10 Cheapest Places to Fly Into Mexico (World Cup Routes & $40 Fares)

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I’ve been flying to Mexico for years, obsessively tracking fares and watching budget carriers like Volaris and Viva Aerobus turn the market upside down. For this guide, I looked at 10 airports to find where you’ll score the best deals in 2026. I’ve also included new routes, airline updates, and a few booking tricks that have saved me money over the years.

This is a fantastic year to visit Mexico. The FIFA World Cup kicks off in June with matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, and airlines have added routes to meet demand. Southwest just launched nonstops to Cancún, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta, and budget airlines keep posting $40 one way fares that make spontaneous weekend trips almost too easy!

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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
• You may also like: Cheap Flights to Cancun: My Secret Tips & Hacks

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.

• Find your flight: 9 AMAZING Airlines to Fly to Mexico City
• Read my guide: The Most Unique Places to Eat in Mexico City

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.

• Check this out: 13 Beautiful Places to Go Camping Near San Diego
• Planning a move? Places to Live in Mexico (Where Perfect Weather Meets $1,500/Month Rent)

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.

This 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.

• Read Next: The 60 Most Beautiful Islands in the World (with Photos)

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.

• Read next: This World Cup 2026 Road Trip Takes You Through 6 U.S. Stadium Cities

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.

• Plan your visit: If You Haven’t Been to These 12 Yucatan Peninsula Spots, You’re Missing Out

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.

• Read Next: 12 Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

8. 🇲🇽 Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)

• 📍 Location: 7 miles north of San José del Cabo, between both Cabo towns
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Volaris, Southwest, Alaska, American, JetBlue, Frontier
• 💰 Typical Roundtrip: $171 to $270 from major US cities
• 🎯 Best For: West Coast weekend escapes, golf trips, bachelorette parties
• 🆕 What’s New in 2026: Southwest launching Las Vegas nonstop June 4, Indianapolis nonstop March 7, airport expanding capacity 32%
• 💡 Pro Tip: Volaris posts $40 one way fares regularly if you’re flexible on dates

Cabo has a reputation as the pricey option, but that’s changing. Seventeen airlines now fly here, and when that many carriers compete for the same beach crowd, prices drop. I’ve tracked roundtrips from Ontario at $44, Oakland at $122, and Denver under $200. The trick is knowing which airline dominates your home airport and checking their site directly. Budget carriers like Volaris don’t always show up on Google Flights.

West Coast travelers should start with Alaska, which runs nonstops from LA, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, and Portland year round. From the Midwest or Texas, Southwest just added Indianapolis and Las Vegas for 2026, and they already fly from Denver, Houston, Austin, and Phoenix. JetBlue covers the East Coast with nonstops from New York and Boston.

The airport itself used to be a nightmare with long immigration lines and lost luggage horror stories. A major expansion finishing this year adds 32% more capacity, which should ease the chaos. My advice is to arrive in the afternoon if possible since most US flights land between 11am and 1pm and create a bottleneck.

• Book your adventure: 10 Best Airlines to Fly to Cabo This Year

9. 🇲🇽 Oaxaca International Airport (OAX)

• 📍 Location: 7 miles south of Oaxaca city center
• ✈️ Best Airlines: United, American, Volaris (via connection), Aeromexico
• 💰 Typical Roundtrip: $180 to $280 from major US cities
• 🎯 Best For: Foodies, cultural travelers, Day of the Dead celebrations, mezcal lovers
• 🆕 What’s New in 2026: $104M terminal expansion underway, international traffic up 20%
• 💡 Pro Tip: March is the cheapest month to fly, and departing on Thursday can save 16% compared to Sunday

Oaxaca is the foodie destination of Mexico, and getting there used to mean routing through Mexico City on every single trip. That’s still often the case, but direct US options have expanded. United flies nonstop from Houston, American runs a Dallas route, and Volaris operates from Los Angeles. If you’re coming from anywhere else and willing to connect through Mexico City, fares from most US cities run $180 to $280 roundtrip.

The cheapest fares show up in March during low season, and booking at least 28 days out typically saves around 24% compared to last minute prices. Thursday departures average 16% cheaper than Sundays. Volaris doesn’t always appear on Google Flights, so check their site directly if you’re flying from the West Coast. I’ve seen one way fares from Ontario for $113 when the aggregators showed $200+.

Oaxaca also stretches a travel budget further on the ground than almost anywhere else in Mexico. Hotels cost half what Cancún charges, a world class meal runs $15, and mezcal tastings are practically free. The flight might cost slightly more than a Cancún deal, but the overall trip often ends up cheaper.

• Here’s my guide: 12 Breathtaking Places to Visit in Oaxaca

10. 🇲🇽 Cozumel International Airport (CZM)

• 📍 Location: 2 miles north of San Miguel de Cozumel, on the island
• ✈️ Best Airlines: American, United, Delta, Southwest, Sun Country
• 💰 Typical Roundtrip: $250 to $380 from major US cities
• 🎯 Best For: Divers and snorkelers who don’t want to deal with the ferry
• 🆕 What’s New in 2026: Runway upgrades for larger aircraft, WestJet Calgary nonstop through April
• 💡 Pro Tip: Fly into Cancún and take the ferry if direct Cozumel flights cost $100+ more

I’ll be honest, Cozumel is the most expensive airport on this list. Direct roundtrips run $250 to $380 while the same dates to Cancún often show $100 to $150 less. So why include it? Because sometimes the cheaper route isn’t actually cheaper once you add up ground costs and lost time.

Flying into Cancún means a one hour shuttle to Playa del Carmen, then a 45 minute ferry, then a taxi on the island. That’s $50 to $70 extra in transportation, plus 2.5 hours each direction that could be spent diving. For travelers hauling scuba gear or anyone who gets seasick on ferries, paying more for the direct flight makes sense. For everyone else, Cancún is probably the smarter play unless you find a deal.

American operates the most Cozumel routes from Dallas, Charlotte, and Miami. United flies from Houston year round, and Delta runs Atlanta seasonally. The airport has only eight gates, so immigration moves quickly and you’re poolside within 30 minutes of landing. I’d check both Cozumel and Cancún fares before booking and let the price difference decide.

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