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!
What are the 3 ways to travel from Cancun Airport to the city centre?
There are 3 ways to travel the 6 kilometre (4 miles) distance 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 115 MXN ($6.50).
Where to stay in Cancun?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Cancun at the bottom of this page.
Cancun Airport to the city centre by Shared Minivan
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 125 MXN ($7).
Cancun Airport to the city centre
Cancun city centre to Cancun Airport
Cancun Airport to the city centre by Bus
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 130 MXN ($7.30). For the vice versa way, it starts at a lower price at 115 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.
Cancun Airport to the city centre
Buses park at ADO Cancun Bus Station in the city centre. This is within walking distance from most accommodations in town. But if you’re staying a bit further away, you can choose to hop in a taxi or use local buses to get to the beach/Hotel Zone.
Taxis are available from outside of the bus terminal and are metered, so rates will depend on the distance and time. An average taxi ride from Cancun city centre to the Hotel Zone costs around 200 MXN ($11.20).
Getting to Cancun’s Hotel Zone by Bus
There are no direct buses from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone or beach area. Your airport bus will drop you off at the Central Bus Terminal, from where you can catch a local bus going to the Hotel Zone.
Buses labelled R1 or R2 pass in front of the bus terminal on Avenida Tulum. They don’t stop at every bus stop, so you’ll have to hail them using your hand. It’s best to confirm with the driver whether he’s passing by or near your hotel before boarding the bus.
A bus ticket costs only 13 MXN ($0.70).
Cancun city centre to Cancun Airport (VV)
Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen or Tulum
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 ($15.40). 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 ($25.50). Check out BookAway for the latest schedules.
Cancun Airport to the city centre by Private Transport
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 430 MXN ($24) for a 6-seater. Split it with your group and it’s about 72 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.
Cancun Airport to the city centre
Cancun city centre to Cancun Airport
Best places to stay in Cancun
Sina Suites - Treating Yourself
Resorts in Cancun can cost you a bomb! Sina Suites gives you that resort-style feel without the high prices. Ever wanted your own private marina in a hotel? No? Well now you probably do, and Sina Suites has one. It also has a large swimming pool set amongst gardens that overlook the lagoon.
Every day, enjoy a continental breakfast and delicious Mexican food in their poolside restaurant/bar that sits underneath a traditional thatched hut! You’ll also get more than just a room here, most suites also offer a kitchenette and balcony.
- Views overlooking Cancun lagoon
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Bar and restaurant
- Great location
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Viento Suites - Mid Range
Viento Suites is an escape from the busy and hectic Cancun. Once you’re inside the walls of this hotel, chilling in the garden beside the swimming pool, you’ll forget about the outside world.
The location couldn’t be more perfect. It’s situated within Downtown Cancun, but also very close to the Hotel Zone and beaches. The rooms look like those found in a high-class hotel, but without the extortionate prices.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- BBQ facilities
- Great location
- Clean and spacious rooms
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Yellow Capsule Hotel - Budget Friendly
Looking for a unique sleeping experience? The Yellow Capsule Hotel will definitely give you that. Instead of traditional rooms, you sleep in a pod. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the future when you clamber into your bright and spacious pod.
The capsules are clean and include everything you need for a comfy stay, a mirror, outlets, a safe and storage space. When you’re done hanging around in your pod, you can chill at the hotel’s terrace and enjoy their free breakfast.
- Cool capsule sleeping experience
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Great location
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
Estancia Tulbayab 36 - Budget Friendly
If you’re looking for a more homely feel than a to hotel, then definitely stay at Estancia. The owners will instantly make you feel welcome and are always there to offer advice.
The homestay offers a very convenient location, close to the local markets and not too far from the ADO bus station. The rooms are clean and spacious, plus a steal for the price. If you fancy doing some cooking whilst in Cancun, you can make use of the communal kitchen.
- Great location
- Clean and spacious rooms
- Helpful and friendly hosts
- You’ll feel at home
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cancun Airport to the city centre. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cancun Airport to the city centre
What is the distance from Cancun Airport to the city centre?
The distance from Cancun Airport to the city centre is 6 kilometre (4 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Cancun Airport to the city centre?
The fastest way to get from Cancun Airport to the city centre is by shared minivan and takes 15 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cancun Airport to the city centre?
The cheapest way to get from Cancun Airport to the city centre is by bus with ticket costs starting from 115 MXN ($6.50).
Aleksandra is a writer and editor who recently moved from Hong Kong to London. She’s worked and studied in four countries (and counting) and picked up a new hobby in each of them. She’s a big fan of long train journeys so you can count on her to take the scenic route, finding a few hidden gems along the way.
Faye is a writer and full-time mom. She loves planning trips to the beach, tasting new cuisines and discovering gems in the Philippines. But if she had to choose, London is her favourite place in the world and she can't wait to travel there again with her hubby and baby!
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
