Taking a taxi in Cancun. Is it safe?
You wouldn’t imagine how many people ask if is it safe to take a taxi in Cancun every day. It’s perfectly understandable since safety is fundamental when traveling to a new country. But, is there a disappointing answer for this? Not at all.
So, are taxis safe in Cancun?
Forget about the “unsafe” misconception.
First of all, let’s put this clear. We focused on this question because, as stated above, is a question that we nearly always hear from clients. We do not like this kind of judgment since puts the whole destination as some sort of wild place, which not. Cancun works as any important-for-tourism destination. Hotels, restaurants, places of interest and a lot of local merchandising. For the sake of safety, there are cameras installed across the hotel zone and downtown. So, let’s forget about the “unsafe” misconception that has been rumored about this Caribbean destination.
Expensive, a bit rude and dishonest, but safe.
Now, talking about the main subject of this post: Taxis are fairly safe in Cancun, a bit dishonest but safe. Some taxi drivers set their rates according to how they see passengers. It gets to be really expensive most times.
Taxis in Cancun
Noticing that you are a tourist, they will try to get from you as much money as possible, and not in the most friendly way. Some get upset when a user prefers any other type of transportation instead of their service, and this produces a rude attitude. That is the main reason why Uber has not been able to fully establish and operate normally. There have been protests from taxi drivers demanding to get them out of the street, because “it affects their job and their families” (oh, come on!) That is, according to us, the actual “problem” with taxis in Cancun as far as touristic activity concerns.
Look for taxi sites.
You may have read in some news portals about criminal activity with taxi drivers involved. These taxi drivers operate in specific areas (ghetto) of downtown, not in the hotel zone. Matter of fact, there are “taxi sites” where you can nearly always find available taxis willing to take you anywhere. They actually look way different from downtown taxis.
It is a complete different market the one targeted by taxi drivers in Hotel Zone from the one targeted by taxi drivers in Downtown. For many people that need to travel to their workplace in daily basis, taxis condition is not very important, but getting fast to their destinations. For this reason, there are still many taxis in poor conditions which still operate normally, even that the vehicle is falling apart. Taxis at Cancun Airport are also different. In fact, it’s not very probable you see the damaged ones around touristic areas, since they just don’t get much tourist clients (for obvious reasons).
Opposite to that, taxi drivers who pretend to give service to tourists do take a little bit of care of their vehicles and are a bit more trustable than downtown taxi drivers. Anyhow, it’s a good practice to ask two or three taxi drivers about the price for a service to the same destination. Chances are, the last of them is going to notice you are not someone to fool and is going to give you the actual price of the service, without adding even a peso.
Safe Transportation Alternatives at Cancun Airport
After giving you some context about the taxi situation, it is your decision if you prefer to use them. However, if you do not feel safe with that option, there are other different and safe alternatives at the airport.
1. Shuttles with advance booking
Shuttles are a very safe option. You can book shared or private services, depending on what you are looking for and your budget. However, if you want a more comfortable and pleasant option from the beginning, then a private shuttle is the best choice for you.
Also, it is important to mention that these companies are certified and have the necessary permits to operate services from the airport.
The only thing you need to consider is booking your transfer in advance to secure it. Once you land and finish the arrival process, your private or shared shuttle will be waiting for you at the airport.
2. ADO Buses
Buses are a safe option and a good alternative to taxis. They are a more affordable option, but the downside is that they do not take you directly to your accommodation, and they have fixed schedules. So, you may need to wait a little longer before leaving the airport.
Fortunately, a few years ago, a new route was added from Cancún Airport to the Hotel Zone, reaching kilometer 9 at Plaza Fiesta.
The cost is 170 Mexican pesos per person.
3. Car Rentals
To avoid taxis completely, both at the airport and in the city, the best option is to rent a car. By renting a car, you can avoid scams and conflicts related to this type of transportation.
With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby cenotes, beautiful shopping centers, and Mayan ruins a few hours away, such as Chichén Itzá and Cobá.
Tips for Taking Safe Transportation in Cancún
These are key tips you should keep in mind if you plan to take a taxi at the airport or anywhere in the city.
1. Agree on the price before getting in. Never get into a taxi without asking for the total cost first. This way, you can see if the price is fair or if they are trying to overcharge you.
2. Use authorized taxis from official stands. This helps you avoid any type of scam.
3. If you’ve decided to take a taxi after all, that’s fine. We just recommend that you share your real–time location with your closest family and friends. It’s a safety precaution.
4. Avoid conflicts if you plan to use Uber at the airport. Unfortunately, this service is not regulated in that area. If you want to use it, you can do it once you are in the city.
Conclusion: Are taxis in Cancun safe?
The answer is not a simple yes or no. Taxis from regulated stands can be a safe option, but there is still a risk of scams or bad practices.
For a worry-free and smooth vacation, it is best to plan your transportation before your trip. This way, you can know your options and choose the one that fits your needs.
Planning ahead will make everything easier and help you focus only on enjoying your vacation.