Getting around Cancun

In town

Local buses: Whether you are in la Zona Hotelera (the Hotel Zone) or El Centro (Downtown Cancun) you can take a bus for a very reasonable price, around $6 pesos (US$0.60). Bus stops are marked by signs with the word "Parada," the Spanish word for "Stop," usually in white and blue. If you are going from El Centro to la Zona Hotelera, buses marked R1, R2, Hotel Zone or Zona Hotelera, can take you there. Bus service starts between 5:00 or 5:30 AM and runs until 1:00 or 2:00 AM. The above buses run along Avenida Tulum and travel a circular route through Boulevard Kukulkan, the main road in la Zona Hotelera. While you shouldn't expect drivers to be fluent in English, they will most likely understand common words like hotel, supermarket, mall, money and tip. Make sure you know where you are heading and tell the driver the name of the landmark, hotel, restaurant, plaza, night club, or beach, when you go on, and he will kindly tell you when you have reached your destination.

Cars and mopeds rentals: There are plenty of car rental shops inside and outside of Cancun International Airport. They are operated by the likes of Alamo, Hertz, Executive, Monaco, and Dollar. You can also find additional car rental shops on Cancun Island, El Centro, and all around the Riviera Maya. It's always a good idea to make a reservation before arriving in order to get the best deal and the car you want. Companies like Tarimaz rent dune buggies and scooters by the hour. Marina Punta del Este, located on Cancun Island right on Boulevard Kukulkan has mopeds for rent for around $100 pesos (US$10) per hour or $500 pesos (US$50) per day. Generally, mopeds must be returned by 7:00 or 8:00 PM before the business closes. Helmet use is required by law. It's also just good sense, so be sure that the rental agency provides one for you and any of your passengers.

Out of town

For those who want to visit archaeological or other sites,

Cancun bus station, Mexico

the bus is the best way to get around. The service is quite reasonable and runs almost continuously. For more ideas about places to visit, consult our "One Day Trips" and "Overnight Stay" sections, where we have listed some of the most exciting places to see in the Yucatan Peninsula. The section is updated frequently, so check back often.

The bus station is located at the corner of Avenida Tulum and Avenida Uxmal in El Centro (Downtown Cancun). Unlike the United States and most of Europe, long distance bus travel in Mexico is quite common and not at all what you might expect. Almost any local bus can take you to the bus terminal on Avenida Tulum in El Centro. The local buses will be marked with the words "ADO" (Autobuses de Oriente), "Central de Autobuses" or "Central Camionera” in their windshields.

Regional or out of town bus lines are broken into various tiers, so you'll find premium, first-class, and second-class lines. As you might expect, first class and premiere bus lines cost a little more, and the lines generally have the newest equipment.If you're vision of the second class lines is being stuffed into a dusty old school bus with a bunch of chickens, you are mistaken. Even second-class buses are clean and air-conditioned, although some units are older models retired from the premium and first class lines. One warning when it comes to seating on the second-class lines, the bus companies are known to oversell their seats, so having a seat number doesn't necessarily mean there will be one waiting when you arrive. If you decide to take a second-class bus, be sure to arrive early. Premium and first class lines never oversell seats, so this isn't a concern.

Destinations, ticket prices and fares are conveniently displayed on a board above the ticket counter. Prices vary depending on the line you choose and the distance you travel. Click here to check for some destinations, and schedules.

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