You can get from Cancun Airport to Cancun Hotel Zone by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.
The cheapest option is by bus, which costs USD 8. The journey takes about 1 hour.
The most popular option is the shared shuttle, starting at USD 17.
The fastest way to travel is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi/Uber. Traveling by car takes about 30 minutes.
Quick Answer:
The cheapest way from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone is by ADO bus ($8, around 1 hour). The fastest way is by private transfer (30 minutes, starting at $44). Shared shuttles are the most popular choice for convenience and price (from $17).
I’ve traveled around Mexico quite a bit, and in this guide, I’ll break down all the options to help you choose the one that fits your travel style.
Transportation Options
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle | 1 hr | $17 to 24 |
| ADO Bus | +45 min | $8 |
| Private Transfer | ~30 min | $44 to 249 |
| Taxi | ~30 min | $30 |
| Rental Car | ~30 min | – |
How far is the Cancun Hotel Zone from Cancun Airport?
The distance fromCancun Airport to Cancun Hotel Zone is 14.4 miles or 23.2 kilometers, and it takes around 30 minutes.
Getting to Hotel Zone from Cancun Airport
1. Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: 1 hour
The shared shuttle is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to get straight to your hotel without the stress. I’ve used it myself and found it super convenient.
Multiple reliable companies, such as Mexico Travel and Cancun Travel Group, operate the service, which provides comfortable, air-conditioned vans.
They usually seat up to 10 passengers, so it’s an affordable and easy option whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or in a small group.
Rides are available from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM every day. Depending on the service provider, fares range from USD 17 to USD 24 per person, one way.
We highly recommend booking seats online to avoid potential issues and secure your spot!
The ride from Cancun Airport to the Cancun Hotel Zone usually takes around 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions and the number of stops to drop off other passengers at their hotels.
The driver typically confirms the drop-off location with each passenger to ensure accurate and efficient service.
When selecting the Shared Van Shuttle, remember to have your flight details and hotel information ready, which you’ll need when making your reservation.
“Mexico Travel” Shared Shuttle Schedule:
Below is the current Mexico Travel shared shuttle schedule with departure times, trip durations, and prices.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 09:00am | 1 hr | $17 |  |
| 09:30am | 10:30am | 1 hr | $17 | |
| 10:30am | 11:30am | 1 hr | $17 | |
| 11:30am | 12:30pm | 1 hr | $17 | |
| 12:30pm | 01:30pm | 1 hr | $17 | |
| 01:30pm | 02:30pm | 1 hr | $17 | |
| 02:30pm | 03:30pm | 1 hr | $17 | |
| 03:30pm | 04:30pm | 1 hr | $17 | |
| 04:30pm | 05:30pm | 1 hr | $17 | |
| 05:30pm | 06:30pm | 1 hr | $17 | |
| 06:30pm | 07:30pm | 1 hr | $17 | |
| 08:00pm | 09:00pm | 1 hr | $17 | |
“Cancun Travel Group” Shared Shuttle Schedule:
Below is the current Cancun Travel Group shared shuttle schedule with departure times, trip durations, and prices.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 09:00am | 1 hr | $24 | |
| 10:00am | 11:00am | 1 hr | $24 | |
| 12:00pm | 01:00pm | 1 hr | $24 | |
| 02:00pm | 03:00pm | 1 hr | $24 | |
| 04:00pm | 05:00pm | 1 hr | $24 | |
| 06:00pm | 07:00pm | 1 hr | $24 | |
2. ADO Coach Bus
Journey Duration: +45 minutes
The ADO Coach Bus service offers an economical and reliable option.
Operated by ADO, one of Mexico’s largest bus companies, the service offers modern, air-conditioned coaches with comfortable seating, ample luggage space, and free WiFi.
Buses run from the airport to Cancun City Center almost every 30 minutes from 08:00 AM to 11:50 PM and less frequently from midnight to 08:00 AM.
Given the regularity of this service, waiting times are minimal, even for those arriving on late flights.
The journey from Cancun Airport to the City Center takes approximately 45 minutes.
You can find local buses or taxis from the City Center for the short ride to the Hotel Zone.
Tickets are very affordable, priced at USD 8 per person, one-way.
In peak travel periods, such as holidays or local festivals, the buses can fill up quickly, so it’s best to head to the bus terminal as soon as you’ve collected your luggage.
3. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: Custom Time
If you’re arriving late or just want to skip the hassle, private transfers are a lifesaver. I’ve done this after a red-eye flight, and having someone waiting for me made all the difference.
One highly rated service is Cancun Airport Transportation. This option allows you to have the entire vehicle to yourself, providing a more personalized and direct transportation experience.
The company’s fleet includes air-conditioned sedans, SUVs, vans, and even limos, accommodating groups of various sizes. The vehicles are well-maintained, modern, and equipped with free Wi-Fi.
Unlike shared shuttles, private transfers operate on your schedule. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The vehicle leaves the airport when you’re ready, eliminating any waiting time.
As such, the trip duration is typically around 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Prices for a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation start at around USD 44.
Larger groups or families might opt for a private van, which accommodates up to 16 passengers and starts at USD 79 one way.
Prices fluctuate depending on the season, so it’s best to check the official website for the most accurate quote!
Booking your private transfer in advance is recommended to ensure availability and streamline your journey.
Cancun Airport Transportation’s online booking platform is user-friendly and allows you to input your flight details, ensuring your driver is aware of your arrival time and can adjust for any delays!
Visit their website here. For additional options, see our other deals on private transfers below!
Prices for a private transfer:
- 1-7 passengers: USD 59
- 8-10 passengers: USD 73
- 11-16 passengers: USD 114
4. Self-Drive with a Rental Car
Journey Duration: ~30 minutes
Renting a car is another fantastic and cost-effective option.
Although you can rent a car directly at the airport when you arrive, we strongly advise doing so in advance to get a better deal.
However, you should find out if your hotel offers free parking before renting a car and see if your itinerary calls for venturing outside Cancun.
If you’re up for exploring beyond Cancun, renting a car gives you total freedom. I loved having one for day trips to cenotes and hidden beaches.
5. Taxi
Journey Duration: ~30 minutes
I wouldn’t personally recommend taking a taxi from the airport unless it’s your only option. Prices vary widely, and a taxi can quickly become more expensive than a pre-booked transfer.
The average taxi fare from Cancun Airport to Hotel Zone should be about USD 24, although it can sometimes reach a price of USD 50.
In addition, Uber is not permitted at Cancun Airport, so they are not an option for getting from the airport to the hotel zone. So, you are left with the option of a regular taxi cab.
If you wish to travel this way, a better alternative is getting a private transfer rather than a taxi, but if you’re left with no choice, this option is always available.
Best day tours in Cancun Hotel Zone, Mexico
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a shuttle from Cancun Airport to Hotel Zone?
Absolutely! Shared shuttles leave regularly and drop you off right at your hotel. It’s one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get there.
Do hotels pick you up from Cancun Airport?
Some hotels will provide transfers as a benefit for booking a room with them. You won’t have to worry about organizing the shuttle on your own because they can help you.
Is taking a taxi from the Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone safe?
Although taking a taxi at the Cancun Airport is safe, taxis from the city are not always reliable. We advise considering private transportation for any service.
Do taxis in Cancun take credit cards?
Since the Cancun Airport’s taxis only accept cash, you cannot pay with a credit card when ordering a ride.
How much is a taxi from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone?
The average taxi cost from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone is USD 24.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Hotel Zone?
The cheapest way to get from Cancun Airport (CUN) to the Hotel Zone is by shared van shuttle, which costs USD 14.
What is the fastest way to get from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Hotel Zone?
The fastest way to get from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Hotel Zone is by car. The trip takes about 30 minutes, and you can choose between a private transfer, taxi, or rental car.
Sharing helpful info? Please feel free to cite this guide:
Universal Traveller — How to Get from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone
Leave a Reply