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Cancun Taxis

Cancun Taxi General Information and Tips

TRAINED DRIVERS

Hand picked & english speaking drivers

LOW PRICES

Same price as a regular Taxi from the line

FLIGHT MONITORING

Drivers are always on time

QUALITY SUPPORT

24/7 Email & Phone support

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, easily identifiable by their white vehicles with a green stripe.

Taxis can easily be hailed from the street, picked up at a taxi rank, booked in advance via phone or WhatsApp, or arranged through a taxi app. Most taxis seat 4 passengers, and if you’re lucky, they’ll be air-conditioned. Since taxis aren’t metered, expect to pay a set rate determined by the government and local taxi syndicates, depending on the zones you travel through.

TRAINED DRIVERS

Hand picked & english speaking drivers

LOW PRICES

Same price as a regular Taxi from the line

FLIGHT MONITORING

Drivers are always on time

QUALITY SUPPORT

24/7 Email & Phone support

How much does a taxi cost?

Taxi prices Day time
(05:00 - 24:00)
Night time
(00:00 - 05:00)
Duration
CANCUN AIRPORT TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN 48 € 48 € 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
An official Cancun taxi

Cancun taxi prices

Taxis prices in Cancun are set by each syndicate, based on different zones; taxis and hotels should have a current price list on display. However, since there is no meter, it is common for drivers to simply make up their own price as these rates aren’t enforced. To secure a fair price, we suggest agreeing on one with your driver before you begin your journey. 

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; a 10-minute ride shouldn’t cost more than €23 (MXN 500).

The cost of an average journey in the city center, however, is much cheaper at around €4.80 (MXN 100). If you’re looking to travel between the downtown area and the Cancun Hotel Zone, expect to pay no less than €23.70 (MXN 500).

Taking a Cancun Airport taxi to downtown Cancun will cost around €47.40 (MXN 1000). A transfer from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone will be around the same price of €57 (MXN 1,200), and a Cancun Airport taxi to Tulum will be around €105 (MXN 2,200).

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How to get a taxi service in Cancun

Taking a taxi in Cancun couldn’t be easier, as there are thousands cruising 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 do a quick beep of their horn when passing pedestrians to signal that 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 much 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.

There’s a taxi pick-up zone 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 upfront whether your driver will be using the meter, otherwise, you should set a price before getting into the vehicle. If you’re traveling on your own at night, especially as a female, booking a taxi via an app may be more reliable to ensure there is one waiting for you.

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. 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. To confirm you’re riding with an official taxi driver, look for their registration details posted in the window and request a printed price list.

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. Keep in mind, however, that due to some unrest between the taxi syndicate 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 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 syndicate’s own app.

For a reliable service with competitive fixed fare prices, we recommend using Welcome Pickups for your Cancun Airport transfer. 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 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, 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

Taxi “Andrés Quintana Roo”: +52 (998) 884 1919

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. It's illegal to jump into a cab at Cancun Airport without prior registration.
  4. Tipping isn’t expected or commonly practiced.
  5. It’s worth checking with your hotel if they offer a scheduled shuttle service to attractions around town.
  6. The official uniform of Cancun taxi drivers is a white shirt with the green taxi syndicate logo in the chest pocket area.
  7. 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.
  8. Taxis that depart from outside hotels often charge a higher rate since the hotel takes a small commission.
  9. 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 with a trusted company such as Welcome.

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 book a wheelchair-accessible taxi in Cancun by calling +52 (998) 246 3896.

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 then make a complaint to the taxi company directly or to the Tourist Police by calling +52 (998) 885 2277. Alternatively, you can visit their office on Kukulcan Boulevard in the Hotel Zone.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to take a taxi in Cancun?

Yes, it is relatively safe to take a taxi in Cancun, although stories of passengers being overcharged are far too common. Always take note of the registration number on the back door when entering your vehicle and insist on seeing the official price list. Otherwise, be prepared to haggle or wait for the next taxi.

How much does it cost to take a taxi in Cancun?

When you take a taxi in Cancun, rates will be put in place by the taxi Syndicate, based on zones. While drivers are supposed to display these prices, most make up their own rate which means you will need to be willing to negotiate to get a fare price. With this in mind, expect to pay no less than €23.70 (MXN 500) in the Hotel Zone and €4.80 (MXN 100) for a trip within the downtown area.

How do I call a taxi in Cancun?

There are three ways to call a taxi in Cancun, either by directly phoning one, having your hotel call one on your behalf, or through an organized WhatsApp group. A couple of numbers you can phone include Taxi Cancun (+52 998 148 9592) and Taxi “Andrés Quintana Roo” (+52 998 884 1919).

What taxi service should I use in Cancun?

For a reliable taxi service in Cancun with upfront fixed fare pricing, we suggest arranging a ride with Welcome Pickups or using the Taxistas Cancun app to arrange a regular taxi service with transparent pricing.

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