Quintana Roo is Mexico's easternmost state, stretching along the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and encompassing world-famous beach resorts, ancient Maya ruins, and the second-largest coral reef system on Earth. From the glittering hotel zone of Cancun to the bohemian clifftop ruins of Tulum and the tranquil island of Isla Holbox, the state offers an extraordinary range of experiences. Beneath the jungle floor, thousands of cenotes—natural freshwater sinkholes—create one of the world's most spectacular cave-diving and snorkeling environments.
- Public
- ADO buses and colectivos make the Riviera Maya corridor highly accessible and affordable. Buses are air-conditioned, punctual, and safe.
- Taxi
- Taxis are plentiful but some drivers overcharge tourists. Use Uber in Cancun/Playa del Carmen or agree on fare in advance.
- Rental
- Car rental is excellent value for exploring multiple cenotes, ruins, or the Costa Maya. Mexican roads in Quintana Roo are generally well-maintained.
- Walking
- Playa del Carmen's 5th Avenue, Tulum pueblo, Holbox, and Isla Mujeres are very walkable. The Hotel Zone in Cancun requires transport.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- $20-30, 20-30 min to Hotel Zone
- Taxi Info
- Official airport taxi rates are fixed by zone—buy a ticket at the authorized taxi booth inside arrivals, not from unlicensed drivers outside.
- Shuttle
- $10-15 per person (shared)
- Shuttle Info
- Shared shuttles operate to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Book in advance online for the best rates from companies like Cancun Transfers or ADO airport shuttle.
- Bus
- $6 USD, ADO bus from Terminal 2/3
- Bus Info
- ADO runs airport express services to downtown Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Most economical option for solo travelers.
- Private
- $45-80 for private car
- Private Info
- Pre-book a private transfer for guaranteed pick-up, especially for early morning or late night arrivals. Companies include Lomas Travel and local operators.
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
R-1 city buses in Cancun run the full length of Boulevard Kukulcan in the Hotel Zone for $0.50 USD. In Playa del Carmen, buses connect town and beach areas.
Alternatives
Colectivos (shared vans) are the backbone of inter-town transport along Highway 307. Golf carts on islands. Bicycle rentals in Tulum and Holbox.
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- $3-5 base fare + $0.50-1/km
- Apps
- Uber, Cabify, inDriver
- App Names
- Uber, Cabify, inDriver
- Typical Fare
- $5-15 for most in-town rides; $30-50 for long Cancun Hotel Zone to downtown trips
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
ADO buses from $4 (Cancun-Playa del Carmen, 1 hour) to $22 (Cancun-Chetumal, 5.5 hours). Book at any ADO terminal or at ado.com.mx
Colectivo
Shared vans from $1.50 (Cancun-Puerto Morelos) to $4 (Playa del Carmen-Tulum). Depart from fixed points when full—frequent and efficient
Flights
Domestic flights from Cancun to Mexico City from $30-80 on VivaAerobus or Aeromexico. No domestic flights within Quintana Roo
Ferry
Cozumel: $15-18 each way from Playa del Carmen (1 hour). Isla Mujeres: $5-8 each way from Puerto Juárez (20 min). Holbox: $10-15 from Chiquilá (25 min)
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Quintana Roo is well-connected internally, with ADO luxury buses linking all major towns along Highway 307, inexpensive colectivos for shorter hops, and regular ferries to the Caribbean islands. Cancun International Airport is the primary gateway, handling over 30 million passengers annually.
Airports
Cancun International Airport
Cozumel International Airport
Chetumal International Airport
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Uber
Available in Cancun and Playa del Carmen; cheaper and safer than street taxis
Cabify
Ride-hailing app available in Cancun area; similar to Uber
inDriver
Bid-based ride app popular in Cancun and Tulum; allows fare negotiation
ADO app
Book long-distance bus tickets in advance for specific departure times
Discover Cars
Compare car rental prices across all agencies at Cancun Airport
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Never board an unmarked taxi—use official stands, Uber, or ask your hotel to call a trusted driver
On colectivos, tell the driver your destination before boarding so they can drop you at the right roadside stop
ADO tickets can be bought online (ado.com.mx), at any ADO terminal, or at many travel agencies along 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen
Ferry lines to Cozumel depart from the ferry dock at Calle 1 Sur in Playa del Carmen—tickets cost the same from either Ultramar or Mexico Waterjets
For Holbox, drive or take a bus to Chiquilá (2.5 hours from Cancun) and leave your car in the secure parking lot ($5-8/day)
In the Cancun Hotel Zone, the R-1 bus along Kukulcan Boulevard is $0.50 and runs 24 hours—much cheaper than taxis for short hotel zone hops
Colectivos between Playa del Carmen and Tulum depart from Calle 2 just off 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen
Renting a car at the Cancun airport is 20-30% cheaper than renting in town—book online before arrival