Campeche Airport Guide: Flights, Taxis, Transfers, and City Access

Campeche International Airport — officially named Ingeniero Alberto Acuña Ongay International Airport (IATA: CPE, ICAO: MMCP) — is the only airport serving Campeche State. It sits roughly 10 kilometres southeast of the walled historic centre along Avenida Héroe de Nacozari, a 15-minute drive under normal traffic. The airport handled around 127,500 passengers in 2025, making it a small but functional domestic gateway. Since December 2023 it has been operated by Grupo Olmeca-Maya-Mexica (GAFSACOMM), a military-linked holding company that took over from the former Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA).

This guide covers everything you need to know for arriving or departing through CPE: airlines and destinations, transfer options, costs, and practical tips for connecting to the city and beyond.

Airlines and Destinations

Campeche Airport is domestic-only. There are no scheduled international flights — travellers from the United States, Canada, or Europe must connect through Mexico City first.

Two airlines currently serve CPE:

Flight time to either Mexico City airport runs approximately 1 hour 50 minutes to 1 hour 55 minutes. Aeroméxico operates the route with Embraer E-Jet aircraft; Mexicana uses similar narrow-body equipment.

There are roughly 64 departures from Campeche per month — about 14 per week — all domestic. No other Mexican cities currently have non-stop service to Campeche, so if you are coming from Cancún, Mérida, Monterrey, or Tijuana you will need to connect in Mexico City.

Booking tip: Aeroméxico often releases promotional fares 6–8 weeks in advance. Round-trip fares to Mexico City can dip below MXN 3,000 (USD 160) during sales. Check both airlines directly — third-party aggregators sometimes miss Mexicana's inventory.

The Terminal

The airport has a single passenger terminal handling both arrivals and departures. The layout is straightforward: check-in counters at the entrance, a security screening area, then the departure hall with two gates that open directly onto the apron (passengers walk to the aircraft). The arrivals zone includes a baggage claim belt, car rental counters, and a taxi booth.

Campeche airport terminal building

The terminal is compact. Processing through check-in and security typically takes 30–45 minutes. There is a small café and a few retail shops in the departures area, but no lounges or duty-free stores. Arrive 1.5 hours before a domestic departure to be safe.

Official airport hours are 07:00 to 19:00. Flights outside these hours are rare, but confirm with your airline if you have an early-morning departure.

Getting from the Airport to Campeche City

Taxi (Recommended)

The official airport taxi booth is located inside the arrivals hall, immediately after baggage claim. You pay a fixed fare at the board before entering the vehicle. A taxi to the historic centre costs approximately MXN 250–350 (USD 14–20) and takes 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.

The fare is per vehicle, not per passenger, making this a strong option for groups of three or four. Confirm the price at the booth and ask for a receipt. Some drivers may accept card payment at the booth, but carry Mexican pesos in cash to be safe — small bills are easiest.

Always use the official taxi service. Avoid unlicensed solicitors inside the terminal or people offering rides outside the building.

Public Bus (Budget Option)

There is no dedicated airport shuttle bus. However, local colectivos and intercity buses pass along the main highway (Carretera Champotón-Campeche) near the airport. To use them:

1. Exit the terminal and walk to the main road — roughly 500 metres.
2. Cross to the opposite side using the pedestrian bridge or traffic signal.
3. Look for buses marked "Campeche" or "Mercado" — ADO and Sur coaches, plus local colectivos.
4. Ask the driver to drop you near the Alameda or Baluarte de San Carlos at the edge of the historic centre.

This route costs MXN 25–40 (USD 1.50–2.50) but involves a walk, waiting, and potentially standing. Total travel time including the walk and wait can run 30–45 minutes. Frequency drops sharply in the evening and after dark.

Not recommended in heavy rain, with heavy luggage, or for late-night arrivals.

Private Transfer

Pre-booking a private transfer through platforms like Bookaway or HolidayTaxis gives you a driver waiting in the arrivals hall with a name sign. Prices run MXN 300–400 (USD 17–22), comparable to the official taxi but with guaranteed service. This is worth considering for late-night flights, families with small children, or anyone arriving after the taxi booth closes.

Rental Car

Hertz and Europcar both operate counters inside the terminal. Renting a car makes sense if you plan to explore Edzná, Calakmul, or the wider state — but driving within the walled historic centre itself is frustrating due to narrow one-way streets and limited parking.

Hertz lists its counter on Avenida López Portillo. Europcar's airport office is open Monday to Friday 08:00–20:00, Saturday 08:00–16:00, Sunday 08:00–20:00. Daily rates for a compact car average MXN 700–1,200 (USD 38–65) depending on season and vehicle class. Book in advance for better rates and guaranteed availability.

If you only need a car for day trips, consider renting from Europcar's city centre office (Avenida 16 de Septiembre 120, between Calle 57 and 59) and taking a taxi from the airport instead.

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Getting to the Airport

From Campeche City Centre

A taxi from the historic centre to the airport costs the same MXN 250–350 range and takes 15–20 minutes. Taxis are plentiful around the Plaza de la Independencia and along the Malecón. Your hotel can also call a radio taxi if needed.

There is no train connection to the airport. The Tren Maya station in San Francisco de Campeche is located near the old ADO bus terminal area, roughly 6 km from the airport — you would still need a taxi between the station and the terminal.

From Other Parts of Campeche State

If you are coming from Ciudad del Carmen (180 km south), Champotón (60 km southwest), or Escárcega (130 km east), your options are limited. There are no direct public buses to the airport from these towns. Your best options are:

• Ciudad del Carmen: Take an ADO bus to Campeche city (3.5–4 hours, MXN 400–550), then a taxi to the airport.
• Champotón: Local buses or colectivos to Campeche city (1–1.5 hours), then taxi.
• Escárcega: ADO bus to Campeche (2 hours), then taxi.

Alternatively, some travellers arrange a private transfer or shared taxi from their hotel. If you are on a tight flight schedule, allow an extra hour beyond the bus schedule to account for road conditions and the last-mile taxi.

Alternative Airports

If you cannot find a convenient flight to CPE, two other airports serve as gateways to Campeche State:

Mérida International Airport (MID): Located 175 km north of Campeche city in Yucatán State, Mérida has far more flight options — including direct services from Cancún, Mexico City, Monterrey, and seasonal international flights from the United States and Canada. From Mérida, you can reach Campeche by ADO bus (2.5–3 hours, MXN 350–450), rental car (2 hours via Highway 180), or the Tren Maya (connecting at Mérida Teya station). This is often the better option if you also plan to visit the Ruta Puuc or Valladolid.

Ciudad del Carmen International Airport (CME): Located 180 km south of Campeche city, this airport primarily serves the oil industry. Aeroméxico operates flights to Mexico City from here. If you are heading to the southern part of Campeche State — Calakmul, Xpujil, or the Laguna de Términos — Ciudad del Carmen can be a more direct entry point than flying to Campeche and backtracking.

Connecting to the Tren Maya

The Tren Maya is now operational across the Yucatán Peninsula, with a station in San Francisco de Campeche. The station sits near the old ADO terminal area, about 6 km from the airport. There is no direct shuttle between CPE and the train station — you will need a taxi (MXN 120–180, 10 minutes).

If you are combining a flight with a train journey, consider flying into Campeche and taking the Tren Maya north toward Mérida, Edzná, or the Calakmul stations (Xpujil, Centenario, Constitución). The train runs multiple times daily and offers a comfortable, air-conditioned alternative to long bus journeys. Book Tren Maya tickets online at least a few days in advance during peak season (December–March).

Practical Tips

Cash: The taxi booth, bus drivers, and some small vendors at the airport operate in cash only. ATMs are available in the terminal but may occasionally be empty — withdraw pesos in the city before heading to the airport if possible.

Luggage storage: There is no luggage storage facility at the airport. If your hotel check-in is later than your arrival, ask in advance whether they will hold your bags. The main ADO bus terminal in the city sometimes offers paid guarda equipaje.

Flight monitoring: Campeche Airport has limited flight information displays. Check your airline's app or a flight-tracking service before heading to the terminal, especially during storm season (June–October) when delays are more common.

Arrival timing: If you are connecting through Mexico City to Campeche, book a flight that arrives at CPE before 18:00. The last departures from both MEX and NLU to Campeche typically leave in the early afternoon, so a late connection may leave you overnighting in the capital.

Long-haul travellers: From North America or Europe, the most efficient routing is a direct flight to Mexico City (MEX), then the 1h 55m domestic hop to Campeche on Aeroméxico or Mexicana. Allow at least 2.5 hours between international and domestic flights at Mexico City to clear immigration, collect bags, and re-check.

Accessibility: The terminal is single-level with step-free access from the parking area to the aircraft apron. If you need assistance, contact your airline in advance — there are no dedicated airport assistance services comparable to larger Mexican airports.

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking is available directly in front of the terminal building. Rates are moderate — expect to pay MXN 30–50 per hour if you are dropping off or picking up a passenger. For multi-day trips, compare parking costs against a round-trip taxi from your hotel.

Quick Reference

Campeche Airport is small, efficient, and easy to navigate. The key thing to remember is that it is domestic-only — plan your connection through Mexico City, arrive with cash for the taxi, and you will be walking the colourful streets of the walled city within 20 minutes of landing.