Tourists Complain of High Taxi Fares at Cancun Airport

Cancun, Quintana Roo — Tourists arriving at Cancun International Airport are complaining about steep taxi fares, with one-way trips costing up to 2,500 pesos (about $150) for groups of five or more.

Travelers at Terminals 3 and 4 say private taxi and shuttle services charge roughly 1,500 pesos ($88) for a single passenger, 1,900 pesos ($110) for two to four passengers, and 2,500 pesos ($150) for larger groups.

Some visitors have voiced their frustration publicly. One returning tourist, approached by transport workers at Terminal 3, questioned the rates and was met with sarcasm.

“It’s too expensive, the service is very pricey; the ADO bus is a better option,” the tourist said. Workers allegedly mocked the visitor’s limited budget, suggesting that the bus was indeed cheaper.

Other travelers, aware of the high prices, avoid the ticket booths altogether, sometimes responding to sales pitches with irony.

When compared with other Mexican cities, Cancun’s airport transportation costs stand out. A ride from Mexico City International Airport to downtown ranges from 300 to 900 pesos, while fares in Monterrey run from 500 to 800 pesos and in Guadalajara from 400 to 600 pesos.

“I can’t believe transportation in Cancun is so expensive, it’s ridiculous,” one traveler said.

The high fees reportedly affect passengers at all three airport terminals. Domestic visitors, who often have tighter budgets, and international tourists alike are impacted, with some choosing to skip the service altogether.

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By Laura Castillo

Laura Castillo covers tourism, business, and economic development across Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the wider Riviera Maya for Riviera Maya News & Events. She tracks the region's most important business stories — from hotel investments and airline route expansions to real estate market trends and local economic policy — helping English-speaking readers stay informed about the economic pulse of Mexico's Caribbean coast.Laura has been reporting on Quintana Roo's tourism sector since 2020, closely monitoring developments in Cancun's hotel zone, Tulum's rapidly growing commercial corridor, and the evolving business landscape in Playa del Carmen. Her coverage includes corporate investments, employment trends, infrastructure projects, and the economic impact of events like sargassum seasons and hurricane preparation.Before joining Riviera Maya News & Events, Laura worked in business development and market analysis in the Riviera Maya region, giving her first-hand insight into how tourism, real estate, and local commerce intersect. She is fluent in English and Spanish.For story tips: laura@rivieramayanews.mx