Cancun's public bus tips

One of the most difficult things doing during vacations it's finding the best way to move around the city you are. Cancun is no exception; you must decide between a taxi or a public bus. If your call is a bus, here are some tips we hope you find helpful.

• Cancun has a public bus system just like every city in the world. Of course, many of the buses in use are not in as good shape as the ones you are used to, but it is the cheapest way to get around Cancun.

• The Cancun bus system works just like any city bus system, sorta.

• You find the main street and look for a bus stop sign. Usually a blue or black sign with a picture of a bus. Stand there and wait. If you know the bus you want and you see it coming, wave your arms. The bus will stop, you get on and pay.

• You used to have to keep your bus ticket to be collected later. It's no longer needed, but still, keep it. If anything, you'll have a weird souvenir from your trip.

• Know your destination or some of the places that are close to it. Look out the window and watch for your intended location. If you hear anybody speaking your language on the bus, ask them if they know your destination and how far, what side of the road.

• When you get to your destination, move quickly. Ring the buzzer if it works; if it doesn't work, scream ALTO! (STOP in Spanish) and walk to the door and exit.

• Do not rely on asking the driver to stop at your destination. Even if you do and the driver says okay, chances are he will forget.

• In the Cancun Hotel Zone, you can take any bus to go up and down the strip to any of the malls or beaches.

COST: Buses at the Hotel Zone are $12.00 pesos per ride. Peso coins only. American dollar bills are okay but expect not to get any change back, unless you ask for it (and even then you may not get it).

CANCUN BUS ROUTES

There are 4 bus routes that go into the Hotel Zone: R-1, R-2, R-15 & R-27.

• R-2 & R-15 go to Wal-Mart & Mercado 28.
• R-1 goes to Puerto Juarez, Wal-Mart, Mercado 23 and the Cancun bus station.
• R-27 travels on Tulum Ave and stops at Plaza Las Americas where you catch the "colectivo" to go south up Hwy 307 to Playa del Carmen - Tulum and all points in-between.