How Do You Get from the Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone in Cancun?
If you have a vacation coming up in Cancun and want to know how to best get from the Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone, we have this detailed guide for you. We will give you all the airport transportation options and all you need to do is choose the most convenient, fastest or cheapest option.
Cancun Airport is a modern airport that serves the Riviera Maya. Unlike many other airports, transportation is a little different, and you need to plan ahead of arrival on what method of transportation works best for you so you can reserve and not worry about overpaying later.
The 3 Top Cancun Airport Transportation to Hotels in the Hotel Zone
Here are the top three transportation options to get to and from the Cancun Airport.
- Private Transfer Van. This is the most popular option that most travelers prefer. These are private vans you prebook and have waiting for you at the airport. These vans only take you and those traveling with you. There is a fixed price, and you even get a discount when booking round trip.
- Shared Shuttles. These are small vans that take people from the airport to your hotel with door-to-door service. The only catch is they might stop at a few hotels also. This is the most affordable option that gets you from the airport to your hotel in only one form of transport.
- The ADO Bus. This is a public bus company that provided bus service to various destinations including airport transportation. There is one bus line that goes from the Cancun Airport terminals to the Hotel Zone. There are four stops in the Hotel Zone. This option works if your hotel is near one of the stops, otherwise you might need a taxi also. Stops average 7.8 km (4.85 miles) between stops, so it is important to see if your hotel is near a stop.
Let’s start with detailed information and booking information for these three best airport transportation options. Then, later we will mention all the other options in case something else works better for you.
#1 Private Transfer Vans from the Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone
This option is the most popular option for travelers. People prefer these over taxis because they have a fixed price, discount for round trip, set prices, bilingual driver, plus they schedule everything for you, and you only need to show up at the airport, and your driver is there to take you to your hotel to start your vacation. This is the fastest way to get to your hotel from the Cancun Airport with no waiting and no negotiating prices.
How much are transfer vans from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone?
Prices for private car service or van service is as follows:
- $49 USD one way or $89 USD round trip from the Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone for up to 8 people. You do save 10% if you book a round trip! So, we recommend doing this!
We have looked into the most reliable transportation companies and best prices and that is why we link to the above company. We have seriously had no negative comments yet! So, this transportation company is doing a good job!
Luxury Transfers Available Also to the Hotel Zone
If you are traveling for a special occasion or just want to make your trip a little more special, there are luxury transfers available from the Cancun Airport going to the Hotel Zone in Cancun. Cancun luxury transportation is regularly provided with Suburbans or Similar vehicles, like Expeditions. This is for transportation of up to six people.
Prices for the luxury transfer from the Cancun Airport to the Hotel zone are:
- $90 USD one way or $153 USD round trip. To save money you just need to book a round trip at time of booking. Click the reserve now button below to go to the official booking website.
#2 Shared Shuttles to the Hotel Zone in Cancun
Shared shuttles are small vans that goes between the Cancun Airport and the Hotel Zone hotels. Once you book, they reserve spots in hotel nearby so the drive time and drop off time is not that long. This might take an extra 10-15 minutes over the direct private transfers. This option is good if you are traveling by yourself or just a couple and want door to door service at a discount.
How Much Are Shuttles and How to Reserve a Shared Shuttle
Shared shuttles from the Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone are about $19 USD per person. This is about $9 USD more that the ADO Bus, but the shared shuttles take you to your hotel. The ADO Bus only has four stops in the Hotel Zone with about an average of 4km (2.5mile) between stops. So, if your hotel is not near a stop you need to walk or take a taxi. This is why shared shuttles are still a popular option.
If this transportation option looks good for you, you can click the reserve now button and go directly to the booking page. Once you put in your arrival information and hotel, they will reserve your spot and be waiting at the airport with a sign for you.
#3 Taking the ADO Bus To the Hotel Zone
The ADO Bus Company is the closest thing to a public bus service to and from the Cancun Airport. The main route tourists will want to take the ADO bus that services the Hotel Zone direct from the Cancun Airport. The cost is 170 pesos which is about $10 USD for a one-way ticket.
Connecting the ADO Bus From the Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone
There is a new ADO bus service from the Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone in Cancun. There are four stops in the Hotel Zone. the stops are Museo Maya, Aquaworld, Plaza La Isla, and Zona Hotelera Plaza La Fiesta. Buses do not stop at individual hotels. There are four stops and with about an average of 4km (2.5mile) between stops. So, if your hotel is not near one of these four stops, you will need to get a taxi, or a long walk is in order. Taking a taxi, depending on distance in the Hotel Zone can be expensive. The taxis are not metered, and you need to ask the price before agreeing to the ride.
Buses leave the Cancun Airport at (these times are from Terminal 4; times vary depending on what terminal you arrive at) 10:15am, 11:15am, 12:15am, 1;15pm, 2:15pm, 3:15pm, 4:15pm, and 6:15pm is the last bus. The ADO bus for the Hotel Zone will service Terminal 2,3 and 4 at the Cancun Airport. The ride from the airport to the end of the route is one hour. Tickets will have assigned seats. There is space under the bus for all luggage. No tags are used.
For the latest updates to schedule and prices, check out the official website of ADO Bus here.
How to Buy Tickets for the ADO Bus To the Hotel Zone
Since these tickets are timed and you don’t know if you will arrive on time or how long it will take to get out of the airport, we do not suggest buying tickets in advance. It is fairly easy to buy them at the airport. There are ADO booths inside the terminal when you exit and also a mobile booth outside on the bus platform where you can buy the tickets.
You can pay with card, Pesos or USD in small bills (20’s or smaller).
Other Transportation Options from The Cancun Airport
Now let’s talk about the other transportation options from the Cancun Airport. These include:
- A Hotel Bus Transfer
- Renting a car at the Cancun Airport
- Rideshare like Uber
- Airport Taxis
Hotel Bus Transfers from the Airport
Some of the large all-inclusive hotels offer a large bus that services the Cancun Airport for pickups. Often times these are 40 passenger buses that will wait at the airport for a group of guests to arrive. If you are paying for this transfer, consider the shared shuttle for if the price is similar. This can save some time on your vacation. Often going back to the airport, the hotel will lump together people with flight times that are similar, but you might be scheduled earlier than you need to and miss a little extra time.
Renting a Car at the Cancun Airport
Most people that are staying in Cancun are staying at an all-inclusive hotel, so many do not tend to need to drive around a lot. If you do want to do some outings during your time in Cancun, a car can be handy, especially with a family.
One good place to check for a rental car online is Discovery Cars. This website searches all the rentals and offers good prices on Cancun Airport rentals.
Here are our best tips for renting a car at the Cancun Airport:
- There are rental car companies inside the airport property and some just outside along the highway. If you rent from a company outside the airport you will need to take their shuttle both ways. This does add about 20 minutes to the process of pick up and drop off. For the convenience fee, we prefer the rental car companies in the airport.
- Liability insurance is required in Mexico. Your credit card company might not cover Mexico, or you might need proof of coverage. You can buy it locally when you rent. It is recommended you buy it locally because you have local agents to help you if something happens.
- In general, we prefer the larger car rental companies because they have more options, and in general a more streamlined check out and in.
Rideshare To and From the Cancun Airport
Normally rideshare apps like Uber are an easy way to get from the airport to your hotel. However, in Cancun the situation is different than many other cities. Uber has faced legal challenge and opposition from local taxi unions. Uber technically is working in Cancun, but not all of the Riviera Maya. There are not that many drivers available and this is not a recommended option. It is good not to arrive and depend on this and have to end up taking a taxi you have to negotiate the price with.
Taxis from the Cancun Airport
Most travelers don’t like using the taxis in Cancun Airport because they are not metered and there are no taxi stands with standardized pricing. Taxi drivers often try to charge as much as possible because people just want to get to their hotel. For these reasons, most people usually choose between the shared shuttle or a private transfer.
How much are taxis from the Cancun Airport to hotel?
You might be a little surprised how much taxis are from the Cancun Airport to hotels. Taxis can cost about $50-70 USD one way from the Cancun Airport depending on your bargaining skills. Sure, you are on vacation and you want to get to your hotel a soon as possible, but you can save a lot of money by planning ahead you can have everything set and you don’t have to waste money. Plus, you can get there just as fast by private transfer.
Tip: Do not listen to “official” looking people at the exit of the terminals in Cancun. These are taxi people trying to get you in a taxi. They often give you wrong information. It is best to have your transfer booked so you can have a driver waiting for you at the airport and it all paid.
How Far is Cancun Airport from the Hotel Zone?
The Cancun International Airport is 7.5 miles (12 Km.) from downtown Cancun. This is just south of Cancun on the 307 Highway. The Hotel Zone of Cancun is about 25 kilometers or 15 1/2 miles long. This means there are a lot of hotels, and it takes a little bit of time to reach your hotel. Transportation times can be between 15 minutes to one hour depending on what transportation your take and how far your hotel is from the Airport. Because of the distances between the airport and hotels, prices for transportation tend to be more expensive.
What is the best way to get from the Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone?
As you can tell from above, we do recommend a private van service for you. Public transportation takes a long time and is hard to do with luggage and taxis are expensive. Booking ahead takes the worry about your arrival and will get you to your hotel to start your vacation quickly. When you have your flight booked, go ahead and book your transfer with the link below so you are all set for your trip! Happy vacations and a smooth arrival at your hotel.
Do you have questions about getting from the Cancun Airport to your hotel? Let us know in the comments below. We love to help out our readers.
And if you need to get from the Cancun Hotel Zone and Playa Del Carmen, see our guide here.
About The Author
Hello. I am coming into Cancun Airport on this week and I wondered how long it will take a transfer to get to my hotel. I am staying in the Hotel Zone at The Grand Fiesta Americana. Thanks
Hello Rhoda. The nice thing about the transfers from the Cancun Airport are the fact they will be waiting for you when you exit. The van will take you to your hotel in about 35 minutes if there is no heavy traffic. Sometimes in the Hotel Zone there is more of a rush hour. We hope you have a great vacation!
I will arrive cancun airport & would like to take a bus to Tulum. Would you please give me some instructions.
thank you
susan
Hello Susan
We have a whole article on getting from the Cancun Airport to Tulum here for you: https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/cancun-airport-to-tulum/
This is an extremely helpful guide for getting around in Cancun. We have been reading your site a lot because we are not only going to Cancun but also Playa Del Carmen. We intend on doing some tours and your website always seems to pop up in the google results, so maybe it is telling us something! Thanks for all the information.
Hello, Thanks for the tips. We are coming into Cancun Airport and will be going to the Cancun Hotel Zone and want o get there as fast as possible. The transfer look like a good option. We don’t want to take a taxi because they are always a mess to deal with.
Great tip. Thanks for the info. We are coming to Cancun for the first time.
We are coming for the first time to Cancun and were not sure the best options for transportations. Thanks for the tips. My silly friends wanted to take a taxi.
Hello , I wanted to thank you for mentioning all the options. I was not sure how far the hotel zone was from the airport or the bus station downtown.
Do we have to book transfer (not taxi) from airport to hotel zone in advance? Or can we just go to the kiosk and buy one?
Hello Sverige
It is definitely better to buy one in advance. The link we provide in the article is to a very reputable company and they have good rates. It is nice to know someone will be waiting for you when yo arrive and you don’t have to find someone and arrange it. There are also some fast talkers at the Cancun airport that tell people practically anything in order to sell you a taxi or transfer. We have seen some of these people that arrive and they are preyed on by people with calculators and lots of talk. It is just easy to book and be ready to enjoy your vacation. We hope you have a great time here.
need a pick up from and to the airport to our hotel at Imperial Fiesta Club at Casa Maya on April 30 and back May 7th. Greatly appreciate any quote for 2 passenges. Thank you.
Hello Virginia
Thank you for leaving your question here. We are the website that wrote about this transportation option from the Cancun Airport. The links in the article will take you to the transportation page and they have prices there. This is a very well recommended service and all of our readers have been pleased with this option. We hope you have a great vacation to Mexico and smooth transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Great information. I want to be sure I have this right. The ADO bus from Chetumal will take me to downtown Cancun and not to Cancun Airport, correct? If this is right, I need to then get to my hotel which is near the airport. Is it best to get a ride from downtown to the Cancun Airport and call for the free hotel shuttle or to have a taxi/transfer service take me straight from downtown Cancun to the hotel. I am a senior citizen and would want assistance with my luggage. Thank you so much, Brenda
Hello Brenda
The bus from Chetumal to Cancun will go to the downtown ADO bus station. If you hotel offers a free transfer from the downtown to the hotel, it would be best to be picked up there. If you went to the airport and then got the transfer back, you would need to pass your hotel and then have to turn around and go back, making it a much longer transfer time. If the hotel does not pick up from the downtown you might consider taking a taxi to your hotel. The driver can help with your baggage. The price will vary and you will have to ask. It will cost somewhere from about 250 pesos-500 pesos.
Hello. We fly into Cancun on March 14th at 8am. We need to get to the bus station downtown for a bus. Should we take a taxi if we need to get there by 10am or can we take the bus or private transfer?
Hello
If you arrive at 8:00am to Cancun you will most likely get out of the airport by 8:40 after going through customs and immigration. The bus ride takes 40 minutes to the downtown so that means that you would cut it very close. It would be best to either take a taxi or reserve a private transfer and have a driver waiting for you to take you directly to the bus station. We hope you have a great trip and enjoy your time here in the peninsula.
We are flying into Cancun on a Monday night at 10pm. What time do you think we would arrive at our hotel? It is the Hard Rock Resort. Thanks
Hello Isaiah
The Hard Rock is closer to the Cancun Airport since it is on the southern end. After you clear customs and immigration you should exit about 10:35 from the airport and your driver should be waiting for you. You will arrive there about 10:55pm. We hope you have a great vacation in Cancun.
We are six girls arriving, will you have space in your vans for two large suitcases per person? Thanks
Hello Lisa
We are not the transportation company but do refer people this good service. We can tell you however that you don’t have anything to worry about with having space for 12 bags and you and your friends. We hope you have a great time in Cancun and a smooth transfer from the airport.
Hey. I am not staying in the Hotel Zone but need to go there to visit some friends. If I get dropped off there how would I get to my hotel in the downtown of Cancun? Ideas?
Hello Shayne
The private transfer will get you from the airport to the Hotel Zone quickly so you can visit your friend. Afterward a taxi is the best depending on how much luggage you have. If you are traveling light like a backpacker you might want to take the public bus to the downtown it is only a few pesos. It can take upward of 40 minutes but much cheaper then a taxi.
Last time I was in Cancun, we had a hotel bus that picked us up from the airport, but we are staying somewhere new this time. I had thought about taking an Uber from the airport, but I’m not sure how safe I would feel unless the driver spoke English. I’m glad you included the price for a taxi in your information, and I think I’ll probably lean toward something of that nature. Thank you!
Thank you for previous info you provided. Made me feel very secure about traveling to Playa del Carmen. One more question. My hotel is within walking distance of the ADO terminal on 20th. How would I get to this terminal from the Airport? Thank you!
Hello
The ADO bus only goes to the station on Juarez. If you took the bus to Playa you can take a taxi from there to your hotel. This would be about 40 pesos. It is good to ask because many people are charged more from the bus station in Playa Del Carmen.
Thanks for the tips. I have also read your articles on Mayan ruins, nice job.
Thank you for your comments Silvia. We hope you have a great trip to Cancun and enjoy this part of Mexico.
Going to Cancun this week and will be taking the transfer to my hotel. great tips on your website. So you have any tips for Cancun?
Hello Jack
We have a few things on our website about Cancun. You can use the search box to find them if you are interested. Here are some things. El Mecco Mayan ruins in Cancun, Isla Mujeres for a day, Isla Blanca with a car to explore, the trampoline park, and there is a Mayan museum in the hotel Zone but we do not have that on our website. For tours we have info on all the parks and visiting Chichen Itza and other ruins. We hope you have a great time in Cancun and the Rivera Maya!
I absolutely find everything need when I search on your website. I hope you write more on Cancun soon. We get to Playa Del Carmen but we are in Cancun staying because we like our hotel. We would like to know more activities in the Cancun area that are easy to get to.
Hello Justine
Thank you for using our website and we look forward to writing more in Cancun area. We are based in Playa Del Carmen so we have to travel to the area but we have a list of things to check out. We look forward to reporting back soon to you. Safe travels and have a great time in Cancun.
Hi there,
My flight is due to arrive at terminal 3 at 1045pm, the ado websites show two ADO buses leaving after my arrival time but if i miss them would you have a rough idea how much it would cost to get a taxi to the ADO bus terminal in Cancun please?
Hello
Taxis will try to negotiate a price with you so it will range. We were at the Cancun Airport this week and were watching them in action. There is no posted prices so they can see what they can charge. It is better to book a private transfer which will be waiting for you and cost the same or cheaper to go to the bus station or directly to your hotel.
Hello, I am coming to cancun in April to Grand Oasis. We are group of 2 kids under 5, and 6 adults. Should I request Van for 6 people or 8? Kids can sit in our laps. Please tell me how much would it cost roundtrip? Also do you do trips to Chichen Itza and how much would it cost? Thank you
Hello Patel
We checked with the transportation company and they said book for 8 people. This has more to do with transportation laws for passengers and having a seat. We hope you have a great vacation in Cancun.
Hi, I am planning to take ADO bus from airport to Cancun downtown bus station, can I buy ADO bus ticket after I land at Cancun airport or I have to buy the bus ticket before I reach there? And how frequently ADO bus runs to Cancun downtown? I will land at 8:35AM. Thanks
Hello Tomal
You can buy your ticket at the airport. It is prefered way of doing it since they are a timed ticket and you need to be out of the airport to get the bus and you dont know how long you will be in the customs and immigration. The bus leaves about every 30 minutes so it is easy to get.
Hi,
Thanks for the helpful article! Our flight is scheduled to arrive at 00:19 am on Sunday at terminal 3, & our lodging is located near Downtown Cancun. We are hoping to catch the Ado bus leaving at 00:30 but that look risky, & the next one won’t be available until 2:30 am. Is it possible to book a private transfer if we missed the 00:30 Ado bus, or we will have to reserve it much earlier beforehand?
Hello Rusty
The private transfers need to be booked in advance so there is a scheduled driver waiting for you. Especially at that hour it is good to have it all set up. Remember you will need to go through immigration and customs if you are arriving on an international flight. That can take about 40 minutes. If you have checked bags you can add another 10 minutes to that. The private transfers watch the arrivals schedule and look at delays as well and will be there on time for your arrive and also if you arrive at a different terminal.
Thank you, I am going to Cancun for the first time. I wonder once I arrive at my hotel, how is the transportation in the Hotel Zone? Are taxis easy or is there a bus? Can I walk places?
Hello Joe
It will depend on where your hotel is in the Hotel Zone. It is a big area. You can walk between hotels but the distances are large and if you are near the shopping areas you will need to take a taxi or bus. The bus is slow because there is a lot of traffic and they are used a lot by staff of the hotels. Taxis are good to take and most drivers speak English so that is easy. You can always ask at the desk how much the taxis are so you can plan before you get in.
Youre so spot on with your advice and details. We took the transfer and got to out hotel quickly from the airport. We also did a nice in Xoximilco. It was a fun dinner cruise with mariachi music and more. I don’t think you can find that anywhere else in the world. The food was ok but the overall experience was what made that.
Hello Joe
We are glad you had a good time in the area. We hope you get to come back and explore some more.
We have been going to Cancun for 5 years now. We are just now realizing how much better booking a private driver is over haggling over a price in the parking lot with a taxi driver. We will not be doing that anymore.
Is this a ride that is good for older people also? I am coming with my parents that are in their 80’s. They don’t have wheel chairs but donhave mobility issues. Thanks.
Hello Wendy
These transfer vans are very comfortable and easy to get into the back. Most people find them easier theman the smaller taxis to ride in. If you have any other worries, you can chat directly with the transportation. Company on their website. We hope you have a great trip!
I was looking for a transportation service that can get me from the Cancun Hotel Zone to Playa del Carmen. Can you let me know what ones do this? Thanks
Hello Joe
This one in the article will do point to point transportation services. You just need to put in your hotel and a note to where you want to go. Then you can get a price quote. It is better then taking a taxi and all set before you want to go.
What are the names of private transportation services you recommend?
Hello, if you click the links you will be taken directly to their page. All of the information is there included prices, options for transportation. We have recommended them for years now and never had a complaint about them. They are punctual and offer good value for our readers.
Can you easily walk to other places in the hotel zone? I want to see stores but not sure what it is like since this is my first time.
Hello Valorie
It depends on where in the Hotel Zone your hotel is. Many hotels are far from other places and it can be hard to walk to stores. There are several malls in the Hotel Zone that you can go to but some of the hotels are more than several kilometers away from them.
Last year we took the hotel bus to our hotel in the Hotel Zone. It was a wait for all the group that was arriving to go through customs and get to the bus. We waited about an hour. Going back to the airport was a wait as well since we had to be in our lobby three and a half hours before our time to leave. We lost almost half a day of vacation. Also, this year with more social distancing, we are looking at this private option. This should work much better for both reasons.
Hello, I am flying into Cancun August 2 and going to a hotel in the hotel zone in Cancun. Are these transfers working now?
Hello Randal
These vans are running and it is important to make a reservation in advance so they plan your arrival at the Cancun Airport. They are also adding a lot of features to clean the vans and provide safe transport to guests. You also still get a discount when you book round trip transportation to and from your hotel.
Does anyone know if a colectivo type shuttle to Akumal from the airport? I am looking for September 20th. Thanks
I am traveling to Cancun next month. Is all this info still up to date?
Hello John
Yes, all the information about getting from the Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone in Cancun us correct. We update our articles every day when we have more information or something changes. These private transfers still are the best option for getting between your hotel and the airport. We hope you have a great trip to Cancun.
Hello,
We’re here in Playa del Carmen for a couple of days and then staying in Cancun for another couple of days. Our hotel in Playa del Carmen has a shuttle back to the Cancun airport. Can I take that one and then catch another hotel shuttle to get to our other hotel in Cancun?
You can do this. You can prebook your transfer from the airport to your new hotel in the hotel zone in Cancun. You can also book a round trip from the airport to your hotel and back to the airport and get a discount. You can follow the booking link here in the article to book your transportation. We hope you have a good trip.
Does Uber operate from the Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone (Haven)?
There are a few cars and it says Uber is running in the area but it really is not an option. Uber never really took off in Cancun and the Taxis blocked cars and rides and protested a lot. So we would not recommend it. There are shuttles and private transfers that are your best option.
I am coming to Cancun this next week and have a reservation at the Riu. I am not sure when I might leave because I have an open ended ticket. Is a one way transfer the best option for me?
Hello Mike
You do get a discount when you book a round trip but you need to know when to reserve the ride.
We are two girls from Korea traveling to Cancun for the first time. We like your website for the english information. Thank you.