Looking for an affordable tropical escape? Good news: flying to Mexico’s Riviera Maya just got a lot more budget-friendly. Whether you’re headed to Cancún, Tulum, or the surrounding beaches, round-trip airfare from several U.S. cities is currently under $300 USD per person—and some routes dip well below that.
Here’s everything you need to know to find the best flight deals and make the most of your Riviera Maya vacation.
How to Score Round-Trip Flights for Under $300
Flights to Riviera Maya are often more affordable than travelers expect, especially if you’re flexible with travel dates and airports. The key hubs to watch include:
Cancún International Airport (CUN) – The major gateway to Riviera Maya
Tulum International Airport (TQO) – Now open and accepting commercial flights
Cozumel Airport (CZM) – Ideal if you’re exploring islands or ferrying into Playa del Carmen
Recent Fare Examples:
U.S. Departure CityDestinationAirlineRound-Trip FareNotes
| Houston (IAH) | Cancún (CUN) | Spirit | $198–$212 | Nonstop, July travel |
| Dallas (DFW) | Cancún (CUN) | Frontier | $164 | Nonstop, weekend departures |
| Miami (MIA) | Tulum (TQO) | American | $246 | Best price to new airport |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Tulum (TQO) | United | $271 | 1 stop, flexible dates |
| Chicago (ORD) | Cancún (CUN) | American/Spirit | $242 | Multiple carrier options |
Note: Fares change frequently. Prices shown reflect recent searches in June 2025 for summer and early fall travel.
Traveling with Family? You Can Still Save Big
While airlines don’t always advertise "family discounts," there are smart ways to stretch your dollars:
Book together: Reserving multiple seats in one transaction often triggers bundled fare savings.
Group perks: Some carriers reduce baggage fees or allow early boarding for families with kids.
Off-peak timing: Flying mid-week or on shoulder season dates (late August to early November) can unlock even better deals.
If you're flying into Cancún and traveling with a group or extended family, it may still be worth booking there and arranging private transportation to your villa in Akumal, Tulum, or Puerto Aventuras—especially if you're staying somewhere off the beaten path.
Tulum’s New International Airport (TQO) – Worth It?
Tulum’s Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) is now welcoming commercial flights, with fares averaging around $240–$280 USD round-trip from cities like Miami, Newark, and Houston.
While Cancún still offers more frequent departures and lower fares overall, flying directly into Tulum means skipping the 1.5–2 hour ground transfer from CUN—a huge convenience, especially with young kids or lots of luggage.
Travel Booking Tips
Want the best possible deal? Use these expert booking strategies:
Set up price alerts with Google Flights or Hopper
Use “flexible dates” filters to find the cheapest days to fly
Fly mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) for lower fares
Travel light or check airline baggage fees before booking budget carriers
Compare airports: Sometimes it's cheaper to fly into CUN and drive to Tulum
If a beach vacation to Riviera Maya is calling your name, now’s the time to book. With round-trip fares under $300 USD from major U.S. cities, you can stretch your vacation budget further—and spend more on tacos, cenote swims, and Caribbean sunsets.
Need help finding the perfect beachfront villa or planning ground transportation? Reach out to the Locogringo or Akumal Direct team—we’ll help you build your ideal getaway from the moment you land.
Ready to book your Riviera Maya vacation?
Check out our special offers and let us help you plan a tropical escape that’s as affordable as it is unforgettable.
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