Guadalajara to Cancún: 5 Best Ways to Travel [2024]

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Wondering how to get from Guadalajara to Cancún?

Most people would immediately think of a commercial flight, but there are actually several different options available to you.

Just because flying is quicker, doesn’t mean it is the option that you take. The best way for you will depend on your budget, how long you’re going to spend in Mexico, and how quickly you need to be in Cancún.

To help you decide, I’ve set out below a comprehensive guide that has helped loads of people find out how to get from Guadalajara to Cancún simply and safely in five fantastic different ways.

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

Why Should You Visit Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is a large city of over five million people and is the capital of the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It’s the second-largest city in Mexico by metropolitan area, with lots of great attractions in and around its beautifully preserved historic city center.

Like all major Mexican cities, Guadalajara is home to a stunningly beautiful cathedral in its historic center, the Guadalajara Cathedral. The Guadalajara Cathedral was originally constructed during the 16th and early 17th centuries in the Spanish renaissance style. However, its two newer gothic towers that were built after the original structure was destroyed in an earthquake in the 19th century make it truly spectacular.

Nearby Tlaquepaque is a colorful Mexican “magic town” (pueblo mágico) where you can enjoy a more relaxed pace and explore some great local artisanal cafes, art studios, and street art. You can also walk down the Andador Turístico de Tlaquepaque (the “tourist walk”) and see the beautiful colorful umbrellas creating an artificial rainbow above you.

And if you’re an aficionado of tequila, you will be in heaven. The birthplace of tequila itself is just 40 miles away in the town of Tequila, where you can tour the famous Jose Cuervo Distillery and taste some of the freshest Tequila you’ll ever find. 

You can also follow the tequila trail (la ruta de tequila) through over 150 registered distilleries that, together, make 100% of the tequila in the world today.

Before we jump into the route from Guadalajara to Cancún, let’s quickly look at why you should visit Cancún in the first place.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

Why Should You Visit Cancún?

If you’re wondering if Cancún should be on your list of places to visit in Mexico at all, I think the answer is definitely yes. It’s often referred to as the “Mexican Las Vegas”, and the description is accurate in that you’ll have a huge range of experiences to choose from.

For beach-lovers, Cancún is right on the shores of the Mexican Caribbean.  It has miles of beaches where you can swim, snorkel, surf and do just about any other water sport you can think of.  

If you’re interested in Mexican and Mayan culture, the Yucatán Peninsula is one of the best places to experience it.  Chichén Itzá is just a few hours away and there are also several archaeological sites within Cancún itself.

And if you’re travelling with a family, Cancún is perfect.  There are a huge amount of family-friendly activities including adventure parks that your kids will absolutely love.   

If you’re a Mexico purist, you might find the cultural attractions of places like Oaxaca more to your liking.  I think Cancún is great because it has something for everyone. For the sheer number of things to do, especially if you’re travelling with children, I think Cancún is unbeatable in Mexico.

So let’s look at how to get from Guadalajara to Cancún and the different options available to you.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

1. Fly to Cancún

If you think even briefly about how to get from Guadalajara to Cancún, it won’t surprise you that flying is the quickest and most convenient option.

This is the case even when you add the time it takes to get to the airport before you fly.

Fast Facts: Flying From Guadalajara to Cancún

Where Do I Book A Flight To Cancún?

I recommend that you use Expedia.com to book your flights. You can check flights using the Expedia search box below:

You’l be able to see the best deals available on different dates and flying with different airlines.

How Do I Get From Guadalajara To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) from Guadalajara.

I’ve set these out in detail below for you.

1. Rental Car

If you have a rental car already, you can usually drop it off at the airport before you fly.

All reputable providers have kiosks at the airport, and you’ll just need to make sure that you return it to the designated parking area for rental cars.

Tip: If you didn’t book the car at the airport, you’ll need to check with your provider that you can drop it off at the airport and you may need to pay an additional one-way fee.

2. Private Transfer

Your hotel should be able to arrange a private transfer to Guadalajara International Airport for you. If you want to arrange it yourself, I recommend using Viator, which has several options.

Private transfers will start at around US$30 and will take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on where your hotel is located and the time of day that you need to travel.

Tip: Check whether the transfer is shared with other passengers. If the driver needs to collect other passengers, the trip will be longer and you’ll need to allow more time.

3. Taxi

Taxis are easy to find in Guadalajara, especially if you’re staying at a large hotel. I recommend that you ask the front desk to book you a taxi before you check out, and it will be waiting for you as soon as you’ve settled up.

There’s nothing to stop you hailing your own taxi, although I think letting the hotel arrange it is better so that you focus on getting packed and ready to travel.

If you do hail a taxi on the street, you’ll need to agree the fare with the driver before you go, but you can expect it to be around US$10 to US$15, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

4. Uber

Uber is available in Guadalajara and it’s perfectly safe to use. If you don’t already have the Uber app installed on your phone, you’ll need to install it before you can call a driver using Uber.

The app works the same as it does in the US, so you’ll pay up front using a credit card and the driver will then pick you up. The app will send you the details of the driver and the vehicle picking you up ahead of its arrival.

An Uber from Guadalajara to the airport should cost you around US$10, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

5. Public Transport

According to Statista, Guadalajara had a population of 5.7 million at the end of 2020, so it’s not surprising that the city has a sophisticated public transport network to help you move around.

Traveling on the light rail or on a city bus is simple enough, although you’ll need to buy a rechargeable travel card (called “Mi Movilidad“), which you can get in a Metro station and many bus stations in the city. The card will cost you 30 Mexican pesos (about US$1.50). You can find a map of the Guadalajara light rail and bus lines here.

Once you have the card, you use it to tap in when you board a train or a bus, and you can use it to pay for others too if you’re traveling as a group. When you run low on credit, you can recharge the card at machines available at the metro or city bus stations.

The cheapest way to travel from the airport to your hotel is to take the public bus, and it will cost you 9.50 Mexican pesos (less than US$1.00).

You’ll need to take the Ruta T13-A bus from the airport to into the historic center of Guadalajara. The trip will take around an hour.

Tip: Make sure that you have your Mexican pesos handy when you are buying your recharge card or when you’re topping it up.

What’s Great About Flying?

Flying has a bunch of obvious advantages.

1. Faster Trip Time

Flight time from Guadalajara to Cancún is around 2 hours 45 minutes, which is a big time saving compared with the minimum 33 hour long bus trip.

If you’re short on time, every hour you lose travelling is time that you could spend exploring Cancún. I’d definitely recommend flying over driving or taking the bus if you’ve only got a few days in Mexico.

2. Great Views From The Plane

Even after years of flying, I still like to stare out the window of a plane at the city as we’re taking off and getting ready to land.

Flying will also give you the chance to see the forests, mountains and sprawling valleys of Mexico from above as you east away from Guadalajara.

3. safest Way To Travel

Air travel is one of the safest forms of travel in the world, and this holds true in Mexico.

Since 1919, Mexico has only had 158 air travel deaths in total, an average of about 1.5 people per year. In 2022, there were around 107 million air passengers in Mexico.

That puts your chances of dying on a flight to Cancún at about 1 in 71 million. By comparison, the World Health Organisation suggests based on 2019 data on Mexican road deaths that the odds of dying per year were 1 in 7,813.

That means that you are more than 9,000 times safer flying than taking the bus!

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

FAQs: Flying To Cancún

I’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about how to get from Guadalajara to Cancún by air.

But if I haven’t answered your question yet, take a look at the FAQs and their responses below.

How Much Is A Commercial Flight To Cancún?

Commercial flights fluctuate from season to season, but typically start at around US$45 from Guadalajara.

Check out Expedia.com for the best deals available.

Which Commercial Airlines Fly From Guadalajara to Cancún?

Volaris, VivaAerobus and AeroMexico fly direct from Guadalajara to Cancún.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a commercial flight is around 2 hours 45 minutes with a good connecting flight. It can be longer, depending on the flight that you take.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Guadalajara to Cancún is approximately 1,063 miles (1,711 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) to depart and you’ll use Cancún International Airport (CUN) when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Cancún International Airport To The City Center?

Cancún International Airport is about 12 miles (20 km) south of downtown Cancún.

How Can I Get From Cancún International Airport To My Hotel?

You can get a taxi, a private transfer or the public bus to the city.

Taxi

A taxi will cost around US$40 to US$50 (MX$650 to MX$800) and you can get one in front of the airport when you exit.

Private Transfer

If you’re staying in any of the major hotels, the concierge will be able to arrange an airport transfer service for you.

If you want to arrange it yourself, check out your options on Viator. Prices start at around US$50 (MX$800).

Bus

There is also an ADO bus route that you can use that runs from the airport into downtown Cancún. It will drop you off at the ADO bus station in Avenida Uxmal and will cost around US$8 (MX$135).

If you’re staying at a hotel in the hotel zone, you’ll need to then take one of the local buses into the hotel zone. They stop right outside the bus station on Avenida Tulum. Route R-1 will take you into the hotel zone and will cost around US$0.50 (MX$12).

Can I Rent A Car At Cancún International Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$35 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

2. Rental Car To Cancún

A road trip from Guadalajara to Cancún is a great option that offers the freedom to explore at your own pace.

There’s nothing quite like the open road.

Fast Facts: Rental Car From Guadalajara to Cancún

Tip: Gas in Mexico will probably cost you around US$5 per gallon, and you’ll need about 26 to 27 gallons to get to Cancún.

How Do I Find A Rental Car?

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. Assuming you’re driving one way and dropping off your car in Cancún when you arrive, you can expect to pay around US$1,100 plus gas.

If you’re planning on driving the car back to Guadalajara at some point, then you’ll pay around US$35 per day plus gas.

What Is The Best Route From Guadalajara to Cancún?

The route from Guadalajara to Cancún starts at the south of the city on highway 23, which becomes highway 90D just to the east of the city.

After around 10 miles, you’ll take highway 15D to the south-east and will follow that for nearly 250 miles until you reach Arco Norte. You’ll follow Arco Norte in a 150 mile arc around Mexico City until you reach highway 150D just outside Puebla.

You’ll keep heading east on highway 150D until you pass through Córdoba. About 30 miles after Córdoba, you’ll take highway 145D south-east for another 150 miles or so until you reach a town called Minatitlán.

At Minatitlán, highway 145D becomes highway 180D (sometimes called highway 180) and you’ll follow that for another 150 miles to Villahermosa. You keep following that same highway through Villahermosa, then through Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche and on to Merida.

From Merida, you’ll continue on the same highway east across the Yucatán Peninsula for the last 190 miles until you reach Cancún.

What’s Great About Driving to Cancún?

There are some great advantages to renting a car and driving to Cancún.

1. Freedom

Of all of the options, driving literally and figuratively puts you in the driver’s seat.

You get to choose every aspect of your journey, from departure time to the speed you travel to how often and where you stop.

2. Privacy

One of the best things about driving is that you don’t have to share your journey unless you want to.

If you’re travelling as a family, driving also means that you can have your familial privacy whilst you travel.

3. Convenience

Driving is the ultimate convenience. All you’ll need to do is book the car and pick it up whenever you’re ready to go.

This is particularly helpful if you have a family and it might take a little longer than expected to get everyone ready.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

FAQs: Rental Car From Guadalajara to Cancún

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Guadalajara to Cancún by rental car.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Guadalajara to Cancún?

A rental car that you pick up in Guadalajara and drop off the next day in Cancún will cost around US$1,100. The price is high because it includes a one-way fee. Gas is on top of that.

If you’re driving it back to Guadalajara at some point, then the rate is much cheaper (around US$35 per day) and you’ll just pay the daily rate and the gas.

Most providers don’t charge you per mile travelled, but make sure you check before you sign on the dotted line.

What is the Route From Guadalajara to Cancún?

The route from Guadalajara to Cancún starts off heading east on highway 150D until you reach Córdoba in the state of Veracruz.

About 30 miles thereafter, you’ll take highway 145D south-east, which becomes highway 180D and which will take you the rest of the way through Villahermosa, Campeche and Merida before finally bringing you to Cancún.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 27 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

There are some great places to stop along the way, including Ciudad del Carmen and Merida, where you rest for a few hours or try some amazing local food.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Cancún?

The total distance is approximately 1,333 miles (2,145 km) from Guadalajara to Cancún.

Where Do I Rent A Car In Guadalajara?

There are several places to rent a car in Guadalajara both in the city and at the airport. Make sure when you book it, you make sure that you can drop it off when you reach Cancún if you’re driving one way.

Are The Rental Cars Comfortable?

The short answer is yes, you will be able to rent a comfortable modern vehicle in Guadalajara. However, the level of luxury that you enjoy depends very much on your budget.

The car rental providers in Guadalajara have a range of vehicles that you can choose from, ranging from compacts up to luxury limousines.

Is It Safe To Travel By Car?

Yes, it is safe to travel by car provided you take basis precautions such as wearing your seatbelts, travelling with the doors locked and not driving unsafely.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

3. Carshare To Cancún

Another option you can use to get from Guadalajara to Cancún is a carshare.

Car-sharing is very popular in Mexico and it’s a great cheap way to travel while getting to know new people.

Fast Facts: Carshare From Guadalajara to Cancún

Where Can You Book A Carshare From Guadalajara to Cancún?

The easiest way to find a reputable carshare service is on BlaBlaCar.

There are different options available and you can choose a ride with a verified driver with lots of positive reviews.

What’s Great About A Carshare?

Although you won’t be able to take full control like you could with a rental car, there are some benefits of using a carshare rather than driving yourself.

1. Cheap Way to Travel

Car-sharing is often much cheaper than any other option.

Similar to Uber, the car-sharing model is unregulated and costs are lower as a result.

2. Easy to Organize

Arranging a car-share is very easy through online platforms like BlaBlaCar.

You’ll be able to see the pick-up and drop-off points at the time of booking and you’ll then pay when you’re picked up.

3. No Responsibility for the Vehicle

Similar to the other options where you’re being chauffeured, you won’t be responsible for what happens to the car while you’re on the road.

You’ll only be responsible for paying the agreed price and your liability ends there.

FAQs: Private Transfer From Guadalajara to Cancún

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Guadalajara to Cancún by carshare.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Guadalajara to Cancún?

A private transfer starts at around 1,250 Mexican pesos (US$75) per trip for one person. If you book with a larger group, the price per person will usually go down.

Most services cap the number of passengers, so make sure you check this before you book.

What is the Route From Guadalajara to Cancún?

The route from Guadalajara to Cancún by private transfer will follow the same route as you would take if you rented a car.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 28 hours.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Cancún?

The total distance is approximately 1,333 miles (2,145 km) from Guadalajara to Cancún.

Are The Carshare Cars Comfortable?

Drivers with good reviews will have comfortable vehicles. Contact the driver ahead of agreeing to a carshare ride to confirm.

Is It Safe To Travel By Carshare?

Yes, but you should be aware that some people may try to use the platforms to run scams.

You should be able to easily avoid this by choosing drivers who have verified profiles and lots of positive reviews.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

4. Bus To Cancún

If you can’t or don’t want to fly and don’t want to drive yourself from Guadalajara to Cancún, the bus is a great option for you.

Fast Facts: Bus From Guadalajara to Cancún

Where Can I Book A Bus From Guadalajara to Cancún?

In Mexico, different bus companies service different parts of the country.

For the route from Guadalajara to Mexico City, the two biggest providers of bus routes are Futura and Elite Select.

The biggest providers of bus routes from Mexico City to Cancún are ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) and AU (Autobuses Unidos).

I recommend using Busbud to find the best deal.

Tip: there’s no WiFi in the bus, so download anything you need at the hotel. You might also want to bring a neck pillow to help you sleep and Benadryl or Dramamine if you get carsick.

What’s Great About Taking The Bus?

Okay, so it’s not a private jet and never will be. Still, there are some positives to taking the bus.

1. The Bus Is Cheaper

Taking the bus will usually work out a little cheaper than flying.

That’s especially the case if you are planning to take a taxi to and from the airport each time.

2. Buses Take Their Time

It might seem like a strange thing to say, but buses are a bit like slow-food.

As you travel the approximately 1,333 miles (2,145 km) from Guadalajara to Cancún through the mountains, valleys and forests, you’ll get to soak in the diverse natural beauty of Mexico.

3. You’ll be Dropped Off In The City Center

If you take the bus from Guadalajara to Cancún, you’ll be dropped off in downtown Cancún rather than at an airport outside the city.

When you get off the bus, if you’re staying in the hotel zone, you can take a short taxi ride or take the public bus to your hotel.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Guadalajara to Cancún

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Guadalajara to Cancún by bus.

How Much Is The Bus From Guadalajara to Cancún?

Prices start at around US$150 per person per trip.

Which Buses Run From Guadalajara to Cancún?

For the route from Guadalajara to Mexico City, the two biggest providers of bus routes are Futura and Elite Select.

For the route from Mexico City to Cancún, ADO and AU are the two largest operators.

I recommend using Busbud to check availability for your dates and to find the best deal.

Is There a direct Bus from Guadalajara to Cancún?

No, there is no bus service that can take you the whole way from Guadalajara to Cancún without a stop in between.

Most of the buses will stop in Mexico City, although you can also find buses that make a stop in other places like Puebla if you would prefer to stop over there.

What is the Travel Time?

Travel time starts at around 33 hours, depending on the time of day you’re travelling and the provider you use.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Cancún?

The bus route is approximately 1,333 miles (2,145 km) long.

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

In Guadalajara, the pick-up point is Central de Autobuses de Guadalajara, just a few miles south-east of the historic center.

In Mexico City, you’ll usually be dropped off at Central de Autobuses del Norte in the north of the city. The connecting bus to Cancún usually departs from TAPO, just to the east of the city, but you can easily reach it with a quick ride on the Metro.

The stop next to Central de Autobuses del Norte is called Autobuses del Norte on Línea 5, and the stop next to TAPO is called San Lázaro on Línea B. You’ll need to change lines at Oceanía.

In Cancún, the drop-off point is ADO Terminal in downtown Cancún on Avenida Uxmal for all services.

Are The Buses Comfortable?

The buses are modern and air-conditioned, and the seats are comfortable semi-recliners.

There is no WiFi, though, so download everything you need before you leave the hotel.

Is It Safe To Travel By Bus?

You will be perfectly safe provided you take basic precautions.

Most importantly, keep your belongings with you at all times and keep your valuables out of sight.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

5. Private Jet to Cancún

Before you ask, yes, you can absolutely get a private jet from Guadalajara to Cancún.

And yes, it is monstrously expensive, but can’t be beaten for comfort and convenience.

Fast Facts: Private Jet From Guadalajara to Cancún

Where Can I Book A Private Jet To Cancún?

There are a few different sites that you can take a look at to arrange a private jet.

I recommend taking a look at AlbaJet, which sets out various options for the Guadalajara to Cancún route.

How Do I Get From Guadalajara To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) from downtown Guadalajara.

The options and prices are all the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

What’s Great About Flying With A Private Jet?

Most of the advantages of flying commercially apply to flying privately as well.

I’ve added a few specific ones that are unique to flying with a private jet below.

1. Glamour

It’s hard to think of a more stylish or glamorous way to arrive in Cancún than in a private jet.

If you want to feel like a rockstar when you arrive, there’s no better way to do it.

2. Convenience

If you need to travel urgently on short notice, flying on a private jet is extremely convenient.

You can usually book a window during which your pilot will be available, and you can arrive and fly at any time in that window.

3. Special Occasions

If you’re travelling as a group for a wedding or for a stag or hens night, a private jet is a great way to ensure that everyone arrives at the same time.

With a large group, the prices per person aren’t quite so eye-watering, although your wallet will still take a good beating.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

FAQs: Flying From Guadalajara to Cancún by Private Jet

If you still have questions about how to get from Guadalajara to Cancún by private jet, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Private Jet To Cancún?

If you want to fly privately to Cancún, you’re looking at around US$18,000 for a light jet seating six to eight, going up to around US$49,000 for a larger jet seating up to 16 people.

Extremely glamorous and wonderfully convenient, but not for those of us with weak wallets.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a private jet is around 2 hours 45 minutes.

You’ll also get through security faster and will be able to board and get off more quickly than on a commercial flight.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Guadalajara to Cancún is approximately 1,063 miles (1,711 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) to depart and you’ll use Cancún International Airport (CUN) when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Cancún International Airport To Downtown Cancún?

Cancún International Airport is about 12 miles (20 km) south of downtown Cancún.

How Can I Get From Cancún International Airport To The City Center?

The options are the same as for a commercial flight, which I’ve set out in detail in the section above.

Can I Rent A Car At Cancún International Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$75 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

What Are The Best Things To Do In Cancún?

Cancún is loaded with brilliant things to do. Your problem won’t be finding things to occupy your time. Your problem will be fitting them all into your trip!

The city is located right on the Caribbean Sea with miles of pristine beaches with beautiful turquoise waters where you can swim, snorkel or just enjoy the sun under a palapa. There’s also a huge reef nearby that is perfect for scuba-diving.

Just off the coast, you can take a ferry or go on a sailing trip to nearby Isla Mujeres to swim with whale sharks or sea turtles. You can also venture farther afield to the idyllic Isla Contoy and Isla Holbox if you want to visit the more remote, pristine islands.

If you’re traveling with children, Cancún has lots of different adventure parks where you can swim in natural pools, slide down enormous water slides and can even go ziplining over the tops of the trees. They’re definitely some of the best things to do in Cancún with kids.

For couples, there are lots of great waterside restaurants like RosaNegra and Taboo that serve great food and are perfect for a romantic evening. Cancún is also known for its nightlife and there are lots of great nightclubs like CoCo Bongo and The City where you can dance away into the wee hours of the morning.

If you were thinking that there isn’t much Mexican culture in Cancún, that’s not the case at all. If you’re interested in the Mayan civilization, the ruined city of Chichén Itzá is just a few hours drive from Cancún. While you’re there, you can visit one of the 10,000 cenotes for a swim in a unique location.

And if you don’t want to travel that far, Cancún itself is home to the site of several ruins including El Rey and El Meco. There is also a Mayan museum that you can visit in the hotel zone to learn more about the fascinating Mayan civilization.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Cancún?

When you make it to Cancún, the next obvious question will be where do you stay?

Well, you’re in luck because Cancún has an huge array of places to stay for you to choose from. In fact, there’s an entire area of Cancún called the Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera), which has some of the most amazing hotels in Mexico.

I’d suggest starting by looking at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, the Riu Palace Kukulkan and Temptation Cancun Resort. All of those are all-inclusive hotels, so even though the rates might seem a little high, you can get quite a bit of bang for your buck.

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, there are also some great hostels like the well-known Selina Cancún Laguna, which offers a fantastic location at a reasonable price.

You can check prices and availability at Booking.com or Expedia.com.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

When is the Best Time to Visit Cancún?

I think it’s fair to say that there is no truly bad time to visit Cancún.

There’s very little difference in average temperature across the year. It goes down to 75°F (24°C) in January and up to 85°F (30°C) in August, so whenever you visit, you can count on nice warm weather.

There are two distinct seasons, though, due to its tropical location. June to October is the rainy season, and it’s also the hottest part of the year. December to April is the dry season, and those are also the coolest months.

The best time to visit will depend a little on what you’re looking for. I’ve outlined this below.

Dry Season: December to April

This is the tourist high season. The cooler weather and the Christmas and New Year holidays initially drive up the tourist numbers. In March, US college kids then pour into Cancún to party away during Spring Break.

This is definitely the best time to visit Cancún if you’re looking to party or if you’re looking for the coolest weather. Bear in mind that because of the high demand from tourists, flights and hotel costs are at their highest.

Rainy Season: June to October

June to October is the tourist low season and if you’re looking to travel on a budget, this is the best time. Hotel prices are off their peak, and crowds are smaller, save for the tourists taking advantage of the balmy evenings during July and August.

This is also breeding season for whale sharks and sea turtles in the waters off Isla Mujeres and you, so if you’re keen to do some snorkelling or scuba-diving, this is the time to do it.

Shoulder Seasons: April to May & October to November

If you’re not keen on visiting during the rainy season but don’t want to have to pay the higher prices during the dry season, you can visit during what are known as the shoulder seasons.

The shoulder seasons are basically the two bridges between the two seasons. During this period, you can often still get a great deal on flights and hotels, but have the advantage of fewer tourists and great weather.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

What Should I Pack To Go To Cancún?

Cancún has warm days all year round, with cool nights during the dry season. There isn’t really much temperature change throughout the day, so you won’t need to worry about wearing layers.

If you travel during the rainy season, you can also expect to have very humid days. After a heavy rain, it isn’t uncommon for the humidity to reach over 80%, which is another reason to only wear airy, light clothing.

So, what should you pack? Whenever you travel, you should bring (or buy shortly after you arrive) a comfortable pair of walking shoes, a sun-hat, lot of light clothes for the day, and a light jacket or cardigan for the evenings.

If you’re going to travel in the rainy season, you should add a few more of everything, because you’ll probably want to change your clothes more often if there’s high humidity. You should also bring or buy an umbrella.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

Where Are The Best Cancún Beaches?

If you decide to visit Cancún, you’ll soon realise that it has no shortage of amazing beaches.

The most popular beach is without a doubt Playa Delfines. It’s in the southern part of the “7”-shaped hotel zone, just south of Iberostar Selection Cancún. Playa Delfines is patrolled by lifeguards who set out flags, so as long as you swim between the flags, you’ll be safe enough.

If you’re looking for more sheltered beaches, you can also try Playa Caracol, Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas. Those are all located at the top part of the hotel zone and the waters are usually more peaceful because Isla Mujeres acts as a barrier against strong waves and currents.

Playa Gaviota Azul is situated on the corner of the 7-shape, and is also sheltered by a rocky pier, making it another great option to swim.

In addition to the beaches in the hotel zone, there are also lots of others like Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres as well as other beaches further south towards Puerto Morelos.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Cancún

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading, and I hope I’ve been able to help you with some ideas for travelling from Guadalajara to Cancún beyond just taking a commercial flight.

There’s obviously nothing wrong with doing that, and it’s frankly probably your best bet most of the time. But I think it’s helpful to understand the other options so that you don’t miss out on a great experience you wish you’d had.

No matter how you travel, you’ll get to see the diverse beauty of Mexico as you fly over the forests and mountain ranges on your way to Cancún.

Your options to get from Guadalajara to Cancún are many, and all of them are great. Choose the one that most takes your fancy, and have an amazing time in Cancún!