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.

UPDATED NOVEMBER 2024
By Nicole Muto
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. 

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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

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Nicole Muto
Go City Travel Expert

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Cancun's hotel zone beaches in February
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Reasons to visit Cancun in February

February is a great month to visit Cancun. Slap bang in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula’s dry season, the wardrobes of many visitors don’t extend much beyond swimwear – though there are some excellent shopping opportunities should the need arise. Temperatures are warm but not too hot by both land and sea, whilst the clear blue skies of Cancun in February are sure to bring a smile to the face of anyone coming from cloud-covered nations further north and east. But there are plenty of other reasons to consider visiting Cancun in February, as you’ll discover below. Perfect conditions for a beach break A beach destination par excellence, February sees the sands of Cancun’s 20 kilometer coastline at their very best. Its almost endless ribbons of beautiful white sand receive an average of nine hours of sunshine per day, which sees average temperatures range between 24 – 29°C and daily lows still into the twenties. The cool temperatures of evening make the hours around sunset a good time for a stroll or bike ride along the coast, whilst the Caribbean Sea is warm enough for both swimming and snorkeling without having to resort to a wetsuit. There is a limited chance of seeing some rain when visiting Cancun in February, but totaling just 44 mm split between five non-consecutive days, showers are easy to avoid even if they do develop during your stay. Ideal for sea-based adventures Mexico’s Caribbean shores around Cancun have a commanding presence above and below the surface. And it’s not just their dramatic contrast against the white sands or the phenomenal temperatures of around 24°C that draws people into the water at this time of year. February is also known to be a month with fantastic underwater visibility. It’s not surprising then that snorkeling and scuba diving are so popular in Cancun in February. Although sea turtles don’t generally appear in large numbers for another few months, as part of the world’s second-largest reef system there’s still plenty of life to become absorbed by. Soft and hard corals provide habitats for around 2000 individual species, ranging from lobster and clown fish to shark and rays. The best snorkeling locations require a short trip out by boat, so look out for tours to El Meco, one of the best-preserved areas of reef. If you’re yet to earn your water wings, you can take in the beauty of Cancun’s underwater worlds without getting wet onboard the glass-bottomed boat which forms the centerpiece of the Paradise SubSee Excursion at Paraiso Nizuc instead. Unique sinkhole adventures Not very far from the coast lie other spectacular watery discoveries, Cancun’s cenotes. There are somewhere in the region of 30,000 of these entirely natural sinkholes, each one of which is unique and offers something different to those visiting. You can think of them as underground caves with the roof or a side wall peeled away, which is exactly what has happened to most of them after thousands of years of freshwater flowing through them weakened the limestone rock they’re made of. Between them, they contain dramatically-shaped formations, large fish and turtle-filled ponds, tiny pools hidden in the jungle and grand cenotes complete with cabanas, restaurants and changing facilities. With something for everyone, cenotes become the favorite part of a trip to Cancun in February for many. Cenote Azul is a great example, with two swimming areas and a cliff-edge platform used for jumping and diving. Slightly further away, Cenote Chichen Itza (also called Cenote Ik Kil) feels fully enveloped by the surrounding jungle. Cenote Tankah Ha is ideal for cooling off after climbing to the summit of the Mayan’s tallest pyramid – Coba. Celebrations galore Romance may not be the first thought that comes to mind when thinking about a trip to Cancun, but with Valentine’s Day on February 14 there’s a good chance you’ll be in the region on what’s often hailed as the most romantic day of the year. Have no fear – Cancun’s got you covered! A luxurious catamaran trip to Isla Mujeres is sure to set the mood perfectly with its mix of snorkeling, feasting and island views. Alternatively, you might like to enjoy a two and a half hour dinner cruise with a multi-course meal set to sunset or moonlight. You’ll need your feet firmly on dry land to experience Carnaval. Marking the start of the Catholic fasting period of Lent, it echoes the celebrations that take place in Rio de Janeiro, with streets filled with colorful floats, richly-decorated performers shimmying along main avenues and the election of a carnival queen. Festivities can go on for a week, culminating on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras). If you’re in Cancun at the start of February, there’s also a chance to get involved with Candlemas celebrations (El Dia de Candelaria). Also known as Tamale Day, expect to see no shortage of these delicious menu items in restaurants and on the street food stalls, alongside the sight and sound of parties going on long into the night. Awaiting jungle adventures February is also a fantastic time of year to visit Cancun for anyone keen to explore the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula. The limited rainfall ensures trails aren’t washed away, and lower humidity levels help to make jungle expeditions easier too. Although trekking on foot is an option, you might prefer to cut through the tree cover on the back of an ATV, something that’s easy to do at Extreme Adventure Park. Motor engines play an important role in yet another way of encountering the jungle just a short distance from Cancun’s hotel zone, with the chance to control a speedboat across the wildlife-rich Nichupté Lagoon. Getting the most out of your Cancun February vacation With so much to see and do in Cancun in February thoughts might invariably head to how to afford it all. Explore with Go City and you get the benefit of significant savings on admission to many of Cancun’s top attractions. Other advantages include the fact our pre-paid passes mean you don’t have to carry large amounts of cash on you. So don’t delay, buy one today!
Ian Packham
A view across a Cancun beach in the hotel zone
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Is Cancun safe to visit?

Cancun welcomes millions of visitors each year eager to relax on its white sand coastline, party night long in its clubs and explore the historic remains of the Riviera Maya. As one of North America’s top beach resorts, this family-friendly destination has something for everyone. The Caribbean Sea offers extraordinary snorkeling, sultry year-round temperatures ensure the beaches are alive with sunbathers and those in need of a little retail therapy won’t be disappointed either. So far, so incredible. But is Cancun safe for travelers? Here’s the truth behind the headlines. How safe is Cancun? The very thought of voluntarily traveling to Cancun scares some would-be visitors witless. However, millions take their vacations here each year, begging the question, how safe is Cancun? Taken as a whole, crime rates in Mexico are higher than other nations with similar economies. But burrow down into these figures and you’ll discover that the vast majority of these crimes take place far from the shores of the Yucatan Peninsula. Safer than US cities including Detroit and New Orleans, the Yucatan has some of the lowest crime rates in the country and a murder rate lower than that of another popular tourist destination with a very different reputation – Thailand. The Mexican government makes huge efforts to keep tourists safe. The tourist areas of Cancun and the Riviera Maya more generally are well policed, with a dedicated tourist police service. This hasn’t stopped sporadic attacks taking place linked to the country’s drugs trade, but tourists are not directly targeted and rarely get caught up in them. Most crimes take place away from the tourist areas and hotel zone, in neighborhoods such as Lopez Portillo, far from anywhere of interest. If in doubt, make use of a local guide, who will know where is and isn’t safe for you to explore. How to stay safe in Cancun One thing to watch out for when looking for a trustworthy guide is people stopping you on the side of the street and offering their services. Unfortunately, they are almost always scammers. Instead, be sure to make use of guides you know to be trustworthy, such as those suggested by hotels and those used by Go City who lead tours to Chichen Itza and Valladolid. In general, you shouldn’t let the stunning beaches and nightlife put you into a false sense of security. Whilst it’s unlikely you’ll be the victim of a crime on vacation in Cancun, petty crime can take place anywhere. You should keep a close eye on your belongings at all times, and not leave them unattended when you head to the bar if you’re traveling alone. You should also avoid wearing flashy items such as jewelry and watches, or carry expensive-looking electronics. They are always best left in a hotel safe. To sum up, you should follow the common sense precautions that you should be taking wherever you go in the world. Is Cancun safe at night? It is always wise to be extra cautious after sunset, which takes place between 6:30PM and 7:30PM throughout the year. Secluded areas of beach are best avoided, as are roads away from the main strip of the hotel zone. It’s considered safe to walk around this area of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, but if you’re intending to travel further afield, a taxi is recommended. If you are deemed to be drunk the police can arrest you. You will have to pay a fine for your release from the nearest cells. Likewise, you should stay clear of illegal drugs. There are now no legal penalties for carrying or consuming small amounts deemed to be for personal use (equating to 5g of marijuana), but harsh penalties exist for higher amounts and being a foreign national will not save you from prosecution or imprisonment. Cancun’s hotel zone is also a safe place for members of the LGBTQ+ community, with a good number of gay bars welcoming locals and visitors alike. Are buses safe in Cancun? Buses are the main form of public transportation around Cancun and are generally considered safe, though you may want to avoid using them after dark. Routes R1 and R2 are of particular interest to travelers since they connect downtown Cancun with the lagoon-side hotel zone. The US State Department recommends pre-booking taxis – most hotels will have a function for this – rather than hailing them from the road side, since you’ll have more control over your security. You will however need to agree a price before setting off on any journey. Hotel receptions will be able to suggest the approximate amount you should be paying. Alternatively, it’s also possible for most foreign nationals to rent a car for the day, giving you the freedom of the road. Watch out for bus drivers, who tend to travel at speed and weave in and out of traffic without warning. Other than that, roads along the Riviera Maya are pretty quiet and relaxed affairs. Parking is often free at resorts (excluding any tips) and available at most major attractions too. Natural dangers in Cancun to be aware of Your biggest risk when heading to Cancun might actually be natural, depending on what time of year you choose to visit. If you head to the Yucatan during the budget-friendly wet season, heavy downpours can lead to localized flooding. June through the end of October is also hurricane season. The chance of Cancun being struck by a hurricane is so small it’s not seriously worth worrying about. Landfall is most likely to happen in either September or October. Also be aware – and pay attention – to signs at lagoon-side locations warning of crocodiles, and don’t swim nearby under any circumstances. Is the water safe to drink in Cancun? Locals drink the water straight from the faucet, but as a traveler you should avoid this to be on the safe side. Only drink bottled mineral water. For the same reason you might want to avoid ice in drinks or any foods that will have been washed in municipal water supplies, such as salads, however tasty they appear. You should stick to fruit you can peel yourself. Hotel buffet tables are often identified as the source of food poisoning – ensure all foods are piping hot and protected from flies. Enjoying your time in Cancun safely Speak to anyone who has traveled to Cancun personally and they are sure to tell you that Cancun is safe. Governments around the world broadly agree. With your safety in Cancun sorted, the only thing left is to enjoy your time in this jewel in the crown of Mexican destinations. Explore the range of beaches, historic sites and modern attractions with Go City and you’ll have access to reduced admission prices to some of Cancun’s top attractions without losing flexibility during your stay. Who can say no to that?
Ian Packham
Colors of Mexico food tour Cancun
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Christmas in Cancun

Swap your snow boots for your flip-flops and your scarfs for your bikini bottoms by spending Christmas in Cancun. With sands so white you could easily mistake them for snow, Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline. However, this gives the resorts of the hotel zone a phenomenal atmosphere, whilst the glorious high season weather means nothing is off the menu when it comes to attractions. Add to this a platter of feast days and special events and you’ve got a festive season like no other! Here’s our guide to everything going on at Christmas in Cancun and the surrounding area. Early December In this devoutly Catholic country, the Christmas period doesn’t begin with December 1, but the first day of advent, four Sundays before Christmas Day. Traditionally seen as a time of preparation, churches such as Iglesia de San Servacio in the old quarter of Valladolid sparkle with nativity scenes and candles, echoing the lights which add another layer to the buzz of Cancun’s hotel zone. Just 45 minutes away from Valladolid stands Chichen Itza, one of the most important Mayan sites in the entire Yucatan. Immortalized on a hundred T-shirts and as thousands of souvenir models of all sizes, it contains the impressive El Castillo pyramid, a structure perhaps even more impressive today than when it was built 1600 years ago. Las posadas The next big marker is Las posadas, beginning on December 16. It is a nine day event typified by candlelit evening processions through the streets of Cancun. Residents dress up as the Holy Family, and seek a place to stay for the birth of Jesus. After being rejected from entering two homes, as in the Bible accounts of the birth, they are welcomed into the third, where a party with food, drink and pinatas are often evident. Homes are decorated with red-leaved poinsettias – native to Mexico – and other evergreen plants. In addition, children cut the sides of paper bags into a variety of shapes that are then illuminated by candles – a little like a festive version of a jack o’lantern. They’re called farolitos and are placed on windowsills and doorsteps. Christmas shopping In between the nightly processions there’s plenty of opportunity to explore the independent and big name stores that make up Cancun’s retail spaces. For souvenirs and other handmade items we’d suggest downtown’s Mercado 28, followed by a trip to the boutiques of US-style mall Plaza Las Americas. Decked out in all its Christmas finery, it has a friendly rivalry with Kukulkan Plaza a short distance further south, whose elegant flat-domed ceilings provides the perfect spot for the free nightly performances from December 20 – 31. Head to Punta Cancun (the Party Zone) for the best of the city’s nightlife. Around 25 major clubs do their best to attract you, offering open bars, giant dancefloors and DJ sets that extend towards daybreak. Nochebuena Rather than December 25, it’s Christmas Eve – or Noche Buena – the last day of Los Posedos which is the big day for family gatherings in Mexico. Children lead processions into their local churches, at which point the baby Jesus is placed in the manger of the nativity scenes. Most people attend midnight mass with church bells ringing out and fireworks exploding to mark the Holy birth. The feasting continues long into the early hours of Christmas morning, so don’t be surprised if some places are slower to open up than usual. It’s also Christmas Eve when children receive some of their gifts, especially those from Papa Noel (Santa Claus). When it comes to closures, you’ll see nothing like the complete shut down that takes place on Christmas Day in the US or Europe. Generally speaking, resorts and attractions remain fully open, although it’s well worth checking out individual places if you plan a Christmas Day visit. Christmas Day For a sense of the dishes enjoyed at this time of year in Cancun don’t miss your chance to explore the city’s puestos (market stalls) in search of the best seasonal street food. Christmas dinners usually begin with an oxtail soup containing beans and chilies. Bacalao (dried cod) and revoltijo de romerito (stewed greens with potato and dried shrimp) are also common. These are followed historically by a suckling pig, although the US influence has made turkey and glazed hams much more common. Adults then set about consuming large quantities of ponche con piquete, a hot alcoholic drink flavored with seasonal fruits and cinnamon that’s a little like mulled wine. Children get to play with luces de Belén, or Bethlehem lights, a type of sparkler. Holy Innocents Just a couple of days later, on December 28, comes one of Mexico’s more unusual celebrations. Although it commemorates the massacre of the Holy Innocents by King Herod after the birth of Christ, it has become the Mexican version of April Fool’s Day, with pranks played on those deemed ‘innocent’. Everyone seems to save their best tricks for the day, with newspapers and television programs also getting in on the action. Past stories have included reports that Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, was leaving Britain’s Prince William for a Mexican soccer star. New Year’s Eve Christmas in Cancun continues into January with the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. This is when many children receive the bulk of their gifts, just as Jesus was gifted the gold, frankincense and myrrh from the Three Wise Men. But for most, the season ends on New Year’s Eve. Celebrations take a number of forms, with dining out a particularly popular choice for the evening hours. As the clock turns towards midnight, many holidaymakers head to the bars and clubs, whilst still more await the fireworks which erupt over Cancun on the stroke of twelve. Save at Christmas in Cancun Packed full of special events and traditional insights, there’s even more reason to visit Cancun at Christmas than at other times of year. For the most part your favorite attractions will remain open, so don’t forget to do the sensible thing and travel with Go City. Do this and you’ll make huge savings on admission costs to top attractions – it’s really as simple as that!
Ian Packham

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