"Exploring Uber Services in Cancun: 2025 Guide"
In the vibrant city of Cancun, Mexico, Uber has become a popular choice for travelers seeking a more affordable and reliable transportation option compared to traditional taxis. However, there are some important factors to consider when using Uber in this tropical destination.
Uber is indeed available in Cancun, but drivers may avoid attention, making it difficult to find one near taxi ranks such as the airport, ADO bus station, or Puerto Juarez ferry terminal. This is due to the local taxi unions who have posed threats and harassment towards Uber drivers.
Despite these challenges, Uber is considered much cheaper than taxis in Cancun. The prices are considered fairer, with a five-minute taxi journey from the bus station to the ferry terminal costing 150MXN, while the same journey using Uber would typically cost around 40MXN.
However, there are some restrictions when it comes to using Uber at the airport. Uber cars are not allowed to go to airports in Cancun, but they can be taken to the airport. On the return trip, using Uber for the same journey is a more cost-effective option.
For those seeking a more convenient alternative, pre-booking a private transfer is an option, although it is more expensive. Another alternative is the DiDi app, which a recent traveler recommended as an alternative to Uber in Cancun.
In terms of safety, Uber has always been safe in Cancun, according to the author's experience, but precautions should still be taken. It's suggested to wait until out of sight of taxis before ordering an Uber, sit in the front seat of the Uber car instead of the back to avoid attention, and avoid any Uber car that has removed its license plate.
In November 2023, a new agreement allowed local taxi drivers to operate within the Uber app, and a service like Uber Reserve allows advance taxi bookings at Cancún airport, providing a legal and safer alternative for transport.
As of mid-2025, Uber remains legal in Cancún and the state of Quintana Roo, but there are important restrictions regarding where pickups can occur. Specifically, Uber and DiDi are legal for rideshare use, but pickups inside the airport loop are not permitted. Travelers can book rides in advance through hotels or other pre-booking methods, but spontaneous pickups within the airport loop remain restricted.
In conclusion, while Uber is legal and operational in Cancún and Quintana Roo, users should be aware of the local rule that prohibits pickups inside certain airport zones and plan accordingly by using pre-booked rides through hotels or official apps. There are no recent indications that Uber use is unsafe under these regulated conditions.
It's also worth noting that having a local SIM card or an eSIM for online access in Cancun is recommended. For those seeking a more tolerated alternative to Uber, Cabify, a service similar to Uber, may be a better option.
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- Travelers in Cancun may find it challenging to locate Uber vehicles near taxi ranks, such as the airport, ADO bus station, or Puerto Juarez ferry terminal, due to potential threats and harassment from local taxi unions.
- Lifestyle-conscious travelers in Cancun might consider alternative options to Uber, such as pre-booking a private transfer or using the DiDi app, which has been recommended by recent travelers as an affordable and tolerated alternative.
