Uber arrived in Cancun Mexico but then left
After a long wait many people were excited at the arrival of Uber in Cancun. Cancun is a gateway for the Riviera Maya and many wanted this service to expand to Playa Del Carmen and other parts soon. Cancun Uber should change the way people move around the city (we will keep you updated if Uber expands to Playa Del Carmen).
Update: Uber no longer is working in Cancun. Since many of you wanted to take a ride from the Cancun Airport to your hotel, here is the best service available and how to do it in our article here. If you are need to get from the Cancun Airport to Tulum see our article here for options.
Uber has worked on other cities of Mexico but taxi unions and laws have prevented it from growing. Lately, Uber has been going down in customer service and not as good as when it started in many parts of Mexico. This is not a good sign of things to come if Uber opens again in Cancun and other parts of the Riviera Maya. Many had hoped this was going to be another way to get from the Cancun Airport to their destinations but this is not possible no.
Get your first ride for on Uber!
Are you new to Uber? Do you want to have your first ride for free? Have you been putting off joining Uber because it was only in other places? Now is your chance to see what all the excitement is about.
How does it work to get your first ride free on Uber in Cancun?
- First click the link below and it will take you to Uber’s website. This is a special invite we have for you.
- This is for first time users to sign up. Already have an account? Well sign up a family member so you can enjoy the savings!
- Enter your information and then just download the Uber app.
- You will have a credit up to 150 pesos for your first ride. This will be valid for three months.
How much does it cost to take Uber in Cancun?
This is the really exciting part! Since these are independent contractors that use cars to transfer people to one location to another, it is much cheaper then a taxi or even some of the shuttles. Here are some sample fares you can get in Cancun.
We chose some of the popular routes and destinations in Cancun. What is really exciting is that previously with a taxi these trips would have cost much more, maybe even double the price. Uber in Cancun is going to change how people get around and make it much easier for people to visit locations.
- Cancun Airport to ADO Bus Station in downtown Cancun- 116-152 pesos.
- Coco Bongo in the Hotel Zone to Mercado 28 in downtown Cancun- 71-94 pesos
- Aventura Water Park at the bottom of the Hotel Zone to Coco Bongo at the top of the Hotel Zone-93-122 pesos
Screen shots of estimates Uber rides in Cancun
The above mentioned routes and estimated prices are screen shot below. Most of the rides we choose are longer distance rides. For those that transport around Cancun you will know that there is limited pubic busses that service some of these routes and times can be over 1/2 hour for some trips. Now with Uber you can schedule your ride and take a private car. This will having you arriving at your destination in comfort and affordability.
Have you taken Uber in Cancun? How was your experience? Please tell us and other readers in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.
About The Author
Is Uber available down to Playa from Cancun airport or around Playa?
Hello Ed
Uber is not supposed to be allowed to operate in Playa Del Carmen yet. Even in Cancun there are not a lot of drivers and there have been issues. It is still best to use the bus or transfers to the airport.
I took Uber December 22 2016 from CUN airport to Royal Haciendas, a resort a couple kilometers before PDC. The driver called a friend to ensure she could drop near PDC (the app said it would..) and the fare was just over 400 pesos, about 35% less than a taxi. Car and driver were all fine
Is it easy to Uber from Hotel Zone (Km 9.5) to the ferry stop in Puerto Juarez, for day trip to Isla Mujeres?
Hi there, if I need a uber to come get me at the airport is that a problem? Also I’ll need to go to Cancun first pick someone up then head down to Playa del Carmen. Is this going to be a problem?
Hello Bryan
If you read another comment that was just posted from Adam I think you will see that it is still a developing situation in Cancun. Uber drivers are being cautious because there have been blockades from taxi and other drivers that are making it hard for Uber to come in. There are also laws that are being passed to prevent Uber from operating. It is changing everyday. It should be fine for you to use more in Cancun. There always is the Playa Express vans from Cancun to Playa that are nice or even ADO.
Any updated new regarding Uber in Canun? We are planning to visit Canun the last 2 weeks of Dec. on 2018.
Hello Emily
Uber is still not operating in the area and it does not look like it will anytime soon. Uber is loosing quality in Mexico where is servicing now. There are less drivers and less quality rides available. The private transfers are the best option now from the Cancun Airport to hotels.
mexico is weird guys!!!! there has been a LOT of murder drivers, Im a white Mexican and people here don’t really like me, they call me argentine and many shit, to make the story short, I work for uber for two months, and even the Mexican brown riders (im not a racist person AT ALL), they didn’t like me as a driver, and would complain for every little mistake, when I was taking women and I drove in different streets to avoid traffic they would scream and yell like I was gonna kidnap them, so funny but not so much, because they would report me and give me bad rating, in general, even men would give me bad rating and ask all the time why I was ubering and they always wondered if I was a “foreign” Argentine stealing jobs in Mexico or something, and that’s something they really hate, so yeah, you guessed right, they deactivated my account even when my ratings were getting better, I spoke to uber in california, did exams to reactivate, I had to pay a lot, etc, they would give priority to Mezicans, except me, its almost like they want this service, even when there’s good people trying to help (I saw this as a social service & hobbie/extra cash), they would HATE this, they prefer to keep they low service, I can tell u, if mexico is on that situation, its because THEY WANT TO
Just returned from Cancun and we took Uber everywhere(4 of us total). We stayed at Moon Palace and took Uber in to La Isla plaza, from there we took another Uber to Market 28, from there to Sun Palace and then back to Moon Palace. The next day we went from Moon Palace to Sun Palace again. What’s different with Uber in Cancun?…..Each driver will call you before they arrive to ensure the request is legit. In speaking with the Uber drivers they have advised the local taxi drivers have their friends and family request Uber’s and then cancel the request…all to keep the Uber drivers tied up. We have also found the Uber drivers are cautious where they pick you up and drop you off. If there are taxi drivers near by they will try and avoid that area(One driver asked us to walk up the street to avoid being beside the taxi drivers). The taxi drivers have been harassing and causing trouble for the Uber drivers. You will not see an Uber driver with the U in the window as they do not want to advertise they drive for Uber. One of our Uber drivers specifically told us when we got out to not tell anyone around(if they ask) that he drives for Uber. Now with all that being said we still loved our experience with the drivers and it was MUCH cheaper than the taxis would be. I would recommend Uber in Cancun.
Adam
Thanks for your review and experiences in Cancun. It is good to hear first hand experiences. It is s time of adjustment and the situation is always changing. Thank you.
We arrive on Feb 28 for a week and will be staying in a house (gated community) near the Rivera Maya north of Punta Maroma. We wanted to avoid renting a car to get around. Besides getting back and forth from the airport we wanted to visit ruins in Tulum, go zip lining at Selvatica, do one of the water parks like Xcarat, etc. Possible with Uber now?
Hello Michael
This is not possible of yet. Uber is still a developing story but not really useable in Playa or south. Even around Cancun is it is limited since there are not may drivers and there has been a big push against Uber and the legality is still up in the air.
So can we easily get around to the various locations listed via taxis? How easy is it to call them since we are in a residential neighborhood? We don’t speak Spanish.
We are not sure how familiar you are with Mexico but taxis are pretty prevalent. If you live in a gated community sometime just walking to the street will be sufficient for getting a taxi. Or if there is a guard at the entrance he might be able to call a taxi for you. You might find a mix of Uber and taxi to be helpful for you.
Great. Thanks for all the help.
I had several friends just get back from Cancun and they said everyone was just going to the airport to the hotel and not going downtown. So Uber was not really used with transportation since there was some crime happening in the center of Cancun. The private vans were the best option and safer.
Hello
Yes there was some isolated incidents the other day in Cancun. How ever this did not effect the airport or the hotel zone and transportation between the two was not effected. There are not as many Uber drivers in Cancun as there are in other cities and we still like the private transfers especially for small groups of people.
Is it possible to take an UBER February 3, 2017 from Villa Del Palmar Cancun going to Joya Cirque Du Soleil at Vidanta Riviera Maya? If so what would be the cost roundtrip? We really don’t want to rent a car.
It should be possible but there also might be limited amount of cars. A really good option is booking your ticket to Cirque du Soleil with transportation. There is one location they leave from Cancun. That might be just as easy.
Has anyone taken an Uber from the airport?
Are you asking from the Airport to Cancun or to Playa?
Hello, I will be staying somewhere in the hotel zone. This is my first time so I would love all the information on transportation while in Cancun. I will appreciate all feedback and tips. What is the cost from the airport to the hotel zone? Looks like uber is the best bet. Should I use uber when going into downtown or shopping malls?
Hello Lynn
Congratulations on your first trip to Cancun! Cancun is very divided into two parts. The Hotel Zone and downtown. Most people only visit the downtown once or never while on vacation. The downtown will give you a break from the super touristy Hotel Zone. Uber is great to get around because the prices are less. We have not heard much as to quantity and reliability of the service. So it will be something you just might have to open your app and see how long it will be. From the airport there are transfers that are private that we also recommend. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/how-to-get-from-the-cancun-airport-to-the-hotel-zone/
There is a public bus system in Cancun but this can be very slow for taking from the Hotel Zone and downtown, but it is inexpensive. We hope you have a fun trip to Mexico.
Is Uber available from the Cancun airport to the Excellence playa mujeres?
It should be but we have heard that there are not a lot of Uber drivers available in Cancun and many people prefer booking a transfer. If you do want to go the route of a transfer company, we work with one that has been very profession and offers good prices. We have no complaints from any readers yet, so that is a good sign this company is good. Here is a link to them if you want to book that. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/how-to-get-from-the-cancun-airport-to-the-hotel-zone/
I would love to try Uber when I’m in Cancun this month but I’m not sure how that will work with my cell phone carrier. I don’t plan to make any calls while in Mexico but does anyone know how they handle data charges when you are there? I have Verizon.
You can check with your cell phone provider either for a add on for international roaming or just ask about the charges for the short time you will use your phone.
If you have Verizon they have what is called a Travel Pass for Mexico and Canada. For $5 per 24hr day you can use your plan with out roaming charges. For example for $5 a day you could have unlimited talk and text and use your normal data plan. They do not charge you if you don’t use your phone in a 24hr period. Also, they don’t charge you to leave the plan active on your phone – only charged when you use your phone again in Mexico or Canada. I’ve done this in Canada and was pretty happy with the service.
My travel pass with Verizon is only $2 per day. Maybe because I have a business account? Anyway, any ideas for options and cost for transportation from Playa ferry terminal to Xenses for 4 people?
Hello Nancy. Your easiest way to get from the ferry to Xenses Park is a taxi. It will take about minutes to get to the park.
Nancy A,
You may want to check your travel pass with Verizon. Our’s was $2/day. We used it in early April. Preparing to leave for MX tomorrow and found out late April they raised the rates for MX and Canada. Now $5/day. I’m assuming the rate increase would be applicable to your plan, but maybe you are lucky! 🙂 Anyhow, worth checking!
Coming from Australia to Cancun International Airport Landing at 10 25pm want to go to Eco Boutique Hotel Amarte in Puerto Morelos. Will I be able to get an UBER and what would the cost be. Can I pre book. Im a member of UBER in Australia
Hello Jenny
We don’t know about pre-booking but we will say that rides are limited and Uber is not used nearly as much as other places. We don’t recommend the taxis at the airport since you often have to negotiate a price and since it is late at night when you arrive, that can be a hassle. We do recommend a sure method of an easy transfer to your hotel. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/cancun-airport-transfers/ The company that is link in is a very reliable company that all of our readers have liked. We know it is not Uber, but until Uber gets more reliable here, we suggest this option.
On May 19th approximately 10:30 pm as the Uber driver and I were leaving for Resort Beloved in Cancun 4 taxi vehicles blocked us in and prevented us from moving. I thought I was going to be robbed. The taxi drivers told me to get out of the Uber car and get into one of the taxes and they would take me to my hotel and I did. I was later informed by the taxi driver that Uber is illegal in Cancun Mexico and the driver would be receiving a ticket or going to jail (just what I was told). I was only in the Uber car for less than two minutes and I was charged $37.00 USD. I did get to my destination and I paid for the taxi ride.
Still working on my refund.
Thank you Ed for your comments.
I was wondering if it’s possible to get a Uber from Cancun International Airport to Playa del Carmen.
Hello Bruna
Technically they are not authorized to do it. We have heard of some taxi drivers blocking the cars. We have also heard that the City of Merida has banned Uber now. We have not confirmed this but it shows that there are issues here with it. We recommend the ADO bus or a private transfer. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/airport-transfer-cancun/
Hello, has there been any change with Uber use in Cancun the city? We would like to use it from the airport to the Hotel zone. Thanks for any information or update.
Hello Mori
Uber still has not really take off in Cancun and is still not available in many places in the Riviera Maya. There has been consistent legal pressure and pressure from taxi unions. We could say you can try it when you arrive but we are not sure how well it will work. The best is still the ADO bus to the downtown or a private transfer. This company our readers have enjoyed using: https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/private-hotel-zone-transfers-cancun/ At $35 USD from the airport to the Hotel Zone, it is fast and affordable. It is about 20-35 minutes drive, so there is some distance.
My wife and I took Uber from the mall to our resort. We were harassed by the taxi drivers for about 10 minutes before our Uber driver picked us up. Obviously the taxis called the police because about 5 minutes into our drive we were pulled over. We were put in a taxi and sent to our resort. Of course we had to pay the taxi and our Uber. But I also left a wad of cash with our Uber driver because I knew he was going to be in trouble. I just contacted the Uber driver a couple weeks after the incident. The cops impounded his car and is charging him 65000 pesos to get it back (that’s over $3,000). I was very concerned about this young man losing his car and his way of life, which is why I called him after the fact. I offered to help but he told me that Uber was going to pay the fee for him to get his car back.
Thank you for telling your story. It is an ongoing battle and the legal battle continues.
When will Uber be available in Cancun again? This is truly unreliable on the part of the company to start it and then it pull it out due to things that should have been managed before starting the service@!
We ran into problems also in San Miguel de Allende with Uber drivers sudddenly having to charge 2 – 3 times as much as normal due to “”busy times or “”busy drivers””. Really?? We told all of our friends about this “inconvenience” in Mexico and the lack of Uber’s ability to solve the problems.
We have writing several times to Uber but they have not responded to us. The idea is god but the integration and following local laws has been an issue with Uber.
THAT`S NOT TRUE!!! I AM PLANNING MY TRIP RIGHT NOW 03/18/2018 AND JUST SEARCHED IN MY UBER APP FROM CANCUN AIRPORT AND THERE IS NO CANCUN SERVICE OPERATING THERE! CHECK YOURSELF!
WHY CHEATING PEOPLE HERE????
No UBER in Cancun today. \
Uber App works but it has nobody to offer for the ride.
I was recently encouraged to download the Uber app but when I tried to book my first ride, I learned that, much to my appointment, Uber is not available in Cancun at all (as of 30 Sep 2018).
Yes Christa it is true Uber is not working now in Cancun and it does not look like it will be working anytime soon there. Your best bet is a private transfer or the ADO bus. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/private-hotel-zone-transfers-cancun/
I just opened an office here in Cancun. It is unbelievable how criminal the taxi system is here. This mafia organization charges my employees $600 for a trip from the airport to center of Cancun. The in town taxi drivers charge different rates daily from my condo to the office. If you even mention the word Uber taxi drivers get angry and do not say anything to one of the controllers at the airport or you will get met with aggression. I understand the government needs to focus on the violence here as that is tarnishing the cities image however allowing the mafia to remove Uber sends the wrong message to the rest of the world. I personally hope Uber comes back so I can feel safe getting into a a vehicle that is not as old as I am or so damn dirty that it stains my clothes.
No Uber on Cancun, only piece of crap taxis….
I really wish Uber would open again. The taxis are hard to take in Cancun and Uber makes it easy to see where you are going. The size of Cancun is hard to see on a map. The hotel Zone is about a half hour from downtown and a taxi quoted me at $30 to go one way. What!
I’m so sad that Uber went away from Cancun. It was such a convenient way to get around.
I’m so sad that Uber went away from Cancun. It was such a convenient way to get around.