Mexico City to Cancun

Getting from Mexico City to Cancun

There are two main public transport methods to go from Mexico City to Cancun:

• Flights –
  • Average journey time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Average cost: 800-1,400 pesos / $40-70 / £35-60 one way
  • Recommended Companies: VivaMexico, Volaris, Aeromexico
• Bus –
  • Average journey time: 28 hours
  • Average cost: 1,435 pesos / $70 / £60 one way
  • Recommended Companies: ADO

Mexico City to Cancun Flight

The fastest way from Mexico City to Cancun is by flight. The average direct flight time is 2 hours and 15 minutes. There are plenty of flights to pick from with flights leaving roughly every 2 hours from 7AM to 9PM.

Aeromexico, VivaMexico and Volaris all fly the route with VivaMexico and Volaris often being the cheapest.

Bus from Mexico City to Cancun

Taking the bus from Mexico City to Cancun is possible however has a journey time of 28 hours. It is roughly the same cost as a flight, but does come with some benefits, including a ‘free’ nights’ accommodation i.e. sleeping on the bus, a more eco-friendly journey and the opportunity to see some of Mexico’s most beautiful landscapes.

Our recommendation is to take an ADO bus, which is traveller friendly and runs regularly between Mexico City and Cancun

Getting to Cancun to Mexico City FAQ

What is the best way to travel from Mexico City to Cancun?

It depends. A flight is much faster and can cost roughly the same as the bus or sometimes even cheaper. The bus does have some benefits though allowing travellers to see more of the country, being more eco-friendly and saving on the cost of a bed for the evening.

How long is the flight from Mexico City to Cancun?

A direct flight will take roughly 2 hours 15 minutes to get from Mexico City to Cancun. Non-direct flight times vary depending on the location and duration of connections.

Is there a train from Mexico City to Cancun?

Unfortunately, there is not. All passenger trains in Mexico stopped running in the 2000s including the route from Mexico City to Cancun. Flight or bus are now the most common public transportation options.

What is the distance from Mexico City to Cancun?

Mexico City is roughly 1,000 miles or 1,610km from Cancun. It takes 28 hours on bus or 2 hours 15 minute flight.

Is there an overnight bus from Mexico City to Cancun?

All buses from Mexico City to Cancun are overnight due to the journey time (28 hours)