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If you’ve ever been to Cancun, you most likely have noticed that it isn’t cheap to get from the airport to the Hotel Zone, where most hotels are located.
Taxis are pretty expensive, as much as $65 one way to travel the 15 miles to get to this tourist area, and private transfers typically cost about the same, but rates are going up.
According to reports, there has been an increase in rates of nearly 10 percent over the last year.
So let’s take a look at how to save money on your Cancun airport transfer now that rates are on the rise, because who doesn’t like to save money?
The Benefit Of Booking In Advance
There are two ways to book your transportation from Cancun Airport to your hotel.
You can wait until you arrive at the airport, or you can book in advance.
The benefit of booking in advance is that it’s often less expensive.
The starting rate for an airport taxi booked in advance, for example, is about $25, but if you wait until you arrive, it’s $45. Prices range similarly for private transportation.
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Opting For Shared Transfers
Opting for a shared transfer can save you money on your transportation too.
A shared airport transfer starts at around $27 for a one-way trip, compared to a private transfer, which starts at about $31.
A private vehicle, like an SUV will cost even more, starting at roughly $70, so as you can see, shared transfers can save you some money.
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Using Airport Shuttles
An airport shuttle is one of the most economical options you have for getting to your hotel from the airport, but it isn’t quite as convenient.
With a shuttle, there will likely be several passengers on board and multiple stops along the way.
That being said, it may be worth it for the price.
A shuttle through some transportation providers starts at around $12 per passenger.
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Booking A Hotel With Included Transfers
Another option for lowering your airport transportation costs, which is a little bit harder to find, is booking a hotel with included transfers.
It isn’t impossible, though, to find hotels and all-inclusives that will offer either free or discounted transfers.
Some, like the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, is doing right now, have special offers that include free transfers.
Others might include the transfer all the time or with certain packages.
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Renting A Car
You may not be too keen on the idea of driving in Mexico, but it’s easier and safer than you might think.
Renting a car is also pretty affordable, with rates as low as around $30 a day.
If you vacation in Cancun for three days you’ll only pay for a car rental what you would for roundtrip airport private transportation or a taxi, so it’s definitely an option to consider.
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Taking The ADO Bus
The ADO bus is another option in Cancun.
The well-known bus company is popular in Cancun because it’s so affordable.
Although not as convenient, it’s still a safe way to get around.
Tickets from the airport to downtown Cancun are only a few dollars.
You’ll have to take another bus from downtown to the Hotel Zone, but it’s still the most affordable option.
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The Least Expensive Way To Travel From Cancun Airport To Other Destinations In 2024
If you plan to travel to destinations beyond Cancun, it can be pretty pricey, like a couple of hundred dollars pricey.
With the Maya Train, though, getting to destinations beyond Cancun, like Merida, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and others, will be much more affordable.
To get to some of these places, you’ll pay less than $100, so not much more than what you pay just to get to your hotel from the airport in Cancun.
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