Flights to Cancún
Buy your flights to Cancún and pay later
Looking to book flights to Cancún but want to spread the cost? With Alternative Airlines, you can. Our Buy Now, Pay Later options let you split the cost into smaller, easy-to-manage payments, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Skip the stress of paying it all upfront. Break the cost of your Cancún flights into instalments and focus on planning your trip - whether it's poolside cocktails, ancient ruins or just some well-earned sun.
Many of our payment plans are interest-free for a set time, so you can book now and pay later without the extra cost. Choose from flexible options like Klarna, Afterpay, Sezzle, Affirm and more. Book your flights to Cancún today and pay your way.
Tips for booking cheap flights to Cancún
Dreaming of Cancún? You don’t need to splurge to make it real. Here’s how to make your flights more affordable:
- Book early for the best fares. Prices usually climb as you get closer to your travel date, so booking a few months ahead can save you money (and stress).
- Consider travelling in autumn. September to November is the cheapest time to fly to Cancún. It’s quieter too - fewer crowds mean shorter queues and better hotel deals. Just be aware it's peak hurricane season, so it pays to check your options for flight protection.
- Be flexible with your travel dates. Flying midweek, avoiding public holidays, or opting for early morning or late-night flights often means cheaper prices. Our search makes it easy to spot the best days to fly.
- Spread the cost. With Alternative Airlines, you don’t have to pay all at once. Choose from over 40 ways to pay, including Buy Now Pay Later options, so you can book your trip today and pay how and when it suits you.
- Compare airlines in seconds. Our tech does the hard work for you - filter by price, travel time, extras, and more, all in one place. No need to jump between tabs.
- Add flight protection. For extra peace of mind, you can add protection at checkout. Perfect for those travelling during autumn when the weather can be unpredictable.
Top airlines flying to Cancún
Booking flights is easy when you’ve got over 600 airlines at your fingertips. If Cancún’s on the cards, here are our top three recommendations to get you there.
American Airlines makes flying to Cancún simple, with plenty of flights from cities all across the US and Canada. Whether you’re heading off from Dallas, Miami, Chicago, or even Vancouver, you’ll find both direct and connecting flights to Cancún International Airport.
Plus, American has recently added new nonstop routes from Cincinnati, Nashville, and Pittsburgh, and starting November 2025, you’ll even be able to fly direct from Oklahoma City on Saturdays.
You’ll be flying on comfortable aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A321. So, wherever you’re starting from, getting to the beaches of Cancún is easier than ever.
Delta makes getting to Cancún easy with a range of non-stop flights from key US cities. Whether you’re flying from Atlanta, Los Angeles or New York, you can skip the layovers and head straight for the sun.
Delta also runs seasonal flights from places like Boston and Austin, perfect for a winter escape. For those not near a direct route, Delta’s network connects smoothly through hubs like Atlanta or Detroit.
Onboard, expect free entertainment, Wi-Fi, and snacks, with premium options if you fancy a little extra comfort.
If you're flying from London, British Airways has you covered. It currently offers daily direct flights from London Gatwick to Cancún International Airport.
There's a choice of cabins to suit your travel style and budget - Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class are all available for this route.
No matter where you sit, British Airways includes a generous baggage allowance. And with daily departures, you'll have plenty of flexibility when it comes to planning your trip to Cancún.
What airlines fly to Cancún?
Multiple airlines offer flights to Cancún International Airport from various locations around the world. Here are the major carriers:
From the USA and Canada
From Latin America
Popular flight routes to Cancún
Cancún International Airport is a major hub in the Caribbean, offering numerous direct flights from various cities across North America and Europe.
From the US:
- Dallas/Forth Worth - Served by American Airlines, Frontier, Spirit and Sun Country, with a duration of around 2.5-3 hours.
- Houston - Served by United, Frontier, Spirit and Sun Country, lasting around 2.5 hours.
- Chicago - American Airlines and United provide non-stop flights to Cancun, taking about 4 hours.
- Miami - American Airlines and Frontier operate direct flights with a flight time of around 1.5-2 hours.
- Los Angeles - Served by Delta, United and Virgin America, lasting around 4 hours and 45 minutes.
- New York City - American Airlines and JetBlue provide direct flights between JFK and Cancun, around 4-5 hours.
- Atlanta, Denver, Fort Lauderdale and Phoenix also offer direct flights to Cancun.
From other cities:
- Toronto - Air Canada and WestJet connect Toronto to Cancun with direct flights.
- Montreal - Direct flights to Cancun are available with Air Canada and Air Transat.
- Vancouver - WestJet offers non-stop flights to Cancun.
- London Gatwick - Non-stop flights to Cancun are offered by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
- Paris - Air France offers direct services to Cancun from France's capital.
- Frankfurt - Condor and Lufthansa operate regular non-stop flights between Frankfurt and Cancun.
How to get to Cancún
Planning a trip to Cancún? Benefit from the flexibility of choosing from these top 4 airports, each offering various routes and options for your travel to Cancún.
Cancún International Airport
Cancun International Airport is the main gateway for travellers heading to Cancun and the Riviera Maya. It's about a 30-minute drive from Cancun's Hotel Zone.
The airport connects passengers to destinations worldwide, with major airlines including American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Air Canada, JetBlue, British Airways, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, Aeroméxico and Copa Airlines.
Getting from the airport is simple, with taxis, shuttle services and car rentals all available to take you to Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and beyond.
Cozumel International Airport
Cozumel International Airport is around 87 km (54 miles) from Cancún’s Hotel Zone, but there’s a stretch of sea in the way.
To reach Cancún, you’ll need a short flight with Aerus or take a 40-minute ferry to Playa del Carmen, followed by a bus, taxi, or private shuttle - usually adding up to 2-3 hours.
CZM is mainly used for reaching Cozumel, with flights from American Airlines, United, Delta, Air Canada Rouge, and others.
Mérida International Airport
Mérida International Airport is about 308 km (192 miles) west of Cancún, roughly a 4 to 4.5-hour drive via Highway 180. It’s a practical option for reaching Cancún, especially if you’re combining it with a Yucatán adventure.
Buses run directly between Mérida and Cancún, or you can grab a private transfer or rental car for more flexibility.
Major airlines at Mérida include Aeroméxico, VivaAerobus, Volaris, and Aerus, offering connections across Mexico and even direct flights to Cancún. For international travellers, American, United, and WestJet also fly here.
Tulum International Airport
Tulum International Airport sits about 125 km (78 miles) south of Cancún. While it’s ideal for travellers heading to Tulum or the Riviera Maya, reaching Cancún will take around two hours by road.
Taxis, rental cars, hotel shuttles and soon, ADO buses, offer options for the journey. The airport is quickly picking up steam, with major airlines like American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, United, Air Canada, and more offering flights.
So, while it’s not Cancún’s doorstep, it’s a growing alternative if your plans include exploring south of the city.
Book flights to Cancún
Cancún, sitting on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline, is the go-to spot for sun, sea and plenty to explore. Think white sandy beaches and warm, turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, snorkelling or diving. Beyond the beach, the region is rich with Mayan history. Nearby ruins like Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are well worth the trip.
Cancún isn’t just about lazing by the water (though you absolutely can!). There are coral reefs to dive, freshwater cenotes to swim in and shops to explore, from local markets to big-name malls. Whether you want adventure, relaxation or a bit of both, it’s all here.
The dry season, from December to April, brings hot, sunny weather and lower humidity. May to November brings more rain and humidity, but also some of the best prices on flights and hotels - perfect for travellers looking to stretch their budget.
At Alternative Airlines, we make booking flights simple. With over 600 airlines to choose from, you can compare, customise and pay your way. Pick from over 40 payment options, including flexible plans to spread the cost and keep your travel budget on track.
What to do in Cancún
Cancún isn’t short on things to do, whether you’re after relaxation, adventure or a bit of both:
- Soak up the sun. Stretch out on white, sandy beaches like Playa Delfines, known for stunning views and fewer crowds.
- Step back in time. Visit Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, or explore the smaller El Rey ruins, right inside Cancún’s Hotel Zone.
- Dive into cenotes. The Yucatán is dotted with cenotes - natural swimming holes perfect for snorkelling or diving. Cenote Dos Ojos is a local favourite for its clear waters and caves.
- Hop to nearby islands. Isla Mujeres and Cozumel are just a short ferry ride away, offering peaceful beaches and world-class diving.
- Get your adrenaline fix. Zipline, swim in underground rivers or catch cultural shows at Xplor and Xcaret adventure parks.
- Make a splash. Try jet skiing and parasailing, or visit the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA).
- Explore beyond the beach. Kayak through Nichupté Lagoon’s mangroves, dance the night away in the Hotel Zone, or head to Downtown Cancún for markets and local food.
Top things to do in Cancún
With so many attractions in Cancún, choosing where to go can be overwhelming. Here are our top 3 picks:
Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá is one of Mexico’s most impressive Mayan archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sitting about 190 km from Cancún. It’s an easy day trip, with organised tours being the most popular option, or you can drive there in about 2.5 hours.
The site is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, and tickets cost around 533 pesos (about $27 USD). Guided tours are available on arrival, and you’ll find restrooms, food stalls and a small museum on site. While climbing El Castillo is no longer allowed, seeing the pyramid up close is still unforgettable.
For the best visit, head there between November and March when temperatures are cooler. Arriving early or late in the day helps you dodge the biggest crowds. If you can, time your visit with the spring or fall equinox to witness the famous serpent shadow across the pyramid’s steps.
Isla Mujeres
Just 13 km off the coast of Cancún, Isla Mujeres offers a calm, laid-back vibe compared to the mainland’s buzz. Getting there is easy, with regular ferry crossings from Cancún’s Puerto Juárez terminal - the quickest option at just 15–20 minutes - or from the Hotel Zone in around 30 minutes.
Once on the island, you’ll find it’s small enough to explore by golf cart, bike or even on foot. Expect quiet beaches, clear turquoise waters and a relaxed pace of life. The best time to visit is between November and April for sunny days and comfortable temperatures. From June to August, whale shark tours steal the show.
For a quieter trip, aim for weekdays or travel between September and early November. For the full experience, stay overnight. The evenings are beautifully peaceful once the day-trippers head back to Cancún.
Tulum Archaeological Site
Tulum is a remarkable ancient Mayan walled city perched on 12-metre cliffs above the Caribbean Sea, just 130 km (about 1.5 to 2 hours) south of Cancún. It’s easily reached by car, ADO buses, colectivos (shared vans) or as part of an organised day tour.
The site is open daily from 8am to 5pm, with guided tours available on arrival or bookable in advance. Expect to pay around 80-85 pesos (about $4-5 USD) to enter. Restrooms, small shops and parking are available, but be ready for plenty of walking in the heat - pack water, sunscreen and comfy shoes.
Tulum may be smaller than other sites, but its cliffside views make it stand out. Plan for around 2-3 hours to explore. For fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially between November and April, when the weather is at its best.
Best time to visit Cancún
April-May and November offer the best balance of good weather, reasonable prices and manageable crowds. These shoulder seasons provide most of the benefits of high season with fewer drawbacks. Here's a breakdown of each season in Cancún:
Winter ❄️
December to February
Think warm days (70-84°F/21-29°C), sunny skies, and calm seas - perfect beach weather. But you won’t be the only one there. Expect crowds and higher prices around the holidays.
It's peak season, so book ahead. Great for beach breaks and underwater adventures with the clearest diving conditions of the year.
Spring 🌸
March to May
Spring in Cancun means sunny skies and warm seas. March can be hectic with Spring Break crowds, but things calm down nicely by April and May. Expect temperatures between 75–90°F (24–32°C), perfect for lazy beach days or cooling off with a swim.
Prices dip after March, and if you visit in May, you’ll catch the start of whale shark season. Just a heads-up, it gets hotter and stickier as May rolls on.
Summer ☀️
June to August
From June to August, expect hot and humid days (80-92°F/27-33°C). It’s hurricane season, so rain and storms pop up more often. But, fewer tourists and lower hotel prices make it tempting, especially for families on summer break.
If you’re after something special, it’s prime time for whale sharks and sea turtles. Just be ready for the humidity, and maybe pack a poncho!
Autumn 🍂
September to November
Autumn brings cooler weather (75-88°F/24-31°C) and the quietest crowds of the year. September and October see the most rain and the risk of hurricanes, but it’s also when you’ll find the best hotel deals and a more local feel.
Perfect for budget-savvy travellers or those looking to soak up cultural events like Day of the Dead in November. Just keep in mind that some businesses may close.
Wherever you're looking to go next, we'll get you there on your terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cancún safe?
Cancún is one of Mexico’s most-visited spots. That said, like many popular places, it’s not without its challenges.
The US Department of State advises travellers to be extra cautious due to crime, especially after dark. Incidents involving rival gangs have occasionally affected tourist areas. Petty crime, dodgy alcohol and counterfeit medication are also concerns, so stick to trusted spots.
Most travellers enjoy Cancún without trouble, but staying in well-lit areas, using official transport and keeping an eye on your belongings will help you travel smarter and safer.
When is hurricane season in Cancún?
Hurricane season in Cancún runs from June to November, lining up with the Atlantic hurricane season. While storms can happen anytime during these months, the most active period is usually August to October, with September often seeing the highest risk.
That said, hurricanes don’t hit Cancún every year, but it’s worth being aware of the possibility when planning your trip. On the flip side, travelling during this season could mean fewer tourists and lower prices.
If you’re booking during these months, we’d always suggest keeping an eye on forecasts and considering travel insurance to help you fly worry-free.
Can I book last-minute flights to Cancún?
Yes, you absolutely can book last-minute flights to Cancún with us! Thanks to our next-gen tech and access to over 600 airlines, you’ll find plenty of last-minute options, whether you're chasing some sun, heading to a wedding, or squeezing in a spontaneous getaway.
And here's the good bit - you can pay later. Our partnerships with leading flexible payment brands let you spread the cost or simply pay after you fly. Read our guide on booking last-minute flights to find out more.
When is the cheapest time to go to Cancún?
The cheapest time to visit Cancún is from September to November, during its low season. You'll find lower prices on flights and hotels, but be ready for hot, humid weather and a higher chance of rain.
For fewer crowds and better weather, try just after Easter in April when prices dip before summer kicks in. Either way, booking about 40-45 days ahead can help you grab the best deals.
Just remember to stay flexible and consider travel insurance - it can save the day if the weather plays up.