Cozumel Airport Taxi Services: Available On Arrival?

If you're heading to Cozumel, you might be wondering about the best way to get from the airport to your accommodation. Unfortunately, you won't be able to get a taxi directly from Cozumel Airport, as taxis are only allowed to drop off passengers, not pick them up. However, there are a few ways around this. You can walk outside to the main street to hail a taxi, book your taxi in advance, or head to a nearby restaurant to grab some food and ask the staff to call a taxi for you. Alternatively, you could take a shuttle bus or rent a car to get to your destination.

Taxis aren't allowed to pick up at Cozumel Airport

If you're travelling to Cozumel, it's worth noting that taxis aren't allowed to pick up passengers directly from the airport. This means that if you want to take a taxi, you'll need to head outside to the main street to find one. This may result in long wait times, especially during late-night or busy periods. Therefore, it's highly recommended to book your taxi online in advance.

Alternative Options

If you don't want to take a taxi, there are a few other options available:

• Shuttle bus — This is an easy and affordable option, especially if you don't want to wander around in the heat with your luggage. Look for the "Cozumel Shuttle" sign when you exit the airport, and the shuttle will take you directly to your destination for just over $5 per person.
• Rent a car — If you plan to rent a car during your stay, you can arrange for a rental company to pick you up from the airport or take an airport shuttle to their location.
• Private transfer — You can also arrange for a private transfer to and from the airport, although you'll still need to walk outside the airport to reach them.

Taxi Tips

• It's common to tip taxi drivers around 10-20 pesos or round up the fare if they help with your bags, give useful advice, or provide exceptional service.
• Taxi rates are determined by zones, not distance, and there is an official rate sheet that all taxis must show you if requested.
• Haggling is common, so feel free to negotiate the price if you feel comfortable.
• Not all taxi drivers speak English, so it's helpful to have your destination written down or pulled up on a map before getting into the taxi.

You can book taxis online in advance

If you're heading to Cozumel, you may want to consider booking your taxi in advance. While it is possible to hail a taxi on the street, from a designated rank, or by phone, there are several benefits to booking ahead. Firstly, Cozumel is a large island with no public transport, so booking in advance can save you time and hassle. Secondly, the taxi rank at the airport is located outside the airport, so you will have to walk with your luggage to find a taxi. Thirdly, by booking in advance, you can ensure that your driver speaks English and that you are charged a fair, fixed rate. This is especially useful if you are travelling at night or during busy periods, as taxi prices can spike and long wait times are common.

There are several companies that offer advance online bookings for Cozumel Airport taxis. These companies offer reliable, affordable transfers from the airport to various destinations across the island, including the city centre, the south, and the north of Cozumel. You can book by filling out a reservation form on their website, which will require details such as your pickup location, destination, date and time of travel, number of passengers and luggage, and flight number.

By booking in advance, you can also take advantage of additional services offered by these companies, such as 24/7 customer support, recommendations from local drivers, and flexible cancellation policies. You may also be able to access information about city tours, activities, and top dining spots in Cozumel.

So, if you're looking for a stress-free and convenient way to get from Cozumel Airport to your destination, consider booking your taxi online in advance. This option can offer comfort, convenience, and peace of mind during your travels.

Taxi costs are by zones, not miles

Cozumel Airport, located on the stunning island of Cozumel in Mexico, does not allow taxis to pick up passengers from the airport. However, travellers can exit the airport and walk to the main street outside to find a taxi. This may result in long wait times, especially during late nights or peak hours. It is advisable to book a taxi online in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

Taxi costs in Cozumel are determined by zones, not miles. All taxis have an official rate sheet that they must show to passengers upon request. The rates are set for 1-4 passengers, and there may be additional charges for extra passengers or certain types of pick-up locations and times. For example, there is a surcharge for phone bookings, pick-ups from specific locations like supermarkets or bars, and night-time rides.

The taxi rates vary depending on the zones travelled. For instance, a ride from a hotel in town to the airport costs 102 Pesos, while a ride from a hotel in the north hotel zone to the airport costs 200 Pesos. Fares from hotels in the south zone range from 200 to 400 Pesos, depending on the distance.

It is important to note that taxi rates are not set and may fluctuate based on demand or other factors. Tourists are advised to ask for the fare before getting into a taxi and negotiate if necessary. Additionally, taxis at cruise ship piers have their own pricing system in USD, which is typically higher than the rates in Pesos.

There are tourist and local taxi prices

Although there is an official taxi tariff sheet, local Cozumel taxi drivers do not have set rates for their journeys. They use the tariff sheet as a guide, and the amount you pay will depend on your haggling skills and the context of your journey.

The lowest fare you can expect to pay for short journeys around the city centre is 40 Mexican pesos (MXN) or €1.80. If you're visiting beaches around the island, you can expect to pay up to MXN 300 or €14 for a one-way trip.

There are different rates for tourists and locals. For example, taxis from the cruise ship piers have their own pricing system in US dollars (USD), which is higher than the rates charged in MXN for locals.

Tips for avoiding tourist prices

• Pay in MXN if possible, as the taxi union exchange rate for USD is not in your favour.
• Ask for the fare before getting in the taxi.
• If the fare seems high, ask another taxi.
• Walk off airport property to find a taxi, as they are not allowed to pick up at the airport.
• Haggle with the driver, especially if you have paid a lower fare before.
• Always ask for your change back.

You can pay in USD or Pesos

While taxis are readily available at Cozumel Airport, they are not permitted to pick up passengers directly from the airport. You will need to walk outside to the main street to find one. This may mean long wait times, especially during late-night or busy periods. It is recommended that you book your taxi online in advance.

If you do opt to take a taxi, you can pay in either USD or Mexican Pesos. However, it is worth noting that the Taxi Union's exchange rate for USD is significantly worse than the bank rate. Therefore, it usually works out more expensive to pay in USD than in the local currency.

If you are travelling in a group, it is also important to note that taxi rates are set for 1-4 passengers. There are additional charges for larger groups.

Frequently asked questions