ADO Launches New Bus Route From Downtown Cancun Hotels to Airport

Cancun, Quintana Roo — ADO will launch a new bus route Friday, Aug. 28, connecting downtown Cancun hotels with the Cancun International Airport. The service, announced in partnership with 20 downtown hotels, will make four stops at hotels in the city center before heading to the airport.

Gerardo Jerez, general manager of Mobility ADO, said at a press conference that the route will operate two departures from downtown at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., with return trips from the airport at 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tickets will cost 180 pesos (about $9) per adult.

Buses leaving ADO’s downtown terminal will be rerouted to pick up passengers at hotels including Andhara, Wyndham Garden, City Express and Four Points, Jerez said.

Alberto Hernandez, president of the downtown hotels committee of the Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres Hotel Association, said the service will benefit participating hotels by offering their guests a convenient pickup option.

A taxi from the airport can charge 600 to 700 pesos for a trip to or from downtown, he said, making the new bus service a more affordable alternative. “The tourist can choose between taxi or ADO. I believe there is a market for everyone,” Hernandez said.

He added that the bus route is the first step in the association’s efforts to partner with the Maya Train.

Lower occupancy

Hernandez estimated that hotel occupancy is running 15% to 20% below previous years’ levels, largely because of a reduction in airline seats.

For September and October, the expectation is 40% occupancy, matching last year’s levels. During these months, many hotels give staff vacation time to save costs, and some offer promotions or close temporarily for renovations, he said.

The association also continues promotional efforts, meeting with travel agencies to highlight the advantages of the downtown area, including its dining, events, culture and security. “The security roundtable has been working for a while, and we have seen that the perception of insecurity has decreased,” Hernandez said.

On vacation rentals, Hernandez said “the sun rises for everyone” and that they are competition that has existed for years. A new law expected soon will regulate the sector to create a “level playing field.”

“There is room for everyone; whoever wants a hotel with maids, restaurant and good service can choose it,” he said.