The first thing to bear in mind when you’re looking for cheap flights from London to Cancun is the departure airport you plan to set off from. In Mexico, you’ll land at Cancun International Airport (CUN). But in the UK, you can fly from three London airports – Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN) and Heathrow (LHR).
There are around 540 weekly flights from London to Cancun. At the moment, all direct flights set off from Gatwick with either British Airways or Thomas Cook Airlines. Both carriers offer some great deals on prices, so you might find a bargain on a direct flight. If you’re happy to include a stopover somewhere on the way, that opens up even more options. You’ve got budget carriers to choose from, and you can set off from a different London airport, giving you some great deals to choose from.
Generally, London Heathrow is the most popular choice for flights to Cancun, while the most popular airlines are Iberia Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Aeromexico. But when you fly is just as important as who you fly with. If you're flexible on dates, try searching by month to see when the cheapest flights are.
For example, March can be one of the most expensive times to fly from London to Cancun. In fact, high season runs from November to March, also known as the dry season – which is popular with visitors for obvious reasons. If you’re saving cash, August can be the cheapest time for flights – but it’s right in the middle of Cancun’s wet season, so you can expect some rain.
FAQs about flights from London to Cancun
Which airlines fly from London to Cancun?
From Gatwick, both British Airways and Thomas Cook Airlines fly direct to Cancun, while Virgin Atlantic and Turkish Airlines fly indirect. From Heathrow, you can fly with carriers like Aeromexico, Iberia Airlines, Unites Airlines and Austrian Airlines, and from Stansted you can fly to Cancun with Emirates.
Which airlines have the cheapest flights to Cancun?
Aeromexico, British Airways, SWISS and Thomas Cook Airlines often have the cheapest flights to Cancun.
Can I fly direct from London to Cancun?
Yes – you can fly direct with British Airways and Thomas Cook Airlines.
Which London airport offers the cheapest direct flight to Cancun?
For the cheapest direct flights to Cancun, fly from London Gatwick.
How long is the flight from London to Cancun?
A direct flight from London to Cancun lasts 10 hours and 30 minutes.
How do I get into Cancun from Cancun International Airport?
There are several ways to get into Cancun from the airport. One of the cheapest options is via bus, which starts from just under $5 to downtown Cancun, $12 to Playa del Carmen or $15 to Tulum. Buses leave from Terminal 2 every 20 minutes and it’s best to book online in advance. You can also book a private taxi, which starts from around $29 to downtown Cancun, or share a ride to make it cheaper. Just make sure you check if there’s a transfer included with your accommodation booking, as lots of hotels include this in the price.
What are the top things to do in Cancun?
This Mexican city on the Yucatan Peninsula is known the world over for its Caribbean beaches, which gives you a good idea where to start. The bulk of them are in the Zona Hotelera – or hotel zone – with plenty of places to party just footsteps from the sand. If you’d rather be in the water, this place is prime snorkeling territory – and don’t miss the submerged sculptures at the MUSA Underwater Museum of Art. Just make sure you save time for The Museo Maya de Cancun and Xcaret ecological park.
Do I need a visa to travel to Cancun?
Probably not – if you’re visiting Mexico as a tourist you don’t need a visa. But you will need to complete an immigration form and have this with you when you enter and leave Mexico. You can get one when you arrive or, even better, in advance if you complete it online on the National Institute of Immigration website.