Cheap Flights from Denver International (DEN) to Cancun (CUN)

It’s a long way down from the Mile-High City to the sea-scoured tip of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Really long, as in the 1670 miles of the southeastern flight route that runs from the snow-capped Rockies of Denver to the sun-drenched beaches of Cancun.. And with help from Skyscanner’s search engine, comparing their offerings and making the best decision for you can be as quick as a Rocky Mountain jackrabbit.

Airlines and Flights from Denver to Cancun

Denver International Airport (DEN) serves as the hub for Frontier and Southwest, the two airlines with daily nonstop flights to Cancun International (CUN). The average flight time to your destination is 3 hours and 25 minutes.

When you’ve made your choice, the next step is to get familiar enough with the airport’s layout that you won’t waste time navigating its 54 square miles, 6 levels, main terminal and 3 concourses to find your departure gate. Fortunately, the airport planners did most of the work for you by locating the passenger drop-off on Level 6, where you enter the main terminal.

Once inside, take the underground “people mover” train to your concourse. Frontier departs from Concourse A and Southwest from Concourse C. The train covers the distance to both in under 5 minutes.

To leave yourself plenty of time for checking your bags, getting your boarding pass and making it through security, arrive at Denver Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure. Don’t forget your passport, because you can’t enter Mexico without it.

If you’ve taken care of business and have some time to kill before boarding, take advantage of the airport’s many diversions. Think surfing with the free Wi-Fi, exchanging some of your dollars for pesos at the World Wide Money Exchange, picking up some new shades at Sunglass Hut or chowing down on a grass-fed buffalo burger at Timberline Steaks.

One More Thing

At your check-in counter or when you board your flight from Denver to Cancun, an airline attendant will give you a “tourist card” requesting some personal information. Fill it out and put it with your passport. When you land in Cancun, an immigration official will ask to see both documents during your interview. You’ll need to show them again before leaving Mexico, so store them somewhere secure, like your hotel safe.

What to Expect at Cancun Airport

Located about 12 miles and a 20-minute drive from Cancun’s hotel zone, Cancun International Airport has three terminals connected by a free shuttle service. As an international flyer, you’ll arrive in Terminal 3. If you haven’t already done so, swap your dollars for pesos at the currency exchange. The airport’s duty-free shop is a good place to start spending them, if you aren’t in a hurry to hit the beach.

Cancun is on Eastern Standard Time, 2 hours ahead of Denver. A much bigger change comes with the climate. In January, when Denver rarely climbs out of the 40s, Cancun averages a balmy 73F. The ocean is even warmer, at 77F.

You might enjoy Cancun’s prices even more than its winter weather. A restaurant meal that costs $15 in Denver runs a little more than $5 and a pint of domestic beer on tap costs just over $1. Taxi prices also fare quite well; a trip from the airport to the hotel zone averages $26.