George Bush Intercontinental to Cancún International
812 miles great-circle distance, typically flown in 2h 02m with 5 airlines operating direct service from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to Cancún International (CUN). Cheapest fares are usually in January (around $119 return), with peak prices in August (around $357). Departures on a Tuesday tend to undercut weekend prices on this corridor.
Flying from George Bush Intercontinental
Houston George Bush Intercontinental is United Airlines' second-largest hub after Newark, with five terminals and a Skytrain people mover connecting them. METRO's bus 102 runs from the airport to downtown Houston in around 50 minutes; light rail does not extend to IAH. International long-haul through Houston is heaviest to Latin America (over 30 destinations) and Europe, with Lufthansa, KLM, Air France and British Airways all operating daily and growing Middle East service via Qatar, Emirates and Turkish.
Arriving in Cancún
Cancún International is 16 km south of Cancún's hotel zone. ADO bus runs direct to the centre and the Riviera Maya for 110–230 MXN; private resort transfers cost $40–$80 per person. The route from the US is one of the busiest international corridors in the world, with daily fares from any major US hub. Hurricane season (June–November) brings cheaper fares and fewer crowds; peak demand is Christmas, spring break and US Thanksgiving.
Who flies IAH to CUN?
| Airline | IATA | Flight time | Cabin |
| United Airlines | UA | 2h 02m | Economy |
| American Airlines | AA | 2h 02m | Economy |
| Spirit Airlines | NK | 2h 02m | Economy |
| Frontier Airlines | F9 | 2h 02m | Economy |
| Delta Air Lines | DL | 2h 02m | Economy |
5 carriers fly direct on this corridor. Frequencies vary by season — summer and winter holiday peaks see additional flights.
Best time to fly IAH→CUN
Synthesised from 12-month price aggregates. Cheapest months in green, peak in red.
Estimated baseline. Prices update on a 30-day cadence as Travelpayouts data refreshes. Cheapest day-of-week typically Tuesday.
Houston to Cancún FAQs
Direct flights from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to Cancún International (CUN) take approximately 2h 02m for the 812-mile journey, plus 30–60 minutes of taxi, climb and descent. Total airport-to-airport time depends on cruise winds and air-traffic queueing on approach.
January is typically the cheapest month on this route, with one-way fares from $119. August is the peak — expect prices 2–3× higher. Book 4–8 weeks ahead for best fares; last-minute prices on this corridor rise sharply inside two weeks of departure.
5 carriers operate direct service from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to Cancún International (CUN): United Airlines, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Frequencies vary by season and carrier — United Airlines typically operates the highest weekly count on this corridor.
No visa required for US passport holders for stays up to 180 days. FMM tourist card included with airfare and issued at arrival. Always check travel.state.gov for the latest entry requirements before booking.
Cancún International (CUN) is the primary international airport for Cancún. Allow 30–60 minutes for the ground transfer by train, express bus, taxi or rideshare depending on traffic and time of day. See the airport's official website for current train and shuttle timetables.