Taking a taxi in Cancun
Cancun is a bustling city spread over a large area, split into distinctive zones. Public transport in Cancun is still a little behind the times and is often unreliable and uncomfortable, which is why using a taxi service in Cancun is the best way to get around. There are around 8,000 registered taxis in Cancun, easily identifiable by their white vehicles with a green stripe.
Most taxis seat 4 passengers, and if you’re lucky, they’ll be air-conditioned. Since taxis aren’t usually metered, expect to pay a set rate determined by the government and local taxi syndicates, depending on the zones you travel through.
Taxis can easily be hailed from the street, found at taxi ranks (sitios), booked in advance via phone or WhatsApp, or arranged through a taxi app.
How much is a taxi in Cancun?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANCUN AIRPORT TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN | 67 € | 67 € | 50 MIN |
| ISLA MUJERES FERRY TO THE HOTEL ZONE | 15 € | 15 € | 5 MIN |
| HOTEL ZONE TO XCARET | 60 € | 60 € | 1 H 15 MIN |
| ADO TERMINAL TO CANCUN AIRPORT | 38 € | 38 € | 25 MIN |
| HOTEL ZONE TO ADO TERMINAL | 20 € | 20 € | 25 MIN |
Cancun taxi prices
As of early 2025, Cancún has begun introducing taxi meters through a pilot program, but most taxis still use a zone-based fare system set by the local taxi union. While fare charts exist, they’re not strictly enforced, so prices often vary. To avoid confusion or overcharging, always agree on the fare before your ride or skip the hassle entirely by pre-booking with an official taxi company.
A taxi will cost more in Cancun if taken from a taxi stand or hotel, especially within the Hotel Zone, although drivers are still supposed to charge the posted rate. It’s cheaper, therefore, to flag one down from the street and negotiate a price.
The cost of a short downtown ride (5-10 minutes) is around $4.50 (€4/MXN 87). If you’re looking to travel between the downtown area and the Cancun Hotel Zone (15-20 minutes), expect to pay approximately $17 (€15/MXN 326), depending on where your hotel is located. On the other hand, taking a Cancun Airport taxi to downtown Cancun will cost around $40 (€36/MXN 775).
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How to get a taxi service in Cancun
Taking a taxi in Cancun couldn’t be easier, as thousands cruise around the city. Official Cancun taxis are white with a horizontal green stripe running along the length of the vehicle. Each taxi should have a unique registration number printed on the back door, and while not all taxis will feature a “TAXI” sign on the roof, the word should be clearly stated on the front doors.
If you’re in the city center, you can easily hail a taxi in the street by sticking out your hand. Many drivers will also beep their horn when passing pedestrians to signal they are free. If you’d prefer, you can also walk to a taxi rank, called sitios.
There are many dotted around the city center, outside Plaza las American, on Nadar, in the Cancun Hotel Zone, outside the ADO bus station, and at most major shopping malls. Keep in mind that the taxi rates from sitios are usually higher than catching a taxi from the street.
How to get a taxi from Cancun Airport
Cancun Airport recommends that all passengers arrange their Cancun Airport taxi before arriving. This way, you can secure a much more affordable fare, as local rates can be up to 60% higher when booked on the day. Nevertheless, if you choose to book on the day, you’ll find several taxi kiosks for each separate company in the Arrivals Hall after Baggage Claim. Please note that you cannot simply hop in a taxi from the ranks; booking online or via the kiosks is mandatory.
*There’s a taxi rank outside each Arrival Hall of Cancun Airport’s three public terminals, although you should be informed where to meet your driver at the time of booking.
How to get a taxi from Cancun Bus Station (ADO Terminal)
The ADO is the main bus terminal in Cancun and you shouldn’t have any trouble grabbing a taxi from here since there is a taxi stand located at the curb to the main entrance/exit. Always confirm the price with your driver upfront. For safety, especially at night, consider using authorized taxi services or ride-hailing apps where available.
How to get a taxi in the Hotel Zone
Sitios are spread throughout the entire Hotel Zone, so you are likely always within walking distance of one. The sitios in the Hotel Zone are organized by the taxi syndicate, meaning taxis shouldn’t undercut other drivers by picking up passengers nearby. Just keep in mind that taxi fares from hotels or sitios can be higher due to added convenience and potential hotel commissions.
Some well-known sitios in this area can be found near La Isla Shopping Village, Kukulcan Plaza, Forum by the Sea, and popular beaches such as Playa Delfines and Playa Tortugas.
How to get a taxi from Puerto Juárez Ferry Terminal
Taxis tend to park up along the front entrance to the ferry terminal in the designated car spaces. Since there isn’t an official line per se, it’s normal for drivers to approach you as you exit. Always confirm the fare before starting the trip and ensure the taxi is officially registered. You can check by looking for their registration details posted in the window.
Can I use a taxi app in Cancun?
If you’re worried about the language barrier or prefer to know your fare upfront, you can use a Cancun taxi app to arrange a ride. Remember that due to some unrest between the taxi unions and ride-hailing services, using an app isn’t always the fastest or the safest option, although it is generally the cheapest.
Cabify and DiDi are your best options since they can connect you to regular taxi drivers. Uber is also available, but drivers are not welcome to use any pickup or drop-off zones that regular taxis use.
In general, none of these services are allowed to pick up passengers in the Hotel Zone; however, dropping off is fine. If you want to book a ride within the Hotel Zone, use Taxistas Cancun, which is the taxi syndicate’s official app.
For a reliable service with competitive fixed prices, we recommend using Welcome Pickups for your Cancun Airport taxi. This way, you can avoid any ambiguity around pricing and feel assured that a taxi will be available when you need one.
Useful taxi numbers in Cancun
The final way to arrange a taxi is to phone a Cancun taxi number directly. This is a great option when you’re not in a hurry since taxis sometimes take a while to arrive. You should also keep in mind that companies may charge a callout fee.
In Cancun, all taxi companies are owned and managed by the Taxi Drivers Union (taxi syndicate), and it is common to arrange a ride over WhatsApp, where drivers have created different WhatsApp groups for different areas of the city. Some trusted numbers are:
Taxi Cancun: +52 (998) 148 9592
Radio Taxi Cancun: +52 1 (998) 204 0293
Book your Cancun taxi service in advance
If you’re planning to take day trips or simply want to see more of the city, knowing that your transportation is already taken care of and paid for is a fantastic feeling. Booking a Cancun taxi in advance allows you to budget and relax so you can enjoy your holiday.
If you’d like the comfort of a set-rate fee, 24/7 customer service, and an English-speaking driver, we suggest pre-booking your Cancun taxi service with Welcome Pickups.
Cancun taxi tips
- For the best rates, be sure to haggle your price with the driver before beginning your journey and walk away if they quote too high.
- Lots of hotels in the Hotel Zone have similar names so it’s best to have the address written out in Spanish to avoid any confusion and a longer than necessary ride.
- Tipping taxi drivers is appreciated but not mandatory. A small tip can be offered for good service.
- It’s worth checking with your hotel if they offer a scheduled shuttle service to attractions around town.
- The official uniform of Cancun taxi drivers is a white shirt with the green taxi syndicate logo in the chest pocket area.
- Although it’s illegal, some taxi drivers refuse short rides, which is why it is best to arrange a taxi in advance with a company like Welcome Pickups.
- Taxis that depart from outside hotels often charge a higher rate since the hotel takes a small commission.
- There can be a lengthy wait time of up to one hour when booking a can via an app. For a guaranteed on-time service, it is best to book ahead with a trusted company.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Cancun
Standard Cancun taxis aren’t wheelchair accessible; however, Cancun Accessible is a specialized service providing vehicles equipped with ramps and anchorage systems, allowing people in both manual and electric wheelchairs to be transported safely and comfortably.
You can call them on +52 (998) 246 3896 or contact them via email at [email protected]
Otherwise, several taxi companies have a small number of wheelchair-friendly vehicles that can be booked in advance, or if you have a foldable wheelchair, there is usually space to store it in the trunk.
Cancun taxi safety and complaints
For the most part, using a Cancun taxi service is safe. The most common problems tourists encounter are bad attitudes and being overcharged. However, if you do think you have been overcharged, or if your driver has made you feel unsafe at any point, you should note down their ID number, the taxi license plate, and the time of day.
You can report any such incidents to the Tourist Police, the local taxi union, or the taxi company you booked with.
Tourist Police: +52 (998) 885 2277
Taxi Union: + 52 (998) 689 1143, [email protected]