Navigating transportation from Cancun International Airport to your hotel: Tips to avoid scams, overpriced rides, and more

Are you gearing up to arrive at Cancun International Airport (CUN) for your dream vacation in Mexico?

Before you can kick back and enjoy your vacation, you'll need to navigate the bustling Cancun airport and figure out how to get to your hotel. With the noise, the crowds, and people shouting at you from all angles, it can quickly become stressful instead of relaxing.

I nearly became a victim of an airport scam myself because I didn’t have a clear transportation plan, and I almost ended up paying far too much for a taxi.

However, getting from Cancun Airport to your hotel doesn’t have to turn into a costly ordeal.

Continue reading to discover our top tips for booking transportation from CUN to your hotel.

What’s the best way to travel from Cancun International Airport to your hotel?

Having visited Quintana Roo multiple times, I can tell you that while there are many transportation options at the airport, the most efficient choice is to have a plan set before you even land in Mexico.

Is it possible to book an Uber or Lyft at Cancun airport?

While many of us use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Lyft when traveling, don’t expect to use your phone to book a ride when you land at CUN. Although I've heard Uber is available in Cancun, multiple sources say that Uber drivers are not permitted to pick up passengers at the airport. When I visited Cancun in 2021, I tried to use Uber at the airport, but no cars were available.

As a result, it's better to avoid relying on ride-hailing apps and instead arrange alternate transportation options before arriving in Mexico.

Is taking a taxi from Cancun airport to your hotel a good idea?

If you're headed to Cancun’s popular Hotel Zone, expect a 15 to 30-minute ride from the airport, depending on where your hotel is located (and traffic conditions). As soon as you exit Cancun International’s security area, you’ll be immediately surrounded by people trying to get your attention. From offering guided tours to promoting transportation services, it can feel chaotic and overwhelming. That's how I felt on my first trip to Cancun, at least.

A taxi to your Cancun hotel will typically cost between $30 and $40 per person. Since taxis don’t have a flat fare, your cost may vary. Additionally, if you’re traveling to other parts of the Quintana Roo region, like Tulum, Puerto Morelos, or Playa del Carmen, be prepared to pay more per person.

Since taxis don’t have a set fare and you might find yourself negotiating with the driver, I don’t recommend relying on a taxi for transportation to your hotel in Cancun. Personally, I prefer to arrange transportation in advance before I even land in Mexico.

Reserve a car or shared ride from Cancun airport to your hotel

If you're staying at an all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya, check with your hotel to see if they offer complimentary transportation or recommend a particular provider. For example, during my stays at several Hyatt all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, I was encouraged to book with Amstar DMC, which provides airport transfers and guided tours to and from your hotel.

You can choose from private transfers, shuttle services, or even luxury private transfers, such as a Cadillac Escalade. Prices will vary based on your hotel destination, the number of passengers, and the type of service you select.

Additionally, if you’re traveling with a group, you could save money by opting for a private transfer, which might cost less than the shuttle service.

For example, booking a private transfer from CUN to Iberostar Selection Cancun will cost $103 (including taxes and fees). That works out to about $25 per person for a group of four, compared to $116 (including taxes and fees) for the shuttle. So, in this case, the private transfer is the more affordable option.

Another benefit is that you don’t have to worry about your flight delays affecting your transportation. Amstar DMC tracks your flight to ensure your pickup goes smoothly. Once you exit the airport, simply look for someone wearing an Amstar DMC shirt, and they’ll direct you to your pickup location.

If you’re traveling alone or with one other person, booking the shuttle service might be more economical. This van service is shared with guests staying at nearby hotels.

By prebooking your airport transfer, you can avoid the hassle of booking and paying for transport at the airport. I find this to be the best approach when staying in the area.

There are numerous airport transportation options available in Cancun, besides Amstar DMC. It's a good idea to check with your hotel for their recommended services and compare prices. Keep in mind that if you're planning to prebook your airport transport, it's best to do so well in advance, as some providers can get fully booked during peak travel times.

Scams at Cancun International Airport

While traveling, especially abroad, it's easy for tourists to fall prey to local scams. It's always wise to be cautious when someone seems overly eager to "assist" you.

As I mentioned earlier, taxis don’t have a fixed rate, meaning prices can vary. You might end up paying much more during peak season or if you're traveling in a large group. If you decide to take a taxi, make sure to carry Mexican pesos, as there have been reports of tourists being overcharged hundreds of dollars on their credit cards.

A Reddit user shared their experience where a taxi driver’s card reader kept showing that the card was "declined." Later, after reaching their hotel and connecting to Wi-Fi, they discovered two transactions had been made on the card—one for $249.99 and another for $499.98.

Unfortunately, taxi scams are common worldwide, and Mexico is no exception. If you plan to take a taxi, it's advisable to pay with Mexican pesos and confirm the price before getting in. If you don't have cash and need to use a card, choose a credit card over a debit card. With a credit card, you can easily report fraud to your bank, and the money isn't withdrawn directly from your personal account.

Though I wasn’t scammed during my Cancun vacation, it’s wise to be cautious of people in the airport who may try to distract you or push other services like tours, transportation, or excursions.

On my first trip to Cancun, I didn’t realize that prebooked transportation services were waiting outside the airport. As I walked through the crowd, several people approached me, offering help or asking if I had already arranged a service. After telling someone I had a prebooked car service, he led me to a desk, claiming to be with the company, but then tried to sell me a cenote tour. I had to walk away after repeatedly saying "no, thank you" but he wouldn’t stop pushing the sale.

The Quintana Roo region is a fantastic destination for a tropical beach vacation, offering plenty of opportunities to relax and explore. However, paying too much for transportation or falling victim to scams at the airport can really put a damper on the trip. To avoid this, we recommend booking your transportation in advance or being prepared to pay with Mexican pesos if you're opting for a taxi at the airport.