Is There Uber in Playa del Carmen? (2024 Latest Update)
Wondering if there is Uber in Playa del Carmen Mexico? You’ve come to the right guide!
As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen, I’m here to give you the inside scoop on what’s really happening with Uber in the region.
There’s a lot of misinformation floating around on the internet about whether or not Uber is available in Playa del Carmen.
The short answer is no, unfortunately, Uber services are still not available in Playa del Carmen in 2024.
Although Uber was approved to operate in January 2023, opposition from local taxi unions has still made it unsafe for Uber drivers and passengers.
But don’t worry because there are still plenty of ways to get around Playa del Carmen without Uber!
In this post, I’ll be sharing the latest updates about the current Uber situation in Playa del Carmen, as well as some Uber alternatives that can help you get around town.
Plus, I’ll share some important safety tips to keep in mind when using these transportation services.
Ready to find out all about Uber in Playa del Carmen? Let’s get started!
Is There Uber in Playa del Carmen?
No, unfortunately Uber is currently still not available in Playa del Carmen as of 2024.
While Uber was approved to operate in the state of Quintana Roo in January 2023, opposition from the local taxi union has made it very difficult for Uber to get off the ground.
The latest update is that Uber and the local taxi union have come to an agreement, where taxi drivers will be now added to the app to accept rides.
Users will be able to choose between a normal Uber or a taxi within the app when requesting a ride.
However, this is still not in effect and if you open your Uber app in Playa del Carmen, you won’t find any rides available.
Quick History on Uber in Playa del Carmen
Long story short, the Riviera Maya region has been battling the legalization of ride-sharing services such as Uber for years.
Every time Uber gets close to launching in the region, the local taxi union protests by creating barricades on the highway preventing tourists from reaching the airport.
When this happened, the local police force had to assist tourists by hauling them in the back of their police trucks just to get to the airport on time.
There have also been reports in the last year of violence against Uber drivers and passengers.
Unfortunately, the taxi union here is extremely powerful and local authorities have not been able to enforce the new legislation.
Is Uber Safe in Playa del Carmen?
No, Uber is currently not safe to use in Playa del Carmen. You won’t even be able to find a ride because Uber drivers have pretty much been driven out of town by the local taxi union.
People started taking Uber in early 2023 when it was first approved, but the protests and threats of violence against Uber drivers made it too dangerous to continue.
There were several reports of violence against Uber drivers and passengers where rocks were thrown at vehicles, breaking glass and causing injury.
Basically, if taxi drivers catch you taking an Uber, it’s possible that the situation will become violent.
And in January 2023, the U.S. State Department issued a security alert, warning travelers of the potential dangers of Quintana Roo Uber Services.
It’s an unfortunate situation as Uber is a much-needed service in the region, but taxi drivers have their own grievances against the way Uber operates.
Hopefully the situation will improve with the new agreement, but for now, Uber is not safe or even available in Playa del Carmen.
Is There Uber in Cancun?
Now the Uber situation in Cancun is a bit more confusing. Uber is currently available in downtown Cancun (outside of the airport) and if you open your Uber app, you will likely be able to find a ride.
However, I would still not recommend using Uber in Cancun Mexico due to the same reasons as mentioned above.
It’s the same taxi union that operates in the entire region, so the same threats and violence against Uber also apply in Cancun.
Taxi drivers have always opposed Uber in Mexico and if they catch you taking an Uber, the situation can become dangerous for both driver and passenger.
The situation is still very unstable so it’s best to avoid using Uber in Cancun, as it’s not worth the risk to your personal safety.
Is There Uber in Tulum?
No, Uber is currently not available in Tulum. It’s the same situation as Playa del Carmen where it was approved to operate but is unsafe to use.
You’ll be able to open your Uber app in Tulum, but you likely won’t be able to find any drivers available to accept the Uber ride.
To get around Tulum, you’ll need to rely on taxis, bicycles, scooters, or public transportation.
Is There Uber at Cancun Airport?
No, Uber at Cancun Airport is currently not available. Regardless of the ongoing Uber battles, Uber has never been allowed to operate at Cancun International Airport.
This is because most airports in Mexico require special licensing to be able to pickup at the airport.
Regular taxis aren’t even allowed to pickup at the Cancun Airport and only special airport taxis are allowed.
But taking a taxi from the airport is not something I would recommend because they can be unreliable and extremely overpriced.
In general, the Cancun Airport is an extremely chaotic place and there are no shortage of scam artists trying to offer you their services.
That’s why I recommend booking a private airport transfer in advance so you can save yourself the hassle and know you’re getting a reliable ride.
I’ve also outlined some additional ways to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen in the next section.
Best Ways to Get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen Without Uber
Since you can’t take an Uber from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen, these are the best options for a safe alternative to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen:
Private Airport Transfer
By far, the easiest and most hassle-free option for getting from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is by booking a private airport transfer.
When you book a private transfer service to Playa del Carmen, a private driver will be waiting for you when you land.
They’ll help with your luggage and guide you to a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a bilingual driver.
You can relax and enjoy the ride without worrying about navigating or haggling over fares.
I recommend booking a private airport transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the safest and most reliable ride.
Travelista Tip: You’ll get the best price by booking a round trip service rather than 2 one-ways!
Shared Airport Shuttle
Another viable option is taking a shared Cancun airport shuttle. A shared shuttle is a slightly more cost-effective choice, especially if you’re traveling alone and want to go right to your hotel.
The downside is that you’ll need to wait around for others in the group and you may have to stop at several hotels before arriving at your destination.
To be honest, shared airport shuttles don’t have the best reviews and only really make sense for solo travelers.
For couples and larger groups, it’s about the same price to book a private transfer.
ADO Bus
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen, the Playa del Carmen ADO bus is your best option.
ADO buses are large, charter-style buses that offer air conditioning, ample luggage space, and comfortable seating.
They operate frequently throughout the day, and tickets can be purchased at the airport counter.
Travelista Tip: I would recommend purchasing your ADO tickets directly at the airport counter rather than purchasing them online in advance as it can be extremely difficult to know what time you’ll actually be exiting the airport after going through Customs and Immigration.
The ADO bus will drop you off at the ADO bus station in downtown Playa del Carmen (📍 Google Maps) and then you can walk or take a taxi to your Playa del Carmen hotel or final destination.
Rent a Car
Another option for getting from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is by renting a car at the airport, but this is something you want to be very cautious with.
Many different car rental agencies can be found in the airport and generally have a variety of options from compact cars to SUVs.
However, rental scams are unfortunately pretty common in Mexico, and even more so at the Cancun Airport.
Many travelers have reported cases of hidden fees, questionable insurance policies, and other headaches like not getting the car they reserved.
So I would only really recommend renting a car in Playa del Carmen if you really want to get off the beaten path and explore some nearby attractions in the Yucatan peninsula on your own.
Otherwise, just take a private transfer to Playa del Carmen and then it’s pretty easy to get around town without having a car.
Airport Taxis (Not Recommended)
While official airport taxis are available at the Cancun Airport, I would NOT recommend using them.
This is because only official airport taxis are allowed there, which lets them get away with charging exorbitant rates.
Plus, there are so many different taxi companies at the airport and not all of them are legit that it can really difficult to know if you’re getting a reliable ride.
Basically, they’ll lie and spread misinformation to get you to book a ride with them. And it will cost you an arm and a leg.
So, in the interest of both your wallet and your peace of mind, I recommend opting for a private airport transfer, which will likely turn out to be cheaper.
Or if you’re on a budget, then book a shared airport shuttle or take the ADO bus.
How to Get Around Playa del Carmen Without Uber
Getting around Playa del Carmen without Uber is pretty easy as the town is relatively small and most attractions are within walking distance.
Walking
Walking is one of the best ways to explore Playa del Carmen, as it allows you to soak up the local atmosphere and discover hidden gems along the way.
Once you get settled, the town is very walkable and you can easily reach the Playa del Carmen beaches, restaurants, and shopping on foot.
Playa del Carmen’s main street, known as Fifth Avenue (“La Quinta Avenida”), is pretty much the most popular part of town–it’s a lively street lined with shops, restaurants, and Playa del Carmen bars.
Biking
Riding a bicycle is another popular way to get around Playa del Carmen and they can be rented from many different rental shops around town.
Unfortunately there aren’t many beachfront biking paths but there is a bike lane on 10th Avenue that goes for a good portion of the downtown area.
When riding a bike, you’ll just want to be sure to lock your bike securely as bike thefts are fairly common.
Biciplaya
Another great option for bike rentals in Playa del Carmen is Biciplaya, which is an app-based bike rental service that operates all around the downtown town.
You signup for a plan on the Biciplaya app, find a bike station nearby, and unlock it with your phone. You can then return the bike to any designated Biciplaya station when you’re finished.
Biciplaya rentals are typically for 30 minutes at a time so it’s is intended more for getting from point A to point B rather than a leisurely full day rental.
Taxis
Despite the issues with Uber, local taxis are generally safe and reliable in Playa del Carmen. You’ll just want to follow the safety tips I’ve outlined in the following sections.
Playa del Carmen taxis are white and turquoise in color, and are very abundant in the downtown area.
You’ll find them at designated taxi stands all over town, along 5th Avenue, outside of grocery stores like Walmart, Mega, and Chedraui, and around shopping centers.
Taxis in Playa del Carmen do not have meters so it’s important to negotiate a price before you get in the car.
Playa del Carmen taxi prices around town cost between $50-$200 pesos ($5-10 USD), while going anywhere towards Tulum or Cancun will be considerably more.
Travelista Tip: Taxis from 5th Avenue to the beach operate in a separate “tourist zone” and will cost more than other fares. If you’re able, walk up to 10th Avenue or further to get a cheaper rate.
Colectivos
Colectivos are public transportation minibuses that run continuously along the main highway in the Riviera Maya. They’re a cheap and authentic way to travel, mostly used by locals.
You can take a colectivo if you want to go from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, or from Playa del Carmen to Cancun.
You can find the main colectivo station in Playa del Carmen at Avenida Juarez and the main highway 307, just in front of the Chedraui grocery store (📍 Google Maps).
They don’t have set schedules and just depart when full, and they’ll drop you off anywhere along the highway.
🚐 You can learn more about taking colectivos and public buses in my Playa del Carmen transportation guide.
ADO Bus
Just like the ADO Airport bus, the ADO bus is also a great and affordable way to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, Cancun, Bacalar, Holbox, Merida, Valladolid, and beyond.
The main ADO station in Playa del Carmen is located at 5th Avenue and Avenida Juarez (📍Google Maps).
ADO buses are more expensive than colectivos but are much larger and more comfortable.
Tickets can be booked on the ADO website (Spanish only), through Busbud (English), or directly at the ADO station.
Is the ADO bus safe?
Yes, the ADO bus in Playa del Carmen is generally very safe but you should still take basic safety precautions.
Always keep your valuables with you at your seat and not stowed below the bus. It’s also best to avoid using the overhead bins if possible.
I’ve taken the ADO bus countless times by myself and have never had any safety concerns.
Rent a Car
If you plan to do a lot of exploring outside of Playa del Carmen, renting a car might be a good option.
This gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and explore off-the-beaten-path attractions. Many international and local rental car companies operate in Playa del Carmen.
If you want to rent a car in Playa del Carmen, I recommend using Discover Cars, where you can easily compare ratings and deals from both Mexican and international car rental companies.
Are Taxis Safe in Playa del Carmen?
Yes, taxis in Playa del Carmen are generally safe and reliable. They are all over the place in downtown Playa del Carmen and very easy to hail.
However, if possible, I would recommend getting a Playa del Carmen taxi from an official taxi stand rather than just hailing one on the street.
Official taxi stands are located at many different high traffic areas near 5th Avenue, in front of grocery stores, and at shopping malls.
They might cost a little bit more than hailing one on the street, but are usually safer and more reliable with set rates.
When using a taxi in Playa del Carmen, make sure to negotiate the rate up front before getting in the car. Taxi drivers have been known to overcharge tourists who don’t know the area.
They should also have a rate sheet that you can ask to see if you want to verify you’re getting a fair price.
Also, if you take a taxi late at night or in an unfamiliar area, it’s best to travel with someone else, as taking a taxi alone can be a safety risk in Playa del Carmen.
I’ve taken a lot of taxis in Playa del Carmen and never had any issues but I have heard stories of bad things happening, usually late at night.
You can also consider using a WhatsApp Playa del Carmen taxi service like Radio Taxi, where you can request a taxi in advance and they’ll send you the taxi number so it’s safer and more reliable.
Tips for Taking Taxis in Playa del Carmen
Follow these tips for taking a safe Playa del Carmen taxi ride:
- Negotiate the rate up front: Taxis in Playa del Carmen do not have meters so you’ll want to confirm the price before getting in the car.
- Ask to see the rate sheet: Most taxis should have a laminated rate sheet to major resorts and destinations that you can look at to verify the price of your fare.
- Take taxis from an official stand: Taking a taxi from an official taxi stand is usually safer than hailing one off the street.
- Record the taxi number and send it to a friend: If you’re taking a taxi alone, it’s always a good idea to record the taxi number and send a quick message on WhatsApp to a friend in case of an emergency.
- Speak Spanish if you can: If you can speak Spanish and know where you’re going, you’re more likely to get a fair rate.
- Don’t sit in the front seat: Never sit in the front seat as this can be a risk for an accomplice to jump in the back seat and attack you from behind.
- Don’t get in a taxi with someone in the front seat: Additionally, if you see someone else in the front seat when the taxi pulls up, don’t get in the car and hail a different one.
- Always double check for personal belongings: At the end of your ride, always double check for all your personal belongings. If you leave something behind, you most likely won’t be getting it back.
- Pay in pesos and have small bills on hand: While USD is accepted by most taxi drivers, it’s always easier to pay for taxis in pesos as you’ll get a better rate. You’ll also want to have small bills on hand if possible and a lot of times the taxi drivers don’t have much change.
- Avoid the tourist zone: Taxis from 5th Avenue to the beach operate in a separate “tourist zone” and will cost more than other Playa del Carmen taxi fares. If you’re able, walk up to 10th Avenue or further to get a cheaper rate.
Playa del Carmen Uber: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Uber service in Playa del Carmen:
No, you’ll be able to open your Uber app in Playa del Carmen but there won’t be any drivers available to accept the ride.
Yes, Uber Eats is available in Playa del Carmen and you can use the app to order food from local restaurants.
Playa del Carmen is located about 34 miles (55 km) south of Cancun Airport, or about an hour drive depending on traffic.
A taxi from Cancun Hotel Zone to Playa del Carmen may cost around $1000 pesos (~$60 USD) or more each way.
A Playa del Carmen to Tulum taxi may cost around $1000 pesos (~$60 USD) or more each way depending on your destination in Tulum.
No, you typically can’t pay for taxi services with a credit card in Playa del Carmen. Make sure to have enough cash on hand (pesos or USD) to cover the cost of the fare.
No, it is not customary to tip taxi drivers in Playa del Carmen.
Yes, most taxi drivers in Playa del Carmen will accept US dollars for payment but you will likely get change back in pesos. That’s why it’s easier to pay in pesos.
No, Lyft is not available in Playa del Carmen, nor are any other ride-sharing apps.
Final Thoughts: Uber Playa del Carmen Mexico Guide
So, does Playa del Carmen have Uber? Hopefully by now you know that Uber is still not available or safe to use in Playa del Carmen.
But there are still plenty of transportation options when it comes to getting around the city.
If you’re looking for airport transportation, I recommend booking a private transfer in advance with Cancun Airport Transportation, for the quickest, safest, and most reliable ride.
For local transportation, taxis are generally safe and reliable but be sure to follow the tips outlined in this article for the safest experience.
You can also consider renting a car if you plan to explore beyond Playa del Carmen.
Hopefully the Uber situation in Playa del Carmen will improve soon, but until then these alternatives are the best way to get around town!
🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?
These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:
🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.
🚗 Rental Cars: I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited on most snorkeling tours, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
