Cancun - overhead view of two people paddling in a canoe

Getting around Cancun: how to get around Cancun for tourists

Your go-to guide packed with information for getting around Cancun and beyond, including getting to and from the airport.

By Nicole Muto

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Things to do in Cancun for adults during your vacation (Ideas for couples & groups of friends)

Cancun boasts gorgeous beaches, crystalline waters, and tons of activities to keep the whole group entertained for days.

Nicole Muto

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Things to do in Cancun in July

Take a quick turn around the web and you’ll soon discover that July falls within Cancun’s wet season. But although it’s low season, don’t give up your dreams of visiting Cancun in July just yet. The month’s wet season designation tricks many into believing July isn’t a good time to visit Cancun. However, the reality on the beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula is very different to what you might be imagining. Five days of rain is all you’ll experience on average, and even then, this generally consists of a nothing more than heavy afternoon downpour of as little as 15 minutes. They rarely last longer than two or three hours. And whilst there’s an outside chance of a hurricane making landfall at this time of year, the last time this happened was way back in 2005. Wet season? We hear you ask. What wet season? Here’s some of what you can get up to in Cancun in July. Seek out the sea breeze With temperatures on land maxing out at 34°C and humidity levels which can top 80%, sticking close to Cancun’s Caribbean shores is a good way to minimize the heat. Getting out onto the water is incredibly easy in Cancun, with catamaran cruises to Isla Mujeres, shipwreck snorkeling tours and even the galleries of an underwater museum to consider. Between them they offer an incredible array of ways to enjoy the region’s turquoise waters and teeming coral reefs. The Caribbean’s only seafront amusement and water park, Ventura Park provides a heady mix of high-octane rides and calmer ways to appreciate the water, such as its Lazy River and Wave Pool, making it a great shout for families. All ages are also welcome at the majority of Cancun’s cenotes. Natural sinkholes formed from collapsed limestone caves and flooded by a mix of underwater rivers and rain water, they are a stunning addition to the region’s geography. Ranging from simple holes in the ground to magnificent forms with diving platforms up to ten meters high, their cool waters will soon see you adopt the right frame of mine. Take a road trip With the Riviera Maya on your doorstep, Cancun is the perfect starting point for a coastal road trip in search of Mayan ruins and tiny coves. So why not rent a car for the day and head down Federal Highway 307? Whether you ramp up the air-con or wind down the windows is entirely up to you, as you head south from Puerto Morelos to the beaches, bars and boutique stores of Playa del Carmen and the archeology site of Tulum – where temples stand guard over the coast. Along the way, consider stopping for a couple of hours at the ecoparks of Xel-Ha or Xcaret. Xel-Ha counts jungle and river trails amongst its highlights, whilst Xcaret is best thought of as part water park, part cabaret show and part wildlife reserve. Meet Cancun’s most-loved creatures Animal lovers certainly won’t be short of things to do in Cancun in July. Since May at least three species of turtle have been dragging themselves up onto the beaches after dark in order to dig holes in which to lay their eggs. This continues through July, with the added bonus of the very first eggs to be laid starting to hatch, carpeting the sands of Isla Mujeres with newborns eager to reach the relative safety of the open ocean. Though the giants of the deep, the turtles don’t face any threat from the whale sharks which linger in Cancun’s warm tropical waters at this time of year, since they eat nothing larger than microscopic plankton. Swimming and snorkeling beside these magnificent creatures are unforgettable experiences, celebrated on the island at the annual Whale Shark Festival at the end of July. Discover the nightlife Another end of July celebration to mark in your diary is July 25’s El Día Fuera del Tiempo. Translating as ‘the day out of time’, it marks the Mayan year end, and is a traditional time to reflect on the past twelve months. There are festivities right along the Riviera Maya. Originally focusing on Tulum, they now include events in Cancun itself. But whatever day you turn up in July you can be sure of a good time. With a reputation as one of the best places to party south of the Rio Grande, Cancun’s hotel zone is awash with neon signs and dance floors just waiting to be filled. One of the top spots for many years has been Congo Bar, whose DJs spin the decks until close to sunrise. Take in some culture If the thought of those occasional afternoon downpours is still leaving you unsure of what to do in Cancun in July, remember that the city isn’t all about outdoor adventures. There’s also plenty to discover under cover, with a pick of great museums and galleries thanks to a thriving cultural scene. Museo Maya displays a wealth of important artefacts linked to the region’s historic inhabitants, including items discovered at Chichen Itza and Comalcalco. They reveal many of the secrets to the Mayans’ success and ultimate demise at the hands of the Spanish conquistadors. Forming part of Xcaret ecopark, the Mexican Folk Art Museum details the nation’s modern culture, including items such as ghoulish Day of the Dead dolls in a dazzling series of colorful galleries depicting everyday life. The 3D Museum of Wonders in Playa del Carmen lives up to its name and is a museum that will keep the kids entertained until the clouds clear. Filled with three-dimensional optical illusions, it is the work of artist Kurt Wenner, whose 60 creations literally leap from the walls in all manner of sizes and shapes. Save on Cancun July attraction admission Comparatively crowd-free by Cancun standards and budget-friendly to boot, July is a great month to visit despite being placed within the region’s wet season. Take it easy in the building humidity by sticking to the shoreline or heading to the range of water-based attractions and activities on offer. Take Go City with you and you’ll save big on admission costs at the same time!

Ian Packham

The expansive beaches of Cancun's hotel zone

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What to do in Cancun in March

You’re in for a treat if you head to Cancun in March! One of the best months to visit this top Mexican beach destination, it provides the dose of sun, sea and sand that anyone tired of the Northern hemisphere’s dull winter weather is probably crying out for. Kissing the Caribbean Sea, and ideally situated for exploring the region’s pre-Columbian relics, Cancun is not just for self-proclaimed beach bums. From cultural tours to jungle ziplines, here are our picks of the top things to do in Cancun in March. What to expect from Cancun in March March lies towards the end of Cancun’s high season – beginning in December with the Christmas vacation period. However, book your flights and accommodation in good time – the previous November or December should do it – and you’ll still be able to find reasonable rates. The main hotel zone remains busy through to April, with spring breakers from the US filling their rooms from mid-March. And for good reason. In March, Cancun’s climate is perfection. Occupying the dry season, it’s neither too hot nor too cold – daytime temperatures average 27°C. Sea temperatures are almost identical and visibility good. Humidity levels are low, meaning bright, sunny blue skies as alluring for those keen to uncover the region’s Mayan roots as those looking to lay a towel on the nearest stretch of sand. Life’s a beach Nor do you have to look far for a ribbon of pristine white sand – there’s over 22 kilometers of it. Playas Azul, San Miguelito and Delfines are all within easy reach of the lagoon-side hotel zone. Each offers something different, but edged by crystalline waters, they all share the same sense of there being no better patch of sand anywhere in the world. When you succumb to the call of their warm Caribbean waters, you won’t be disappointed either. That’s because the hotel zone is part of the world’s second-largest reef system – the Grand Mayan (Mesoamerican) Reef – running all the way to Honduras. There’s therefore plenty of opportunity to get amongst the fire and staghorn corals of Cancun National Marine Park by snorkeling or scuba diving. The most unusual way to do this has to be at Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA – Museo Subacuático de Arte). Containing 500 specially sunk sculptures, its three ‘galleries’ are between three and six meters down. They aim to provide new spaces for coral polyps to grow, and form an integral part of many reef and snorkeling tours. Staying above the waves, kayaking is an incredible way to check out the nooks and crannies of Nichupte Lagoon, which provides an important area of mangrove habitat for all manner of species. Mayan majesty The Mayan stepped pyramids of the city of Chichen Itza, parts of which were constructed 1400 years ago, are wonderful at any time of year, and so special they’ve been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the civilization’s largest cities, its most famous landmark is the Temple of Kukulcan. It’s better known simply as El Castillo – the Castle, and by archeologists as Structure 5B18. Extraordinary at any time of year, it was constructed so that the sun on March’s spring equinox creates the shape of the serpent Kukulcan on the pyramid’s flanks. Oceanside Tulum, roughly 1.5 hours south, is equally mesmerizing. Ancient city walls up to 5 meters high helped protect it for 250 years, making it one of the best-preserved of any Mexican historic site. Facing the breaking day, it has its very own pyramid called El Castillo, as well as the Temple of the Frescoes, used to track the movement of the sun. A great way to absorb Cancun’s modern persona is with a shopping tour to Mercado 28 and Plaza Las Americas. The first is a mix of swap meet, street food and handmade souvenir stalls full of bright hues and the sound of bartering. The second is a sunlit covered mall with an upscale vibe and the biggest names in brands. Natural treasures But there’s still more to Cancun in March. This area of the Yucatan Peninsula encompasses some magical areas of jungle. Enticing in and of themselves, they also hide spectacular natural sinkholes called cenotes (and pronounced ‘se-no-tay’). The perfect place to relax and cool off away from the crowds, there are around 30,000 cenotes ranging from tiny pools to grand cathedrals of rock. They include Tankach-Ha, which pairs perfectly with a trip to the ancient Maya citadel of Coba, where with the help of a rope you can scale the heights of its 42 m pyramid. Surrounded by the jungle, there’s also plenty of opportunity to explore a tree canopy that’s home to loose-limbed spider monkeys, cute coati and a staggering array of bird life – toucans and parrots amongst them. Beyond animal sightings, the adrenaline-junkie is well-served by the jungle around Cancun, with ziplining, rappelling and getting behind the controls of an ATV all popular activities. Sample the region’s cuisine All this action will have your stomach rumbling, and Cancun’s culinary scene should not be forgotten when planning a trip to the city. Beyond the usual tacos, burritos and tamales the Yucatan has some intriguing regional delights that will soon have your taste buds crying out for more. Look out for specialist chicarronería stalls, whose crispy pork belly castacán will have even reluctant carnivores reaching for more. Be sure to leave space for dessert though. Marquesitas should be high on your list to try. Consisting of thin crepes, they are filled with shredded cheese and sweet ingredients such as chocolate sauce or hazelnut spread before being rolled into a cigar shape. Although it might sound odd on paper, the mix somehow works! Thirsty? Then wash it all down with pozol, a thin porridge-like drink made from cocoa and corn famed for its revitalizing properties. Save on attractions in Cancun in March See more, pay less. It’s a crazy idea, but also the very reason Go City exists. Visit Cancun’s attractions with us and you can make incredible savings all from one digital pass and without having to forgo the freedom to do what you want when you want to do it!

Ian Packham

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