I traveled to Tulum's brand-new airport. It's bright and beautiful, but I was shocked by the hidden transportation fee.

Anneta KonstantinidesJul 25, 2024, 00:55 IST

Tulum has a brand-new airport.Medios y Media/Getty Images<ul class="summary-list"><li>I recently took a trip to Tulum, flying in and out of its brand-new airport. </li><li>The airport is peaceful, pristine, and beautifully designed in tribute to Tulum's jungle. </li></ul><a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pablo-escobar-former-mansion-resort-tulum-photos-2022-6">Traveling to Tulum</a> just got quicker — but is it any cheaper?I decided to find out on a recent trip to Mexico, flying in and out of Tulum from its brand-new airport.The Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport is bright, peaceful, and a closer alternative to Cancún. But traveling to and from the new airport wasn't as cost-effective as I had expected — it was actually more expensive.Here's how my journey went.

After past trips to Tulum through Cancún and Cozumel, I was excited to see its brand-new airport.

Cancún used to be the closest airport to Tulum. Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The jungle immediately greeted me as I touched down on a Monday morning.

The view from my window after touching down in Tulum. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

The airport was nearly empty as I made my way through customs.

There was no line to get through immigration. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

As I made my way to baggage claim, I was greeted by a huge sculpture…

One of the jungle-esque sculptures in the Tulum airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

… and a glowing tunnel.

The tunnel to the baggage claim area. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

The baggage claim was peaceful and pristine.

The baggage claim area at Tulum airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Within 10 minutes, I had my luggage and was past customs.

The convenience stand in the arrivals area. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

The arrivals area was also decorated to fit the airport's jungle aesthetic.

There were bright-green plants throughout the airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

A long hallway at arrivals was lined with different transportation options.

Different booths advertised various transportation options and companies. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

My shuttle was waiting for me right outside the airport.

The front of the Tulum airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I saw the rest of Tulum's airport before I caught my flight back to LA.

The Tulum airport is filled with natural light. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Just as with immigration, there wasn't a line in sight at the check-in desks.

The check-in area at Tulum Airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

After passing through security, I walked through the departures area and found that the food options were still extremely limited.

There were signs for multiple restaurants set to open soon at the airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Also open was a Duty-Free and a large souvenir shop.

The souvenir shop at Tulum Airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

The WiFi and air conditioning were spotty as I waited for my flight.

The departures area in Tulum Airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I admired the airport's unique ceilings as I walked around to pass the time.

The ceilings inside Tulum Airport. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

There was ample space to sit, and two new indoor playgrounds for kids.

Rows of green chairs in the departures area. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Tulum's new airport is lovely, and I'd travel there again despite the pickup fee.

Lounge chairs with a perfect view of the runways. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

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