Overview Compare Minivan Bus Taxi To Stay
How to get from Cancun Airport to the City Centre
Cancun Airport (CUN) is the second most transited airport in Mexico, just after Mexico City Airport. It welcomes millions of tourists from domestic and international flights every year.
The airport connects East Mexico with the rest of the world. It serves as the gateway to the Riviera Maya, which is known for its amazing cenotes, Mayan archaeological ruins, and gorgeous beaches, among many other attractions.
Also is Cancun International Airport the arrival point for travellers going to nearby destinations such as Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Tulum, Isla Mujeres and Chichen Itza, just to name a few. Most visitors spend a few nights in Cancun before exploring other towns.
There are two main areas where most travellers look for accommodation: downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone by the beach.
New to Cancun? Our compact Cancun guide shows you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and many more tips for your visit to Cancun!
3 ways to get from Cancun Airport to Cancun City Centre
There are 3 ways to complete the 18 km transportation from Cancun Airport to the city centre: you can take a shared minivan, a bus or a taxi. All options have an average duration of 30 minutes. Rates range from 98 MXN ($5) to 500 MXN ($26.50).
We recommend taking the minivan for both convenience and affordability, especially if you’re staying at Cancun Hotel Zone. Minivan rates from Cancun Airport to the city centre start from 158 MXN ($8).
The bus is a cheaper Cancun transportation service at 98 MXN ($5), but can only take you up to Cancun city centre. If you’re heading to the beach area, then you’ll have to take another bus or transfer to a taxi. Might as well take the direct minivan!
If you prefer to have your own ride, it’s best to book a private ride online beforehand via BookAway. Fares for a private transportation service start from 500 MXN ($26.50), cheaper than the $30 taxis you will find at the airport.
Itinerary from Cancun Airport
Cancun Airport to 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. It’s a few dollars cheaper than the bus, but you can visit Cancun with great ease.
Minivans depart every hour, 24 hours a day from Cancun Airport. Travel time is around 30 minutes. Keep in mind that depending on your hotel’s location, some passengers may be dropped off before you. That may add some time to your journey.
You can book this service on BookAway. Prices for a minivan ride from Cancun Airport to the city centre start at 158 MXN ($8).
Cancun Airport to 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 from 08:20 to 23:10 (roughly every 40 minutes). A ticket costs 98 MXN ($5).
ADO, Mexico’s most popular bus company, is the sole operator for this route. So you can also expect the best transportation service.
Bus schedule from Cancun Airport to the city centre
The company operating this route is ADO and you can easily find their buses just outside the arrivals hall of Cancun Airport.
You can buy your ticket at the ADO counter. However, as spots are limited, it is better to book ahead. You can buy your tickets online via ClickBus.
The buses park at Cancun’s Central Bus Terminal, located in the city centre. This is just 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 the local buses to get to the beach/resort area.
Getting to Cancun’s Hotel Zone by Bus
There are no direct buses from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone or beach area. But once you reach the city, Cancun transportation is easy peasy. Your airport bus will drop you off at the Central Bus Terminal, from where you can easily catch a local bus going to the Hotel Zone.
The nearest bus stop from the bus station can be found at the nearby pharmacy. Wait for the local buses labelled R1 or R2. 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 your hotel before boarding the bus.
A bus ticket costs only 12 MXN ($0.60).
Bus to Playa del Carmen or Tulum
Note that 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 23:05. The ride to Playa del Carmen takes around 1 hour and a ticket costs 216 MXN ($11). You can check the schedules and book your tickets on ClickBus.
If your destination is Tulum, buses depart from Cancun Airport 4 times a day between 12:20 and 21:20. Travel time is around 2 hours. A ticket to Tulum costs 288 MXN ($15). You can check the schedules and book your tickets on ClickBus.
Cancun Airport to City Centre by Private Transfer
A private Cancun Airport transportation is the fastest and most comfortable option to get to your accommodation in downtown Cancun. You can take a taxi or a pre-booked private shuttle. Note that Uber or similar apps don’t work in Cancun.
Only authorized airport taxis are allowed at Cancun Airport. You can easily get one from the airport taxi counter. Fares are a bit higher though with rates from 600 MXN ($31.50).
BookAway offers cheaper private transfers from Cancun Airport to the centre. Rates for the 25-minute ride start from 500 MXN ($26.50). And because BookAway offers much better cars than the normal taxis, you can enjoy a somewhat luxury transportation. You’ll also find your driver waiting for you at the arrivals gate as soon as you arrive.
Book a Private Transfer with BookAway
Our favourite 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
About the author(s)
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.
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.
