The opening of the new Tulum Airport (TQO) in December 2023 was a major development for travel to the popular beach destination. This guide tells you everything you need to know about the airport location, amenities, airlines, transportation options, and more.

Your Complete Guide to the New Tulum Airport

Can’t read it all now? Here are the key highlights:

• Tulum Airport code is TQO, full name is Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport
• Located 15 miles southwest of Tulum town center
• Offers lounges, free WiFi, dining, shops, and car rentals
• Airlines like Delta, American, United fly direct from major US cities
• ADO buses, taxis, Tulum private transfers available for airport transportation
• Closest airport is no longer Cancun – fly direct to Tulum instead

If you want more details, read on below for the most comprehensive guide to Tulum International Airport!

What’s the nearest airport to Tulum? 

what airport is near Tulum Mexico? Previously, the closest airport for accessing Tulum was Cancun International Airport (CUN), which is located approximately 75 miles (120 km) from Tulum. That meant a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to reach Tulum hotels and attractions.

Now though, Tulum finally has its own airport with the opening of the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (Tulum Airport; TQO) in December 2023. Located just 15 miles southwest of central Tulum, TQO is now the closest airport to Tulum Mexico and the most convenient airport option for Tulum travelers.

So if you were wondering “Does Tulum have an airport?” – the answer is now yes! With flights from top domestic and international carriers, you can now fly directly into the new Tulum International Airport for easiest access to Tulum beach hotels, Tulum restaurants and shops, Tulum jungle cenotes, world-famous Tulum ruins and more.

New International Tulum Airport: Tulum Airport Code and Official Name

• The official IATA airport code for Tulum International Airport is TQO.
• Its ICAO code is MMTL.
• Tulums airport’s full name is Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, commonly referred to as just Tulum Airport.

So if you’re searching for flights, be sure to search using airport code TQO to fly into Tulum directly.

Where Exactly is Tulum Mexico Airport Located?

tulum airport location

Tulum International Airport is strategically located about 15 miles (25 km) southwest of central Tulum in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

• This places it within easy driving distance of popular destinations like:
  • Tulum town/Tulum pueblo – 30-35 minutes
  • Tulum Hotel Zone/beaches – 45 minutes
  • Tulum Mayan ruins – 35-40 minutes
  • Akumal – 45-50 minutes
  • Puerto Aventuras – 1+ hour
  • Bacalar – 2.5-3 hours
  • Cancun – 2-2.5 hours
• The airport’s location allows it to serve much of the Riviera Maya/Yucatan Peninsula.
• It was designed to handle several million passengers annually.

Here is a map showing exactly where the new airport is situated just southwest of Tulum:

Additionally, the airport will have its own station connected to Mexico’s ambitious Mayan Train project. The Mayan Train will connect destinations across the Yucatan peninsula to streamline travel in the region.

tulum airport opening date

Tulum International Airport opened on December 1, 2023 to domestic Mexican flights. International flights launch in Spring 2024.

RELATED: Best Things To Do in Tulum Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide

Tulum Airport Amenities and Services

Tulum International Airport was designed for passenger comfort and convenience. Amenities include:

• Airport lounges – Relax before your flight
• Free WiFi – Stay connected throughout the terminal
• Diverse dining – From quick snacks to meals catering to all tastes
• Shops with local crafts – Pick up Tulum souvenirs
• Car rentals – Convenient for exploring the region
• Blends modernity with traditional Mayan architecture
• Designed sustainably with cultural sensitivity

With all of these services, Tulum Airport aims to give travelers a pleasant start or end to their Quintana Roo getaways.

Airlines Flying Into Tulum Airport

Wondering what airlines will offer flights to Tulum Airport? Both domestic Mexican and international carriers will operate routes to TQO.

Which airlines will fly to Tulum airport? International Tulum Airport Airlines

Several major US airlines announced new direct routes from major American cities to Tulum Airport starting in Spring 2024:

• Delta Air Lines – Daily flight from Atlanta as of March 2024
• Spirit Airlines – Daily service from Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale as of March 2024
• American Airlines – 4 daily flights from Dallas/Ft. Worth, Charlotte, Miami starting March 2024
• United Airlines – Daily flights from Newark, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles (as of May 2024)
• JetBlue – Daily New York JFK service launching June 2024
• Air Canada – Toronto and Montreal routes launching May 2024

Domestic Airlines Flying to Tulum

In addition to international routes, several Mexican domestic airlines already operate or plan to offer Tulum flights:

• VivaAerobus – Flights from Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Tijuana
• Aeromexico – Approximately 15 weekly flights from Mexico City currently
• Mexicana de Aviación (government revived airline) – Mexico City flights planned
• Volaris – Mexico’s largest low-cost airline also considering adding Tulum routes

So whether traveling domestically within Mexico or flying from the US, Canada, or other international cities, you’ll soon have plenty of flight options to access Tulum’s new airport directly.

Can you fly directly to Tulum Mexico?

Yes – it’s now possible to fly directly into Tulum International Airport on either domestic routes within Mexico or international routes from major North American cities.

What cities will fly direct to Tulum?

Major US hubs like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, and Miami will operate direct flights into Tulum Airport by Spring 2024 rather than requiring connections.

Tulum Airport Transportation Options

Once you land at Tulum International Airport, you have various ground transportation choices to reach area hotels, beaches, cenotes, ruins, and other quintessential Tulum attractions.

I recommend you book a private transfer for the most convenient and quickest way to arrive to your hotel on your Tulum vacation. 

Tulum Airport Shuttles

• Both private transfers and shared shuttle rides available
• Connect airport to Tulum hotels, beaches, downtown, and surrounding areas
• Ideal to arrange private shuttles ahead of time through reputable companies

Tulum Taxis

• Taxis readily available for airport pickup
• Rates vary but generally offer direct and personalized transport
• Avoid rideshares – no Uber/Lyft primarily due to tensions with local taxi unions

Best Tulum Car Rentals

• I recommend you Use Discover Cars to compare Tulum Airport car rental rates. Booking ahead of time saves you time and gives you the best rates. What I love about Discover car is they have easy liability insurance included. 
• Renting a car provides freedom and flexibility to self-drive and explore

Public Transportation

• ADO bus public transit available
• Affordable option connecting Tulum bus station to airport and beyond
• Also accessible by planned Mayan Train station at airport

So whether you arrange private airport transfers for convenience or take advantage of public transit passes to keep costs low, Tulum Airport offers efficient onward travel to take you seamlessly to the main attractions.

Airport Connection to Mayan Train

The new Tulum International Airport will have its own train station connecting to Mexico’s ambitious Mayan Train project. The Mayan Train aims to link destinations across the Yucatan Peninsula on nearly 1000 miles of rail.

This airport train station will provide easy access to downtown Tulum and other towns. It will also allow travelers to continue on the Mayan Train to explore famous ruins, colonial cities, and natural areas more easily.

So upon arrival at Tulum Airport, you will be able to seamlessly board the modern Mayan Train to reach Tulum beaches and hotels or connect onward to Merida, Campeche, Valladolid and archaeological gems like Chichen Itza and Palenque.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tulum International Airport

Is Tulum Airport open now?

Yes, Tulum International Airport opened on December 1, 2023 to domestic Mexican flights. International flights launch in Spring 2024.

Can you fly direct to Tulum now?

Yes, it’s now possible to fly direct to Tulum instead of the previous option of flying to Cancun and driving 1.5+ hours south. The new airport makes it much more convenient to access Tulum directly.

What’s the closest airport to Tulum presently?

The new Tulum International Airport, located 15 miles southwest of Tulum, is now the closest and most convenient airport option for Tulum travelers.

Is Cancun or Tulum Airport better to fly into?

It depends on your itinerary – Cancun offers more flight options/airlines for exploring multiple Quintana Roo destinations, while Tulum Airport is best for traveling exclusively to Tulum.

How big is Tulum Airport/what’s the capacity?

Tulum International Airport has capacity for 5.5 million passengers annually – making it the second busiest airport in the Yucatan Peninsula after Cancun.

What airlines will fly to Tulum Airport?

Both international carriers (Delta, American Airlines, United etc.) and domestic Mexican airlines (VivaAerobus, Volaris, Aeromexico etc.) offer or will offer direct flights to Tulum Airport.

Does Tulum Airport have tulum airport lounge , dining, WiFi etc.?

Yes, Tulum Airport offers passenger lounges, free terminal WiFi, a variety of dining options, local souvenir shops, and on-site car rentals.

Is Tulum Airport still being built?

No, construction of Tulum International Airport finished and the airport opened for domestic flights on December 1, 2023. International flights will begin operating in Spring 2024.

Is it better to fly into Cancun or Cozumel for Tulum?

It’s now best to fly directly into Tulum Airport located just 15 miles from Tulum’s town and beaches. Previously Cancun Airport was the closest option located about 75 miles away. The smaller Cozumel Airport involves taking a ferry to the mainland.

So in summary, Tulum International Airport brings long-overdue convenience in directly accessing Tulum and the surrounding region. With flights offered by major domestic and international airlines, easy ground transportation pick-up, and passenger amenities all in a modern facility reflecting traditional Mayan architecture, the new Tulum Airport positions Tulum as an even more attractive Mexican Caribbean destination.

Any other questions about visiting or flying into Tulum? Let us know in the comments!