Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (MYF), formerly Montgomery Field, is a general aviation airport in Kearny Mesa, about 10 km (6 mi) north of downtown San Diego. It has no airline flights, so travellers to Cancun fly from San Diego International (SAN) or from Tijuana.
Quick facts (checked October 2026)
- Codes: IATA MYF · ICAO KMYF
- Location: in Kearny Mesa, about 10 km (6 mi) north of downtown San Diego
- Terminals: General aviation only – no airline terminal
- Official website: www.sandiego.gov/airports/montgomery
- Distance to Cancun: 3,258 km (2,025 miles) in a straight line
- Nonstop to Cancun: No – no airline flights (see options below)
- Time difference: 2 hours behind Cancun during daylight saving time (March to early November); 3 hours behind in winter
Flights from San Diego to Cancun
San Diego International (SAN), about 5 km (3 mi) from downtown, has no nonstop to Cancun: connect via Dallas/Fort Worth or Phoenix (American), Houston, Denver or Los Angeles (United), Denver or Las Vegas (Southwest), or Atlanta, Salt Lake City or Minneapolis (Delta) – about 6.5–9 hours in total. Alternatively, cross the border on the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) bridge in Otay Mesa to Tijuana Airport, where Viva and Volaris fly nonstop to Cancun.
Whichever route you choose, check which terminal you will arrive at in Cancun on your boarding pass (Cancun Airport terminals).
Arriving at Cancun Airport
International arrivals clear immigration and customs in Cancun, which usually takes 30–60 minutes. After customs you walk through the “shark tank” of timeshare sellers – if you have booked a transfer, go straight outside to meet your driver. See Cancun Airport arrivals for what to expect step by step, and check your flight on the live arrivals board.
| From Cancun Airport to | Drive time | Private transfer from |
|---|---|---|
| Cancun Hotel Zone | 20–30 min | 44 USD per vehicle |
| Playa del Carmen | 45–60 min | 89 USD per vehicle |
| Tulum | about 1 h 45 min | 165 USD per vehicle |
Book your Cancun Airport transfer
About Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport
Opened in 1940 as Gibbs Field and renamed Montgomery Field in 1950 after the glider pioneer John J. Montgomery, the city-owned airport is used by flight schools, private pilots and business jets.
San Diego to Cancun – FAQ
Is there a direct flight from San Diego to Cancun?
No. Montgomery Field has no airline flights, and San Diego International has no nonstop to Cancun either; fly with one stop from SAN or nonstop from Tijuana.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Cancun?
About 6.5–9 hours from San Diego International with one stop, or about 4–4.5 hours nonstop from Tijuana.
How far is San Diego from Cancun?
About 3,258 km (2,025 miles) in a straight line.
How do I get from Cancun Airport to my hotel?
A private transfer is the easiest option: from 44 USD to the Hotel Zone, 89 USD to Playa del Carmen and 165 USD to Tulum per vehicle. See Cancun Airport transportation.