Landing at Cancun International Airport (CUN) and need to get to your Sandos resort? Here’s everything you need to know about the transfer that’s included with your promotional package β and your options for the return trip.
What’s Included with Your Package
Your promotional reservation includes one-way airport-to-hotel transportation. This means:
- β Pickup at Cancun Airport on arrival day
- β Transportation directly to your resort
- β Air-conditioned vehicle
- β No cost beyond your package price
What’s NOT included:
- β Return transportation to the airport (you arrange this separately)
- β Transportation for arrival changes not scheduled in advance
How to Arrange Your Airport Pickup
You must schedule your pickup in advance. Call at least 15 days before your arrival:
π From US/Canada: 1-844-366-8385
π International: +52 998 193 3492
What they’ll need:
- Your confirmation number
- Flight number and airline
- Arrival date and time
- Number of passengers
What you’ll receive:
- Confirmation of pickup time
- Instructions for where to meet your driver
- Emergency contact number
At the Airport
After Landing
- Immigration β Have your passport and tourist card (FMM) ready. You’ll get the FMM on the plane or at a kiosk.
- Baggage claim β Grab your luggage.
- Customs β Press the button. Green light = go. Red light = bag inspection.
- Exit to arrivals hall β Look for your transfer representative.
Finding Your Driver
Your driver will be holding a sign with either:
- Your name
- “Sandos” or “Royal Elite”
- Your booking reference
If you don’t see your driver:
- Check the general meeting area
- Call the emergency number you received
- Ask airport staff to help locate transportation representatives
Don’t accept rides from random people approaching you in the terminal. Legitimate transfers will have proper signage and won’t aggressively approach you.
Transfer Times to Each Resort
From Cancun Airport (CUN):
| Resort | Distance | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sandos Cancun | 15 miles | 12β15 minutes |
| Sandos Caracol | 40 miles | 45 minutes |
| Sandos Playacar | 42 miles | 55 minutes |
Times vary based on traffic. Rush hour (7β9 AM, 5β7 PM) and holiday periods add time.
Return Transportation Options
Your package includes one-way only. For returning to the airport, you have options:
Option 1: Book Through the Resort
The simplest option. Visit the concierge desk at your resort to arrange return transportation.
Pros: Easy, reliable, they know your checkout time
Cons: Costs extra ($30β60 USD depending on resort)
Option 2: Book Through Seek & Go
Seek & Go offers airport transfers as part of their services.
Pros: Can combine with other arrangements, competitive pricing
Cons: Same cost range as resort booking
Option 3: Private Transfer Services
Companies like USA Transfers, Cancun Airport Transportation, and others offer pre-booked airport shuttles.
Pros: Book online in advance, fixed prices, often slightly cheaper
Cons: Requires research, varies in quality
Option 4: Taxi from Hotel Zone
Available at the resort taxi stand.
Pros: No advance booking needed
Cons: More expensive than pre-booked options, less predictable pricing
What I Recommend
Book through the resort concierge. It’s slightly more expensive than hunting for deals online, but:
- They know when you’re checking out
- They’ll have you at the airport on time
- No language barrier issues
- One less thing to coordinate
The peace of mind is worth the extra $10β20.
Timing Your Return
How early to leave for the airport:
| Resort | To Airport | Add Buffer | Leave This Early |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandos Cancun | 15 min | +30 min | 45 min before check-in opens |
| Sandos Caracol | 45 min | +30 min | 75 min before check-in opens |
| Sandos Playacar | 55 min | +30 min | 85 min before check-in opens |
Then add airport time:
- International flights: Arrive 3 hours before departure
- Domestic flights: Arrive 2 hours before departure
So for an international flight at 2 PM from Sandos Playacar:
- 3 hours before = 11 AM at airport
- 85 minutes travel = Leave by 9:35 AM
Tips for a Smooth Transfer
On Arrival
- Have your confirmation info accessible β Phone screenshots work
- Bring small bills β Tips for drivers are appreciated (50β100 pesos or $5 USD)
- Don’t exchange money in the airport β Rates are terrible. Use ATMs instead
- Decline timeshare pitches in the airport β You’re already booked with a legitimate program
On Departure
- Confirm pickup time the day before β Double-check with concierge
- Have cash for tips β Driver, bellman
- Keep your FMM tourist card β You’ll surrender it at the airport
- Leave time for traffic β Better early than missed flight
What About Flying into Different Airports?
Los Cabos (SJD)
If you’re staying at Sandos Finisterra, you fly into San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD), not Cancun.
Same deal β one-way transfer included. The airport is about 30 minutes from Sandos Finisterra.
Learn about Los Cabos tours β
Cozumel (CZM)
If you’re flying to Cozumel first (for diving, for example), you’ll need to arrange ferry transport to Playa del Carmen on your own. The airport transfer only covers Cancun.
Questions?
The airport transfer is one of the smoothest parts of the trip β as long as you book it in advance. Call that number, confirm your flight details, and you’ll have a driver waiting when you land.
Need help with your reservation? Contact us at contact@sandospromo.com or call (855) 804-8381.
View Resort Packages β | Explore Seek & Go Tours β
Explore Sandos Resorts
- Sandos Cancun β Adults Only β 30 min from Cancun airport
- Sandos Caracol β Playa del Carmen β 50 min from Cancun airport
- Sandos Playacar β Playa del Carmen β 55 min from Cancun airport
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