Is there Uber at Cancun Airport? (Updated 2023)

Is Uber available at Cancun Airport?

Unfortunately, Uber is currently not available at Cancun Airport.

While legislation was recently passed in January 2023 allowing Uber to operate in the region, it remains dangerous to use Uber or any ride-sharing service.

Taxi drivers have always strongly opposed Uber in Mexico, and there have been several reports of violence against Uber drivers and passengers.

So even if your Uber app will work, it’s not safe to use Uber in the entire Riviera Maya region of Mexico including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

Plus, regardless of the Uber battles, it is still illegal for Uber drivers and any unofficial taxis to pick up at the Cancun Airport.

So, don’t risk using Uber and instead rely on one of the other airport transportation methods I’ll outline in this post.

Your best option is to book a private transportation service from Cancun Airport for a safe, reliable, and hassle-free ride.

Best Alternative Cancun Airport Transportation Options

Here are some of the top transportation options for getting to and from Cancun Airport:

🚕 Keep in mind that the nearby tourist destinations are pretty far from the airport (Playa del Carmen is 1 hour away and Tulum is 2 hours away) so while some of these options may seem expensive, they are priced accordingly based on the total travel distance.

Private Transfer

A private transfer is the absolute best way to go for those looking for a door-to-door, stress-free experience.

It’s such a nice treat to be picked up from the airport after a long flight! Plus, it’s the quickest way to get to your hotel or resort.

Cancun airport transfers can be booked in advance and will pick you up from the airport to take you directly to your hotel or resort in a private vehicle.

I personally use and recommend Cancun Airport Transportation for private transfers in the region.

They have a variety of different vehicles available depending on the size of your group and have the friendliest English-speaking drivers. You will be in great hands!

Rates to nearby destinations are as follows for up to 3 people:

• Cancun Hotel Zone: $39 USD one way / $75 USD round-trip
• Playa del Carmen: $80 USD one way / $155 USD round-trip
• Tulum: $155 USD one way / $299 USD round-trip

👉 Book a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation by clicking here! You’ll automatically get a discount off by booking a round-trip service.

Shared Airport Shuttle

Another option is to take a shared shuttle service from the airport to your hotel or destination.

These shuttles can be booked in advance online, and they offer door-to-door service with multiple stops along the way.

This is a great option for those traveling on a budget or in small groups. However, keep in mind that these shuttles make multiple stops and can take longer to reach your destination compared to a private car.

For example, the normal 1-hour ride to Playa del Carmen could take 2+ hours with multiple stops along the way. But, it’s a reliable option for door-to-door service.

I recommend using Cancun Shuttles for reliable shared Cancun Airport shuttle services in the area. Rates to nearby destinations are as follows:

• Cancun Hotel Zone: $15 USD one way
• Playa del Carmen: $29 USD one way
• Tulum: $37 USD one way

👉 Book a shared shuttle with Cancun Shuttles by clicking here!

ADO Airport Bus

Another budget-friendly option is to take the ADO Airport Bus from Cancun International Airport to your destination.

This large, charter-style bus departs from the airport regularly and can be taken to downtown Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum.

This is the cheapest way to go and great for those traveling solo or on a tight budget, however, keep in mind that it can take longer to reach your destination.

The ADO bus will drop you off at the ADO bus station in downtown Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, and then you’ll still need to take a taxi or walk to your final destination.

ADO bus tickets can be purchased at the red ADO counter located in the Cancun Airport’s arrivals terminal right after exiting baggage claim. You’ll then be able to hop on the next departing bus.

Rates for ADO buses to nearby destinations are as follows:

• Downtown Cancun: $110 pesos (~$6 USD) each way
• Playa del Carmen: $230 pesos (~$13 USD) each way
• Tulum: $365 pesos (~$20 USD) each way

🚌 Read my full ADO bus guide for more information and step-by-step instructions for using the service.

Rental Car

Another Cancun Airport transportation option is to book a rental car but this is something that I wouldn’t really recommend.

Cancun Airport is notorious for car rental scams, and it can often be a huge hassle to pick up your car from the airport.

Car rental companies at the Cancun Airport might do the bait-and-switch trick or nail you with extreme upcharges for insurance and additional fees.

Instead, I recommend sticking with one of the above options for airport transfers or renting a car once you get to your hotel or resort.

I recommend using Discover Cars, where you can see detailed reviews and ratings for both Mexican and international car rental companies.

👉 Search for car rentals on Discover Cars by clicking here!

🚨 Do you need travel insurance for Mexico? Yes! Most insurance plans in your home country will not cover incidents abroad. I recommend using Travel Insurance Master, which is a handy travel insurance marketplace where you can compare policies. Get a FREE quote by clicking here!

Taxi (Not recommended)

The final option for Cancun Airport transportation is to take a taxi from the airport but I would honestly only do this as a last resort.

Only official airport taxis are allowed at the Cancun Airport, which means these taxi drivers can get away with charging exorbitant rates and can be a real hassle to haggle and negotiate.

And payments cannot be made with a credit card, so you’ll need to have a lot of cash on hand.

It’s honestly way safer and around the same price just to arrange a private airport transfer in advance.

Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that your private driver will be waiting for you when you step off the plane and you’ll have a safe and reliable ride.

🚫 Avoid hailing taxi services at the Cancun Airport and instead opt for one of the above options for your airport transfer.

Is there Uber in Cancun?

The Uber situation in Cancun is a bit more complicated. Uber is currently available in downtown Cancun (outside of the airport). Your Uber app will work and you will likely find drivers available.

However, I would still not recommend trying to use Uber in Cancun at this time as it’s still very dangerous if you were to get caught by taxi drivers.

Until the situation improves, I would advise against using Uber in Cancun, or anywhere in the Riviera Maya region.

Uber Cancun Airport: FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Cancun Uber services:

🚙 Check out my full Uber in Mexico guide to find out where else you can get an Uber ride in Mexico.

Conclusion: Is there Uber in Cancun Airport 2023?

In conclusion, Uber is not available to use at Cancun Airport. Even though Uber was recently legalized, it has faced strong opposition from the local taxi drivers in the state of Quintana Roo.

This has resulted in violence against Uber drivers and passengers. So even if your Uber app will work, it’s unfortunately not safe to use at this time.

I recommend arranging a private airport transportation service in advance for the safest, fastest, and most convenient way to get to your hotel or resort.

Book your transfer now with Cancun Airport Transportation and check this task off your travel to-do list!

And don’t forget you’ll get the best price by booking a round trip service.

For travelers on a budget, the ADO Airport Bus is the cheapest option for transportation from the Cancun Airport, while a shared shuttle is another budget-friendly option for door-to-door service.

Rental cars should be avoided due to scams at the airport, and taxis should only be used as a last resort.

Now that you know Uber is not available or safe to use at Cancun Airport, you can plan ahead and save yourself the stress of figuring out transportation upon arrival.