The Least Safe Way to Move Around in Cancun – You Will Be Shocked to Read What I Consider the Safest
If you’re planning a trip to Cancun, you may be wondering about the best way to get around the city. While there are several options available, some are safer than others. There is one method of transportation that is considered the least safe way to move around in Cancun and that is by bike or motorbike.
I have lived in Cancun since 2010 and I used many different means of transportation to move around the city and in this post I will tell you why biking is not the smartest way to go ( I did it multiple times) and what are the other options you have.
This is in order of what I consider the least safe. (You will be shocked when you see what I consider the safest one)
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The Least Safe Way to Move Around in Cancun: bike and motorbike
I used to have a mountain bike and ride along the hotel zone in the cyclopista which was ok, but getting there was a nightmare. The roads in Cancun can be very chaotic, with heavy traffic and erratic drivers. In addition, many of the roads are poorly maintained, with potholes and other hazards that can cause accidents.
That goes also for motorcycles or scooters. I would avoid that.
Alternative Ways to Move Around in Cancun and Surroundings
Quad Bike and ATV Rentals
The idea of moving around in Quad bikes and ATVs can be exciting but leave it to tours. There are many organized ATV Tours that will give you the protective gear and take you to a safer area, in the jungle where it’s more appropriate and with no other sort of road hazards.
They are not made for the city!
Also, by joining a tour you will be with a guide who knows the best area where to go and what to do in case of any issue. ATV tours are some of the most popular among the adventurous things to do in Cancun and if you are fond of that you should look into it instead of renting one on your own.
Taxis
Taxis are a popular choice for many tourists in Cancun, but they are also known for being one of the least safe ways to move around the city. Reports have shown that taxi drivers in Cancun are notorious for overcharging and even scamming their passengers.
Don’t get me wrong, not all of them are scammers or rude. I have used taxis in Cancun a lot of times and I found all sorts of people, even a drunk one. But there are also kind and honest taxi drivers.
Having said that, I’d rather avoid it, especially from the airport, where they have also reported numerous cases of false taxi drivers without a license who pretended to be one, with a vehicle painted in the same colors as a taxi. It’s really difficult to distinguish them.
Also, keep in mind that taxis in Cancun and probably in all of Mexico (except Mexico City) don’t have meters, so there is no way to know if the fare they charge is correct if you don’t know the distance covered and the general taxi fares.
If you do decide to take a taxi in Cancun, it’s important to take certain precautions. For example, make sure to only take official taxis with a visible license plate and logo. (take a picture if you can)
You should also agree on a price before getting in the taxi, and avoid taking a taxi alone at night. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure your safety while using this mode of transportation.
If you are away from a taxi stand, I would call an UBER instead of hailing a taxi on the street.
Unregulated taxi services have become a growing concern in Cancun, and they are considered one of the least safe ways to move around the city.
A couple of years ago the Mobility Institute of the State of Quintana Roo, or IMOVEQROO, launched an app that allows users to check rates for specific routes that they hire transportation.
However, I cannot find it on the iOS system and it seems that even on Androids is not always working. It’s worth giving it a try, though.
Using Uber or Didi in Cancun
Uber is now available in Cancun although not from the Airport and from the Hotel Zone. Also there are many other unwritten rules which I am going to explain in a minute.
If you are in Cancun downtown you can call an Uber or DIDi driver but you must be away from Taxi Stands or Hotels. Sometimes even if you call an Uber a Taxi will show up, that is because they have made an alliance and now taxi drivers can join any can share app.
That was a way to reconcile the long dispute between taxi drivers and Uber that has caused a lot of unpleasant accidents in the past.
When you call an Uber, make sure you check the plate number before getting in the car and inform friends where you are, just to be extra cautious.
Public Transportation Risks
Public transportation in Cancun is relatively safe, but you should still be aware of a few aspects of it.
Public buses in Cancun can be overcrowded, especially during peak hours. This can make it uncomfortable and difficult to move around, and it can also increase the risk of accidents. In addition, pickpocketing and theft are common on crowded buses, so you should be extra careful with your belongings.
If you have big bags, the driver may complain because you don’t leave space for paying passengers (it happened to me) but don’t let it bother you.
Although I wouldn’t use public buses in downtown Cancun, the R1 and R2 lines that run along the Hotel Zone are very convenient. They are mostly crowded early morning and late afternoon when people go to and back from work.
Bus ticket is around 12 MXN, not even a dollar and it’s valid for the entire ride, no matter when you get off. However, if you connect to another bus you need to purchase a new ticket.
Car rental
And there it goes my top favorite way. Renting a car is the safest way to move around Cancun, by far. You just have to worry about traffic and a few other details which I cover in my dedicated post on driving and renting a car in Cancun. Here are a few tips in a nutshell.
- Choose the best car rental deal on Discover Cars, I wrote a review of the platform to help you make the most of it.
- Get the full coverage (if your credit card doesn’t cover it) for your peace of mind
- Follow the traffic laws and respect the signals (including speed limit, safety belt and don’t talk on the phone, and of course don’t drive if you drunk)
- Don’t give up on bribe requests. Yes, this is a thing in Mexico, unfortunately, and especially in the Cancun area. Just tell the police officer to give you the fine, if it applies. Read more about Car rental scams in my dedicated post.
- Look out for topes (speed bumps) – those are high and can damage the car, if it’s a small car.
- Read more about why I believe renting a car in Cancun is worth every penny.
The Least Safe Way to Move Around Cancun: FAQ
Are there any specific bus routes in Cancun known for higher safety risks?
How does the safety of traveling within the Hotel Zone compare to other areas in Cancun?
What general safety tips should visitors follow when moving around Cancun?
Also, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and don’t flash your valuables.
What’s the best way to get from the airport to my hotel?
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Final Thoughts: What’s The Least Safe Way to Move Around Cancun
I hope this article was helpful and at the same time didn’t scare you off from visiting Cancun. I also forgot to mention tours. If you don’t want to worry about anything else than enjoying the beautiful Cancun, join all the amazing tours in Cancun and make the most of your vacation in the most popular Mexican Caribbean destination. Enjoy Cancun!!
