The First Thing to Know About Cancún Airport
Cancún International Airport (CUN) is one of the most aggressively commercial airports in the Western Hemisphere. From the moment you exit customs, you will be approached by timeshare sales representatives dressed as official-looking resort staff, offering "free transfers" in exchange for attending a "90-minute presentation." The presentation is a high-pressure timeshare sales pitch that typically runs 3 to 5 hours.
Do not engage. Walk past with purpose. Pre-booking your transfer through Tina means a driver with your name on a sign is waiting at the official exit. You walk past everyone and get in your car. That is the right approach.
Transfer Options
Private transfer — Tina's recommendation
A private vehicle that goes directly from the airport to your resort — no stops, no other passengers. For a honeymoon couple arriving after hours of travel, this is the right call. Transfers to Playa Mujeres run $40 to $70 each way. Tina arranges this for every client.
Shared shuttle
Lower cost — typically $12 to $25 per person each way. Picks up multiple passengers at different terminals, drops off at multiple resorts. Depending on the route, this can add 45 to 90 minutes of stops before you reach your resort. Not recommended for a honeymoon arrival when you want to get there comfortably and quickly.
Resort shuttle (ADO bus)
The official airport bus service. Comfortable, air-conditioned, reliable. Goes to the Hotel Zone — not to Playa Mujeres properties directly. Budget-friendly at $9 to $12 per person each way if your resort is on the main Hotel Zone route.
What Happens at the Airport
- Customs and immigration: US passport holders pass through without a visa. Fill out the visitor permit form (FMM) on the plane or at the airport kiosks — it is free
- Baggage claim: Standard process. Allow 20 to 30 minutes
- Customs declaration: The red/green light system — press the button, green means go, red means inspection
- The exit gauntlet: Rows of timeshare representatives start immediately past customs. Keep moving, make no eye contact, say "no thank you" once if necessary and continue walking
- Official transfer meeting point: Your driver will be at the designated meeting area outside the terminal with a sign. Follow the crowd out and look for your name
Airport to Resort Times
- Hotel Zone (Hyatt Ziva): 15 to 25 minutes by private transfer
- Playa Mujeres (Excellence, Beloved): 35 to 45 minutes by private transfer
- Riviera Maya (Excellence Riviera): 45 to 60 minutes by private transfer
Return Transfer — Day of Departure
Allow plenty of time. International departures from Cancún require arrival at least 3 hours before flight time. Your resort concierge or Tina will arrange the pickup time — typically 3.5 to 4 hours before your flight depending on the resort's distance from the airport. Do not cut this margin short.