Uber Announces Cancun Drivers Can Operate At The Airport, But Is It Safe? 

Last Updated 3 months ago

Uber has just announced that drivers for the rideshare service can now operate at Cancun International Airport.   

This has been a long-awaited announcement, both for Uber drivers and for travelers who prefer to use the platform over expensive taxis, but is it safe to take an Uber in Cancun?   

Let’s find out…

Getting From The Airport To Your Hotel 

The most important thing to consider when planning a vacation, after you’ve booked your flights and accommodations, is how you’ll get to your hotel.   

In Cancun, there are many options, and one that has become a significant point of contention is the Uber platform.   

This is because there has been an ongoing disagreement between taxi and Uber drivers over whether or not the rideshare platform drivers can pick up and drop off passengers at the airport.   

Uber At Cancun Airport 

In October of last year, it was announced that Uber would be able to start operating at Cancun Airport by the end of the year.   

December came and went, and the much-awaited authorization didn’t come.   

On August 15th of this year, though, Uber notified drivers in Cancun that they could officially start operating at Cancun Airport. 

Why Uber Can Now Operate At The Airport 

According to Uber, a judge has granted drivers for the rideshare platform the right to pick up and drop off at the airport by granting a suspension of the previous ruling that kept them from doing so.   

In the statement, Uber said that “with Uber you can make trips from the airport, since the application is the only one that has a definitive suspension granted by a judge.”   

According to users, rides are now able to be requested from the airport, and the rates are lower than taxi rates.   

What Taxi Drivers Say 

The president of the Movement of Organized Carriers United of the Riviera, Jose Bizarro Galvan, says that Uber is still not able to operate at the airport.   

This is because it is under federal jurisdiction.   

He stated that “it is true that there is a protection of this platform, but for the state authorities of the government of Quintana Roo, which allows its partners to provide service in municipal and state areas, not in the federal area.”  

Why You Might Want To Skip The Uber For Airport Transfer 

There is obviously still disagreement about Uber’s status at the airport.   

In the past, these disagreements have led to confrontational taxi drivers that have blocked Ubers from getting where they need to go and forcing passengers out of Uber vehicles.   

For this reason, you may want to skip Uber for your airport transfer.  

Using Private Transportation In Cancun 

A better option for getting from Cancun Airport to your hotel is private transportation.   

There are multiple benefits to using private transportation.   

You’re able to book private transportation in advance and have your driver waiting upon your arrival, you’ll know what you’re paying when you book, and private transfer drivers are not faced with the same animosity from taxi drivers as Uber drivers.   

What You Can Expect To Pay For Private Transportation 

Private transportation is on the pricier side, but so are taxis.   

For private transportation, you can expect to pay a minimum of around $100 each way for a private car, and a little less for a semi-private shuttle, to get from the airport to the Hotel Zone.   

Uber is very likely significantly cheaper, but it may not be enough to take the risk right now. 

Have you tried taking an Uber from Cancun Airport? Let us know how it went in the comments!

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