Life in Cancun - Getting Around

If you are planning on coming to Cancun to live and work, then you probably won’t have a car for getting around when you first arrive (unless you drive down from the USA or Canada - which is totally possible). You may be wondering how easy it is  for you to get around. Until you have made enough money to get yourself a car or scooter, public transportation is the best alternative in Cancun and pretty comfortable. Look below at the public transportation options in Cancun:

Chauffeured by Taxis

In Cancun, you will see a taxi every few minutes (if not seconds!) which makes it a convenient form of transport. However, in Cancun the taxis are not metered so you must ask before you get in the cab how much your fare will cost. If you are in the Hotel Zone, then a taxi fare can cost a lot more than your budget, and it is often a good idea to get a cheap bus out of the hotel zone before jumping in a taxi to your desired destination. Some of the taxis can cost around $20.00 USD for just a couple of miles.The best advice is to always discuss the price of the taxi BEFORE you ride. If in doubt, ask a resident or local how much they would expect to pay for your desired route.

Buses and Vans

If you are in the center of the Hotel Zone, then the best deal is to take a bus or van (colectivos), because they are very affordable. A ride is generally around $1 USD, and pretty comfortable and frequent. When you are taking buses or vans, you should always carry small bills and coins. In Cancun, many buses have air condition and Wi-Fi, and are considered perfectly safe for the hotel zone and going from a nightclub. Most run twenty four hours each day and seven days a week. If you are not sure when you should get off the bus, then tell the driver where you are going, then he will let you know when you arrive at your stop

Long distance buses

ADO - The ADO bus is a first class bus that will take you directly to and from Playa del Carmen, Cancun International Airport, and Tulum. The ADO buses have air conditioning and they provide a movie too. You can purchase a ticket for the ADO bus the same day that you want to ride it.

Mayab - Mayab buses are second class. These buses make a lot of stops during the ride and these tickets can be purchased a day in advance and all luggage is stored underneath the bus.

Playa Express - If you go in front of the terminal, then you will see Playa Express, which are sprinters. The Playa Express will take you to Play del Carmen and the price is much lower than the ADO bus.

Safety

In Cancun, taxis and buses are pretty safe for travel at any time of day or night. You should use common sense such as not traveling alone when it is very late at night, stay with a group, and always take note of the surroundings.