Getting To Cancún

Airport signs indicating arrivals, departures, gates and restrooms are written in Spanish and English. After landing in Cancún, you’ll proceed to Immigration to have your tourist permit validated (there’s often a long wait), then retrieve your belongings from the baggage claim area before heading to Mexican customs. You’ll turn in your completed declaration form while your luggage passes through the random green light/red light system; if the red light flashes, your bags will be briefly searched.

Transportation options from the airport to your hotel include chartered taxis, shuttles, hotel-associated vans, private transfers, public buses and rental cars. You’ll see a crowd of van drivers and shuttle bus operators carrying signs outside the airport. Rental car counters are in a consolidated location outside the baggage claim and customs area.

Unlike at other airports, you can’t hail a taxi from the curb in Cancún. Instead you’ll need to make a reservation in advance to get a taxi from the airport to your hotel. Taxis are bookable online, so you’ll know exactly what to expect for the rate and tipping range (typically $30 to the Hotel Zone, plus tip).

Shuttle service via passenger van is a popular option. Shared shuttles are the most economical, but private shuttles and transfers allow you to have additional luggage and get to your destination faster. You’ll want to book shuttles and private transfers in advance; expect rates of anywhere from $35 to $95 (U.S.) to get to the Hotel Zone, plus tip. USA Transfers is a reputable company; phone (998) 914-0290 or 01 (800) 212-8931 (toll-free long distance within Mexico). Another affordable option is Happy Shuttle Cancún; phone (800) 818-9821.

Your local AAA travel advisor can assist with booking flights to Cancún and arranging roundtrip transportation from the airport to your hotel.

When departing from Cancún, plan on arriving at least 2 hours before an international flight. Terminal 3 has plenty of fast-food restaurants, gift shops and duty-free stores on the upper departure level if you get to the airport early.

By Car

Between Mérida and the small town of Hoctún, the highway is two lanes. At Hoctún, four-lane toll (cuota) highway Mex. 180-D begins and roughly parallels Mex. 180 for about 240 kilometers (144 miles). The highway is in very good condition and is much quicker than Mex. 180, which passes through small towns with numerous speed bumps (topes), but the toll road is isolated with only a few gas stations along its length, which can be an issue if you break down or you’re traveling at night. Make sure your tank is always at least half full if you’re driving on Mex. 180-D.

Toll plazas are located at the Yucatán/Quintana Roo state line (Plaza de Cobro X-Can), which also is a customs checkpoint, and at the Chichén Itzá exit (Pisté). Fees are paid in pesos (credit and debit cards are not accepted), and you can expect to pay a total of around $40 (U.S.) in combined charges. The high cost is the major reason why Mex. 180-D is lightly traveled.

Mex. 180-D ends about 16 kilometers (10 miles) west of the airport, and from there you can follow signs to “Cancún/Puerto Juárez” to stay on the mainland, or follow signs to “Tulum/Aeropuerto” to get to the Hotel Zone.

Driving to Cancún from the south, the main road is Mex. 307, which roughly parallels the coast north of Tulum. This stretch provides easy access to attractions, beach resorts and hotels along the Riviera Maya coast.

Branching northwest off Mex. 307 at Tulum, Mex. 109 provides direct access to the Cobá archeological zone and joins Mex. 180 at the town of X-Can. The distance between Tulum and X-Can is about 85 kilometers (53 miles). This route saves time and mileage if you're driving to Mérida from Tulum.

By Bus

By Cruise Ship

Note: If you arrange a shore excursion through your cruise line, the ship will wait if you aren't back at the scheduled departure time. This is not the case, however, if you arrange the excursion on your own, so keep timing in mind.