Your guide to getting around Cancun

“Paradise”, “spectacular”, and “heaven on earth” are often used by our Tripadvisor community to describe Cancun. Located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, Cancun is a destination for the adventurous, the laid-back, and everyone else in between.

If you’ve got a trip to Cancun lined up (lucky you!), we’re here to help you figure out the best way to get around the city.

Traveling by bus is one of the most popular ways of getting around the city. Bus fleets were revamped just a few years ago and the routes cover most areas that you will probably want to visit.

The two top routes are R1 and R2. Chances are most of your trips will be between the downtown area and the Hotel Zone, a district comprising a bevy of resorts, beaches, and restaurants. If you have the time, why not travel the entire length of the city to get a feel of the place before deciding where to hop off?

Each one-way ride costs around MXN12 (USD0.60). Buses are air-conditioned and some even offer free Wi-Fi.

You can also take the bus out of Cancun to nearby towns for a day trip. Head to the intersection of Avenida Tulum and Uxmal in the downtown area to catch a bus to places like Tulum or the famed Chichen Itza.

Some hotels and resorts offer free shuttles to and from the city or places of interest—so ask the concierge upon check-in.

If you’re a stickler for convenience, taxis will be your best bet. Taxis are naturally pricier than buses but aren’t that expensive in the grand scheme of things. Familiarize yourself with taxi fares, which are usually prominently displayed at most hotels. If you’re up to it, you can even negotiate the fare with your driver.

Fares vary across the city and are usually higher within the Hotel Zone. Trips within the Hotel Zone are usually at MXN60–90 per ride (USD3–4). Getting from the Hotel Zone to the downtown area will set you back about MXN180 (USD9). Trips within the downtown area itself cost around MXN25 (USD1).

A word of caution: these prices aren’t necessarily set in stone... It’s always best to check with your hotel concierge for the updated list of estimated fares. Arm yourself with plenty of pesos; you might not get back the change if you pay in American dollars.

Some taxis offer all-day tours as well, with the driver doubling up as a guide. Such a trip goes for about MXN3,500 (USD172), which isn’t too bad of a deal if you split the cost with your travel buddies.

If you’re flagging taxis along the road, verify the license number with the taxi permit, which should be prominently displayed. If you book a taxi through your hotel, you can always make return trip arrangements with the driver for convenience.

Using ridesharing apps like Uber are also an option in Cancun, except to and from the airport. Ridesharing is a contentious issue in Mexico, so some drivers take precautions by operating more discreetly. You might want to hop in the front passenger seat instead of the back to look like you’re getting a lift from a friend. Other ride-sharing apps include Didi, EasyTaxi, and Cabify, but these only work with taxis. Check out more options here.

If you’re planning on making lots of day trips, car rentals are the way to go (you’ll need an international driving permit). You can travel at your own pace and visit sites that are otherwise harder to get to.

The roads in Cancun are well maintained and there are good signage for motorists but best of all, there’s no shortage of free parking. However, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the local driving rules—always take the necessary precautions and potential encounters with the local police.

Mexico mandates all drivers to have third-party liability insurance, which may or may not be included in the rental price. For the latter, the insurance will cost around MXN400 (USD20) a day. Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old; some impose a surcharge on drivers under 25. Luckily, rental rates are on the low side, going from just MXN204 (USD10) per day.

Other tips: set aside enough cash for refueling, save offline Google maps in case you have spotty coverage, and avoid driving at night due to limited lighting.

Scooters used to be a popular mode of transportation, but aren’t recommended due to safety concerns. Rental bicycles offer delivery and pick-up service with prices between MXN203 and MXN407 (USD10–20) a day; however, be prepared to battle heavy traffic, especially during peak hours.

Exploring on foot is another way to soak in the city’s sights at your own pace, but you’ll probably only be able to walk to the beach from your hotel or along certain parts of Boulevard Kukulcan. The rest of Cancun is a little too spread out to cover on foot.

There are many ways to get to your hotel from Cancun Airport. An airport taxi will take about 30 minutes, costing around MXN600 (USD30). The ADO bus will take you to the city center, where you’ll need to find alternative transport to the Hotel Zone. This option is significantly cheaper, at around MXN100 (USD5) for an hour-long ride.

Groups can easily split the taxi fare of MXN280 (USD14) for a 25-minute journey. Private transportation services are also available, such as the Cancun Shuttle, which starts at MXN240 (USD12) per person, depending on the destination.

You can also opt for a shared van to go directly to your hotel for MXN160 (USD8) per person, which departs the airport on the hour. Don’t forget to check with your hotel if they offer airport transfers. If you’re planning to drive, there are many rental car companies located in or near the airport, which you can reach via airport shuttle.

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