Are you planning to land at Cancun International Airport (CUN) for a dreamy Mexican getaway?
Unfortunately, before your relaxing vacation can truly begin, you must pass through a busy (and usually chaotic) international airport and find transportation to your hotel. With people yelling at you from all directions and hordes of tourists passing through the area, it can be overwhelming and, well, not comfortable.
I had a hard time not having a designated transport plan arranged before landing Approximately Got scammed at the airport, and I almost overpaid for a taxi.
But getting transportation from the Cancun airport to your hotel doesn’t have to be an expensive nightmare.
Keep reading to learn our go-to tips for booking transportation from CUN to your hotel.
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What is the best way to get from Cancun International Airport to the hotel?
I have traveled to the Quintana Roo area many times, and although there will be many transportation options available to you at the airport, in my experience, planning before you arrive in Mexico is the most efficient option.
Can you book an Uber or Lyft to Cancun Airport?
Therefore, it is best not to rely on ride-hailing apps and find other means of transportation before your arrival in Mexico.
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Should you take a taxi from Cancun Airport to your hotel?
If you’re staying in Cancun’s popular hotel zone, it’s about a 15-minute to 30-minute ride from the airport to this tourist area, depending on your accommodations (and traffic). When you exit the security zone inside Cancun International Airport, you will immediately be bombarded with people trying to get your attention. These workers promote everything from guided hiking tours to transportation options, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed and lost in the chaos. At least, that’s how I felt during my first trip to Cancun.
If you want to take a taxi to your Cancun hotel, expect to pay between $30 and $40 per person. Taxis do not charge a flat rate, so you may pay more or less than the average price. Also, if you’re traveling to other regions of the Quintana Roo area, such as Tulum, Puerto Morelos, or Playa del Carmen, expect to pay more per person.
Because taxis don’t charge you a flat rate and you can get stuck on the price with the taxi driver, I don’t recommend relying on taxis to get to your hotel when traveling in Cancun. Instead, I prefer to prebook the transportation service before arriving in Mexico.
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Book a car or shared ride from Cancun Airport to your hotel
If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya, check with your hotel to see if it offers a complimentary shuttle service or if it recommends a specific provider. For example, I have stayed at several Hyatt all-inclusive properties in Mexico and was advised to book with them. Amstar DMCwhich offers guided tours and airport transfer services to and from your hotel.
You can book a private transfer, a shuttle service, or even a deluxe private transfer, which can whisk you away in a Cadillac Escalade. Prices vary depending on which hotel you are traveling to, how many guests are requesting a ride, and which service you choose.
Also, if you are traveling with a group of people, you can save money on a private transfer and pay less than a shuttle.
For example, if you book a private transfer from CUN to Iberostar Selection Cancun, it will cost you $103 (including taxes and fees). Which is about $25 per person for a group of four for a private transfer from the airport to your hotel. If you book the shuttle, it will cost $116 (including taxes and fees). So, booking private transport is really cheap.
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Additionally, you don’t have to worry about your flight being delayed and missing your transportation service. Amstar DMC tracks your flight to ensure seamless pickup and departure. When you exit the airport, you will need to find someone wearing an Amstar DMC shirt, and they will show you where to pick you up.
If you are traveling alone or with a companion, booking a shuttle service can be cheaper. This is a van service that is shared with guests at nearby hotels.
Besides not having to worry about booking and paying at the airport, I think prebooking airport transport while in the area is the best option.
There are plenty of airport transfer services offered in the Cancun area other than Amstar DMC, so it’s best to check with your hotel on the services they recommend and compare prices. Note that if you want to pre-book airport transport, it’s best to do so well in advance, as some companies book on busy travel days.
Cancun International Airport Scams
It’s easy to do when traveling, especially internationally Tourists will fall prey to local scams. So, it’s always best to be a little cautious when people show up too much Eager to “help” you.
As I said earlier, there is no flat fee for a taxi ride; Therefore, prices fluctuate, and you may quickly be overcharged during busy seasons or if you have a large group. If you take a taxi, always travel with Mexican pesos, as many people have claimed their credit cards were overcharged by hundreds of dollars.
one Reddit user claimed that the taxi driver’s swipe machine kept showing the card was “rejected.” When the man arrived at his hotel and had access to Wi-Fi, he realized two transactions had been made on the card, one for $249.99 and the other for $499.98.
Unfortunately, taxi scams are not uncommon around the world. Mexico is no different. So, if you are going to take a taxi, we suggest you pay in the country’s currency and confirm the price before getting into the car. If you don’t have cash and are in a bind, use a credit card, not your debit card. With a credit card, you can immediately alert your bank about fraudulent activity on the card and the money isn’t taken directly from your personal checking account.
Although I wasn’t scammed out of money during my vacation in Cancun, it’s a good idea to watch out for people inside the airport trying to redirect your attention and encourage you to buy other tours, transportation, and services.
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During my initial visit to Cancun, I had no idea that transportation services waited outside the airport for pre-booked guests. However, you will run through a sea of people trying to ask if you need help or have already booked a service. I replied to someone that I had already booked a car service and asked where I could find the company. A man pulled me up to the desk, told me he was with the company, and then pitched me to book a guided excursion to the cenotes. Eventually, he didn’t take “no thanks” for an answer and I had to walk away after continuing to try to push the sale.
Overall, the Quintana Roo area is a great place to relax and explore during a tropical beach getaway. However, overpaying for transportation to your hotel or getting scammed at the airport can completely ruin the vacation vibe. Therefore, if you wish to use a taxi at the airport we recommend prebooking transportation prior to your arrival or preparing to pay with Mexican pesos.
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