Cheapest way to get from the Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone

If you are staying in Cancun for vacation, you are mostly likely staying in the Hotel Zone of Cancun. Here are 3 of the best options for getting to your hotel from the Cancun Airport. The cheapest option and the most direct option are not always the same. Let’s break it down into the different options so you can choose the best option for you.

Most people don’t realize that the Cancun Airport is south of Cancun, and it can take 20-35 minutes to get to a hotel in the Hotel Zone. So, there is a little bit of transportation time and expense getting to and from the airport.

This could be the cheapest option from the Cancun Airport

The only public transportation from the Cancun Airport to hotels and destinations is the ADO Bus. This is a private company that offers bus service to Cancun and other cities in the Riviera Maya. For years, ADO only had service from the Cancun Airport to the downtown bus station in Cancun. This trip takes about 50 minutes but is in the downtown of Cancun. If you were staying in the Hotel Zone, it would be mean taking a local bus to the Hotel Zone which was another 20/40 minutes and another charge. This was not efficient and not a good way to arrive from the Cancun Airport to your hotel.

New ADO Bus service to the Cancun Hotel Zone

There is now new ADO bus service from the Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone in Cancun. There will be two stops in the Hotel Zone. Buses do not stop at individual hotels. So, if your hotel is not near one of these two 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 11:30am, 1:05pm, 3:05pm, 5:50pm, and 7:05pm. The ADO bus for the Hotel Zone will service Terminal 2,3 and 4 at the Cancun Airport. The cost is 140 Pesos. For the latest updates to schedule and prices, check out the official website of ADO Bus here.

Plaza Kukulcan

This stop is really only close to the Hotel Rio Palace Kukulcan, Occidental Tucancun Kukucan, and the Royal Sands. If one of these is not your hotel, it is better to take another transportation option. Even some of these hotels will be about a 7-minute walk from the bus stop.

Plaza Fiesta

This plaza is on the north end of the Hotel Zone by the bend. The hotels close to this stop are Hotel Krystal Cancun and Ocean Dream Cancun.

All in all, this is a good new access for the public to get to and from the Hotel Zone in Cancun. Although the stops are not too close to most hotels and other transportation might be needed to get to other hotels.

Shared Shuttles to the Hotel Zone from the Cancun Airport

If you want a more budget friendly option for an airport shuttle, here is another option for you. These shared shuttles for between Cancun Airport and hotels in the Hotel Zone of Cancun. These are small vans with air-conditioning. This company has 10 years of experience and professional drivers. You do need to reserve in advance, so you have a seat. You can reserve by following the reserve now button. This will take you to the official shuttle website for booking.

This often is better than the ADO bus because they take you to individual hotels and not just to two points in the large Hotel Zone where you need to get additional transportation. It can also save you money taking this option rather than paying for two transportation services.

Shuttles to Cancun Hotel Zone — Getting to the Hotel Zone from the Cancun Airport is affordable and comfortable.

Private Transfer from the Cancun Airport to your Hotel

If you are arriving at the Cancun Airport and want to get to your vacation in the most efficient way possible, a private shuttle service from the Cancun Airport is the best way to go. There is no waiting for a shuttle to fill up and no negotiating with a taxi driver. Your bilingual driver is there ready for you to arrive. All of these options are private and will only take you and those traveling with you. The prices are per van and not per person.

These are reserved in advance and have a fixed price. There is also an advantage to booking a round trip because you get a discount. That is something taxis cannot offer because you take different taxes to and from the airport.

If you would like a direct and private transfer, this company is well recommended by our readers. You can click the link below to go direct to their booking website.

Cancun Airport to Cancun Hotel Zone transportation — These are what the private transfer vans look like that will transport you from the Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone in Cancun.

A word about Taxis from the Cancun Airport

Many people arrive at an airport and just look for a taxi to get to the hotel as quickly as possible. Taxis from the Cancun Airport are not metered and often quote high prices for visitors. Many people overpay for the ride, hence not making it very cheap. Private transfers are a much better option since you have a person waiting for you and a fixed price. You can also securely use a credit card or cash to pay.

If you do take a taxi, be sure to know the prices before you get in and it is advised never to use a credit card because often people are over charged or have multiple charges on their card. Of course, you will also not get a discount like you would booking a round-trip shuttle service.