Your options
- Shared shuttle: The cheapest option. A van stops at several resorts, so it can add 30 to 60 minutes. Our calculator's estimates use typical shared-shuttle prices.
- Private transfer: A car or van just for your group, straight to your resort. It costs more but is good for families, groups splitting the cost, or resorts far from the airport.
- Resort transfer: Some resorts include or sell transfers. Convenient, but compare prices.
- Taxi: Official airport taxis exist at all three airports but are usually the most expensive way to travel.
Rough travel times
- Cancún: Hotel Zone 20 to 30 min; Playa del Carmen about 50 min; Akumal and Tulum 1 hour 15 min or more.
- Punta Cana: Most Bávaro and Punta Cana resorts 15 to 40 min; Uvero Alto about 45 min to 1 hour.
- Montego Bay: Montego Bay and Rose Hall resorts 10 to 25 min; Falmouth 30 to 40 min; Lucea about 1 hour; Negril about 1.5 hours.
Cancún's "shark tank"
After customs at Cancún airport, you'll walk through a hall of people offering transfers, tours and "free" gifts. Many are selling timeshare presentations. Don't stop: say "no, thank you" and walk outside, where pre-booked transfer companies wait with name signs.
Tips for a smooth arrival
- Book your transfer before you fly and save the company's WhatsApp number.
- Share your flight number so they can track delays.
- Have a few small bills ready to tip the driver.
- Mexico: have your VISITAX QR code ready. Dominican Republic: have your e-Ticket QR code ready.
