Tulum International Airport (TQO) Guide: Sleeping Pods, Smoking Area, Wifi, Car Rental
Introduction
Tulum is a popular destination for travelers who want to enjoy the stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and hip restaurants of the Riviera Maya region in Mexico. But getting to Tulum can be a hassle, as the nearest airport is Cancun International Airport (CUN), which is about 1.5 hours away by car. That’s why the Mexican government has decided to build a new international airport in Tulum, which is set to open on December 1, 2023. The new airport, officially named Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Carrillo Puerto, will offer a more direct and convenient route to Tulum and the surrounding areas. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about the new Tulum International Airport, including its location, design, capacity, and services. We will also give you some tips on how to get the best deals on flights, transfers, and car rentals to and from Tulum. Whether you are planning a trip to Tulum soon or just curious about the new airport, this guide is for you!
Where is Tulum International Airport located?
The new airport will be located approximately 20 km (12.5 miles) south of Tulum, in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. The airport will cover an area of 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres) and will have a single runway of 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) long and 45 meters (148 feet) wide. The airport will also have a terminal building of 18,000 square meters (193,750 square feet) with 12 gates, a control tower, a cargo area, and a parking lot. The airport will be connected to the main highway that runs along the coast, as well as to the Mayan Train (Tren Maya), a high-speed rail project that will link the main tourist destinations in the Yucatan peninsula.
What are the services and facilities at Tulum International Airport?
The new airport will offer a range of services and facilities to make your travel experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some of the amenities you can expect to find at Tulum International Airport:
- Free Wifi: You can connect to the free wifi network at the airport for 1 hour by using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. You can also use the wifi kiosks to enter your passport number and access the internet.
- Transfer Services: You can choose from different options to get to and from Tulum and other nearby locations, such as private transfers, shared shuttles, buses, taxis, and rental cars. You can book your transfer online or at the airport counters. Some of the reputable companies that offer transfer services are Tulum Transportation, eTransfers, and Alamo Rent A Car.
- Smoking Area: Smoking is not allowed inside the airport, but you can use the designated smoking lounges located outside the terminal building. You will have to pay a $25 fine if you are caught smoking in non-smoking areas.
- Food Cafe: You can enjoy a variety of food and drinks at the airport, from local specialties to international cuisines. Some of the cafes and restaurants that you can find at the airport are Raw Love Cafe, Beso Tulum Beach, and America Car Rental Tulum.
- Sleeping Pods: If you need a nap or a rest, you can use the sleeping pods available at the airport. These are specially designed capsules that offer a cozy and private space to sleep or relax. They come with a reclining chair, a luggage compartment, a power socket, a lamp, and a window shade. You can rent a sleeping pod by the hour or by the day.
- Luggage Storage: You can store your luggage at the airport for a small fee, either by the hour or by the day. This is a convenient option if you want to explore Tulum or the surrounding areas without carrying your bags. You can use the Bounce Luggage Storage service, which is located in the Tulum Centro area, about 20 minutes away from the airport.
How to get the best deals on flights to and from Tulum International Airport?
The new airport is expected to handle about 3 million passengers per year, and will connect to several domestic and international destinations. Some of the airlines that have announced their routes to and from Tulum International Airport are Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus, and Volaris. To get the best deals on flights, you can use the following tips:
- Book in advance: The earlier you book your flight, the more likely you are to find cheaper fares and more availability. You can also use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices and dates.
- Be flexible: If you can, try to avoid peak seasons and holidays, as these are the most expensive and crowded times to fly. You can also look for alternative dates and times, as some flights may be cheaper or less busy than others.
- Use a VPN: A VPN (virtual private network) is a service that allows you to change your IP address and appear as if you are browsing from a different location. This can help you find lower prices and avoid dynamic pricing, which is when airlines change their fares based on your location and search history.
- Use a travel credit card: A travel credit card is a type of credit card that offers rewards and benefits for travel-related purchases, such as flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. You can earn points or miles that you can redeem for free or discounted flights, upgrades, lounge access, and other perks. Some of the best travel credit cards are Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture, and American Express Platinum.
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Tulum International Airport:
- When will Tulum International Airport open?
The airport is scheduled to open on December 1, 2023. - How far is Tulum International Airport from Tulum?
The airport is about 20 km (12.5 miles) south of Tulum, which is about a 20-minute drive by car. - How much is a taxi from Tulum International Airport to Tulum?
A taxi from the airport to Tulum can cost between $30 and $50 USD, depending on the time of day and the traffic. You can also use apps like Uber or Lyft to book a ride. - How much is a bus from Tulum International Airport to Tulum?
A bus from the airport to Tulum can cost between $10 and $15 USD, depending on the company and the schedule. You can use the ADO bus service, which operates daily from the airport to Tulum and other destinations in the region - How much is a rental car from Tulum International Airport to Tulum?
A rental car from the airport to Tulum can cost between $20 and $40 USD per day, depending on the type of car and the company. You can use websites like Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to compare prices and options.
