Navigating the Airport

Cancun International Airport (CUN)

When to Arrive at the Airport:
Check in with bags: 2½ hours prior to scheduled departure
Check in without bags: 2½ hours prior to scheduled departure

Ticket Counter Location:
Terminal 2

Ticket Counter Hours:
Daily: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

OK- First the Cancun Airport is a work in progress. This information is current as of May 2007. I wish I could say it will be the same when you arrive, but really think of it more as a general guide.

The Cancun International Airport is located approximately 20 miles from downtown Cancun "Centro". Access to the hotel zone is a little closer, at about 10 minutes before you hit the strip. There are two terminals, "Charter Terminal" and "Main Terminal". Generally speaking, charter flights will arrive at the "Charter Terminal", all others at the "Main Terminal". There have been exceptions to this but it is easy enough to ask someone and confirm where you are.

Once you arrive at the Cancun International Airport you will either disembark from your plane outside within a very short walk to the terminal, or will be directed to a bus which will then shuttle you to the main terminal or, you will disembark, entering the terminal itself on the upper level. Here you will see lines of people boarding planes, as well as other disembarking. Look for overhead signs leading you to the lower level and Immigration. Charter flights generally disembark directly in to the charter terminal.

Once you arrive in either terminal your first stop will be Immigration. The lines can get very long here but generally move quickly. In order to speed the process have all of your documents at hand. For more information on Immigration Requirements, click here. As you pass through immigration please remember to properly stow your tourist card, passport and any other documentation. You will need your tourist visa and passport upon departure.

Your next stop will be baggage claim. The Cancun Airport does have baggage carousels, but they are small and not enough in number to handle the amount of luggage coming through. After a few rounds on the carousel, luggage is cleared into a central area, usually on the floor next to the carousels. You should look for your luggage on both carousels and on the floor around them.

Once you have your bags, head to customs. You should be able to see the customs line through the glass windows. You are almost done.

During the inbound flight, you will receive and need to fill out a customs form (Hacienda). After passing through immigration, you collect your bags and proceed to the exit. You will hand the form to the customs agent and press the button on what looks like a traffic light. A green light means “go” and red means “inspection” in which case, officials perform a quick inspection.

That's it! Your vacation has begun!