The Hotel Zone is a 25 km strip of beach resorts along a narrow barrier island, 15-25 km from the airport.

About Cancun Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera)

The Zona Hotelera is a narrow, L-shaped island connected to the mainland by bridges at either end, forming the Caribbean coast\'s most famous resort strip. Along its length, international hotel chains (Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, JW Marriott, Le Blanc, Secrets) line powdery white beaches with water so blue it looks unreal. The sand is made of crushed coral and limestone, staying cool even in the midday sun.

Beyond the beach and pool scene, the Hotel Zone offers the Cancún Underwater Museum (MUSA), where over 500 submerged sculptures create one of the world\'s most unique snorkeling and diving experiences. Nichupté Lagoon on the inland side offers jet ski tours, paddleboarding, and sunset dinner cruises. La Isla Shopping Village and Forum by the Sea provide open-air shopping and dining. Nightlife clusters around the Punta Cancún area with Coco Bongo, Mandala, and The City—massive clubs that define Cancún\'s party reputation.

Nearby Landmarks

MUSA Underwater Museum Nichupté Lagoon Punta Cancún La Isla Shopping Village Playa Delfines

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost MXN 600-900 (USD 35-50)
Time 25-40 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost MXN 400-600 (USD 22-35)
Time 25-40 minutes

NOT available at airport (pickup from hotel zone only)

Step-by-Step Directions

Take ADO bus from airport to downtown Cancun bus station. Then take R-1 or R-2 local bus along the Hotel Zone boulevard.

Canada Transfers, USA Transfers, SuperShuttle

Cost USD 15-25 per person
Time 30-45 minutes
Frequency Pre-booked, meets at arrivals

Outside each terminal at Arrivals

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi MXN 600-900 (USD 35-50) 25-40 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare MXN 400-600 (USD 22-35) 25-40 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle USD 15-25 per person 30-45 minutes Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis and private transfers from the airport operate 24/7. Many all-inclusive resorts include airport shuttle service. Uber is technically available but faces restrictions from the taxi union—use official airport taxis or pre-booked transfers. Late-night return to the airport from the Hotel Zone: MXN 600–900 by taxi. Public buses (R-1 and R-2) along Kukulcán Boulevard run until about 10:30 PM.

Luggage Tips

Airport shuttle buses and private vans have ample luggage space. If taking a local bus to the Hotel Zone, overhead racks are small—manageable with 1 bag only. All-inclusive resorts have bell service. If heading to the Hotel Zone directly from the airport, your resort may offer baggage handling from the lobby.

Accessibility

Major Hotel Zone resorts are built to international accessibility standards with accessible rooms, pool lifts, and beach wheelchair programs (varies by hotel). The R-1 public bus is not wheelchair accessible. The Hotel Zone sidewalk/cycling path along Kukulcán Boulevard is paved and flat. Airport transfers in accessible vehicles can be arranged through resort concierges.