Cheap flights to Mexico

Mexico Travel Guide

Surrounded by three seas, boasting over 6200 miles of coastline and blessed with a fantastic climate, Mexico is one of the most attractive vacation destinations. It’s paradise for almost everyone – sun worshipper, surfer, golfer, culture vulture, and party-goer.

Its capital, Mexico City, is a colorful, cultural center that never seems to slow down. Its resorts are world famous. Cancun on the Caribbean Sea and Acapulco on the Pacific Coast are super resorts, drawing tourists to buy cheap airline tickets to Mexico from around the world. Puerto Vallarta, also on the Pacific, blends a stunning resort setting with an authentically Mexican character. The closest to the U.S., Mazatlan, is known for its laidback vibe and unparalled fishing.

The island of Cozumel is considered a top dive destination. Its neighbor on the coast of Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen, is no slouch when it comes to diving either and is also a popular cruise-ship stopping point.

In the south, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is a perfect mix of a young resort town (Ixtapa) and an old fishing village (Zihuatanejo), while Los Cabos has become a magnet for A-list celebrities, who come to kick back on the Baja California Peninsula.

What’s the weather like in Mexico?

Mexico City and the rest of Mexico’s higher, inland elevations are temperate and dry, but the coastal plains are hot and humid. Temperatures range between 70 and 90 degrees F in the daytime. From May to October it’s hot and humid, especially on the coasts. It cools down a bit the rest of the year, which is a good time for last minute flights to Mexico. Some inland areas can even reach freezing temperatures in the winter. The rainy season lasts from May through September, with some slight variations in different areas. Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta see most of their rain from June to October, while its mid-September through mid-November in Cancun. Rain usually falls more on the coast than the higher elevations. The hurricane season lasts from late September to early November in Puerto Vallarta and in from May through September in Cancun.

When is the best time to fly to Mexico?

Peak season:

The general peak season can vary depending on where exactly you are flying into, although generally it lasts from late December until Easter, and then again from late June to August, the national summer period. Expect cheap flights to Mexico very difficult to find during any of these months without planning well in advance. Easter and Christmas are very expensive times to visit and you can expect accommodation to rise dramatically and the cost of flight tickets will increase drastically, so you’ll need to secure your flights to Mexico as early as you can to make a saving. One of the most famous festivals is the Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, on the 1st and 2nd of November. If you can be in Mexico for it you’ll be in for an amazing celebration, but don’t expect to find cheap flight tickets for the occasion. Every July there is the Fiesta del Virgen del Carmen, which features music and dance throughout the country, especially in Mexico City. 46 days before Easter will always be the start of the Carnaval which is a five-day festival. This shouldn’t be missed if you are in Mexico already.

 Off season:

The day after Easter to the middle of December is generally classed as the off season, with the exception of June, July and August. Prices can drop by up to 50% depending on how early you secure your flight tickets and where in Mexico you are flying to, so if you want to make a saving and find the cheapest flights to Mexico, then plan ahead and avoid the summer.

When is the best time to book a flight to Mexico?

The earlier you can secure your flight tickets, the more money you will save. On average, you’ll usually be able to find the cheapest flight tickets to Cancun, especially outside of the peak season. Try to have your flights to Mexico booked three or four months prior to when you actually want to travel to have the best chance of finding good deals on flight tickets. Flexibility is also key when looking for the cheapest flights to Mexico, so if you’re not fixed on a week in the summer or a period during a festival, then you’ll increase your chances of saving money. If you fly into Cancun and the weather is on your side, then aim to sit on the left hand side for stunning views as you land.

How long is the flight to Mexico?

Depending on your starting location, flight times into Mexico range from less than an hour to over 10 hours. If you’re traveling from California, the flight length is just over three hours, while flights from New York are just under five hours. Flights from the state of Washington are around five hours, and flights from Miami typically last three hours. If you’re visiting from the U.K., you’ve got a significantly longer trip, so plan to be in the air for around 12 hours.

Which airlines fly to Mexico?

The Mexico City Juarez International Airport is Mexico’s main airport, with flights coming in from all corners of the globe. No matter which region of Mexico you’re planning to visit, securing a flight into Mexico City should be no problem, as the airport services hundreds of airlines. Airlines serviced by Mexico City International Airport include American Airlines, Delta, Sun Country, United and Virgin Airlines. International carriers served  include Air France, British Airways, Air Canada and China Southern.

What should you pack for a flight to Mexico?

 Mexico is warm year round, with temperatures ranging from low 70s in the winter months to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Many travelers visit Mexico during the spring season, when temps typically range between 80 and 90 degrees. If you’re staying near the ocean along the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll want to bring a bathing suit and light breathable clothing. The atmosphere is very casual in Mexico, especially among tourists, but you may also want to pack a few dressy items if you plan to visit any of the clubs or an upscale restaurant, as many establishments have dress codes. Nights are significantly cooler, so make sure to pack a few light sweaters or jackets as well.

If you’re visiting Mexico to camp in the interior mountain areas, pack cool and comfortable clothing, as well as warm items to wear as the desert cools down at night. If you’re not well-versed in Spanish, it’s also a good idea to pack Spanish translation book to ensure proper communication between taxi drivers, hotel staff, wait staff and other service providers. While Mexico has an abundance of delicious food, sunshine and activities to offer, its water quality isn’t very good, so it’s important to pack some bottled water and over-the-counter stomach soothing medication in the event of accidental ingestion. You should also be able to find plenty of bottled water at various shops and eateries in Mexico if you prefer not to pack your own.

As far as carry-on items go, fill a small pouch with essential items such as hand sanitizer, bandages, aspirin, and any hygiene or beauty products you may need on the flight. Make sure all of your items are travel-sized to ensure they pass security checks.

Getting to and around Mexico

Mexico City International Airport:

The airport in Mexico City is around 8 miles east of the city itself and there are a couple of options to help you get there. The most popular option for many tourists is to get a train. The station is just over the other side of the car park. Just jump onto line 5 at the airport, stay on until you get to Pantitlan where you’ll want to change to line 1, and then get off at Insurgentes (which is where you’ll want to be if you’re after the center of the city.) Buses are a little harder to find as there are no bus services at the airport itself. You can organize transport through private companies, but this is best to arrange before your flights to Mexico. Finally you can jump in a taxi. There are many scams that go on regarding taxis, and it’s definitely worth pre-paying for one at the Transportacion Terrestre booth next to baggage reclaim. Once in your taxi, make sure you lock your doors.

Cancun International Airport:

There is no train service from Cancun so the next best option is the bus. There are several public buses ran by company ADO and they run at regular times throughout the day. Once you’ve booked your flights to Mexico and you’re looking into accommodation, it’s worth seeing if any hotels provide transfers, as this will save you time and put your mind at ease. Avoid anyone approaching you to get into a taxi as it is illegal for regular taxis to pick up passengers from the airport. There are also many scams that occur, so if you decide to get a taxi, only use authorized transportation companies.

What are some things to do in Mexico?

Mexico is a beautiful, warm country with friendly people, delicious food, exciting nightlife and amazing scenery, so you’ll never run out of things to do during your stay.

If you’re staying in one of the tourist cities such as Cancun or Mazatlan, spend your days on the beach soaking up the sun, sign up for a parasailing ride, or tour the Mayan Ruins, also referred to as the “Egypt of the Americas,” to view ancient structures of early settlers. For a fun day on the water, sign up for the Catamaran boat cruise, where you’ll sail along the waters of the Caribbean Sea, enjoy a delicious lunch and complimentary drinks, then put on your snorkeling gear and explore the waters below.

Mexican cuisine is truly memorable, so make sure to visit a few local restaurants during your stay. If you’re visiting Mexico City, enjoy authentic cuisine at El Cardenal, a popular local staple that promises excellent service and some of the best tacos. ceviche, enchiladas and Mexican sweet bread in the land. When visiting Cancun or Mazatlan, Carlos and Charlies Bar and Restaurant  should definitely be on your to-do list, as this well-known vacation establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere combined with tasty Mexican cuisine, live music and all-around fun.

For a relaxing day at your own semi-private beach, book a day pass for Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club in Cozumel. Enjoy a cool drink poolside or relax on the beach in a comfortable hammock, then take advantage of the delicious all-day buffet. If you’re up for a little activity, sign up for a kayaking or snorkeling lesson.

Tips for your stay in Mexico

• With the clear water and white-sand beaches of the Caribbean, Cancunis Mexico’s most popular tourist destination. A gracious host to visitors, Cancun offers extensive water activities — snorkeling, scuba diving, parachuting, jet skiing — as well as spas, shopping, dining, dancing, and Cancun hotels meant for every traveler, from the budget-conscience to the luxurious. The outlying areas also offer attractions from Mayan ruins to ecological theme parks.
• On the Pacific coast, Acapulcois one of Mexico’s best-known resorts and, with its recent major revamping, is again a very popular resort. A party town, Acapulco goes nonstop and is a playground day and night. Days can be spent jet skiing, water skiing, playing golf or tennis, or lazing on the beach before partying all night.
• Also on the Pacific coast, Puerto Vallartahas miles of beaches, cliffs, and the Sierra Madres as a backdrop. You won’t be bored here: stroll the cobblestone streets, shops, and galleries; dine in one of over 200 restaurants; try mountain biking, whale-watching, or sea kayaking. Puerta Vallarta is hard to leave, as its American, European, and Canadian residents can attest.
• Cozumelis one of the top diving locations in the world. Surrounded by more than 25 reef formations, there’s diving for all levels of experience. White, sandy beaches line both sides of the island with gentle waves on the leeward (western) side and huge crashing waves on the windward (eastern) side. The waterfront area is well populated with shops, and San Miguel the only town.
• Mexico Cityis one of the largest, most complex cities in the world. The architecture reflects the city’s cultural history, from pre-Hispanic remains to modern skyscrapers. As an urban playground, Mexico City offers trendy restaurants and nightlife, plenty of Mexico City hotels, excellent museums, and the central square’s cobblestone, tree-lined streets. The city also has its share of crime — be cautious and stay alert

Finding Flights from Mexico

Mexico City Juarez International Airport serves over 100 airlines, so if you’re in need of an outbound flight to your next destination, you’ll have no problem booking your ticket, and Cheapflights is here to help you find the best deals.

If you need reliable transportation to the airport, Go Airport Shuttle offers affordable shared van rides with up to 16 additional passengers. Many hotels also provide direct shuttle bus service for their guests on departure day, but you want to make sure to arrange this service with your travel agent or airline booking agent to prevent any last-minute confusion and late arrivals to the airport. Taxis are readily available in Mexico as well, however it’s always a good idea to pre-book a taxi at least 24 hours in advance when you need to get to the airport on time. It’s also important to keep in mind that many of the resorts and oceanside hotels in Mexico are located a few hours from the airport, so make sure to calculate road travel time into your itinerary. If you’re unable to book your ride in advance, ride-sharing services such as Lyft and Uber do operate in some of Mexico’s larger cities and can typically pick up passengers within short windows of time.

For more information on how to find your way around Mexico City Juarez International Airport, check out our informative guide:

Airport Guide to Mexico City/Benito Juarez International (MEX)