting cheap airports in Mexico from other parts of the world
Here are some budget-friendly flight routes to Mexico from other countries around the globe.
Canada
Looking for cheapest places to fly to in Mexico from Canada? Whether you’re looking to depart from Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, or Calgary, here are some cheapest airports in Mexico to fly into. Note that these destinations are in order based on average flight prices over the past 6 months:
1. Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport – Puerto Vallarta
2. Cancun International Airport – Cancun, Mexico
3. Mexico City International Airport – Mexico City
4. Guadalajara International Airport – Guadalajara
5. Los Cabos International Airport – San José del Cabo
Flying cheap to Mexico from the UK
Searching for cheap flights to Mexico from the UK? Here are some cheap airports with direct flights that you can fly into.
1. Cancun International Airport – Cancun, Mexico
2. Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport – Puerto Vallarta
3. Mexico City International Airport – Mexico City
4. Playa del Carmen Airport – Playa del Carmen
5. Los Cabos International Airport – San José del Cabo
Australia
Though there are not any direct flights from Australia to Mexico, you can still find decent flight deals throughout the year. You’ll have to connect in the US in cities like Miami, Dallas, LA, and San Francisco. However, once you get there, it’s just a jump, skip, and a hop away to the southern border. Here are some convenient airports to fly into on a connecting flight to Mexico from Australia.
1. Mexico City International Airport – Mexico City
2. Cancun International Airport – Cancun, Mexico
3. Los Cabos International Airport – San José del Cabo
4. Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport – Puerto Vallarta
5. Guadalajara International Airport – Guadalajara
- See what’s next: @global.viewpoint
Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.
