Find the cheapest flights from London to Tulum in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: London (LHR) → Tulum (TQO)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 13h 20m – 18h 45m
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €520 | high |
| February | €480 | high |
| March | €450 | medium |
| April | €420 | medium |
| May | €380 | medium |
| June | €350 | low |
| July | €450 | high |
| August | €480 | high |
| September | €300 | low |
| October | €340 | low |
| November | €400 | medium |
| December | €650 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- British Airways (direct): from €550 — Book direct BA flights 2-3 months ahead for Christmas/Easter breaks. Off-peak direct flights can drop to €420 in shoulder season.
- TUI Airways (direct): from €480 — TUI operates seasonal charter flights primarily. Check their package deals – flight+hotel bundles often work out cheaper than separate bookings.
- Iberia (connecting): from €380 — Via Madrid (MAD) – typically fastest European connection. Best prices when booked 6-8 weeks ahead. Watch for Air Mexico codeshare for TQO flights.
- KLM (connecting): from €410 — Via Amsterdam (AMS) – excellent connections with Air France merger. Search KLM+AF together as prices often match.
- Air France (connecting): from €400 — Often cheapest via Paris CDG. Use Flying Blue miles for redemptions – excellent award availability on this route.
- United Airlines (connecting): from €450 — Via Newark (EWR) or Houston (IAH) – sometimes cheaper than European connections. United Polaris business class offers flatbeds.
Booking Strategy
For London to Tulum, September offers the lowest prices at around €300-350 for connecting flights. Book connecting routes 6-8 weeks ahead for the best deals, while direct British Airways flights require 2-3 months advance booking, especially for Christmas and Easter periods. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €40-80 cheaper than weekend flights. The cheapest days to fly are mid-week, with Thursday evenings often providing the best value. When searching, include both TQO (Tulum) and CUN (Cancun) as some airlines price to Cancun only – you can bus from Cancun to Tulum for €15-25 if the price difference is significant. Use Skyscanner’s ‘everywhere’ search to compare route combinations, and consider booking separate legs (e.g., London-Madrid, Madrid-Tulum) if prices exceed €500 for direct routes.
Route Tips
- Book flights arriving at TQO (Tulum) rather than CUN (Cancun) – the new airport is 45km closer and saves a 2-hour bus journey, plus you’ll avoid the €15-25 colectivo or shuttle fees.
- If prices to TQO are high, fly to Cancun (CUN) and book separate bus transport – ADO buses run hourly from Cancun airport to Tulum for €15-20 and are comfortable with A/C.
- September-October offers the best flight deals but falls within hurricane season – ensure your travel insurance covers weather cancellations and consider booking refundable flights.
- British Airways operates seasonal direct flights only – check their route map in October/November for the upcoming winter schedule release.
- Mexico tourist visa is not required for UK passport holders for stays under 180 days – you get a stamp on arrival. Just ensure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from London to Tulum?
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Tulum (TQO) take approximately 10 hours 30 minutes during the seasonal schedules (typically December-April). However, most flights connect through Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, or US hubs, resulting in total travel times between 13-19 hours depending on the connection city. The quickest connecting route is via Madrid with Iberia (13h 20m), while routes via US gateways like New York or Houston typically take 16-19 hours including longer layovers.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Tulum?
Prices range from €300-350 for budget connecting flights in the low season (September-October) up to €650+ during peak December/January. Direct British Airways flights start around €420-500 in shoulder season but can hit €700+ during school holidays. Connecting flights via European hubs typically cost €350-480 depending on advance booking. Package holidays with TUI often provide better value at €450-600 for flight+hotel bundles compared to booking separate flights.
Are there direct flights from London to Tulum?
Yes, but limited. British Airways operates seasonal direct flights to Tulum (TQO) primarily during winter months (November-March) from London Heathrow. TUI Airways also runs charter flights from London Gatwick during peak holiday periods. These direct services book up quickly, especially for Christmas, Half Term, and Easter breaks. For the rest of the year, you’ll need to connect via Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, or US cities like New York or Houston.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Tulum?
September offers the cheapest flights with average prices around €300-350, followed by October at €340-380. These months fall just outside the hurricane season (officially June-November, peak September-October) but before the winter tourist rush. May and June also offer good value at €350-400. The most expensive period is December-January when European winter coincides with peak beach season, with prices regularly exceeding €600-700.
Which airlines fly from London to Tulum?
Direct flights are operated by British Airways (seasonal Heathrow-Tulum) and TUI Airways (charter Gatwick-Tulum). Connecting options include Iberia (via Madrid), Air France (via Paris), KLM (via Amsterdam), and Lufthansa (via Frankfurt/Munich). US carriers United, Delta, and American Airlines offer routes via their hub cities. Budget carriers like Vueling and Level may have cheaper fares when connecting through Barcelona or Paris.
What airport do I fly into in Tulum?
You’ll arrive at Tulum International Airport (IATA: TQO), located about 45km north of Tulum town center, opened in December 2023. Before this, flights arrived at Cancun International Airport (CUN), which is still used by some airlines. From TQO, colectivos (shared vans) to Tulum cost around €8-10, taxis €25-35, and rental cars are available at the terminal. If you land in Cancun, the ADO bus to Tulum costs €15-20 and takes 2-2.5 hours.
How far in advance should I book London to Tulum flights?
For the best prices, book connecting flights 6-8 weeks ahead of your travel date. Direct British Airways flights require 2-3 months advance booking, particularly for school holidays when they sell out fastest. September travel can sometimes be found 3-4 weeks ahead at €300-350. Last-minute bookings rarely work for this route – expect to pay €200+ premium if booking within 2 weeks. Set price alerts 3 months out for the best chance of scoring deals.
Is it cheaper to fly from London to Tulum on weekdays?
Yes, mid-week flights are significantly cheaper. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €40-80 less than Friday-Sunday flights. Thursday evening departures offer a good balance of decent prices and weekend-adjacent timing. Saturday flights are usually the most expensive on this route due to leisure travelers. For maximum savings, target Tuesday or Wednesday departures in September-October, where you can find connecting flights as low as €300 compared to €500+ for weekend departures.
Data updated: 2026-03
