Uber in Cancun: Everything you need to know

If you’ve been dreaming of Cancun’s white sandy beaches and wondering which transport option is best to get around the city, our guide can tell you everything you need to know about Uber Cancun. Including where it’s available, how much it costs, and whether Uber or an alternative transport option is the best choice for you.

Is there Uber in Cancun?

If you’re wondering, “Does Uber work in Cancun?”, the short answer is yes. Uber attempted to launch in Cancun in 2016. However, due to conflicts with local taxi unions, operations were suspended.

Thankfully, Uber officially launched in Cancun in March 2023, following the lead of other tourist hotspots in Mexico such as Mexico City and Los Cabos. There are, however, some restrictions in place regarding Uber rides from Cancun Airport and other parts of the city.

Through the app, there are plenty of Uber options available for rides within the downtown and Hotel Zone areas, including Uber Priority, Uber Planet, UberX, UberXL, Comfort, Uber Espera & Ahorra, and even local taxis: 

• Uber Priority – Get a driver assigned faster by jumping the queue. Ideal if you’re in a hurry.
• Uber Espera & Ahorra – Budget-friendly option with longer wait times. Best for flexible travelers.
• UberX – Standard sedan for up to 3 passengers. Reliable and affordable.
• UberXL – Larger vehicle seating up to 6 passengers. Great for groups or extra luggage.
• Uber Comfort – Premium ride for up to 4 passengers with extra legroom and ride customization (music, temperature, conversation preferences).
• Uber Planet – Eco-conscious ride with carbon offset included. Same vehicle options as UberX.
• Uber Taxi – Local Cancun taxi booked through the Uber app. Offers upfront pricing and app payment, but vehicle standards may vary. This feature is limited and may not always appear.

*Premium services such as Uber Black and Uber SUV may be available in specific locations.

How much is Uber in Cancun?

Since taxi prices in Cancun aren’t regulated with taximeters, and drivers are free to charge customers fixed fares based on zones, using Uber in Cancun provides the benefit of knowing what you’re paying upfront, thanks to their price estimate system.

Uber fares in Cancun are calculated based on how far you’re traveling, how long your journey takes, and the demand for drivers at the time of booking. This means if you’re traveling during peak hours when the roads are busy, you will likely pay more. Similarly, if there are fewer drivers available in your area, this can also increase the price.

The standard option (Uber X) typically costs $26 (€22.80/MXN 500) from the Hotel Zone to Cancun Airport. For a 5 km ride downtown or from the Hotel Zone to one of the nearby beaches, such as Playa Tortuga in Quintana Roo, a ride typically costs $5.20 (€4.60/MXN 100).

*Tolls and surcharges may be added to your final fare.

Alternatives to taking an Uber in Cancun

From the airport

Unless you’d like to ride (often overcrowded) buses, you have to pre-arrange transportation from Cancun Airport. A pre-booked private transfer is the safest and most reliable choice of transport when traveling to and from Cancun Airport.

When you book your Cancun Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups, you’ll be offered a guaranteed fixed rate so you can avoid the stress of haggling with drivers over the price. Plus, an English-speaking driver will be there to greet you on arrival and help you get oriented with the city on the way to your destination.

Uber Cancun has previously been involved in some disputes with local taxi services, preventing them from operating at the airport. However, as of August 2024, Uber drivers are allowed to pick up passengers from Cancun International Airport. However, availability may vary, and travelers should check the Uber app for current options and pickup points.

Similarly, it is not possible to take a Cancun Airport taxi unless you have booked one in advance. In this instance, be sure to confirm your agreed-upon fare before beginning your journey to avoid being overcharged, and be aware that many travelers have complained about rude taxi drivers in reviews.

Getting around Cancun

Other than Uber, Cabify, and inDrive also offer rides within the downtown and Hotel Zone areas, however, it’s important to know these services aren’t permitted to pick up passengers from outside hotels. Due to restrictions on where ride-sharing services can operate, these options are best used for short trips to and from the beach or to avoid walking in the heat around the city center.

For a ride from your hotel, you can arrange a local Cancun taxi through your hotel concierge or walk to the nearest street and flag one down. Just be sure to always agree upon a price upfront, as Cancun taxis can be very expensive.

Alternatively, Welcome Pickups is well-reviewed for fixed-price rides with a trusted driver to popular destinations across the city and known routes such as Cancun Airport to Tulum and CUN Airport to Playa del Carmen. You can arrange for your private air-conditioned transfer vehicle to pick you up at a time and place of your choosing, 24/7.

Is Uber safe in Cancun?

There have been incidents of taxi drivers harassing Uber Cancun drivers, although this is generally not directed at passengers.

While the local taxis are supposed to provide set-rate fees, this is often not the case, and drivers have been known to overcharge passengers upon completion of a ride. This has led to a strong preference from passengers towards using Uber, causing unrest among official taxi drivers.

Uber is, however, very safe to use and provides ratings on each driver so you can feel assured before booking. Nevertheless, it is recommended that when riding with Uber in Cancun, you activate the “Share My Ride” function so that friends and family can keep track of you, and if you have any issues, contact the local police.

Traveling around Cancun: Uber, Taxi, or Private Transfer?

When it comes to choosing the best option, you should think about your and your group’s specific needs. We’ve gathered some of the most important factors to consider below, so that you can make an informed choice.