Car Hire Cancun Airport

Car hire from Cancun Airport is in high demand due to the sheer volume of passengers and relatively little onward journey options which maybe to Downtown Cancun or the popular resort of  Playa del Carmen. Cancun Airport car hire desks are plentiful and well signed so picking up your car rental at Cancun Airport is simple. Substantial savings can be made by booking car hire Cancun Airport in advance rather than booking on arrival.
 

Cancun is a popular tourist destination in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, and driving can be an excellent way to explore the area. Here's what you need to know when collecting a hire car from Cancún International Airport (CUN):

Routes from Cancún International Airport:

1. To Cancún City & Hotel Zone:

   • The main route from the airport to Cancún city and the Hotel Zone is the Carretera Cancún - Tulum/México 307.
   • Distance: About 12 miles (around 20 km) to downtown Cancún and 14 miles (approximately 23 km) to the Hotel Zone. The journey typically takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

2. To Playa del Carmen:

   • Follow Carretera Cancún - Tulum/México 307 south.
   • Distance: Roughly 34 miles (around 55 km), taking about an hour.

3. To Tulum:

   • Again, use the Carretera Cancún - Tulum/México 307 heading south.
   • Distance: Approximately 73 miles (around 118 km), usually taking about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Safety:

• While Cancún and its surrounding areas are generally considered safe for tourists, always exercise general caution, especially at night.

• Be wary of local drivers, as driving standards may differ from what you're used to. For instance, flashing headlights can mean a vehicle is coming through, not that they're allowing you to go.

• It's advisable not to drive at night outside of urban areas because of lower visibility and the risk of wildlife or unforeseen road hazards.

Places to Drive:

1. Coba: An ancient Mayan city, around 80 miles from Cancún.

2. Chichen Itza: One of the most famous Mayan ruins, about 120 miles away.

3. Puerto Morelos: A quieter beach town about 18 miles south of Cancún.

4. Akumal: Known for its beach and clear waters, great for snorkeling, located around 60 miles from Cancún.

Tolls:

• The highway between Cancún and Playa del Carmen (and further to Tulum) is a toll road known as the "Autopista". Ensure you have Mexican Pesos, as credit cards might not always be accepted.

• Secondary roads, free of tolls, are also available but might be slower due to multiple stops and varying road conditions.

Traffic:

• Roads leading to and from the airport can be busy, especially during peak tourist seasons and rush hours.

• The Hotel Zone in Cancún can also experience heavy traffic, especially in the evenings.

Emergency Number:

• In case of emergencies, dial 911, which is the emergency number in Mexico for medical, fire, or police assistance.

In conclusion, driving in and around Cancún can offer a richer experience of the Yucatán Peninsula. As always, familiarize yourself with local driving customs, stay cautious, and enjoy your trip!