Long Beach Airport (LGB), also known as Daugherty Field, is about 5 km (3 mi) northeast of downtown Long Beach. There is currently no regular nonstop flight from Long Beach to Cancun; below are the best connections, plus what to expect when you land.
Quick facts (checked October 2026)
- Codes: IATA LGB · ICAO KLGB
- Location: about 5 km (3 mi) northeast of downtown Long Beach
- Terminals: 1 historic terminal
- Traffic: about 3.8 million passengers (2025)
- Official website: www.lgb.org
- Distance to Cancun: 3,380 km (2,100 miles) in a straight line
- Nonstop to Cancun: No – one stop needed
- Time difference: 2 hours behind Cancun during daylight saving time (March to early November); 3 hours behind in winter
Flights from Long Beach to Cancun
There is no nonstop flight from Long Beach to Cancun. Southwest connects via Houston, Austin, Phoenix, Las Vegas or Chicago Midway, Delta via Salt Lake City and Alaska via Seattle – about 7.5–10 hours in total. Los Angeles (LAX), about 30 km away, has nonstops.
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 Long Beach Airport (Daugherty Field)
Long Beach’s city-owned airport is known for its Streamline Moderne terminal, a city landmark. Southwest is by far its largest airline, and all scheduled flights are domestic.
Long Beach to Cancun – FAQ
Is there a direct flight from Long Beach to Cancun?
No. You need one stop; see the connections above.
How long is the flight from Long Beach to Cancun?
With one connection, plan on the total travel time given above.
How far is Long Beach from Cancun?
About 3,380 km (2,100 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.