Cancun Airport Taxi Services: Availability And Convenience

Taxis are available 24 hours a day from Cancun Airport, but it is recommended that you pre-book your taxi before arriving at the airport. While regular taxis are not allowed inside the airport, there are private transportation companies with desks there, although prices will be high. To get a regular taxi, you will need to go to the main highway, about 2 kilometres from the airport building. It is also important to note that there are no fixed taxi rates from the airport, so you will need to negotiate the price with the driver.

Taxi availability at the airport

Cancun Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, with over 9.5 million tourists passing through each year. As such, it's important to know your options for ground transportation.

Firstly, it is important to note that regular taxis (those from the City) are not allowed inside the airport. If you wish to take one of these, you will need to leave the airport and head to the main highway, which is about 2 kilometres from the main airport building.

The other option is to take a taxi from one of the private transportation companies that operate from desks inside the airport. However, these prices will be significantly higher than a regular taxi.

Therefore, it is recommended that you pre-book your taxi prior to arrival. This will guarantee you the lowest fare and ensure that you get a licensed, insured, and safe taxi service. You can pre-book either with an official airport taxi company or with a third-party company.

If you do decide to take a taxi at the airport without pre-booking, be sure to only use the designated taxi ranks at each of the four airport terminals. Taxis in Cancun are white with a green stripe and a taxi emblem on the door. There can be long waits of up to 15 minutes for a taxi during peak travel times.

Finally, it is worth noting that conventional or public taxis are not available 24 hours a day, whereas private taxi companies offer a 24-hour service.

Pre-booking a taxi

Additionally, pre-booking ensures that you have a reservation, which is necessary to get transportation to your hotel. Without a reservation, you may have to pay the local rate, which can be up to 60% more expensive than the online rate.

When pre-booking a taxi, it is important to book with a trusted company. Look for companies that offer fixed-rate fares, English-speaking drivers, and 24-hour customer support. It is also recommended to book with a company that provides you with a confirmation, pick-up instructions, and contact information in case of emergencies.

By pre-booking your taxi, you can also be sure that your vehicle has been inspected, is licensed and insured, and has amenities such as air conditioning and Wi-Fi. This can give you peace of mind and ensure a safe and comfortable journey to your destination.

Taxi costs

There are no fixed taxi rates at Cancun Airport, so you will need to negotiate the price with the driver or pre-book with a private company. The cost of your journey will depend on your destination, how busy the airport is, and how many people are travelling.

Pre-Booking with a Private Company

Pre-booking your taxi with a private company is recommended by many sources. This option can save you money and the hassle of negotiating a price with a local driver in broken Spanish. Welcome Pickups, for example, offers guaranteed fixed-rate fares, English-speaking drivers, and 24-hour customer support.

Local Taxi Companies

If you decide to take a local taxi, you can expect to pay around $45 (MXN 900) for the 25km ride into the Hotel Zone. The 2-hour ride to the eco-town of Tulum will cost around $140 (MXN 2,700) for a 4-seater taxi.

Private Transportation Companies at the Airport

Private transportation companies are allowed to have desks at the airport, but their prices will be very high.

Regular Taxis Outside the Airport

If you are willing to walk 2km outside the airport to the main highway, you can find regular taxis from the city. However, it is important to note that these taxis are not allowed inside the airport.

Avoiding unlicensed taxis

Cancun International Airport is one of the top ten airports in the world in terms of international passengers. However, it has also gained a reputation for its issues with unlicensed taxis. The problem has become so severe that there are now concerns about the safety of tourists, with reports of violent clashes between licensed and unlicensed drivers.

Unlicensed taxis, often referred to as 'pirate taxis', are a broad term for drivers operating outside the law, without official taxi licenses and security measures. These drivers are unlikely to have basic safety equipment in their vehicles, such as seatbelts, and are more likely to overcharge or scam visitors.

How to Avoid Unlicensed Taxis

Firstly, it is important to note that regular taxis are not allowed inside the airport. If you want to take one of these, you will need to leave the airport and head to the main highway, which is about 2 kilometres from the airport building. Taxis that are available at the airport are private transportation companies with desks there, but their prices tend to be very high.

Therefore, it is highly recommended that you pre-book your airport transfer before you arrive. This guarantees you a safe, licensed, and bilingual transportation service at a discounted rate. You can book with an authorized transportation company online before your arrival.

All genuine licensed Cancun Airport Taxi and Transportation Companies will have a badge permit displayed on their vehicle's windshield. They will also be equipped with Wi-Fi and a radio/mobile to communicate with the dispatcher. The drivers are required to carry and display their Cancun Airport ID badges and wear a uniform. If these are not present, do not get into the vehicle.

It is also a good idea to confirm the exact rate and tipping range ahead of time so that you are aware of the typical price range to your destination. This can be done online or by contacting a dispatcher.

In addition, be wary of anyone who approaches you in the airport to offer unknown taxi services. Ignore these solicitors and keep moving. Only use taxis from designated pick-up points near the arrivals terminal.

How to identify a licensed taxi

It is important to be vigilant when travelling, especially when it comes to transportation. Here are some ways to identify a licensed taxi at Cancun Airport:

Firstly, it is important to note that regular taxis are not allowed inside the airport. If you want to take a regular taxi, you will need to go outside the airport to the main highway, which is about 2 kilometres from the main airport building. The taxis available at the airport are actually private transportation companies allowed by the airport to have a desk there, but their prices will be high. Therefore, it is recommended to reserve your transportation in advance.

If you do decide to take a taxi at the airport, all genuine licensed Cancun Airport Taxi and Transportation Companies will have a badge permit displayed on their vehicle's windshield. They will also be equipped with Wi-Fi and a radio/mobile to communicate with the dispatcher. All Cancun Airport Taxi Drivers are required to carry and display their Cancun Airport ID badge and wear a uniform. If you don’t see the official badge on the windshield or if the driver doesn't have an official ID badge, do not get into the vehicle.

Another way to identify a licensed taxi is by its appearance. Taxis in Cancun are white with a green stripe down the doors and a clear taxi emblem on the side.

It is also important to be aware of unlicensed drivers offering rides inside the airport. Avoid these and head straight to a designated taxi rank.

Finally, it is recommended to pre-book your taxi with a trusted international company. This will guarantee on-time pickups, English-speaking drivers, all-inclusive pricing, and 24-hour customer support.

Frequently asked questions