Getting around Cancun: how to get around Cancun for tourists

Traveling to Cancun for the vacation of a lifetime? Whether you're a first-time tourist or a frequent visitor to the Mexican paradise, this guide will provide you with great tips and tricks for navigating.

By Nicole Muto
Published: July 18, 2024
Cancun - overhead view of two people paddling in a canoe

Cancun is relatively easy to navigate and get around, as many of the best attractions and sightseeing spots are located in the Hotel Zone. The Hotel Zone is the main tourist area of Cancun and is very walkable. Aside from that, there are tons of taxis available and great public transport options, like the bus.

Driving or renting a car in Cancun is typically only suggested for visitors who plan to explore areas outside of the heart of Cancun frequently during their trip. 

Planning to see lots of Cancun attractions? With Go City® you won't miss a thing, plus with a pass, you can save up to 50% compared to buying individual entry to everything you want to do - winning!

☀️Compare Cancun passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️

 

By public transport

 

Cancun public transport sign

Most travelers in Cancun agree that the bus is the best way to get around. With routes that can connect you between the Hotel Zone, Boulevard Kukulcán (downtown), and Avenida Tulum, you can get to just about everything on your bucket list by bus.

The buses run every five minutes, with the most popular routes being R1 and R2. Either of these routes will take you back and forth between downtown and the Hotel Zone. A one-way fare typically costs 10.50 Pesos which is roughly 50 cents in USD. The buses do not accept American coins and it is often hard for drivers to break big bills, so make sure to carry Pesos on you if you plan to ride the bus.

Top tips for getting around by bus

🚍Keep your bus tickets - you can use them to redeem discounts at local stores

🚍Let your driver know your destination. They will be happy to let you know when the bus has arrived at your stop

🚍Buses running along the ocean side of the road head north toward downtown

🚍Buses running along the lagoon side of the road head south toward the Hotel Zone

There are also regional buses that run between Cancun and other popular tourist towns. These buses are operated by ADO and are typically a bit more expensive than the local bus service. You can book tickets for buses that will take you between Cancun, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, and Chichén Itzá. 

If you plan to visit any of these locations, remember that many of the attractions on Go City Cancun passes include round-trip transportation - handy!

👉 RutaDirecta is a great site for mapping out your local bus route

👉 For more information about regional buses, check ADO's website

On foot

Cancun street and walking street sign

Once you've made it to popular spots like the Hotel Zone or Boulevard Kukulcán, it's very easy to explore on foot. The Hotel Zone is home to many attractions, restaurants, shops and hotels. Nearly all hotels and residences are walkable to a beach.

Walking up and down the strip you'll find Señor Frog's, Carlos'n Charlie's, Cancun Wax Museum, and many different boat tours and snorkel excursions that leave from the marinas. While Cancun itself is rather spread out, you'll find that it's very easy to walk around once you've arrived at the most popular areas.

By taxi

Taxi in Cancun

You'll never need to worry about finding a taxi in Cancun, they're just about everywhere! There are no metered taxi rates in Cancun, so be sure to discuss your fare before setting off. Depending on how far you're going and where you're being picked up from, your ride can cost anywhere between $10-$25 USD. Your fares may be lower if you can pay in Pesos and drivers do not always have change for American bills.

If you're planning to take a taxi from the airport, expect to pay somewhere around $40-50 USD. You can purchase a taxi ride at one of the information desks within the airport or negotiate with drivers waiting at the pickup gates. It's important to check for your cab driver's permit, which they are required to display in a prominent place. Always cross-reference license plate information as well. Uber is also available in Cancun but is not a popular mode of transportation. It's much easier to find a taxi in the area.

Renting cars and parking

Car in Cancun

Since the taxis are plentiful and the buses provide an easy way to connect you between downtown and the Hotel Zone, renting a car is only suggested if you plan to travel further distances. If you choose to rent a car, make sure to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and insurance/rental agreement before operating it. Renting a car in a foreign country can be a bit more complicated than expected. There is also limited parking in popular tourist areas like the Hotel Zone.

In the past, visitors in Cancun who have rented cars have noted that local police tend to pull over tourists, so always make sure you are abiding by all traffic laws. It is important to know possible moving violation ticket prices beforehand so you don't get overcharged.

The best way to get to further destinations, like Playa Del Carmen or Tulum, is to arrange a bus ride with ADO or take advantage of the many Go City attractions that offer included transportation.

By ferry

Ferry in Cancun

If you plan to visit Isla Mujeres (which you should!), then you should definitely be familiar with the ferry system in Cancun. Isla Mujeres is a picturesque little island located 15 minutes off the coast of Cancun. Ferries run all day between the island from three different docks in Cancun. El Embarcadero, Playa Tortugas, and Playa Caracol are all located in the Hotel Zone.

Ferry timings and prices

  • Service is generally provided from 9 AM to 9 PM at each departure point
  • Ferries run every 30 minutes
  • Ferry fares typically cost $19 USD for adults and $14 USD for kids for a round-trip ride.

Another way to get to Isla Mujeres is with a pass from Go City, which offers several attractions in Isla Mujeres that include round-trip ferry transportation.

By plane

Plane in Cancun

Cancun International Airport is located approximately 25 minutes outside of the Hotel Zone. You'll have the option to pre-book a shuttle directly to your hotel, or you can grab a taxi upon arrival.

Getting a taxi from the airport

To get a taxi, simply follow signs to ground transportation. Remember that local traffic can add a significant amount of time to your trip, so plan accordingly.

Getting a bus from the airport

You can also arrange a bus ride with ADO to the bus terminal in downtown Cancun. From there, you can hop on a local bus route and get to your hotel easily.

If you're traveling with a lot of luggage, it's much easier to book a shuttle or taxi. It's hassle-free and very affordable.

Explore Cancun with our passes

Check out a Cancun attraction pass from Go City and you could save yourself up to 50% on your must-sees!

☀️Compare Cancun passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️

Pass from Go City
Nicole Muto
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Cancun beyond the beach
Blog

Things to Do in Cancun Besides The Beach or All-Inclusive Resort

With beautiful waters and beaches, Cancun has been a destination for vacationers for decades, and it's easy to see why. But what's a person to do if they can only enjoy so much time by the sand and the water? What is there to do that lets them stretch some muscles and even their brains?
Casey Makovich
Things to do in Cancun on 4th of July Weekend
Blog

Things to do in Cancun on 4th of July Weekend

Planning on spending the 4th of July weekend in Cancun? Good choice! Below, we'll detail all the best things to do on your mini-vacation. Whether you're looking to bar hop, go adventuring, or simply relax, we've got you covered. Including: 4th of July Fireworks Bars and Clubs Adventures Water parks and more! Fireworks Extravaganza at Laguna Beach It wouldn't be the 4th of July without fireworks, would it? So, if you're looking for things to do over on the big weekend, head to Laguna Beach for the ultimate spectacle of gunpowder and minerals! Proceedings kick off at 9PM, and beyond the fireworks themselves, you'll find plenty of food and drinks trucks to keep you topped up. And, well, you're on the beach, so no harm in getting there early and making the most of it! Cancun Nightlife Cancun's bar and club scene is unprecedented, offering revelers a metric ton of places to sip refreshing cocktails, chug a beer, or groove the night away on the dancefloor. And, during the 4th of July weekend, it's no different. In fact, you'll find plenty of spots that offer drinks deals during the weekend, as well as sets from renowned DJs. So, our best advice is to shop around and see what suits your fancy. Coco Bongo Beach Party Speaking of Cancun's nightlife, we'd be remiss to not mention the famous Congo Bongo. This is one beach party that'll be popping off during the 4th of July weekend, so if you're looking for boozy things to do, why not celebrate there? With Go City, all your drinks are included. All you need is to turn up, take a seat, and watch the show. Oh, did we forget to mention that your Congo Bongo beach experience features DJs, musicians, death-defying aerial acrobats, and other adrenaline-fueled performances? Our bad. Water Sports and Snorkeling Adventure Why not make your 4th of July break in Cancun an adventurous one? If you're a fan of hidden treasure, colorful marine life that won't bite your head off, and stunning displays of bioluminescent light, why not try a snorkeling adventure beneath the waves? Your guide will be on hand to...guide you to each part of the reef, where you'll see magical parts of nature come to life. Oh, and the shipwreck, which has lay on the ocean bed for hundreds of years. Cultural Excursion to Chichen Itza If you like your adventures to be above the water rather than below, why not explore the ruins of an ancient Mayan city? Head to Chichen Itza and take a trip back through the very fabric of time. There, marvel at the impressive pyramids, learn about Mayan history, and witness the architectural wonders of this magnificent archaeological site. Be sure to take some photos too - the Mayans won't mind. Romantic Dinner Cruise Taking your husband, wife, or partner to celebrate the weekend? If you're looking for romantic things to do in Cancun on the 4th of July, why not whisk them away on a Romantic Dinner Cruise? Multiple courses featuring veggie and meat options, decadent drinks, and grand views all await you. And if you're lucky, you'll spot some of the city's fireworks from your table. The rest of the romantic gestures we leave up to you. Ventura Park If the heat's getting to you and you need to cool off, splash your way to Ventura Park. With tons of waterslides, pools, and other watery goodness to soothe your sunburnt back, it's one of the best things to do in Cancun on the 4th of July weekend with kids. And hey, the children are our future, so why not make their present a fun one? Isla Mujeres If you'd rather relax during your mini vacation, head to Isla Mujeres. Just a short boat ride from the Cancun mainland, this tropical paradise is as tranquil as islands come. Picture yourself lounging on pristine beaches, snorkeling in turquoise waters, and exploring charming streets. You can practically taste it, can't you? That taste is bliss. Utter bliss. And by god, does it taste glorious. Visit Tulum Another day, another spectacular Mayan ruin. This time it's in Tulum, an archeological wonder that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Don your best adventurous fedora, holster your whip, and prepare to wander through ancient structures, relax on the picturesque beach, and soak in the awe-inspiring beauty of this archaeological site. Beach BBQ and Picnic Of course, if you'd rather create your own experience this 4th of July, then Cancun's got plenty of space for it. Heading to one of the city's beaches and cooking up a storm is one of the best things to do on your vacation if you're traveling with a group. Pack your favorite snacks, grill some delicious food, and relax under some palm trees. The most daring of you can even put on your swimmers and take a dip in the crystal clear waters. So brave. Yacht Party on the Caribbean Sea Do you ever feel the need to rub shoulders with wealth? Ever wondered what it's like to own a yacht and party the night away as you drift over the Caribbean Sea? Well, you needn't wonder any longer. All aboard! Sip a cocktail or two, dance the evening away, and make sure to grab some pics of the wonderful view. Image courtesy of marketa1982/Shutterstock Xoximilco Cancun And finally, we'll end our exploration of the best things to do in Cancun on the 4th of July weekend with an actual, bonafide floating bar. But it's not just your average floating bar - oh no. Instead, this galleon of gallons is an homage to Mexican culture. You'll drift along the Xoximilco canals, feast on Mexican dishes, drown your sorrows in delicious booze, and bob your head to live Mexican music. And the whole thing is curated by your very own host, who'll do their darndest to break the ice, make you laugh, and force you to have fun - just like any good host should! And that's all the best things to do in Cancun on the 4th of July weekend! If you're planning on staying a little longer than the holiday, you might need some inspiration for your extended vacation. If so, Go City's got you covered. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of Cancun's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
A couple enjoy the beach at Cancun
Blog

Visiting Cancun in May

Although it’s the official start of the wet season, you shouldn’t be put off from visiting Cancun in May. The prevailing climate is still very much geared towards enjoying the city’s spectacular coastal attractions, from its ancient Mayan sites to over 22 kilometers of beaches on the Caribbean Sea. So why not let us guide you through the very best things to do in Cancun in May? First though, we describe one of the most important aspects of heading to Cancun at this time of year – what to expect from the weather. Cancun weather in May Yes, May 1 is the date marked in Cancun diaries as the first day of the rainy season. No, this doesn’t mean you’ll be faced with 12 hours of wall-to-wall rain if you decide to visit Cancun in May – the sun still makes its presence felt most days. Thunderstorms are most common towards the end of the month, and even then tend to be short, heavy showers. They affect life on the streets for just a couple of hours in the late afternoon. Evenings are generally balmy with clear skies once more. Although May is one of the most humid times of year in Cancun, if you’re sticking to the coast you’ll hardly even notice. Temperatures here are 1 – 2°C lower than inland areas – where temperatures range from 23 – 33°C – since the sea breeze helps whip away the muggy air. Say hi to the local wildlife Plan your vacation to Cancun in May and you won’t be the only new arrivals in town. The turquoise waters immediately out to sea also welcome whale sharks from May through September. The world’s largest fish, these gentle giants feed on nothing but plankton. Measuring up to 18 meters in length, swimming or snorkeling close to them is a magical experience whatever your age, and easy to organize too. Other arrivals include endangered green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles. Snorkelers can find them relaxing amidst the shallows of the Grand Mayan (Mesoamerican) Reef, sweeping down from Cancun to the central Americas. But even if you keep your feet firmly dry, it’s possible to witness them after dark as they bury their eggs on the beaches of Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres, where you can also encounter manatees. Roughly 30 minutes from mainland Cancun by ferry, the journey is even more memorable on your own crewed catamaran. Experience the strip For a slice of local life, head away from the high-rise towers of the beachside hotel zone for downtown Cancun. It’s home to Cancun’s best shopping – the famous Mercado 28 market and the giant Plaza Las Americas shopping mall. But the downtown area is not just a shopper’s delight. It also has a charming lagoon-side promenade, the Malecon Tajamar, where you’ll find many families enjoying the coastal breezes long into the night. The center of Cancun’s legendary nightlife remains firmly within the main strip that forms the hotel zone. For many it focusses on Coco Bongo and the similar sounding Bar Congo, who both have a legion of fans taking to their dance floors for live DJ sets on a nightly basis. If your clubbing days are behind you, there’s still plenty to entertain you within the hotel zone. For instance, beside the stores of La Isla sits the La Gran Rueda Cancun Ferris wheel. Open from the early afternoon until late evening each day, its gondolas bring you high above the hubbub of street level to spectacular views across the coast. Discover Cancun’s Mayan history Cancun’s Caribbean shores aren’t the only way to experience sparkling waters. This region of coast is also home to a miraculous series of natural sinkholes formed by freshwater dissolving the limestone rock over thousands of years. Known as cenotes (say-no-tays), there are around 30,000 in total, and every one offers something slightly different. Filled with crystal clear waters, they are the perfect place to cool off. Ranging in size from a couple of meters wide to the size of a football field, some of their pools are large enough to have become populated by fish, whilst others provide dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations beyond the dense foliage and vines of the surrounding jungle. Amongst the best – Aktun Ha and Oxman cenotes. Considered sacred by the Maya, cenotes are not the only part of Mayan culture to slip into the life of modern-day Cancun. Another is the temazcal ceremony, which lurks somewhere between revered rite, spa treatment and sweat lodge. Most comparable to the sauna experience, steam scented with herbs such as copal and sage is produced by pouring water over hot stones. Often accompanied by shamanic chants, sessions last around two hour and relax you in body and mind, as well as drawing toxins out of your body. To dodge the afternoon showers that can affect Cancun in May, head to the city’s Maya Museum (Museo Maya). Filled with natural light, its contemporary design ensures its many treasures are displayed at their very best. A path also leads from the museum through the jungle to San Miguelito, a ruined settlement containing temples, pyramids and the remains of homely dwellings. Festival fever If the point of your vacation in Cancun is to let your hair down and forget your worries, you’ve certainly come to the right place. One of the top things to do during the evening hours is to join the Xoximilco party boat. Taking its lead from the cultural traditions of the country, step aboard and you’ll discover a brightly-colored world of live music, tasty foods, singing and dancing. The region’s cuisine is also centerstage during May’s Food and Wine Festival, attracting many of the top chefs in the area. The most important date in the calendar when it comes to music has to be the US Memorial Day Weekend, preceding the last Monday of the month. The long weekend sees the arrival of Cancun Jumpoff, one of the world’s largest urban electronic music festivals. Save on attraction admission in Cancun in May! Although your mind might have already turned to all things beachwear, don’t forget the one very easy way to make the most of your vacation – and make significant savings to – Go City! Explore with Go City and you’ll have access to many of Cancun’s top attractions without losing the flexibility you’re sure to crave!
Ian Packham

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.