Cancún's Taxi Revolution:
Meters Coming in 2026

Cancún is finally getting taximeters next year. The move could change how tourists and locals pay for rides across the Riviera Maya.

 

The "Andrés Quintana Roo" taxi union announced this week that taximeters will roll out in the first quarter of 2026.

 

This is a big deal because Cancún has used zone-based fare charts for over eight years without updates.

 

Why the Change Matters

 

Cancún's old system let taxi drivers charge whatever they wanted within certain zones. Tourists complained constantly about high prices in 2025, especially when drivers quoted fares in dollars.

 

The new taximeters will show exactly what you owe based on distance and time. This is how most cities around the world work.

 

The taxi union also plans to add card payments and QR codes. You'll even be able to see your route on a map during the ride.

 

What About Puerto Morelos?

 

Puerto Morelos still uses the zone-based system. Our taxis operate independently from Cancún's system.

 

So far, there's no announcement about taximeters coming to Puerto Morelos. Local taxi drivers haven't made any public proposals to our municipal government.

 

Puerto Morelos taxis are generally considered more honest than Cancún's. But some visitors still complain about prices.

 

The Bigger Picture

 

Cancún's move is a response to competition from Uber and other ride apps. Tourists prefer apps because they know the price before they book.

 

If Cancún's taximeters work well, other Quintana Roo cities might follow. That could include Puerto Morelos.

 

The state government hopes taximeters will bring back trust in traditional taxis. Years of overcharging complaints hurt the taxi industry's reputation.

 

What Happens Next

 

Cancún will start with some taxis in early 2026. The rollout will be gradual, not all at once.

 

The exact starting price, called the "flag drop," hasn't been announced yet. Local people on social media are asking the mayor to keep it under 50 pesos and not in dollars.

 

For now, Puerto Morelos visitors should stick with established taxi stands or ask your hotel for fair pricing. The situation in Cancún is changing, but our town's taxi system remains the same.