Cities with direct flights to Tulum
The network continues to evolve as airlines adjust to demand, so it's worth checking current availability when planning your trip. Here are the current direct routes to Tulum International Airport:
Skip the long drive from Cancun and fly straight into paradise! Tulum's new international airport makes reaching Mexico's most Instagram-worthy destination easier than ever.
Book your direct flight to Tulum at Alternative Airlines with flexible payment options and pay later with Afterpay, Kueski Pay, Klarna or one of our 40+ payment methods.
Yes, you can now fly direct to Tulum International Airport (TQO). The airport opened in December 2023, with international flights launching in March 2024. This means no more two-hour drives from Cancun - you're just 40 minutes from those famous clifftop ruins and turquoise cenotes.
The airport currently serves flights from major US cities, Canada and Mexico, with airlines like Delta, American, United and Aeroméxico operating direct routes. While some carriers have scaled back their initial ambitious plans, there are still solid options for getting there without the hassle of connections.
Several airlines now serve Tulum International Airport, though the network is still growing. Here's who's flying there:
💡Top tip: Keep in mind that some routes are seasonal, typically running October through April when northern travellers escape the cold!
The network continues to evolve as airlines adjust to demand, so it's worth checking current availability when planning your trip. Here are the current direct routes to Tulum International Airport:
Country |
City |
Airlines |
Flight Frequency |
---|---|---|---|
United States | Atlanta | Delta Air Lines | Daily, year-round |
Dallas-Fort Worth | American Airlines | Twice daily | |
Houston | United Airlines | Daily, increasing to twice daily | |
Miami | American Airlines | Daily | |
New York JFK | JetBlue | Seasonal (October–April) | |
Canada | Toronto | Air Canada, WestJet | Seasonal |
Montreal | Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet | Seasonal | |
Calgary | WestJet | Weekly winter service | |
Quebec City | Air Transat | Seasonal | |
Ottawa | Air Canada | Seasonal | |
Mexico | Mexico City | Aeroméxico, Mexicana, VivaAerobus | Multiple daily flights |
Guadalajara | Volaris | Regular domestic service | |
Monterrey | VivaAerobus | Regular domestic service | |
Tijuana | VivaAerobus | Regular domestic service | |
International | Panama City, Panama | Copa Airlines | Regular international connection |
San José, Costa Rica | Volaris Costa Rica | Regular international service |
Flight frequency varies by route and season. Here's what to expect:
Start with flexible dates to find the best deals. Tulum flights can vary significantly in price depending on your travel dates, so being flexible helps. You can use our search filters to show only direct flights to TQO.
For winter travel (December-April), book 3-4 months ahead. Holiday periods need even more advance planning - aim for 6-10 months for Christmas and New Year trips.
Here's where Alternative Airlines makes a difference. While other booking sites might leave you scrambling to pay upfront, we offer over 40 ways to pay, including Buy Now Pay Later. Some of our most popular pay-later options include:
This flexibility means you can book that last-minute Tulum getaway even if payday isn't until next week.
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The established option with hundreds of daily flights and competitive prices. The downside? A 1.5-2 hour drive to Tulum depending on traffic. Transport options include buses (around $22), shared shuttles ($37 per person), or private transfers ($60-200).
Choose Cancun when you want maximum flight options, competitive pricing or are visiting multiple Riviera Maya destinations.
A smaller option requiring a ferry connection. You'll fly into Cozumel, take a shuttle to the ferry terminal, cross to Playa del Carmen (45 minutes), then drive to Tulum (30-45 minutes). Total journey time: 3-4 hours.
Choose Cozumel if you plan to spend time on the island or enjoy scenic ferry rides, but expect more complex logistics.
💬 Our recommendation: If you find direct flights to Tulum at reasonable prices, book them. The 40-minute transfer beats the alternatives hands down.
Tulum enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures between 77°F and 86°F (25°C to 30°C) year-round. It has two distinct seasons that significantly impact your travel experience.
This is when Tulum shines. You'll get mostly sunny days with minimal rainfall, lower humidity and pleasant sea breezes. Temperatures stay comfortable, and you can count on clear skies for beach days and ruins exploration. The trade-off? Higher prices and bigger crowds, especially during peak months.
Higher humidity, frequent afternoon thunderstorms and the possibility of hurricanes. While temperatures stay warm, the rain can disrupt outdoor activities. However, the rain often comes in short bursts, and you'll find better deals on everything from flights to hotels.
Perfect weather with minimal rain and comfortable temperatures. December through February sees the most pleasant conditions but also the highest prices and biggest crowds. March and April heat up but remain dry. Book 4-10 months ahead for holiday periods.
Your sweet spot for weather-value balance. May marks the start of the wet season but temperatures remain manageable with occasional rain. November ends the hurricane season with post-rainy conditions and reasonable prices before peak season kicks in.
Hot and humid with short afternoon showers that rarely last more than an hour. Despite the heat, this period offers excellent value for budget travellers. Plus, it's turtle nesting season (May-October) when you can witness sea turtles laying eggs on the beaches.
Maximum savings with up to 50% off peak prices, but this coincides with hurricane season peak. Weather can be unpredictable and some beachfront venues may close for maintenance. Travel insurance becomes essential here.
Skip the airport transfers and land closer to the beach. With flexible ways to pay, over 600 airlines to choose from and instant booking confirmation, we make it easy to lock in your Tulum trip now and pay later.
Got questions before you book? You’re not alone!
Here are the answers to the things most travellers want to know about flying direct to Tulum. From flight options to payment flexibility, we’ve covered it.
It depends on your nationality. US, Canadian, UK and EU passport holders can visit Mexico without a visa for up to 180 days. Just ensure your passport is valid for the length of your stay. You'll receive a tourist card on arrival. Other nationalities should check current Mexico entry requirements before traveling.
Yes, you can now fly direct to Tulum International Airport (TQO) from several cities across the US, Canada, Mexico and Central America.
Routes continue to grow as demand rises, so it's always worth checking what's available, especially during peak season (October-April).
Booking a direct flight means skipping the long transfer from Cancun and arriving closer to Tulum’s beaches, ruins and cenotes.
No - there are currently no direct flights to Tulum from Europe. Discover Airlines briefly operated Frankfurt flights but cancelled the route due to operational challenges.
Most European travellers connect through major US hubs like Atlanta, Miami or Dallas-Fort Worth. These connections often work out fine schedule-wise and sometimes offer great value!
Not currently. United briefly operated this route but cancelled it due to demand challenges.
Most West Coast travellers connect through Dallas, Houston or Mexico City. These connections typically add 2-4 hours to your journey but often provide better schedule flexibility than the limited direct options.
Yes. VivaAerobus and Volaris offer low-cost domestic Mexican routes, while JetBlue operates seasonal direct flights from New York.
Just remember that budget fares often exclude extras like checked bags and seat selection, so factor in these potential add-ons when comparing prices.
We ticket over 600 airlines worldwide, so we'll show you the best connecting flights if no direct option exists. Sometimes a quick connection through Mexico City or a US hub works out cheaper than direct flights anyway. Our filters help you find the best balance of price, timing and convenience.
Yes, but policies vary by airline. Some include sports equipment in standard baggage allowances, while others charge additional fees. We show all baggage policies upfront when you book, so you'll know exactly what's included and what costs extra before you pay.
If you booked with us, our Customer Service team will help you find alternative options quickly. We can't control airline decisions, but we make rebooking easier. If you added flight protection during booking, you could be covered for delays, cancellations and missed connections that aren't your fault.
TQO (IATA code). The official name is Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, located about 20 kilometres southwest of Tulum town. When searching for flights, always use TQO to ensure you're booking the right airport and not accidentally selecting Cancun or Cozumel.
About 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of Tulum town, roughly a 40-minute drive depending on traffic. Transport options include taxis ($37-50), buses (around $11 plus local transport), or private transfers ($50-100). The drive is straightforward with decent roads, making it much easier than the 2+ hour journey from Cancun.
Yes. Taxis, shuttles and private transfers wait outside arrivals. The 40-minute ride to Tulum town costs $25-60 depending on your choice. Buses offer the cheapest option around $11, while private transfers provide door-to-door convenience. Book transfers in advance for guaranteed availability during peak season.
Yes, TQO has been handling domestic and international flights since early 2024. Essential services like customs, immigration and baggage claim work smoothly. Some amenities remain limited compared to major airports, but the core infrastructure operates normally with generally faster processing times than busier airports.
For most travellers, yes. It cuts the journey from 2+ hours to 40 minutes and eliminates the stress of long transfers. If direct flights to Tulum fit your budget and schedule, it's the easier option every time. However, Cancun still offers more flight choices and competitive pricing.
Allow 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international departures. As a newer airport, TQO is still optimising operations, so arriving early prevents stress. The smaller terminal means faster processing once you're through security, but better safe than sorry with a new facility.
Basic Wi-Fi is available throughout most of the terminal. It works fine for checking flight information, messaging or light browsing, but don't expect blazing speeds. Download entertainment or work materials before arriving if you need reliable internet access while waiting for your flight.
Book with Alternative Airlines! Booking with us gives you payment flexibility unavailable directly through airlines, plus our dedicated customer support team helps when things go wrong.
We also show transparent pricing with all taxes included upfront, and our 40+ payment options make travel more accessible than traditional booking methods.
Absolutely! We offer over 40 payment options including Kueski Pay, Afterpay, Klarna, Affirm and PayPal Credit. Split your flight cost over 1-12 months without needing a credit card for some options. This flexibility means you can book that last-minute Tulum trip even if payday isn't until next week!
Last updated: 21 August 2025
At Alternative Airlines, we believe booking flights to Tulum should be simple and frustration-free. That’s why we combine smart tech, flexible ways to pay and a Customer Service team that actually cares.
We know a trip to Tulum isn’t just about the destination. It could be a long-awaited holiday, a wellness retreat, a reunion or something that came up last minute.
That’s why we put guides like this together, so you get clear, honest info to help you plan with confidence. We’ll handle the flight details, so you can get back to counting down to beach time.