Cancun Airport to Hotel: Best Transportation Options (Guide + Tips)

Best Ways to Get from Cancun Airport to Your Hotel (Shuttles, Taxis, ADO & More)

Are you planning a trip to Cancun? Great idea!

Whether you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, downtown Cancun, or heading further to Playa del Carmen or Tulum in Riviera Maya, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how to get from Cancun Airport to your hotel.

It might sound simple, but arriving at Cancun Airport can be a bit overwhelming — especially if it’s your first time. Taxi prices are high, there’s a lot of sales pressure, and not all transport options are clearly marked.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the best ways to get from Cancun Airport to your hotel: taxis, shuttle services (my personal favorite), and the budget-friendly ADO bus.

You’ll also find helpful info about the airport itself, plus answers to the most common questions travelers have about transportation in Cancun.

So, what’s the best way to get from Cancun Airport to your hotel? Let’s find out!

1. What to Know About Cancun International Airport

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is one of the busiest airports in Latin America, and it’s probably where you’ll arrive if you’re visiting Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or anywhere along the Riviera Maya.

It’s a modern airport and easy enough to navigate — but here are a few things to know to avoid stress and save time.

Understanding the 4 Terminals at Cancun Airport

• Terminal 1 is small and used for charter and private flights.
• Terminal 2 is for domestic flights and some international flights from Central/South America and a few European destinations.
• Terminal 3 mostly handles international flights, especially from North America and Europe.
• Terminal 4 is the newest and biggest. It also receives international flights from the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Is There a Shuttle Between Terminals at Cancun Airport?

If you do need to change terminals, there is a free shuttle provided by the airport that runs 24/7.

It’s supposed to come every 10 to 15 minutes — though in my case, I waited about 20.

What’s annoying is that the little digital screen showing how long until the next bus doesn’t work properly, so it’s hard to know if it’s actually on the way. Still, it’s running — don’t listen to anyone who tells you otherwise.

When I waited for it, two taxi drivers told me it wasn’t operating anymore, and another told me it had just passed and I’d have to wait 45 minutes.

That was not true. I waited, and it came. So don’t panic and don’t waste money on a taxi.

Also, if you’re traveling light with a backpack, the terminals aren’t that far from each other. I realized I probably could’ve walked in 15 minutes. But keep in mind — the sun in Cancun is intense. If you’re not used to the heat or have luggage, waiting for the shuttle is a better idea.

What to Expect When Arriving at Cancun Airport

After landing, you’ll go through immigration. There is no more immigration form to fill out — everything is digital now. Also, don’t be surprised if your passport doesn’t get stamped — some officers still do it, some don’t.

Important: even though most tourists are allowed 180 days, it’s not always automatic. It’s actually up to 180 days.

So if you’re staying more than a week or two, it’s a good idea to check how many days you were given (you can verify it later online). If for some reason the officer gives you a shorter stay and you overstay, it could cause issues — so better to check.

After that, you’ll pick up your luggage and go through customs. This is random — sometimes you just walk through, sometimes they check your bags. Nothing to worry about, just be aware it can happen. 😉

Don’t Get Caught in Airport Scams: Ignore the Sales Reps

After customs, you’ll enter the arrivals hall, which is full of people offering rides, tours, or “free” activities.

Many wear official-looking badges or uniforms, but they’re almost always timeshare sellers. Just ignore them and keep walking outside to your designated meeting point.

2. Why You Should Avoid Airport Taxis

If there’s one piece of advice I can give you for arriving at Cancun Airport, it’s this: avoid taking a taxi from the airport — especially if you haven’t booked it in advance.

Here’s why:

• Taxis from Cancun Airport are very expensive. Prices are fixed, and they’re usually way higher than what you’d pay elsewhere in Mexico. A short ride to the Hotel Zone or downtown can cost up to 1,000 MXN or more — often double the price of a shuttle.
• You can’t hail a cheaper taxi outside. The airport is strictly controlled by taxi unions. If you walk outside hoping to find a better deal, you won’t. All drivers operate under the same pricing structure.
• They can be aggressive. Some taxi drivers try to convince you that other services (like the ADO bus or airport shuttle) aren’t working or are unsafe — don’t believe them. It’s just a way to pressure you into taking their car.

Even as a fluent Spanish speaker, I find dealing with airport taxis stressful and unclear — so if you don’t speak the language or aren’t familiar with local pricing, it can be even more complicated.

Honestly, it’s just not worth the hassle. Pre-booking a shuttle, easier, and cheaper!

3. Shuttle Services – The Easiest Option

If it’s your first time landing in Cancun — or even if you’ve been here before — pre-booking a shuttle is the best way to get from the airport to your hotel.

There are different types of shuttles depending on your needs: private shuttles, shared shuttles, and even luxury vans.

If you’re arriving with friends or family (say, three or more people), a private one is ideal. If you’re solo, the shared shuttle works just fine and costs less.

It’s actually the option I personally use every time I land in Cancun. I’ve tried everything over the years, and honestly, nothing beats the comfort and simplicity of a shuttle.

It’s stress-free and smooth: you book online, they track your flight, meet you at the terminal, and there’s no negotiating or hidden fees to deal with (although don’t forget a tip if you liked the service — it’s expected).

It’s comfortable and safe: Shuttles are air-conditioned, clean, and reliable. You just get in, relax, and let the driver take you straight to your hotel — last time, the driver even had beers on sale in the car, and with the heat, I was happy to grab one. 😄

It’s faster than the bus: Especially if you’re staying in the Hotel Zone or a resort — the shuttle takes you directly to the door of your hotel, no stops along the way.

It’s affordable: Prices are reasonable, especially if you’re sharing with others or booking a round trip.

4. ADO Bus – The Cheapest Option

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get from Cancun Airport to downtown or the Hotel Zone, the ADO bus is a solid option.

ADO is Mexico’s main long-distance bus company, and it runs frequent buses from the airport to several destinations, including Cancun Downtown, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

The big news is that there’s now a route going all the way to the Hotel Zone — before, the ADO bus only went to downtown Cancun , which made things more complicated if you were staying near the beach.

• The new ADO service to the Hotel Zone stops at Terminal 2, 3 and 4 and goes to Plaza La Fiesta in the Hotel Zone. The ticket costs 140 pesos, and there are 5 daily departures: at 11:05, 13:05, 15:05, 17:05, and 19:05.
• The bus to downtown Cancun (click here to see on map) also costs 140 pesos and runs much more frequently — with departures roughly every 30–45 minutes, from 00:50 to 23:40.

The buses are modern, clean, and air-conditioned, with space for your luggage. You’ll find the ADO counter easily once you exit customs — just follow the signs or ask an airport staff member.

I wouldn’t recommend buying your ADO ticket in advance, though: You never really know how long immigration, baggage claim, and customs will take — it can be 20 minutes or over an hour.

Instead, just buy your ticket directly at the ADO counter when you arrive.

Or, if you already have internet on your phone, you can buy it online at ado.com.mx after landing. Just make sure you select the correct terminal when buying online!

This is definitely the best choice if you’re on a budget and not in a hurry, especially if your hotel is close to one of the stops.

Otherwise, you’ll need to take a taxi or local transport from the final stop to your hotel — which might not be ideal with heavy luggage.

5. Can You Take an Uber from Cancun Airport?

One of the most common questions I get is: can you take an Uber from Cancun Airport?

And the answer is no — Uber and other ride-sharing apps like Didi or inDriver are not allowed to pick up passengers at the airport.

Even though these apps operate in Cancun, they’re blocked from entering airport property due to ongoing conflict with the taxi unions. You might even read some news saying they’re finally allowed — but in practice, they’re still not.

So don’t waste your time trying to call an Uber at the airport. It won’t come, and if it does, the driver risks a fine (or worse). You’ll just end up waiting and then choosing another option.

That said, you can absolutely take Uber from your hotel back to the airport, and it works perfectly. I’ve done it several times — it’s cheaper than a taxi, comfortable, and easy to use if you already have the app.

Hopefully one day they’ll allow pickups at the airport too… fingers crossed!

6. Is Renting a Car at Cancun Airport a Good Idea?

If you’re planning a road trip or want to explore places like Valladolid, Bacalar, or even the cenotes around Tulum, renting a car directly from Cancun Airport can be a great option.

It also works if you just want to pick up your car right after landing and drive straight to your hotel — especially if you’re not staying in Cancun but somewhere along the Riviera Maya.

Just make sure to book your car in advance to avoid last-minute surprises (and higher prices), and check that the insurance is included.

A lot of cheap rates you see online don’t include the mandatory Mexican insurance, so always double-check before paying.

Also, a quick tip: when you pick up the car, take photos and videos of the whole vehicle. I always do it and I’ve never had a problem!

If you’re only staying in Cancun and don’t plan to move around much, you don’t need a car. But if you want freedom and flexibility, this is definitely a good option.

When it comes to renting a car, my go-to choice is Booking.com Cars, and here’s why:

• Easy price comparison across multiple rental agencies: Instantly find the best rate with just a few clicks!
• Free cancellation in most cases: Flexibility is key, so you can book without worry if plans change.
• Full insurance coverage at a lower cost than rental companies: Enjoy peace of mind and save money with comprehensive coverage included.

Simply click the green button below to find your rental car at the best price:

Where to stay in Cancun?

If you need a hotel near Cancun Airport for a late arrival or early flight, check out my list of the 6 best options close to the airport

Otherwise, you can also see my top hotel recommendations in the city center and the Hotel Zone.

• Mayan Monkey Cancun: hostel with a festive atmosphere in Cancun’s hotel zone, very close to the beach and bars. Terrace, outdoor pool, bar with happy hour, air conditioning, ping-pong, good wifi. Private rooms and dorms, from only 24$usd!

• Bed and Breakfast Pecari: if you are looking for more comfort, I recommend without hesitation this establishment. It is a beautiful Bed and Breakfast located in a quiet street near the city center and the ADO bus station, with a relaxation area by the pool, spacious rooms, and a good breakfast, starting at 50$usd per night!

• Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites: rooms, suites, and villas for 2 to 12 people with direct access to the beach. Outdoor pool, children’s pool, gym, restaurant, beach bar. Breakfast included, starting at 218$usd per night.

• The Royal Sands Resort & Spa: spacious rooms and suites with ocean views, in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone. Large outdoor pool, gym, spa, fine restaurants, sports bar and many activities. All inclusive, starting at 485 $usd per night

How to Find a Cheap Flight to Cancun

Cancun International Airport is one of Mexico’s busiest hubs, offering excellent connectivity with frequent flights from Europe, North America, and beyond.

Major airlines like Air Transat, Air Canada, Iberia, Aeromexico, Interjet, and KLM operate regular routes, so finding a flight that suits your schedule is easy.

For the best deals on flights to Cancun and domestic routes across Mexico, be sure to use our flight comparison tool, powered by Skyscanner. It’s quick, easy, and helps you find the best deals on both international and domestic flights.

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

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• The Best Hotels near Cancun Airport
• All-Inclusive Hotels in Cancun: The 27 Best All-Inclusive Resorts!
• 1 Day in Cancun – The Perfect 24h itinerary
• 2 Days in Cancun – How to make the most of your week-end in Cancun
• 3 Days in Cancun –  What to See, Do and Eat
• 4 Days in Cancun – The Best Itinerary + Where to stay
• 5 Days in Cancun – The Ideal Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
• The 15 Best Cenotes near Cancun

• Itinerary: 8-10 days in Mexico – From Mexico City to Oaxaca
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
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• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
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• Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
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• Yucatan Peninsula: Top 20 things to Do and See
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• Bacalar: The 18 Best Places to Visit
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• Tulum: The 21 Best Things to Discover
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