Tulum Airport

Tulum Airport: Everything You Need To Know

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Tulum Airport, or Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum Felipe Carrillo Puerto (code TQO) was inaugurated on December 1, 2023 when the flight from Mexico City landed there.

The idea behind the airport is to save travelers time and avoid the busy Cancun Airport, which can be very hectic, especially during the high season which is from December through March.

The route from Cancun to Tulum can take up to 2,5 hours in traffic, and the new airport is supposed to help travelers minimize their time on the road and get the most out of their trip, instead of spending hours on the road.

The airport currently has domestic flights from Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Toluca and Tijuana that are operated by Mexican low-cost carrier Viva Airbus and the flagship carrier Aeromexico.

A number of U.S. airlines including Spirit, United, Delta and Southwest already announced flights from several destinations in the United States including Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Chicago and Newark that will launch in 2024.

Airport in Tulum will have several international flights from the United States

Is Tulum Airport open?

Yes, Tulum airport is currently open. The first flight operated by Mexican carrier Viva Aerobus landed at the airport on December 1, 2023.

What’s Tulum Airport Code?

Tulum Airport Code is TQO.

What U.S. Airlines will fly to Tulum Airport?

Delta was first to announce its flights to Tulum. In March 2024, the airline will start operating daily flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). American Airlines will also operate daily flights to Tulum, including Dallas Fort Worth, Miami and another one from Charlotte. United also also announced daily flights from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando to Tulum, which will begin operating in March.

Tulum, Mexico

United will launch services to Tulum from Houston George Bush (IAH), Newark Liberty (EWR), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD). Service from Tulum to Los Angeles (LAX) is expected to launch in late May.

What airpot do you fly into Tulum for?

You can fly into Tulum International Airport (TQO) or Cancun Airport (CUN), which is 73 miles away. Tulum Airport currently has domestic flights from Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey and Tijuana. The first international flights in Tulum are scheduled for March 2023.

Tulum Airport is located about 40 km from town

Tulum Airport location

Tulum Airport is located about 40 km (25 miles) away from town.

How far is Tulum from Cancun Airport?

The distance between Cancun Airport (CUN) and Tulum is approximately 118 kilometers (73 miles) when traveling by road. The driving time from Cancun to Tulum can vary depending on traffic conditions and the mode of transportation, but it usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car.

How to get from Cancun to Tulum

How to get from Tulum Airport to the hotel?

To get from Tulum Airport to your hotel, you will need to take a taxi or catch a bus. ADO, a company that operates buses in Mexico’s Yucatan has already announced plans to start serving Tulum Airport.

Tulum Airport is one of the airports that serve Mexico's Riviera Maya

What other airports are in Riviera Maya?

Tulum is not the first airport in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The region is already served by Cancun International Airport (CUN), which has flights from all over the world, and is considered a gateway to Riviera Maya. Another airport in the region is Chetumal International Airport (CTM), which has daily flights to Mexico City and Guadalajara. Chetumal is located near the Belize-Mexico border, not far from Bacalar.

Tulum has many great breakfast places with healthy options located in Tulum Centro

Where to stay in Tulum:

Tulum is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, and with new international and domestic routes to its airport, the demand is expected only to grow. Whether you are spending a few days in Tulum, or want to stay longer and explore the area more, here are some of the best hotels to stay in the area:

Budget: Selina Tulum

One of the most popular hostels in Tulum, Selina is well known for its social atmosphere with daily events and yoga sessions. If you are a backpacker or budget traveler looking to make new friends, this is one of the best places to stay in Tulum.

BOOK A STAY IN SELINA

Mid-budget: Maka Boutique Hotel

One of the best boutique hotels in Tulum, Maka has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool and a rooftop bar. It’s located right in the heart of town and boasts a quick access to cenotes and some of the best restaurants in downtown Tulum.

BOOK A STAY AT MAKA BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Luxury: Azulik

One of the most beautiful beachfront hotels in Tulum, Azulik is a private, adults-only beach resort and Mayan Wellness Center. While Azulik is famous for its stunning boho-chic decors, it’s an overall magical experience with Mayan therapies, medicinal herbal baths and temazcal treatment.

BOOK A STAY AT AZULIK

Best breakast places in Tulum

Best activities in Tulum:

1. Learn how to cook Mexican dishes

Many people travel to Mexico because of the delicious Mexican cuisine like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, among other things. But what if you could learn some of these cooking secrets from local masters?

Take a Mexican cooking class while in Tulum to learn the authentic recipes and cooking secrets

2. Grab a bite

Downtown is home to some of the best restaurants in Tulum where you can find everything from tacos to various interactional cuisines like Italian, Middle Eastern, and Asian. As someone who visited Tulum many times, I can tell you that its selection of food doesn’t disappoint!

3. Book a tour

Downtown is where you can book a tour to popular places like Sian Ka’an, Coba ruins, and popular Tulum cenotes. Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the busiest destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula. If you want to avoid crowds, planning a trip from Tulum to Chichen Itza requires careful preparation and planning. 

This private VIP tour of Chichen Itza is a perfect option! 

Tulum Airport: FAQ’s

Tulum airport

What’s the closest airport to Tulum, Mexico?

The closest airport to Tulum, Mexico is Tulum.

Which airlines fly to Tulum Mexico?

A number of airlines have already announced new routes to Tulum. Mong them are United, Spirit, Delta, Southwest and Frontier.

How much is a shuttle from Cancun to Tulum?

A shuttle from Cancun to Tulum costs an average $45-40. The exact price depends on the timing of your trip, the number of passengers and the shuttle operator.

Do I fly into Cancun to get to Tulum?

You can fly to Cancun International Airport to go to Sulu, but you can also fly into Tulum Airport from multiple destinations in the United States.

Will United fly into Tulum?

United has recently announced flights to Tulum from several destinations including Los Angeles, Newark, Houston and Chicago.