How to get to Mexico

Planning your next trip to Mexico? This massive country stretches over about 3,000 kilometres (1,864 miles) from north to south, and is home to many vibrant cities, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, Cancún and Tijuana. Here’s our guide to how to get to Mexico, with tips from our local travel experts. 

How to get to Mexico

Bordered by countries in both North and South America, there are many options for getting to Mexico. The quickest and easiest way to get to Mexico is to fly, though it is also possible to travel from the US via car or by water for cruise passengers.

Where to fly into Mexico?

Mexico is well-connected internationally, with several major airports serving as gateways to the country. Some of the busiest airports in Mexico include:

• Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
• Cancún International Airport (CUN)
• Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
• Guadalajara International Airport (GDL)
• Monterrey International Airport (MTY)

You'll find flights from Aeroméxico, American Airlines, Delta,  United Airlines, Interjet, British Airways and more. 

The cheapest times to visit Mexico are typically during the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to November, avoiding peak holidays and considering midweek travel. For more information, see our guide to the best time to go to Mexico.

How to get to Mexico from the US?

From most places in North America, flying is the most convenient way to travel to Mexico. Major US cities have direct flights to various Mexican destinations. Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest offer frequent services.

Round-trip flights from the US to Mexico can range from $200 to $700, depending on the season and how early you book.

• From Los Angeles to Mexico City: Approximately 4 hours.
• From New York to Cancún: Around 4.5 hours.
• From Miami to Mexico City: About 3.5 hours

Driving to Mexico from the US

If you're located near the border, driving to Mexico can be a convenient option. Make sure to check the entry requirements and have the necessary documentation, such as a valid passport and vehicle insurance.

Taking your own car into Mexico will obviously give you a great deal more freedom, but it does come with some complications. Aside from border formalities, you’ll also have to contend with the state of the roads, the style of driving and the quality of the fuel. US and Canadian auto insurance policies don’t cover Mexico, so you will need to take out a Mexican policy.

Getting to Mexico by boat

Several cruise lines offer Mexico itineraries that include ports of call in Mexico. Many sail along the Pacific coast, most popularly between LA and Acapulco, stopping at Los Cabos, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and Zihuatanejo.

Others ply the Caribbean side out of Miami, taking in Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and other Mexican destinations.

How to get to Mexico from the UK?

Direct flights are available from London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW) to Mexico City and Cancún. British Airways and Aeroméxico are the primary airlines offering these services.

• Generally, prices range from £400 to £1000 or more.
• Direct flights from London to Mexico City have an average flight time of around 10 to 12 hours.
• Travelling during the shoulder seasons, such as April to June or September to November, can often yield cheaper fares.

How to get to Mexico from Canada

While there may be fewer direct flights from Canada, you've still got options. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are major hubs with flights to Mexico City, Cancún, and more.  Airlines such as Air Canada, WestJet, and Aeroméxico provide these services. 

• Round-trip tickets can range from CAD 500 to CAD 1,000.
• From Toronto to Mexico City, it's about 5 hours in the air; from Vancouver to Cancún, roughly 6 hours.

How to get to Mexico from Europe

Many European airlines offer connecting flights from major cities like Paris, Madrid, and Frankfurt to Mexico's primary airports. Depending on your departure city, you may have layovers in European or North American hubs. 

• Flight durations from European cities to Mexico vary, with typical durations ranging from 10 to 14 hours, depending on layovers. 
• Costs for round-trip flights from Europe to Mexico start from €500 to €800, depending on the airline and time of booking.
• Travelling during the offseason or booking well in advance, especially in months like February or November, can help secure cheaper airfares.

How to get to Mexico from Australia and New Zealand

From Australia, your widest choice of airlines is out of Sydney. You’ll want to reach Mexico via connecting flights through hubs like Los Angeles, Dallas, or Houston. Flight durations vary from 20 to 30 hours, with round-trip fares starting from AUD 1,500.

From New Zealand, your choice is very similar: Air Canada via Vancouver, an American airline via LA or Auckland to LA with Air New Zealand, continuing with a Mexican or American airline. Total travel time ranges from 25 to 35 hours, with round-trip ticket prices typically starting from NZD 2,000. 

Do you need a visa?

If you're from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or a country in the European Union, you don't need a visa for short tourist stays in Mexico, which are typically up to 180 days. Instead, you'll get a tourist card (Forma Migratoria Multiple) when you arrive, allowing you to enjoy your time in Mexico for the specified period.