Hi,
Is it better to take a cab or arrange transport from the airport in Cancun to the Hotel Zone. If someone could give me an idea as to what the approximate cost would be for both I would appreciate it.
Also do you know what the bus fare is that runs along the hotel zone?
Thanks!!!!!!!

I think it's better to arrange transport. Cancun Valet seems to be well regarded. You can probably take the bus, cheaply, but it would be a very long trip with luggage.
Also, where are you staying? Often the hotel can provide transportation. (Transportation can be a little bit expensive.)

Much depends on your luggage situation and location of your hotel. If it is close to the city, I would use the ADO bus to the center and then a taxi. With the shuttle vans, you will endure a long wait while the van is filled--and often many stops before reaching your hotel. When I do use a van, I never reserve since the airport vans are all licensed and plentiful upon arrival.

You cannot take a cab as pickups are prohibited. A van will cost about $19 and will leave when it's full. There are no hotel comp transfers that I have ever seen in 9 trips. Cancun Valet is an excellent choice. My recommendation is, if you are arriving later in the day, Cancun valet will be the fastest. If you are arriving in the a.m. take the $19 vans and return by taxi.

Public bus fare within the hotel zone is 6 pesos one way. That translates to approximately 60 cents US. There are several bus routes, some do not go into downtown (mainland) Cancun. You'll learn the system. Very easy.

Another Fodorite suggested Cancun Valet for our trip (cancunvalet.com). We used them when we went to Mexico mid-June. They were excellent. Right on time, professional.

Returned this morning from Cancun. Our experience: expect to be bombarded with offers for transportation once you reach the airport. I had read to avoid these people, and made a beeline for the exit. We were actually stopped by an employee (it was hard to determine of what) who lied: "You must buy a voucher inside. There are no options once you go outside." Again, not true. Once outside, we were again surrounded by about 15 drivers, all wanting to take us to our hotel. The first offered to take us (me and my husband) for $48.00. I said, of course, no. We ended up paying $12.00/person for a shuttle, which was comfortable but took a while, as it had to make stops for the other passengers. At the Marriott, we asked them to arrange transportation for us on our return trip, and it was the same: $12.00/person for the shuttle. Hope this piece of information is helpful.

Good advice from mbauer. I am in the Cancun airport once a month--just passed through yesterday. Just ignore all the people inside the terminal and head straight outside--you will find many options.
I always take the ADO bus service to the Central Cancun terminal and then get transportation from there to wherever I am going. The bus goes nonstop (a really first class bus for 15pesos--less than $1.50) and takes less than half an hour. From there, you can taxi to anywhere in Cancun at reasonable rates (ask the rate first).

What is your recommendation if you flight arrives at 11 pm?

For a late flight cancunvalet is perfect. They monitor your flight and you will be assured of a personal and direct route to your hotel even if you are late. At $35 one way per van, it's not much more than the normal $10 per person anyway.

Had a similar experience to mbauer, being bombarded. One guy directed us to the booths right outside (when you exit) - you will see ladies in booths. The shuttle was called "Greenline" and it cost $9 per person to the Hotel Zone. It didn't take long to fill the van. We were anxious to get to the beach BUT it was actually nice to check out other hotels...

On the way back to the airport, our hotel made it very difficult for us to use the shuttle. They were pushing for a taxi - $25, which we took. I guess worth it...


We took the bus all the time (getting from hotel to clubs/restaurants, hotel to mercado 28, hotel to ferry). 0.65 pesos per person. You can give a dollar and the driver will give you change in pesos, which is helpful.