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Mexico City is the country's capital, a sprawl of museums, markets and street food. It sits far inland, well beyond the Yucatan. Flying is the quickest way to get from Cancun to Mexico City, taking 3h 55m - 4h 10m. The bus runs the whole way overland, but it will take a long time, around 1d 4h - 1d 7h.
Distance from Cancun to Mexico City
Cancun and Mexico City are about 1300 km (808 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 1622 km by road. The quickest way to get from Cancun to Mexico City is by taking the flight, which takes around 3h 55m - 4h 10m.
2 ways to travel from Cancun to Mexico City
There are two ways to travel from Cancun to Mexico City. You can choose between the flight and bus. The journey takes 3h 55m–1d 4h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by flight with tickets starting at $49 (860 MXN).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Cancun (ADO Centro)→Cancun (ADO Conecta Aeropuerto)45m
- Cancun→Mexico City2h 40m
- Mexico City Airport→Mexico City Centre45m
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Cancun City Centre→Bus Terminal25m
- Cancun→Mexico City3h
- Mexico City Bus Terminal→the City Centre30m
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Cancun to Mexico City by Flight
With a flight distance of 1,296 km., flying from Cancun to Mexico City is the easiest and most convenient option.
Plenty of flights cover this route daily, especially during peak tourist seasons (December – February, Easter). This means that if you plan ahead, it’s likely you’ll get a good rate even during busy periods.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: City Centre to Cancun Airport
Flights bound for Mexico City depart from Cancun International Airport, 18 km south of Cancun city centre. That’s a 30 to 45-minute bus journey.
You can board an ADO bus from ADO Centro Cancun. Buses start running as early as 01:00, and then departs every 30 minutes from 04:00 to 22:30. You can book a bus ticket online via BookAway from $7.70 (135 MXN).
If you're in a group and prefer a private transfer, Uber is the more affordable option at $19 (335 MXN). You can also pre-book one on BookAway with pick-up from your hotel in the city centre or the Hotel Zone. Prices for a 5-seater car start at $38 (660 MXN), making it a pricier choice.
For more info, you can check out our page for Cancun Airport.
Step 2: Cancun to Mexico City by Flight
Flight departures from Cancun to Mexico City are frequent. They depart every hour from 04:00 to 23:00, with a flight time of approximately 2h 40m.
Three airlines fly direct from Cancun to Mexico City: AeroMexico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris. In terms of service, AeroMexico has the best standard, but its price is often the highest. Viva Aerobus and Volaris offer cheaper fares.
Prices for airline tickets can go as low as $40 (695 MXN) when you book at least a few weeks ahead. Regularly check Skyscanner for the cheapest flights!
Step 3: Mexico City Airport to the City Centre
Your flight arrives at Benito Juarez Airport (MEX), about 10 km east of Mexico City. From here, you have two main options to reach your hotel: Metrobus or a private transfer.
We recommend taking the Metrobus because it’s both cheap and convenient. Take Line #4 and you can get straight to the city centre in around 45 minutes. If you’re aiming for Mexico City’s main square, commonly called Zocalo, then you can get off at the nearest bus stop, which is Republica de Argentina.
A Metrobus ticket costs $1.70 (30 MXN). You will find the buses at Entrance 7 of Terminal 1 and Entrance 2 of Terminal 2.
If you prefer a private ride, you can hail an Uber with rates from $6.30 (110 MXN), but note that they sometimes take a while to arrive. Alternatively, you can book your private transfer in advance — a 3-seater car costs $37 (640 MXN) on BookAway.
Why we don't recommend taking the Metro from Mexico City Airport
Although the Metro is the cheapest option at $0.30 (5 MXN), it is not ideal if you have luggage. Large bags are not allowed, and the trains can get extremely crowded, especially during peak hours. Plus, no direct line goes to the city centre, so you may need to make multiple transfers.
You can check our Mexico City Airport page for a more detailed guide.
Flight tickets are available on Skyscanner.
Cancun to Mexico City by Bus
If for whatever reason, you couldn’t or didn’t want to fly, you can also take the bus from Cancun to Mexico City.
Direct buses are available, but it’s important to note that they take around 1d 4h - 1d 7h to complete the journey. Also, bus tickets are quite expensive. Even last-minute flights and round-trip flights are cheaper!
But if you’re really determined to take the bus, we recommend stocking up on water, snacks and a podcast or five. And wear comfortable clothes! Luckily, the views will help keep you distracted from time to time.
Step 1: Cancun City Centre to Bus Terminal
You will find ADO Cancun Bus Station in the city centre. It's accessible by foot or via a short taxi ride.
If you’re staying in the resort or beach area, you can take a 15-minute taxi for $11 (200 MXN). On a tight budget? Alternatively, you can take a bus from the Hotel Zone. Line R-1 will drop you off at Avenida Tulum, right in front of the bus terminal. A bus ticket costs $0.70 (13 MXN).
Step 2: Cancun to Mexico City by Bus
Buses from Cancun to Mexico City are operated by ADO. There are several departures a day and travel time is around 1d 3h - 1d 6h.
ADO is Mexico’s most popular bus company, offering comfortable, air-conditioned buses with reclining seats and onboard restrooms. For this route, you can book Primera Clase. See our Mexico Bus Guide for the differences between ADO’s bus types.
Prices start from $115 (1,980 MXN). They vary daily and the earlier you book, the higher the chance of you getting cheaper rates.
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Step 3: Mexico City Bus Terminal to the City Centre
Mexico City has a number of bus terminals, but the buses coming from Cancun will drop you off at Central Mexico Norte or Central de Autobuses del Norte, about 10 km north of the city centre.
After coming from quite a long journey, it’s really best to just take a taxi to your hotel. Travel time is around 30 minutes and rates start from $12 (210 MXN). You can also get an Uber for around $8.30 (145 MXN).
A cheaper option would be to take the Metro from Autobuses del Norte Station. A ticket only costs $0.30 (5 MXN), but you’ll have to make at least two transfers to the city centre. We don’t think that’s a good idea after a 30-hour bus ride. Also, if you're carrying luggage, that's not allowed on the Metro!
Our favourite places to stay in Mexico City
Here are our favourite places to stay in Mexico City for every budget.
Treat YourselfCasa Emilia
Staying at Casa Emilia will make you feel like you’re staying in a cosy jungle retreat, rather than in a massive metropolitan city. All of the spaces around the hotel are designed for ultimate comfort and luxury, which it certainly achieves. You can relax on the terrace, in access hall or in the hotel’s sunroom.
Two of our favourite experiences at the hotel are the delicious breakfast and the huge, comfy beds offering a great night’s sleep. If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the place to do it.
- Incredible breakfast
- Cosy jungle design
- Bike rental available
- Excellent location
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Treat YourselfCasa Pancha
Located in the neighbourhood of Condesa, Casa Pancha mirrors the atmosphere of the area. The hotel’s culture is certainly one of its selling points, offering simplicity, originality, community and connection.
With a mixture of dorms and private rooms, it’s an easy place to meet people whilst maintaining privacy. The hotel is bright and natural throughout, with both a backyard and a balcony area to relax in. The staff are super friendly here and their love for the hotel quickly spreads through the space.
- Dorms and private rooms available
- Private garden and balcony
- Amazing staff
- Perfect location
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Mid-RangeStanza Hotel
If there’s any neighbourhood that you want to stay in Mexico City, La Roma should definitely be up there. And that’s where Stanza Hotel is located. It puts you close to the tree-lined streets that are brimming with hip cafes and bars.
The hotel rooms are clean and modern, offering everything that you could ask for. The beds are also huge and super comfy. If you don’t fancy leaving the hotel one night for dinner, the onsite restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean-Mexican fusion food.
- Great location
- Clean and modern rooms
- Onsite Mediterranean-Mexican fusion restaurant
- Helpful, English-speaking staff
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
BudgetCasa Indigo
This place gets booked out fast (we’re talking months in advance)! The location is perfect and it’s super affordable. Casa Indigo is close to the historic centre, plus the rooms are clean and beautifully decorated.
The host, Salvador, will make your stay unforgettable with his friendliness and warm welcome. On top of all of that, you can enjoy a large roof terrace offering stunning views over Mexico City.
- Great location
- Huge roof terrace
- Friendly host
- Fully equipped kitchen
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Mexico City?
Mexico City is a destination that will keep any type of traveller entertained for days on end. Interesting history, rich culture, endless shopping and vibrant nightlife are just a few of the many things Mexico City has to offer.
A fun fact, with over 150 museums, Mexico City has the highest number of museums in the world. When you’re museumed-out, there are plenty of other things to do in Mexico City. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, explore Frida Kahlo's house, or take a boat trip along the canals of Xochimilco.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Cancun to Mexico City, roughly 1300 kilometres (808 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest non-flight fare is $125 (2,160 MXN), though if you're lucky with timing you might find a flight ticket for even less. The quickest trip takes 3h 55m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Cancun to Mexico City?
The distance from Cancun to Mexico City is 1,300 kilometres (808 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Cancun to Mexico City?
The fastest way to get from Cancun to Mexico City is by flight and takes 3h 55m - 4h 10m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cancun to Mexico City?
The cheapest way to get from Cancun to Mexico City is by flight with ticket costs starting from 860 MXN.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Travel Writer
A writer and full-time mom who loves planning beach trips. London is her favourite destination.
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