How to get from Cancun Airport to the city centre

Why visit Cancun?

Cancun is a vibrant beach city overlooking the Caribbean Sea. With its crystal blue waters and snow-white sand, the city can be too touristy for some visitors. But its location on Mexico’s east coast makes it the perfect gateway to other destinations like Chichen Itza, Isla Mujeres and Holbox.

You’ll find most tourists in the Hotel Zone, which is full to the brim with all-inclusive resorts, restaurants and lively bars. Depending on what you’re looking for, Cancun can just be a short stopover or a holiday destination by itself. Whichever you decide, make sure to explore other nearby destinations for a more authentic Mexican experience!

There are 3 ways to travel the 6 kilometres (4 miles) from Cancun Airport to the city centre. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan and private transport. The journey takes 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes and the quickest way is by shared minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 120 MXN ($6.50).

When it comes to Cancun Airport transportation, shared minivans are a good mix of convenience and affordability. The main advantage of the minivan is that you’ll be dropped off directly at your accommodation — whether that’s at the city centre or the Hotel Zone.

Minivans run several times a day from Cancun Airport to the city centre. The ride usually takes around 15 to 45 minutes, but if your hotel’s one of the later stops, your journey could take a bit longer.

You can book this service on BookAway. Prices for a minivan ride from Cancun Airport to the city centre start at 130 MXN ($7).

The bus is the cheapest of the Cancun Airport transfers. Buses are available from Cancun Airport to the city centre every day, with fares starting at 135 MXN ($7.30). For the vice versa way, it starts at a lower price at 120 MXN ($6.50).

Mexico’s most popular bus company, ADO, operates on this route and you can find their buses just outside the arrivals hall of Cancun Airport.

Tickets are available at the ADO counter. But because spots are limited, it is better to book ahead. You can buy your tickets online via BookAway.

ADO also offers direct buses from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen and Tulum. This is great news if you are going to any of the two and want to travel directly, avoiding a stop in Cancun.

If you are going from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen, there are several departures a day, roughly every 30 minutes from 08:20 to 23:30, and a few more after midnight. Travel time is around 1h 30m and ticket prices start at 275 MXN ($14.90). You can check the schedules and book your tickets on BookAway.

If your destination is Tulum, buses depart from Cancun Airport 6 times a day between 11:40 and 20:05. Travel time is around 2h 45m. A bus ticket from Cancun Airport to Tulum costs about 460 MXN ($25). Check out BookAway for the latest schedules.

A private transfer from Cancun Airport to the city centre is the easiest and most convenient option. You can take a taxi or a pre-booked private shuttle. Note that Uber or similar apps are not available for pick-ups at Cancun Airport.

The journey takes 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Prices for private transfer start at 440 MXN ($24) for a 6-seater. Split it with your group and it’s about 74 MXN ($4) each. If you pre-book your private transfer with BookAway, you’ll find your driver waiting for you at the arrivals gate as soon as you arrive.