An important key to travelling with confidence is being able to get around safely while visiting your destination. When it comes to finding safe, reliable transportation in Mexico, this remains especially true.
When it comes to transportation in Mexico, there will be some scams to avoid, and a few regional quirks to anticipate, but not to worry!
With just a few apps and some advanced planning, you’ll be able to enjoy your Mexico vacation and move through Mexico with ease.
Transportation in Mexico: Scams to avoid
Inflated prices for taxis
Taxis have long been a pain point for travellers. The risk of being overcharged is high in cities where taxis don’t use meters. A driver might quote an inflated price once you’ve been delivered to your desired location.
Remember that you can negotiate a fare ahead of time and agree before you go. Ditto for any driver with a “broken meter” or suggestions for alternative routes. Politely decline and stick to your original plan.
Unofficial drivers at airports
Be aware of unofficial drivers at airports. They often offer more expensive pricing than drivers at authorized taxi kiosks or pre-booked transportation. Safety also becomes a concern with any unofficial channels.
Use the InDrive app to play it safe and avoid any risks. With the InDrive app, drivers are required to go through a verification process which includes a criminal record check before being allowed to register as a driver.
Tips for transportation Cancun
One of the easiest places to navigate, Cancun is also notorious for expensive taxi fares. Don’t be surprised by a $25 USD fare for a short drive in town. Similarly, an airport transfer can range from roughly $35-100 USD.
Uber offers a more affordable alternative, but may be unavailable due to regulatory issues.
In these instances, book airport pickup in advance with a reputable service or a platform like Viator, or from trusted private driving companies such as Unique Private Transportation.
Opting for bus transportation in Mexico is also a safe and budget-friendly option. The ADO bus is great for getting from the airport to the hotel zone.
If you are travelling with a larger group or are willing to spend a little more, consider a private driver instead.
Transportation in Tulum
Despite its popularity, Tulum has limited infrastructure that might affect your plans. Expect to pay between $20-40 USD for taxis, even for short rides. There’s no Uber, but the InDrive app is available; it is significantly cheaper than taxis and allows fare negotiation.
When the weather is sunny, ride bikes through Tulum to get around during your stay. It’s a fun, safe option that’s worth the minimal spend. Afterwards, a pre-booked shuttle is strongly recommended and will be more affordable than an on-the-spot option.
There are also a ton of ATV rental spots in Tulum which offer a great means of local transportation. These are especially popular among tourists, as they are cheaper than rental cars and are great for short to medium distances.
Getting around in Puerto Vallarta
With a solid balance of affordability and safety, Puerto Vallarta offers a mix of Ubers and taxis as transportation options for tourists. Widely available, Uber tends to be cheaper than taxis with rides as low as $3 USD.
While taxies are regulated, it’s still a good idea to confirm fares ahead of time.
Take advantage of the pedestrian bridge outside the airport that will take you to Ubers when official taxis at the terminal only offer high prices.
Transportation in Mexico City
With some of the best options for transportation in Mexico, Mexico City is home to rideshare apps and a public metro system, which can be crowded but efficient.
Avoid street taxis entirely and instead use InDrive to negotiate lower fares.
Transportation in Oaxaca City
While Oaxaca City is smaller and easier to navigate than other cities when it comes to transportation in Mexico, beware of un-metered taxis that should allow you to agree on a price beforehand for fares between $2-5 USD within the city.
Walking is a great option to explore downtown areas, but if you want to head out in the evening, travel a longer distance, or head to the airport, use your accommodations to arrange a taxi for yourself and your crew.
Staying connected in Mexico
If you’re heading to Mexico, you’ll want to make sure you have access to mobile data for navigating from the airport to your hotel, translating signs and menus, and so much more!
Use a Mexico eSIM for easy access to internet on the go in Mexico. Plans start at just $6, and you’ll have access to fast data on the best local networks in Mexico.
