If you are planning a trip to Cancun maybe you are wondering if Uber works in Cancun Airport during 2024 and if you can take it safely, especially after so much news about it.
The short answer is NO, even though Uber is already operating in Cancun, officially resuming operations on March 2023, right now you can’t take an Uber from Cancun Airport.
As you surely know, Uber is a private transportation company that connects passengers with drivers who use their own vehicles but it is just available on certain areas of Cancun.
The company has rapidly expanded across the globe and is now available in more than 600 cities across the globe but have some issues working in Cancun.
Uber resumed operations in Cancun but without having official approval from the local government until March 2023, where it officially began operating “legally”.
Is Uber available in Cancun Airport?
Even though Uber is officially “legal” in Cancun, it is still illegal for Uber drivers and any unofficial taxis to pick up passengers at the Cancun Airport, so if you arrive in the airport the app won’t work to request a ride in that zone.
For other parts of Cancun Downtown and Hotel Zone, Uber drivers officially have permission to operate, but they still have various problems with taxi drivers, mainly in areas of high tourist concentration such as the Hotel Zone.
Is currently not safe to use in Cancun as there have been several reports of violence against Uber drivers and passengers.
So, our recommendation is don’t risk trying to use Uber and instead choose one of the other airport transportation methods available.
For me your best option is to book a private transportation service from Cancun Airport for a safe, reliable, and hassle-free ride, if you go to Playa del Carmen or Tulum it may seem expensive but you must take into account the travel distance, Playa del Carmen is like 1 hour and Tulum 2 hours away from Cancun Airport.
Best alternative transportation options in Cancun Airport
Now that you know that rely on Uber when you arrive to Cancun Airport is not an option if you are wondering what are the best options to get to your hotel or airbnb in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum we can give you some alternatives:
Private Transportation
For us this is the best option between comfort, convenience and price. Is a stress-free experience and the fastest way to get to your destination.
The best way is to book in advance (is cheaper than buying at your arrival) to have someone to pick you up from the airport to take you directly to your hotel or resort in a private vehicle, and some companies like CancunRide Airport Transportation wait for you even if your flight is delayed.
If you are traveling with more people is definitely worth it because in the other options you pay a rate per person, if you add it up normally you end up paying around the same amount or even more!
Our recommendation in this kind of services is CancunRide, you can book here or in the banner below:
Shared Airport Shuttle
Shared transportation services (shared airport shuttles), also can be a good option if you travel alone or are just 2 people and are going to Playa del Carmen or Tulum.
This shuttles are safe options that offer door-to-door service with multiple stops along the way.
The bad thing is that you have to wait for the van to fill up and it will deliver other tourists to their respective hotels during the journey, which can take an extra 45 to 90 minutes if you have bad luck and your hotel is the last one on the road.
This transportation option is normally available just for hotels not Airbnb.
ADO Airport Bus
The ADO Airport Bus from Cancun International Airport to your destination is a good low budget option.
ADO is a big bus company in Mexico, that uses large, charter-style buses that departs from Cancun airport regularly and can take you to downtown Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum.
This is the cheapest way to go and a good option for those traveling solo or on a tight budget, however, keep in mind that it can take longer to reach your destination and you’ll have to walk with your luggage, so if you travel with big suitcases can be difficult.
Also you need to take into account that ADO bus will drop you off at the ADO bus station in downtown Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, and then you’ll still need to take a taxi or walk to your final destination, so you must check how far is your hotel / airbnb from the station.
ADO bus tickets can be purchased at the red ADO counter located in the Cancun Airport’s arrivals terminal right after exiting baggage claim.
If you are traveling with more people we recommend you to make numbers before choosing an option, because for example if you use ADO you’ll need to pay the ticket for each person + the additional taxi to reach your final destination.
Renting a Car in Cancun
It can be a great option to rent a car in Cancun, especially if you already know what to visit in Cancun during your stay and you plan to go out a lot every day. However, as in any other place, driving implies certain risks if you do not know the roads and the traffic regulations.
But in general we don’t recommend to rent at Cancun Airport, it can often be a huge hassle to pick up your car from the airport and sometimes there are car rental scams.
Sometimes Car Rental companies at the Cancun Airport might apply some tricks and you can end with extreme upcharges for insurance and additional fees.
An option is to use transportation from the Airport and once arriving to your hotel/airbnb check the rental options there or asking to your host, you will have more time to compare and choose the best option.
Regular Taxis (not recommended)
The last option for Cancun Airport transportation is to take a normal taxi from the airport but honestly I don’t recommend it, only as a last resource.
The issue with regular taxis in Cancun is that they don’t have specific public rates so taxi drivers can get away with charging exorbitant rates and you need to be negotiating all the time, if they see you as a foreigner most of them try to charge more and convince you that is the normal price.
In conclusion, Uber is not safe to use at Cancun Airport because has faced strong opposition from the local taxi drivers in the state of Quintana Roo.
Sometimes this has resulted in violence against uber drivers and even passengers, so even if the uber app is now working, unfortunately is not worth the risk at this time.
But as you can see there are several transportation options in Cancun Airport for different budgets, just compare considering your travel needs and how many people are you traveling with to take the best option for you!