From Airport (CUN): Located 12km from Hotel Zone. Options include the ADO airport bus (to downtown and the Hotel Zone), pre-booked transfers, shared shuttles, taxis, and the Tren Maya from the Cancún Airport station towards Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Chichén Itzá. Avoid unmarked taxis.
R-1 and R-2 Buses: Frequent, air-conditioned buses run 24/7 along Hotel Zone and to Downtown Cancun (Centro). Fare: 12-13 pesos (about $0.70 USD). Pay driver with exact change. R-1 travels north, R-2 south. Wave at bus stops marked by blue signs.
Colectivos: Shared white vans travel to Playa del Carmen (50-70 pesos, 1 hour), Tulum, and Puerto Morelos. Depart when full from ADO terminal downtown.
Official Taxis: White and yellow taxis with meters (insist on meter or agree on price before entering). Hotel Zone to Downtown: ~200-300 pesos. Taxi apps: Didi operates in Cancun offering lower rates than street taxis.
Uber: Available but operates in gray legal area. Generally cheaper than taxis but pickup can be discreet due to taxi union opposition.
Useful for exploring Riviera Maya independently. Daily rates: $25-60 depending on season and vehicle. Full insurance recommended (roads can be rough, police stops occur). International license accepted. Gas stations require cash payment. Toll roads (cuota) are faster but expensive; free roads (libre) slower but scenic.
To Isla Mujeres: Depart from Puerto Juarez (Ultramar) or Hotel Zone (slower). Frequency: every 30 minutes 5am-11:30pm. Ultramar from Puerto Juárez: 290 MXN one way, 580 MXN return (adults, 2026). Journey: 15-20 minutes. Vehicle ferries available but expensive; rent golf carts on island instead.
To Cozumel: Ferry from Playa del Carmen only (about 45 minutes).
Cancún International Airport (CUN) to city center: