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Cancun sits on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It's the gateway to white-sand beaches, Mayan ruins and the reefs off Isla Mujeres. Flying is much the quickest way to get from Mexico City to Cancun, taking 3h 40m - 4h. The bus costs $125 (2,160 MXN) and takes 1d 2h - 1d 5h, so it is a long haul.
Distance from Mexico City to Cancun
Mexico City and Cancun are about 1300 km (808 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 1614 km by road. The quickest way to get from Mexico City to Cancun is by taking the flight, which takes around 3h 40m - 4h.
2 ways to travel from Mexico City to Cancun
There are two ways to travel from Mexico City to Cancun. You can choose between the flight and bus. The journey takes 3h 40m–1d 2h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by flight with tickets starting at $49 (845 MXN).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Mexico City Centre→Central Norte Bus Terminal30m
- Mexico City→Cancun1h
- Cancun Bus Terminal→the City Centre25m
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Mexico City to Cancun by Flight
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 Mexico City Airport
Your flight departs from Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX), 10 km east of the city centre. The best ways to get there from the city centre are a 45-minute Metrobus and a 30-minute taxi/Uber.
For a combination of budget and convenience, we recommend taking the Metrobus, which only costs $1.70 (30 MXN). Take Line #4. You can ask the assistance of your hotel for the nearest bus stop or you can board one at Republica de Argentina, the closest bus stop to the main square.
If you prefer a private and fast ride, we recommend hailing an Uber with rates from $6.30 (110 MXN). But if you want to book in advance, a 3-seater private transfer costs $37 (640 MXN) on BookAway.
Why we don’t recommend taking the Metro to 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 from the city centre to the airport, so you may need to make multiple transfers.
You can check our Mexico City Airport page for a more detailed guide.
Step 2: Mexico City to Cancun by Flight
You shouldn’t have a hard time getting nonstop flights from Mexico City to Cancun. There are plenty of schedules to choose from, with flights departing from 04:00 to 23:00 daily.
The cheapest flight costs $41 (720 MXN) and travel time is around 2h 10m.
There are 3 airlines flying from Mexico City to Cancun: AeroMexico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris. AeroMexico is a bigger airline and their service is superior, but this tends to come at a higher price. You can often get the cheapest flight prices with Viva Aerobus and Volaris.
For the best rates, it’s better to plan ahead and book your plane tickets weeks in advance.
Step 3: Cancun Airport to the City Centre
Your arrival airport is Cancun International Airport. If you want to head straight to Cancun city centre or the beach/resort area once you arrive, you can do it by bus, shared minivan or with a private shuttle. Travel time is around 45m - 1h 5m.
The bus is the cheapest option with ticket prices from $7.30 (130 MXN). These buses, operated by ADO, depart from the airport roughly every hour from 00:30 to 13:45. They park at ADO Cancun Bus Station, just within walking distance from many hotels in the city centre.
Shared minivans are a good option if you want to be dropped off at your hotel’s doorstep but don’t have the budget for a taxi. They depart every hour, 24 hours a day from Cancun Airport. You can book this service on BookAway, with rates starting at $7 (120 MXN).
The most comfortable option is to hire a private transfer, but as with most things, this comes at a higher cost. Rates start from $38 (660 MXN) for a 5-seater car. Pre-book your ride online via BookAway for more spacious cars and trusted drivers.
For more info, visit our page for Cancun Airport.
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Mexico City to Cancun by Bus
If flying’s not really your thing, there are also buses operating direct trips from Mexico City to Cancun. But there’s a catch, they take around 1d 2h - 1d 5h to complete the journey.
We don’t really recommend the bus because apart from the travel time taking more than 1 day, fares are at least 2x more expensive compared to taking a flight. Even round-trip flights are cheaper than a one-way bus ticket! But if you’re up for it, make sure to stock up on water, snacks and maybe a podcast or five to pass the time.
Step 1: Mexico City Centre to Central Norte Bus Terminal
Buses from Mexico City to Cancun depart from ADO’s northern bus terminal called Central Mexico Norte.
The easiest and most direct way to get to Central Mexico Norte is via Uber that takes around 30 minutes. Rates from the city centre start from $8.30 (145 MXN).
A more budget-friendly option would be to take the Metro, which only costs $0.30 (5 MXN). However, you’re going to have to make several transfers because there are no direct trains from the city centre to Central Norte. And since you already have a 27-hour bus ordeal ahead of you, we don’t recommend taking the Metro for this route.
Step 2: Mexico City to Cancun by Bus
ADO, is the sole operator of buses from Mexico City to Cancun. 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 ADO Primera Clase. See our Mexico Bus Guide for the differences between ADO’s bus types.
Throughout your journey, the bus will make a few stops in different towns including Villahermosa, Campeche and Merida. Here, you should be able to stretch your legs, go to the toilet, and grab a few snacks to keep you going for the rest of the trip.
One good thing about taking the bus is that if you had chosen to fly, you probably wouldn’t have the chance to see these smaller cities within Mexico. We’re not sure whether this is worth the 28-hour bus ride though!
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Step 3: Cancun Bus Terminal to the City Centre
Buses park at ADO Bus Station in downtown Cancun, with many hotels and hostels located close by or just a few blocks away — an opportunity to exercise your legs after the long bus journey.
But if you’re staying further away or in the Hotel Zone, you may want to take a taxi to get to your final destination. Taxis are available from outside of the bus terminal and are metered, so rates will depend on the distance and time. An average taxi ride to the beach area is around $11 (200 MXN).
Another option is to use public transport. Buses pass in front of the bus terminal on Avenida Tulum and Line R-1 can take you to the Hotel Zone. The rate for the buses is $0.70 (13 MXN), to be paid directly to the bus driver.
Our favourite places to stay in Cancun
Here are our favourite places to stay in Cancun for every budget.
Sina Suites
Resorts in Cancun can cost you a bomb! Sina Suites gives you that resort-style feel without the high prices. Ever wanted your own private marina in a hotel? No? Well now you probably do, and Sina Suites has one. It also has a large swimming pool set amongst gardens that overlook the lagoon.
Every day, enjoy a continental breakfast and delicious Mexican food in their poolside restaurant/bar that sits underneath a traditional thatched hut! You’ll also get more than just a room here, most suites also offer a kitchenette and balcony.
- Views overlooking Cancun lagoon
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Bar and restaurant
- Great location
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Mid-RangeViento Suites
Viento Suites is an escape from the busy and hectic Cancun. Once you’re inside the walls of this hotel, chilling in the garden beside the swimming pool, you’ll forget about the outside world.
The location couldn’t be more perfect. It’s situated within Downtown Cancun, but also very close to the Hotel Zone and beaches. The rooms look like those found in a high-class hotel, but without the extortionate prices.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- BBQ facilities
- Great location
- Clean and spacious rooms
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
BudgetYellow Capsule Hotel
Looking for a unique sleeping experience? The Yellow Capsule Hotel will definitely give you that. Instead of traditional rooms, you sleep in a pod. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the future when you clamber into your bright and spacious pod.
The capsules are clean and include everything you need for a comfy stay, a mirror, outlets, a safe and storage space. When you’re done hanging around in your pod, you can chill at the hotel’s terrace and enjoy their free breakfast.
- Cool capsule sleeping experience
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Great location
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
BudgetEstancia Tulbayab 36
If you’re looking for a more homely feel than a to hotel, then definitely stay at Estancia. The owners will instantly make you feel welcome and are always there to offer advice.
The homestay offers a very convenient location, close to the local markets and not too far from the ADO bus station. The rooms are clean and spacious, plus a steal for the price. If you fancy doing some cooking whilst in Cancun, you can make use of the communal kitchen.
- Great location
- Clean and spacious rooms
- Helpful and friendly hosts
- You’ll feel at home
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Cancun?
Cancun is a vibrant beach city overlooking the Caribbean Sea. With its crystal blue waters and snow-white sand, the city can be too touristy for some visitors. But its location on Mexico’s east coast makes it the perfect gateway to other destinations like Chichen Itza, Isla Mujeres and Holbox.
You’ll find most tourists in the Hotel Zone, which is full to the brim with all-inclusive resorts, restaurants and lively bars. Depending on what you’re looking for, Cancun can just be a short stopover or a holiday destination by itself. Whichever you decide, make sure to explore other nearby destinations for a more authentic Mexican experience!
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Mexico City to Cancun, 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 40m.
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 Mexico City to Cancun?
The distance from Mexico City to Cancun is 1,300 kilometres (808 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Mexico City to Cancun?
The fastest way to get from Mexico City to Cancun is by flight and takes 3h 40m - 4h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Mexico City to Cancun?
The cheapest way to get from Mexico City to Cancun is by flight with ticket costs starting from 845 MXN.
What to expect when visiting Cancun?
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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