Is There Uber in Cancun? All You Need to Know
Is there Uber in Cancun? If you are wondering if the UBER app is working in Cancun, the short answer is yes it’s working, but nobody will confirm your trip from Cancun airport, and if they do it in the city, it’s complicated.
I have been living in Cancun since 2010 and taking an Uber in Cancun has been dangerous at times. Now the situation is more under control but there are a few things you should know about using Uber in Cancun.
Basically, you could use Uber in Cancun but not in the Hotel Zone or near any Taxi stand, and not from Cancun Airport. However, you could get an Uber to take you from the city to Cancun Airport.
In this blog post, I will explain how Uber has become a sort of Cancun taxi app and how to use it. But I will also share some cost-effective Uber alternatives to move around Cancun and go from Cancun International Airport to your hotel, or anywhere in Quintana Roo and in the Yucatan Peninsula.
And if you are concerned about the restrictions of UBER service, worry not! I’ve got you covered.
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So, Does Uber Work in Cancun?
Not only is there no Uber in Cancun but in the entire Mexican state of Quintana Roo. I saw a funny comment from a tourist from the United States saying “No Uber? What is it, 1995?” And he was right.
But there is a reason for everything. Uber did arrive in Mexico and in fact, at the end of this post, I will talk about other Mexican destinations where Uber Service and other rideshare taxi apps are actually very popular and approved by the Mexican government.
This is not the case in Cancun or anywhere else in the state of Quintana Roo because the local taxi union (also called cooperatives) took a very strong and, let’s say, uncivil action against it.
Uber in Cancun was suspended in 2017 for the same reasons it’s still not operating. However, the Riviera Maya News, reported that according to Saúl Crespo, Communication Manager for Uber México, “Currently there is a ruling by a federal judge in which he ordered the Mobility Institute to allow Uber Mexico to operate and carry out its commercial activity in the State of Quintana Roo...”
The taxi union was not happy about it and went out of its way to block the judge’s decision.
So basically even though UBER is legal in Mexico, including in the State of Quintana Roo, Taxi drivers wouldn’t allow that, creating a lot of issues, to the point that it became unsafe both for the UBER drivers and passengers.
There was one time when I called a UBER from the Cancun International Airport. Cancun Uber drivers would cancel my requests until I found one who would reply but he gave me an appointment far from the arrival doors and asked me to act as if I was family.
But after that single episode, the UBER app wouldn’t even show cars available at the Cancun airport.
What are the best alternatives to Uber in Cancun Airport?
So, now that it is clear that Uber Service is not available in Cancun Airport or anywhere in the state of Quintana Roo let’s move on to understand what are the alternatives available and the best way to move around.
From public buses to taxi rides or shuttle buses you have a variety of options but not all of them are convenient depending on the situation.
I would avoid taxis and get a private transportation service with Cancun Airport Transportation, my favorite company. They are nice and professional, on time, they offer a door-to-door service and you don’t have to wait.
Uber vs local taxi companies in Cancun
If you ask me how local taxis in Cancun are, I would say I wish there was UBER. To be honest, I don’t trust taxi services in Cancun, but if you need to use them make sure you don’t pick one up on the street.
Ask your hotel to call a taxi for you as they use what they call Taxi de Sitio, which are more reliable and the vehicles are cleaner. They will be more expensive as well but worth the money.
If you happen to be on the road and need a taxi, try to get to the nearest “taxi de sitio”, they are usually close to malls or bus stations.
Taxi drivers are also infamous for scamming tourists by inflating the rates, which is annoying. This is why I always prefer and recommend renting a car over using a taxi.
However, to go from the airport to your hotel and back to the airport I would absolutely recommend a private shuttle service.
They are definitely more reliable, and safer, they speak English, and offer a personalized service.
So let’s talk about those ones.
How to get from Cancun International Airport to Cancun Hotels
As I mentioned, the best way to get from Cancun International Airport to Cancun hotels or any hotels in the Riviera Maya or Merida the best option is a private shuttle service.
I have been recommending the Cancun Airport Transportation service for years and they proved to be the most reliable and efficient.
They will take you from the airport to your hotel anywhere either in the Cancun Downtown area or Cancun Hotel Zone and if you book your return service you get a discount as well.
Since UBER is not available from Cancun Airport, this is your best option to get from Cancun International Airport to your hotel
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How to move around the city of Cancun
If you need to move around the city of Cancun, it is a whole different story. There are different case scenarios and I will be trying to cover them all to help you figure out the available transportation options within the City of Cancun
✔ If you book a tour, the tour company would normally include the pick-up from your hotel unless your place is very far off the usual hotel areas
✔ If you want to move along the Cancun Hotel Zone, there is a local bus line that runs up and down all day and night and they are quite safe in that area
✔ If you want to venture out in Downtown Cancun, there is not much to see, except for the Malecon by the Lagoon, a few malls, Mercado 23, Mercado 28, and Parque de Las Palapas. In this case, I would suggest you ask your hotel to book a recommended taxi for you.
✔ If you want to go to Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or anywhere outside Cancun you will need a taxi ride to the ADO bus station, or if it’s not too hot you can take the bus until the famous roundabout called (El ceviche) and from there walk for about 800 mt to the ADO Bus station.
✔ If you need to go back to the Airport you can make an online reservation with
Is Uber available in Downtown Cancun?
Technically if you call an Uber in Downtown Cancun you may find somebody answering your request.
However, they are scared of taxi drivers so they will ask you to make sure there is no taxi around before confirming the trip, which is impossible to determine because taxis are everywhere in Cancun, and even if you don’t see when at the time of call, one or two may appear in two seconds.
And if you find one of the nasty ones you may end up arguing with him about why you are using Uber and not a taxi. Not worth the time in my opinion.
Then they will ask you to pretend you are family, which is kind of odd.
I mean, you are welcome to try it, but I am just giving you a heads-up about the UBER situation in Cancun.
As I am updating this post, things are starting to become easier as taxi drivers have found an agreement with Uber and they can also use the app and provide the service.
However, Uber Cancun is tricky and there are some rules:
🚫 You can’t call an Uber from the hotel zone but you can call an Uber from Down Town to go to the Hotel Zone or to the airport.
🚫 If you call an Uber from Cancun Downtown, you must be away from Hotels where taxis are located, or other taxi stands scattered around downtown.
🚫 Some Uber drivers may cancel the trip if you have credit card payment enabled, simply because they prefer cash
✅ An alternative to Uber is DIDI a similar App that works in the same way and the above-mentioned rules apply.
How to get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun
Getting to Isla Mujeres from Cancun deserves a section on its own. Unless you are joining an Isla Mujeres Catamaran tour, which will include its own transportation, you will need to get to the ferry dock first.
As I explain in my complete post on how to get to Isla Mujeres, there are a few different docks you can choose from, depending on where your hotel is located.
Since there is no Uber available in Cancun you could use the local bus if you are in the Cancun Hotel Zone. This is the cheapest way of course as it costs only 8.5 Mexican Pesos.
Or you can ask your hotel to call a taxi for you to take you to the nearest ferry dock for Isla Mujeres.
This is a day trip that you should do, by the way! More on Isla Mujeres in my detailed post.
How to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Getting from Cancun to Playa del Carmen without Uber is still easy. And I am going to share the options you have.
How to get from Cancun International Airport to Playa del Carmen without UBER
From Cancun International Airport to Playa del Carmen the best option is the Shuttle Bus Service. Click on the image below to read more and check their unbeatable rates.
A cheaper way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen without UBER is by ADO Bus but of course, it’s not the same comfort.
The ADO will take you to the ADO bus terminal in Playa del Carmen and from there you will find a taxi to take you to your hotel or vacation rental.
Taxi Services are available from the Airport but they are overpriced and in my opinion less safe than the above-mentioned Shuttle which is the closest option to an Uber for the following reasons:
► It’s private
► It’s comfortable and spacious
► It’s immaculately clean
► It’s safe and trustworthy
► It offers a bilingual driver
► It’s cheaper than a Taxi
► door-to-door service
► No waiting time
► It’s prepaid so, no cash needed although leaving a tip is advisable, which can be also in USD.
How to get from Cancun Down Town Area to Playa del Carmen without UBER
To get from Cancun’s downtown area without UBER you will either have the option of getting an ADO bus or a “colectivo” (shared shuttle).
The colectivos are of two kinds, Playa Express, leaving from right in front of the ADO Bus Terminal in Cancun and the regular MINI VANS leaving from behind the MEGA supermarket across the street from ADO Bus Terminal.
Both services are very similar and run all day long. Keep in mind that some drivers drive like crazy.
The ADO coach bus is more formal, and a little slower but it takes you to your destination.
The only private transportation available to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun downtown is the regular Taxi service.
If you use that, make sure you ask for recommendations from your hotel and agree on the fare before confirming the service. It should be not more than 1000 MXN.
In my opinion, the best option, in this case, is ADO public transportation. Keep in mind though that if you want to get the Ming vans you will need cash with you.
ADO tickets can be paid by a Debit card or a Credit card, instead.
How to get from Cancun to Tulum
How to get from Cancun International Airport to Tulum and The Riviera Maya without UBER.
If you need to get to your hotel in Tulum or anywhere in the Riviera Maya from the Cancun International Airport, Uber is not an option.
Cancun Aiport Transportation Services will be your go-to company!
They are amazing and connect Cancun International Airport with the major destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula, including Bacalar, Mahahual, Merida, and so forth.
Click here to see all the private transfer options.
And obviously, they get you from the airport to your hotel in Tulum or the Riviera Maya, door to door!
While Cancun International Airport was the closest airport to Tulum, as I am updating this post there is a brand new airport in Tulum that is operating with international flights from March 2024.
If you still find more convenient flights to Cancun, then your best option to get to Tulum is by private transfer.
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How to get from Cancun Down Town Aera to Tulum and The Riviera Maya without UBER
As it was for Playa del Carmen, there are different ways to get from Tulum to the Cancun Downtown area without a UBER ride.
However, keep in mind the following:
► if you decide to use the minivans (colectivos) you need to get to Playa del Carmen first and from there hop on another minivan from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
► if you take the ADO it takes about 2hrs 30 minutes and it makes a stop in Playa del Carmen but you can stay on the bus (they may just ask you to get out for a few minutes for sanitization procedures)
► A taxi from Cancun down Town to Tulum may charge you up to 1500 USD – Make sure you ask before confirming the service.
► If you are going to Puerto Morelos you have the same option either ADO BUS or colectivo. Make sure you tell the driver when you want to get off.
Renting a Car in Cancun
The other option, which is also my favorite one, if you know me by now, is to rent a car at Cancun Airport when you arrive.
That will set you free from any other means of transportation and you can go anywhere at your own pace.
I recommend using an aggregator such as Discover Cars, which will allow you to compare prices among different car rental companies and pick the one that has better rates and conditions.
Make sure you read all the details on what’s included or not in the rates before booking.
Driving in Cancun can be kind of confusing, so make sure you use Google Maps to find your way around. However, driving around the Yucatan peninsula, away from Cancun traffic, it’s very easy and straightforward.
Just follow the recommendation I share in my guide about driving in Cancun and you´ll have a blast.
Discover Cars Mexico Review
Discover Cars is one of the most popular car rental for many reasons, among which:
✔︎ straight forward information
✔︎ full coverage add-on
✔︎ listing of different companies with reviews
Where is Uber available in Mexico?
There are many popular tourist destinations in Mexico where Uber is Available. Here below I name the most important
⊙ Mexico City (also read the Uber in Mexico City article for more detailed information)
⊙ Merida
⊙ La Paz
⊙ Huatulco
⊙ Guadalajara
⊙ Puebla
Is there Uber in Cancun? FAQ
Can I use my Uber app in Mexico?
Although you can’t find an Uber driver in Cancun, you can certainly use your UBER app in Mexico. You can log in with the number you used to create your account and you are good to go.
Is there LYFT in Cancun airport?
Unfortunately, LYFT is only available in USA and Canada It is not available in Mexico.
Is there any other rideshare app available in Cancun?
There is no other rideshare app available in Cancun for the same reason why there is no UBER.
However, in other cities in Mexico where UBER is available, you can also find DIDI, another ride-share app that is quite popular and even cheaper than UBER.
Are taxis expensive in Cancun?
Taxi are quite expensive in Cancun and they tend to be even more expensive from your Hotel in the Hotel Zone or from the airport, compared to the Cancun Downtown area.
How much is a taxi from Cancun airport to the hotel zone?
They normally charge around 1000 MXN from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone
Can you walk the hotel zone in Cancun?
Yes, you can walk along the hotel zone in Cancun and it’s pretty safe and nice. There are actually pedestrian pathways where many people also run early morning or in the evenings.
Is there a taxi app in Cancun?
There is no taxi app in Cancun.
Is it easy to get a taxi in Cancun?
It is easy to get a taxi in Cancun. There are Taxi areas or you can hail a taxi on the street although I encourage you to avoid that and rather ask your hotel to call you a recommendable driver if they are not already waiting outside the hotel.
Are there any hotels near Cancun airport?
Yes, there are quite a few hotels near Cancun airport, which are very convenient if you arrive late at night or if you have an early morning flight and you want to avoid getting up at 3 am to get to the airport.
The closest one is the Hilton Garden Inn, which is right in the Airport area, and just like other nearby hotels, it should have an included shuttle.
Is there Uber in Cancun? Final Thoughts
As you can see there is no UBER in Cancun and throughout the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico. However, there are many other options available.
As I mentioned, the best way to get from Cancun International Airport to your hotel anywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula Cancun Airport Transportation is your best option.
To move around on a budget you can use ADO transportation service.
For private transportation within the city taxi service is your only choice.
If you have the budget and you are feeling adventurous renting a car for your Cancun Itinerary is my favorite option.
Read more about Cancun and its surroundings
► 45 Amazing things to do in Cancun
► Visiting the Spectacular Cenotes near Cancun
► Why Puerto Morelos is an underrated destination
► Unique Things to do in Bacalar
► How to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza
