Journey from the UK
How long is the flight to Cancún?
About 10 to 11 hours direct to Cancún, slightly less on the way home. Cancún is 5 hours behind the UK in winter and 6 behind in summer, as it doesn't change its clocks.
- Under 3 hours
- 3 to 6 hours
- 6 to 10 hours
- 10 hours or more
Flying west, you'll arrive in the afternoon. Tulum and Playa del Carmen are 45 minutes to 2 hours by road.
Getting there
- Cancún (CUN)10 hours or more
Direct flights from London and some regional airports.
- Tulum (TQO)10 hours or more
Newer airport, usually with a connection.
- Mexico City10 hours or more
About 11 hours, with direct flights from London.
The journey at a glance
Straight-line estimate for a direct flight from Heathrow. Real flights often take longer.
From the airport to your hotel
- Cancún hotel zone: about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Playa del Carmen: about 45 minutes to an hour.
- Tulum: about 1½ to 2 hours, or use the newer Tulum airport.
- Book a transfer in advance to avoid touts in the arrivals hall.
Arriving after a long flight
Flights from the UK usually land in the afternoon, so you'll arrive feeling like it's late evening. Keep the first night simple, stay up until about 9pm local time, and you'll adjust within a day or two. Flying home overnight is the tougher direction.
Before you go
- Use an official airport taxi or pre-booked transfer.
Stay and do
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