What You Can Expect To Pay For A Cancun Taxi Amid Recent Overcharging Incidents 

Last Updated 6 months ago

If you have been following Cancun news lately, then you may have seen the stories of tourists being charged excessive rates by taxi drivers.   

On two separate occasions, drivers tried to charge passengers exorbitant rates, in one case a Canadian tourist as much as $1,000, and more recently an American tourist around $350.   

They do this because they assume that tourists don’t know any better.   

So let’s take a look at what you can expect to pay for a Cancun taxi amid these recent overcharging incidents, and how to avoid being overcharged.   

Not All Taxi Drivers Are Bad 

First and foremost, it’s important to point out that not all Cancun taxi drivers are looking to scam tourists with higher-than-normal fares.   

As with anything, there are bad apples when it comes to taxi drivers too.   

The majority, though, play by the rules. 

Taxis In General Are Expensive In Cancun – This Is What You Can Expect To Pay 

Although not every taxi driver will try to overcharge you, you can still expect a taxi in Cancun to be expensive, just not as much as these two recent visitors were charged.   

Although you’ll see that rates start at around $45.00, that is just the base fare, before the per-kilometer fee is added on.   

In total, you can expect to pay more like a minimum of $65 to get to your hotel from the airport.  

How To Save Money On Your Taxi Ride 

There is a way that you can get a better rate on your taxi trip.   

If you book your taxi online, you’ll not only save some money, but you’ll also know what you’re paying upfront for your trip.   

Booking online starts at about $20 less than if you wait until you arrive to book on-site, and your taxi will be waiting for you when you get off of the plane. 

How To Avoid Being Overcharged 

In the case of the bad apples, those that try to scam tourists with outrageous fares, there are some steps you can take to avoid it.   

Ask the driver before getting into the vehicle what the total fare will be.   

If it doesn’t sound fair or right to you, then you can either choose to try to negotiate or you can look for another taxi.   

Steering Clear Of Pirate Taxis 

Another way to avoid being overcharged is to steer clear of pirate taxis.   

These are taxis driven by individuals who are not part of the local taxi unions and do not have concessions to operate a taxi.   

They often drive vehicles that look very similar to real taxis, but you’ll notice that they are always stationed outside of the airport because they are illegally operating.   

Other Types Of Transportation Available In Cancun 

You can also choose to avoid taxis altogether because there are several other forms of transportation available to tourists.   

ADO buses are a little less convenient because you have to transfer in town before reaching the Hotel Zone, but they’re an inexpensive way to travel, only costing a few dollars per trip.   

Private transportation is another option and can vary in price, depending on whether you choose a private vehicle or a shared shuttle, but is much more convenient.   

How Booking Transportation In Advance Can Help 

With private transportation, you can book in advance, and this has three benefits.   

One, you can save money by booking in advance.   

Two, you pay for transportation when booking so there’s no wondering what you’ll be charged, and three, your driver will be waiting for you upon arrival.   

In addition to those benefits, you can also avoid being overcharged by a taxi driver during your Cancun vacation.

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