you arrive at the Cancun airport, there are three main terminals that you can arrive in. Upon landing you will have to wait in line to clear customs and immigration. After this you will move on and collect your luggage, and while leaving the immigration area you will have to press a random search button. If, when you press the button the light goes green, you can continue through, however if the light goes red then all you baggage and articles will be searched.

Upon leaving customs and security you will make you way out of the terminal and see various currency conversion shops as well as many locals offering to take your bags, offer you a ride, or perhaps sell you a beer. If you are travelling to a hotel, then a shuttle may already be provided and included in your room rate. Be sure to know whther where you are staying offers airport pickup and if they do keep your eyes open for the signs indicating your vacation package or hotel. If not then you can hire a driver or taxi to get you to your destination. If taking a taxi, it is best to negotiate the rate before you get in however, as the taxi’s do not have the traditional meters that they have in Canada or the United States. The way it works is they will basically tell you the price when they drop you off at your destination. To avoid any confusion or disagreement, agree with the driver on the price before you leave. If you are staying at Playa Del Carmen or Tulum, it is about an hour drive from the airport. There are shuttles and buses that cost about $7 for the hour ride, so it may be more economical then taking a taxi.

When in Cancun, it is best to use the currency exchanges at a local bank or your hotel as the rates at the airport are quite poor. If you don’t have local currency when landing, don’t worry as most drivers will accept American and Canadian money; just insure that you tell them this before you depart.

If you are renting a car, there are many car rental companies at the airport such as Hertz, Thrifty, Budget, Avis, National, Europcar, and you can usually get good rates if this is what you choose to do.

From the airport, downtown Cancun is about a 20 minutes taxi ride, while travel time to the hotel zone will differ depending on where you are located and the traffic, but it should take you approximately 25-30 minutes by car or taxi.

When leaving Cancun to head home, be sure to arrive at the Cancun airport quite early before your flight. It is a small airport that tries to accommodate a large number of people, so you will probably be met with long lines and waits at the check-in and baggage check counters. I have been to Cancun many times, and the unusual wait time for check in is about 2 hours so be prepared and arrive early.

For travel to Cancun please be sure that you have all the proper paper work. For more information on passports visit,

How to Get a Passport - Your headquarters for US passports, US green cards, and international visas. Get your travel documents here; do not leave home without them.