Using Uber From Cancun Airport: Does It Work?

Uber is a contentious topic in Cancun, with the taxi unions and Uber drivers at odds with each other. While Uber is available in downtown Cancun, it is not permitted at the airport. However, in August 2024, a court in Quintana Roo, Mexico, ruled that Uber could legally provide services at Cancun Airport. Despite this ruling, there are still concerns about the safety of using Uber at the airport due to ongoing conflicts with taxi drivers, who have been known to threaten and attack Uber vehicles and drivers. As a result, many travellers opt for private transfer companies or taxis to and from the airport.

Uber is allowed to drop off at Cancun Airport

Uber is allowed to drop off passengers at Cancun Airport, but there are a few things you should know before using their services. Firstly, it is important to understand the context of Uber's presence at the airport. There has been a long-standing dispute between Uber and traditional taxi unions, with taxi drivers protesting against Uber's operation at the airport. This conflict has sometimes led to violent confrontations and attacks on Uber vehicles and drivers. While Uber has been legally permitted to operate at the airport since August 2024, the situation remains contentious.

When using Uber at Cancun Airport, it is essential to be cautious due to the ongoing tensions. Some taxi drivers have intimidated and even physically attacked Uber drivers and their vehicles. In response, some Uber drivers have started arming themselves with rocks, sticks, and other weapons for protection. Therefore, it is crucial to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings when using Uber at the airport.

Another challenge is the regulatory uncertainty surrounding Uber's operations at Cancun Airport. Despite Uber's claims of having legal permission to operate, there are conflicting statements and ongoing legal disputes with taxi unions. This uncertainty may impact your transportation options, so it is advisable to stay informed about any changes to the legal landscape.

In addition, Uber's availability at the airport may be limited during peak travel times. With the integration of taxis into the Uber app, you may end up in a taxi instead of an Uber, which could be a concern if you prefer to avoid taxis due to the ongoing conflicts.

Lastly, navigating to the Uber pickup location at the airport can be tricky. Due to legal uncertainties, Uber drivers often prefer to assign a designated pickup point outside the airport premises. This can be confusing, especially if you're tired after a long flight, so be sure to follow the app's instructions carefully.

In conclusion, while Uber is allowed to drop off passengers at Cancun Airport, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience.

Taxi drivers have attacked Uber vehicles and drivers

Taxi drivers in Cancun have a history of attacking Uber vehicles and their drivers. In January 2023, taxi drivers blocked the main road between Cancun's airport and the central tourist zone, forcing tourists to walk or catch rides in police trucks to reach their destinations. This was in protest of a court ruling that Uber drivers were exempt from obtaining a permit, called a medallion, to operate. Videos on social media showed taxi drivers harassing Uber drivers and their clients, with local media reporting several arrests.

The events prompted an official alert from the U.S. State Department for the state of Quintana Roo, where Cancun is located. The warning advised travelers that "past disputes between these services and local taxi unions have occasionally turned violent, resulting in injuries to U.S. citizens in some instances."

The issue stems from the fact that Uber does not require a concession, or a medallion, to operate in Cancun, while taxi drivers are required to obtain this permit. This has effectively ended a years-long taxi monopoly in the region.

Cancun taxi drivers have been described as operating like a "mafia," intimidating and assaulting Uber users and drivers. There have been reports of tourists being threatened and attacked by groups of taxi drivers when trying to use Uber services. In one instance, a Russian family was tormented by a group of taxi drivers who blocked their Uber vehicle. In another case, a tourist who requested an Uber at a hotel was hit by a group of local taxi drivers who tried to prevent them from boarding.

The situation is complicated by the power of the taxi unions in Cancun, which are described as a "syndicato" or "cartel." The unions control the main tourist areas of the state, with one union having 12,000 cars on the road in Cancun alone. The governing body and police have been accused of corruption, quietly releasing taxi drivers who are arrested for attacking Uber drivers.

Due to the ongoing conflict and the potential for violence, it is generally recommended that travelers avoid using Uber in Cancun and opt for private transportation or shuttle services instead.

Uber is cheaper than a taxi in Cancun

In 2022, the Quintana Roo state government officially recognised Uber as a legal transportation option. However, Uber drivers have faced resistance from traditional taxi unions, particularly at Cancun International Airport, a federal zone with different regulations. As a result, Uber drivers often prefer to assign a pickup point outside the airport premises, which can be tricky to navigate for tired travellers.

The taxi union has a lot of power, and while there have been arrests and detentions, the governing body does not seem interested in protecting Uber drivers. In addition, Uber drivers have announced that they will arm themselves with rocks, sticks, and wrenches for protection.

Therefore, while Uber is a more affordable option, travellers should consider the potential risks and challenges when deciding whether to use Uber or a taxi in Cancun, especially at the airport. A safer alternative could be to book a private transfer or shuttle service in advance, as recommended by many travellers online.

Uber is not always available at Cancun Airport

In 2022, the Quintana Roo state government officially recognised Uber as a legal transportation option. However, the situation at Cancun International Airport is more complex. Despite its legality in the state, Uber drivers have faced resistance from traditional taxi unions, leading to tensions and occasional conflicts at the airport. Taxi unions have caused traffic chaos around the airport and protested against Uber operating there.

Uber has stated that it holds an injunction permitting access to any airport in Mexico, and that a recent judicial ruling has allowed them to legally enter and operate at Cancun Airport. However, this has been publicly challenged by José Bizarro Galván, president of Movimiento de Transportistas Organizados Unidos de la Riviera (TOUR). He asserts that while Uber can legally operate within municipal zones of the state, federal zones like airports are governed by different regulations. According to federal law, only services with permits issued by the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) are allowed to operate in such areas.

Therefore, there is regulatory uncertainty regarding Uber's operations at Cancun Airport. This uncertainty, coupled with the potential for violent disputes with taxi drivers, means that Uber is not always a reliable option for travellers arriving at Cancun Airport. It is recommended to book a private transfer or shuttle service in advance, or use public transportation to get from the airport to your destination.

Uber is not recommended for travel to/from Cancun Airport

While Uber is available in Cancun, it is not recommended for travel to/from Cancun Airport due to several reasons. Firstly, there is ongoing controversy and resistance from local taxi unions, which has led to tensions and conflicts at the airport. Uber's legal status at the airport remains uncertain, and regulatory uncertainty may impact your transportation options.

Secondly, the taxi unions have a history of harassing and intimidating Uber drivers and passengers. This can create an uncomfortable and unsafe environment for travellers. In the past, taxi drivers have threatened and even physically attacked Uber vehicles and drivers, leading to a tense and potentially dangerous situation.

Thirdly, the pickup process for Uber at the airport can be confusing and inconvenient. Due to legal uncertainties, Uber drivers often prefer to assign a designated pickup point outside the airport premises, which can be tricky to navigate, especially after a long flight.

Finally, there are alternative transportation options available that offer a more seamless and stress-free experience. Private transfer companies, such as Happy Shuttle Cancun, provide reliable and guaranteed services to and from the airport. They have a better understanding of the airport, destinations, and the needs of tourists. By booking in advance, you can ensure a peaceful and hassle-free arrival or departure without the worry of scams or overcharging.

Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using Uber for travel to/from Cancun Airport and opt for alternative transportation options to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.

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