My Review of Cancun Airport Transportation (Pros & Cons)
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I travel to Mexico frequently. I have personally used Cancun Airport Transportation many times to go from Cancun International Airport. I have also tried all of the major alternative transportation options as well.
In this Cancun Airport Transportation review, I’ll share my honest take on this Cancun airport shuttle service.
The short version is this: In my opinion, this transfer company is the single best way get from Cancun International Airport, period. But there are other options I’ll cover. The bus in particular is cheaper, though it is a bigger hassle. Airport taxis are also an option, but frankly they are also a hassle and not any more affordable than pre-booking your transport!
My honest advice? If you can afford it, just pre-book your transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation now and move on with planning your trip to Cancun.
When you arrive and waltz past all the other travelers stuck in the chaos of the Cancun Airport arrivals area, you’ll be glad you did.
Cancun Airport Transportation
My preferred service for getting from Cancun airport (and, yes, I pay just like a regular customer). I think it’s the fastest, safest & easiest service there is. Just be sure to pre-book!
For a more detailed take on Cancun Airport Transportation, read on to learn my personal experiences.
First, here’s a summary of current rates for Cancun Airport Transportation. Prices are one way, in USD. They have unfortunately had a few rate increases lately, so pay attention (I last doubled-check these in April, 2024):
| One Way* | Roundtrip* | ||
| Cancun Downtown | $44 | $85 | Book Here |
| Cancun Hotel Zone | $44 | $85 | Book Here |
| Playa del Carmen | $85 | $165 | Book Here |
| Tulum | $160 | $310 | Book Here |
| Tulum Hotel Zone | $180 | $345 | Book Here |
The above chart is for their base Private Transportation Services, but they also offer a few other services:
- Group Transportation Services (Fits up to 16 People!)
- Limo Transportation Services
- Handicap Transportation Services
- Luxury Transportation Services
Want to jump around?
Cancun Airport Transportation Review – Quick Summary
I’ve gone through Cancun International Airport 30+ times over a decade of travel along Mexico’s Riviera Maya. I’ve tried every method of airport transportation in Cancun that I can think of: public buses, airport taxis, private vans – you name it, I’ve tried it.
Here’s the thing: Cancun’s airport is honestly just a truly terrible place.
The airport is incredibly small and gets super crowded fast.
There’s almost nowhere to sit.
Plus, you better not be hungry or thirsty – because the limited food and drink vendors charge ridiculous prices ($8 for a bottle of water – no joke!).
Bottom line: you do NOT want to spend more time at Cancun International Airport than you have to. Going through that money trap is a necessary evil of visiting the beautiful Riviera Maya, but treat it like a public bathroom: get in, do what you have to do, and get out asap.
In my opinion, Cancun Airport Transportation is the overall best way to get out from Cancun International Airport and on to your hotel. I have personally used the service multiple times and can confidently say it is the fastest, easiest, safest, and most convenient way to get to and from Cancun Airport.
Although there are cheaper airport transportation options for single or solo travelers on a budget and willing to navigate the bus, if you’re with a group or a family you may find that Cancun Airport Transportation actually works out to be cheaper per person anyway.
It’s not all positive though. I should note that there are some reports on other review sites of passengers who had communication issues when using the service to go from their hotel to the airport. I personally have never experienced such an issue, and the company has thousands of positive user reviews as well. When going to the airport from your hotel, I’d suggest triple-confirming your hotel’s address with the service, as many hotels in Riviera Maya share similar names.
Pros of Cancun Airport Transportation:
- Safest, fastest & most convenient way from Cancun Airport
- Avoid the hassles of Cancun taxis
- Transparent and fair pricing (just remember to tip your driver)
- Comfortable private vehicles
- Bi-lingual drivers
- Can pre-order drinks and snacks
- Local, family-run business
- Usually cheaper than a transfer booked via your hotel or resort
Cons of Cancun Airport Transportation:
- Buses are definitely cheaper (although for groups it can still add up!)
- Prices are reasonable for Cancun transportation, but recent increases mean some may think they are heft for transit to Playa del Carmen or, especially, Tulum
- There are scattered reports of communication issues when getting picked up at your hotel (be sure to confirm time and address – not just hotel name!)
Cancun Airport Transportation
My preferred service for getting from Cancun airport (and, yes, I pay just like a regular customer). I think it’s the fastest, safest & easiest service there is. Just be sure to pre-book!
Cancun Airport Transportation is best for:
- Groups
- Families
- Luxury travelers
- Anyone who values safety and convenience
Cancun Airport Transportation might not be a fit for:
- Budget backpackers
Cancun Airport Transportation – Full Review
Overall, Cancun Airport Transportation is my personal preferred Cancun Airport transport service. I’ve tested several transport methods and found that it’s the lowest hassle and quickest way to get out of Cancun International Airport, which is honestly one of my least favorite places in Mexico.
The locally-owned company offers convenient private Cancun airport transportation to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and really any destination in the Yucatan.
But of course, every traveler is looking for something a little different, so let’s get a little more specific on what features of the private transportation service I like best.
Here are the aspects and features of Cancun Airport Transportation I tested and rated for this review:
- Booking Process (5 / 5 Stars)
- Arrival Process (5 / 5 Stars)
- Convenience (5 / 5 Stars)
- Comfort (5 / 5 Stars)
- Speed (5 / 5 Stars)
- Safety (5 / 5 Stars)
- Cost (4 / 5 Stars)
Shuttle Booking Process
⭐ Booking Process Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
The booking process is very easy and intuitive.
Just go to the Cancun Airport Transportation website, enter the name of your hotel, and select one way or round trip transportation. If staying in an Airbnb, put a nearby hotel or just the name of your city or “Cancun Hotel Zone” or “Downtown Cancun” as relevant.
After booking, you get a confirmation email that includes a confirmation number. While the email says to “print this voucher” with your confirmation number, in my experience all they need is the number and your name when you arrive.
Airport Arrival Process
⭐ Arrival Process Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
One of the best things about the company, in my opinion, is that it takes the hassle out of arriving at the airport in Cancun.
And, honestly, Cancun International Airport is a mess. There is essentially no arrivals hall. You pass through customs and enter into a long hallway that feels like walking through a gauntlet of vendors. Rental cars, taxi companies, tour companies – they are all there trying to extract money out of you, often at above-market rates.
Once you pass through that hallway, you exit to a public outdoor area filled with touts and taxi drivers, many of them who will be overly pushy.
Here your only task is to find the company’s representative – which is made easy by their distinctive bright orange sign. From there, the representative connects you with a driver, you load your luggage, and off you go.
Convenience
⭐ Convenience Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
The convenience factor is a major reason I chose Cancun Airport transfer services instead of taking a taxi or a bus. This is especially true if you are going further in the Riviera Maya than Cancun.
Here’s an example:
Last January my partner Clara and I were traveling from Puerto Vallarta to Tulum during the Omicron crisis. Our connecting flight in Mexico City was delayed several times, and we ended up arriving in the middle of the night.
I was so thankful we had pre-booked our Cancun shuttle to Tulum. Though essentially no one else was at the airport at that hour, this company was! They waited for our flight through all the delays, and honestly saved our trip!
Shuttle Comfort
⭐ Convenience Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
I have used the service to go from Cancun Airport to Tulum several times and always found it quite comfortable. Sometimes they have given us private vans, which are especially spacious, while other times the vehicle has just been a sedan. In all cases, the vehicles are as close to luxury transportation services as I’ve experienced in Mexico.
👉 Pro tip: When booking, consider selecting the option to pre-purchase water, beer, or snacks. If you try to buy water at the airport, you’ll find they charge $8 USD! It’s much more convenient just to have it pre-booked and waiting in your private vehicle.
Speed of Transport
⭐ Speed Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
This is the fastest form of Cancun transportation I think is possible. You arrive, hop in a vehicle, and immediately get on your way. No time wasted haggling to find a taxi, or waiting for the bus.
Safety
⭐ Speed Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
While Mexico is safer than most think, it’s still important to find reliable Cancun airport transfers with a trusted partner. Personally, I’ve always felt very safe with all the drivers I’ve used. They drop you off right at your hotel too – which is especially safe when you’re arriving in the middle of the night!
Cost of Private Transfer
⭐ Cost Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
This is the only category where I will dock a star, and that’s only because the service is more expensive than taking the ADO Bus. However, it’s cheaper compared to taking a Cancun airport taxi. And, since the pricing is per vehicle, it can actually work out to be very affordable for group transportation!
Alternatives to a Cancun Airport Shuttle
While I think Cancun Airport Transportation is the best way to get from Cancun Airport, it’s not the only way.
Here are some alternative transportation options to consider:
Cancun International Airport Taxis
I have taken a taxi from Cancun’s airport before, and I swore never to do it again. Regular taxis from the city aren’t allowed in Cancun airport – only official Cancun Airport taxis associated with companies that pay the concession fees are there.
The price of a taxi from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone typically runs about $55 USD – and that’s assuming your driver actually gives you the official rate.
Considering that the same ride with Cancun Airport Transportation starts at less than that, and it’s all pre-booked and reliable, I don’t understand why anyone would choose a taxi unless they just didn’t know any better.
ADO Bus
The cheapest form of transportation from Cancun International Airport is the ADO Bus. The buses are reasonably comfortable, there is luggage space underneath the bus, and buses leave from right outside the arrivals terminal. I have taken the ADO Bus many times, and it works just fine.
However, there are no buses directly to the Cancun Hotel Zone.
In my opinion, the ADO Bus is a reasonable option to consider if you’re going from Cancun Airport to Tulum, to Playa del Carmen, to Bacalar, or somewhere further afield.
It can also be a viable alternative if you’re staying in downtown Cancun, where buses do run, but it’s not worth the cost or hassle if you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, in my opinion.
Moreover, even for longer connections elsewhere in the Riviera Maya, I personally prefer to use a private transportation service when my budget allows. The bus times almost never align with my flight arrival, direct buses to Tulum are few and far between, and the entire process usually takes double the time of a private transfer.
If you’re on a budget, though, the ADO Bus is the way to go.
FINAL VERDICT – Is a Private Cancun Shuttle Worth It?
Cancun Airport Transportation is worth it, in my opinion. Overall, Cancun Airport Transportation is the quickest, safest, and most reliable way to get from the Cancun Airport to your hotel. I have used the transportation service several times in the past, and it will continue to be my preferred method when I return to Mexico.
Although the ADO Bus may make more financial sense for budget backpackers, if you’re on vacation and want to make the most of your time, private transfers are the way to go.
With more than 20 years of experience, this locally-owned family-run business is one that I’m happy to support.
📚 Related Reading: Honest Review of Hyatt Ziva Cancun (All-Inclusive)
FAQs about Cancun Airport Transfers
How much is a taxi from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone?
On average, a taxi from Cancun International Airport to the Cancun Hotel Zone costs about $55 USD. Alternatively, you can pre-book a private shuttle transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation from $49 USD one-way.
The official Quintana Roo taxi rate is about $3 USD per kilometer, and the Hotel Zone is about 22 kilometers from the airport, depending on where your hotel is specifically. You can check official rates on the IMOVEQROO app. However, be aware that taxi drivers at the Cancun Airport have a reputation for trying to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. This is why we suggest pre-booking your transportation.
How much is an airport shuttle in Cancun?
An airport shuttle from Cancun Airport to downtown Cancun or the Cancun Hotel zone starts at $49 USD one-way when you pre-book with Cancun Airport Transportation.
Are airport shuttles in Cancun safe?
The safest way to get an airport shuttle in Cancun is to pre-book a reservation with a registered company like Cancun Airport Transportation. If you exit baggage claim without a reservation, you’ll find many drivers trying to haggle with you. Because the airport is far from town, unprepared tourists can easily fall prey to scams. Only book with a registered airport shuttle company.
What is the safest transportation from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone?
The safest transportation from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone is to pre-book with a registered and reputable airport shuttle service like Cancun Airport Transportation, which is locally owned and has a 20 year history of serving the Cancun Airport.
Alternatively, the ADO Bus is a safe and more affordable way to get to downtown Cancun. However, note there is not currently an ADO bus from the Cancun Airport to the hotel zone.
How long is the ride from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone?
The Cancun Hotel Zone is approximately 22 kilometers (13.5 miles) from Cancun International Airport, and the ride takes approximately 35 to 50 minutes, depending upon traffic.
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That’s it for this Cancun Airport Transportation review. Now get planning your trip with all my Mexico guides.
Cancun Airport Transportation
My preferred service for getting from Cancun airport (and, yes, I pay just like a regular customer). I think it’s the fastest, safest & easiest service there is. Just be sure to pre-book!
Cancun Airport Transportation
I have used this service to safely go from the Cancun Airport to Tulum several times. It's fast, cheaper than a taxi + locally-owned. It's the single best Cancun Airport transport service I have found after dozens of trips to Mexico.
Product Brand: Cancun Airport Transportation
4.9
Pros
- Safe, fast & convenient
- Bi-lingual drivers
- Local family-run business
Cons
- More expensive than bus (but cheaper than taxi)
Our experience today with Cancun Airport Transportation was dismal. Terminal 2 arrival and no representative was to be found. We waited over 90 minutes, resorted to WhatsApp calls, and finally had a driver come by and collect us. No representative holding a sign was ever present (despite their claim of “We are always at the airport” – maybe, but certainly NOT at Terminal 2 today!). Another couple with a booked ride also had the same problem. Cancun Airport arrivals is a stressful place at the best of times – this experience didn’t help.
Hi Martin,
Thank you for sharing your experience and I am sorry to hear that happened. It does seem unusual as I’ve always seen them have a rep there in dozens of visits, including to Terminal 2. I would recommend contacting the company and asking for a refund if you haven’t already.
Hi Nate, on arrival at the airport how do you meet your driver. Do you have to find the company rep. holding the orange board or will there be someone waiting with your name on a company sign? Looks like the rate is fairly standard whether it’s downtown or local to the Hilton airport hotel. Just been quoted $44 to the Hilton.
Yes, exactly – there is a rep outside (among a sea of drivers and reps). You just have to find that person and tell them your name. Usually I find them to the left as you go out the automatic double doors just past the car rental stands. But it’s possible they’ve moved (will double check next week when I go back!).
We been waiting for 45 minutes already and not driver is to be found
Hi Nate! I am heading to Cancun this weekend and looking at using the travel company you suggested. Our hotel will be 22 minutes from the airport without traffic (checked google at 9:00pm at night). The travel site is suggesting that we get picked up from our hotel 4 hours before our flight. We fly out at 10:45am on a Wednesday and I would really like to not be picked up at 6:45am, haha. Do you think 4 hours is necessary? How much ahead of time would you leave, if it were you? Because, like you mentioned, not wanting to spend extra time at that airport! haha
Personally I think it is excessive, but it’s a matter of risk tolerance. Pretty sure they are just being conservative as sometimes there is traffic and I’m sure they don’t want to have customers miss flights. It is true, however, that the lines to check in, do security, and go through immigration can be long at time as well. So in general I try to arrive for an international flight something like 2.5-3 hours in advance.
Prices have gone up again. 175 RT to Playa Del Carmen
Thank you for noting that – I have updated the post. I’m a bit bummed that they have raised prices twice in one year!
Hello Nate
I just checked the rates to the Hotel Zone and they appear to be 10$US more than you have posted for a return trip.
44$US for a one way trip
and 85$US for return trip.
Just thought you should know.
Norman
Thank you Norman! We’ve updated our guide to reflect the new pricing.
Hi Nate,
Do you recommend booking an all inclusive through a travel agent which will most likely include transportation, or book the trip on my own and arrange for transfer? Is there a 4 star resort that you recommend in Cancun for AI? Thanks!
Personally, I always book my own hotels and then just book a transit with Cancun Airport Transportation. I’ve always found that just as easy, and often cheaper. If you can swing it, Garza Blanca Cancun is a great 5 star all inclusive that’s often just as affordable as the 4 star ones. For all inclusive 4 star resorts, check out Sandos Cancun or Royal Sands Cancun.
How much would you tip for private luxury service with this company for six passengers?
For a private transfer to Cancun, I would personally tip about 150 pesos or roughly 10 USD. I tip a bit more like 200-250 pesos when going to Tulum or Playa del Carmen. Some people might tip more or less, especially if not from US, but personally I think that is fair. Enjoy Mexico!
Hi,
Thanks for sharing this useful info. Would like to know if I book a trip from the airport to downtown Cancun, can I specify where in the downtown I want to be dropped off? If not, where would the driver typically drop us off in the downtown? Thanks 🙂
Yes, this is private transportation – so you can select your drop off point when you book.
Hello – i was wondering when do you think one should leave hotel zone to catch a 9am flight out of Cancun to the states ? We would preferably rather wait 2 hours than the 3 hours suggested leaving us sitting there in horrendous cancun international for 3 hours. The flight is at 9 am and doing the math i think 5 am departure from hotel zone is adequate without being too little or too much. Now of course there are things that can block the roads but outside of that – if its a normal trip pace – does 5 am sound like a good ? Thank you – this has been very helpful.
Even from the north end of the Cancun Hotel Zone, it’s only about 30 minutes to the airport. So with a private transport, it seems way too early to leave at 5 am for a 9 am flight. It all comes down to risk tolerance, but I think 2 hours is a good amount of time to arrive early. It is true that some of the airlines at Cancun can have horrific check in lines (in the past, I’ve waited over an hour just to check in – not even counting immigration and security). So I get why they say 3 hours but, I agree, it’s a lot of time in a terrible airport. It’s all a question of risk tolerance. My personal philosophy is that if you go your whole life and never once miss a plane, that means you lived too much of your life in airports. But some people have different preferences. Anyway, hope that helps and hope you enjoy Cancun, Leslie!
Hi – would you recommend this over using the hotel’s transportation service? Same for the return? Seems the advantage is that they are established and comfortable with the airport.
If your hotel is offering a competitively priced transport service, I am sure it will be fine. But yes, this is a good service as a backup.
Very helpful! You’re recommendations are better than TripAdvisor’s. Most of all, your recommended airport transportation option let me reserve without exposing my credit card information. Which is a huge plus! You might want to include this piece of information in your article. I’m sure many like me, might be hesitant to enter credit card information and their US home address, etc., on an unknown website (first time) only to get a ride from the airport to hotel and back!
This was a very thorough and informative article. I like youre comparing all options, with both their positive and negative opinions. It helped a lot, as I’m planning my first trip to Tulum or Playa del Carmen. I’m nearly fluent in Español and have been to Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Penasco but want to explore the entire other areas of such a beautiful country.
Should I rent a car at the Cabo airport or do the shuttle? I’m going by myself or with one other person. We both speak Español and have been to Mexico 5 times across Sinaloa.
I have rented a car at the Cabo airport, and found it was the best way to get around. Cabo is very spread out and it’s helpful to have your own wheels if you’re planning to do much exploring beyond your hotel.
Hi Nate,
We will be going to Mexico in April. Landing at Cancun Int Airport & need to get to Isla Mujeres, an island just off of CanCun. Could you advise on transportation?
Many thanks!
Hi Fatima – to get to Isla Mujeres you first need to go to Puerto Juarez, about a 25-30 minutes drive from the airport. Cancun Airport Transportation will take you there. But then you need to buy a ferry ticket from Ultramar. Once on Isla Mujeres, you also need transport to your hotel (I’d contact them to ask the best way, as it depends where they are located). I hope that helps and hope you enjoy your trip!
-Nate
Hi Nate – this transportation review is super helpful – thankyou. Is Cancun Airport Transportation a reliable enough company to book a return trip back to Cancun Airport. I don’t want to pay and then find that they don’t come to pick us up for the return journey. Your thoughts would be really appreciated. Thankyou so much – Clare
I have used Cancun Airport Transportation many times and they have always been very reliable.
Thankyou so much x
I thought there were shuttles that took multiple passengers to the hotel zone
There are other transport providers in Cancun yes, but this particular one is a private service.
Hey – thanks for the great travel tips to Tulum. I have a question re. money. Pre-arrival to Cancun Airport, I have already changed some U.S. dollars into pesos but they are big bills. Can an exchange kiosk at the Cancun Airport give me smaller bills of pesos? And are the kiosks easy to find once I go through customs? And, is Cancun Airport Transportation in an individual terminal, or lumped outside in one area with all other transportation? THANK YOU! We are going to Tulum. THANKS!
Hi Ellen,
You can exchange cash in the Cancun Airport, although I have heard from others that their rates are often subpar. There are also money changers in Tulum town if you need those too. I can’t say I know what bills they will give, though you should be able to break bills in Tulum. If you have a credit card with no foreign exchange fees, that can also be helpful in Tulum (many, but certainly not all, places take credit card).
Cancun Airport Transportation is located in the same covered carpark-style area outside the terminal. There are a lot of vendors, taxi drivers, and other companies – you just have to look for the representative holding their sign. They’ll then call your driver and show you to your vehicle.
Have a fun trip to Tulum!
Nate