How To Get Around Isla Mujeres: Insider Knowledge From 2+ Years Of Living On The Island

March 14, 2026 10 Min Read

I’ve stayed on Isla Mujeres for well over 2 years in the past five years. I’ve visited this island as a tourist and have become a long-term expat here.

Therefore, I know exactly what the easiest ways are to get around, no matter if you’re only staying for a day or if you’re planning to stay here for months. Let’s figure out how to get around Isla Mujeres!

My Personal Experience

Stefan and eline on golf cart in isla mujeres — Golf carts are ideal if you’re with 3 or more people

stefan on scooter on isla mujeres — Golf carts are ideal if you’re with 3 or more people

I’m going to try to summarize my personal experience about how to get around Isla Mujeres. In the rest of the article, you’ll find way more detail about each form of transportation:

Golf carts: ideal for people who need to transport more than three people at a time, are only here for a day, or want the most flexibility possible. Expect to pay $70 – $100 USD per day.
Taxis: ideal for people who want to get around quickly and don’t want to pay the golf cart prices. Taxis will cost $5 – $10 USD per trip.
Walking: ideal if you’re staying in the northern part of the island, where most tourist attractions are. It will take 10 minutes to cross the entire city center.
Renting a scooter: ideal for solo travelers or couples who don’t want to pay for a golf cart. This will cost $30 – $35 USD per day.
Buses: ideal for budget travelers who don’t mind waiting. Buses go irregularly and can be found next to the ferry terminal. A one-way trip on the bus will cost 20 pesos ($1 USD).

Renting a Golf Cart on Isla Mujeres (The Most Popular Way to Get Around)

Parking near playa centro — Parking is limited on the island. Playa Centro even has a 15 minute limit (although no one ever checks)

6 seater golf cart on isla mujeres — Parking is limited on the island. Playa Centro even has a 15 minute limit (although no one ever checks)

If there’s one form of transport that’s characteristic of Isla Mujeres, then that has to be golf carts. These things are absolutely everywhere, and there’s a good reason for that.

First of all, the island has quite narrow streets. It simply wasn’t made for big vehicles to drive around on. Therefore, most tourists drive a golf cart because they’re small and maneuverable (locals will most of the time stick to scooters).

Secondly, a golf cart still allows you to drive 4-6 people at a time.

Finally, they are incredibly easy to rent, and the whole island is covered in golf cart rentals (especially the Northern part of the island, where most tourists arrive and will spend most of their time).

Typical Golf Cart Rental Prices and What to Expect

The only downside of these golf carts is that they’re expensive to rent. If you rent them for a half-day (which is typically between 9 AM and 5 PM), they’ll cost you in the neighborhood of $70 – $80 USD. The other option is a 24-hour rental, which will cost $100 – $110 USD.

As a deposit, you’ll often need to leave your driver’s license or a certain amount in cash (which depends on the rental company but is often another $100 USD).

I would love to give you certain recommendations, but before I do that, I suggest you do your own research via this Google Maps search. There are well over 20 golf rentals on the island, and if you pick one with good reviews, they’ll all be the same.

Personally, I would go for Good Mexican, Playa Norte Rental, or Ciro Rental since they have the best reviews.

Rules for Driving Golf Carts on Isla Mujeres

Like anywhere in the world, rules and regulations still apply. Make sure not to drive drunk (because unfortunately, a lot of tourists still do this) and carry a driver’s license with you as well.

Pro tip: During evening hours, police stops are a common thing. They particularly look out for tourists who are driving dangerously or have consumed alcohol. If they catch you, they’ll be sure to make you pay for it. Don’t be stupid.

Pros and Cons of Exploring the Island by Golf Cart

There are numerous pros to exploring the island by golf cart. Flexibility is the main one since these carts will be able to get you anywhere on the island. With a full tank of gas, you’re also not likely to need to fill up anytime soon.

Also, driving a golf cart is inherently fun and gives everyone an opportunity to feel the sea breeze in their hair and get a good look at the island. I do highly recommend it if you’re only visiting for a day. If you’re visiting for a couple of days, and you think you’ll need to do a lot of groceries at the big supermarket (Chedraui) then a golf cart can also be very convenient.

If you’re only here for one day and you mainly want to spend that time in the northern part of the island or at one of the beach clubs on the island, I recommend just taking a taxi. That’ll be way more cost-effective.

Also, if you’re staying for a longer period of time (5+ days), renting a scooter or a bike is more cost-efficient depending on your budget and how fit you are.

Getting Around Isla Mujeres by Taxi

people waiting in line for the taxi stand on isla mujeres — On the left side of the picture you see the ferry terminal, and on the right side the taxi stand. it’s all very close together.

Taxis are the best option if you’re looking to get around Isla Mujeres without spending $100 USD per day. If you’re in the city center up north, taxis are absolutely everywhere (they’re the red cars with white letters on them). The main taxi stand is located right next to the ferry terminal as well, which makes it easy to find them if you’re new on the island.

How much a taxi trip will cost you depends heavily on the trip you’re taking. However, it should never be more than 250 pesos (that’s all the way from the north all the way to the south). In most cases, you’ll pay $100 – $200 pesos, which is $5 – $10 USD. If a taxi is trying to charge you more, they’re trying to overcharge you.

Also, keep in mind that paying with dollars comes with a heavy currency fee that’s at the discretion of the taxi driver. If you feel like overpaying, that is the way to go 😉

I’ve written an extensive guide about Isla Mujeres taxis. Click that link for more information.

How Taxis Work on the Island

People standing in line at the taxi stand in isla mujeres — The taxi stand gets busy when a new ferry arrives

Taxi on isla mujeres — The taxi stand gets busy when a new ferry arrives

Taxis don’t have a meter, so for your own mental health and your wallet, please discuss pricing before getting into the car. At the taxi stand in the city center, you’ll have to stand in line to get a taxi, but you’ll normally find one in 5 minutes.

If you’re anywhere else on the island, just signal to the taxi. If they are free, they’ll stop on the side of the road.

Exploring Isla Mujeres by Bicycle

Bicycles are the cheapest way to get around on the island. You’ll pay around $200-300 pesos ($10 – $15 USD) per person per day for a bicycle.

You can find rental shops in the northern part of the island. Use this Google Maps search and pick a shop with good reviews. You’ll pay upfront and may have to leave a small deposit or a driver’s license.

A couple of things worth noting about taking bicycles on the island:

You’ll share the road with golf carts, scooters, and cars. That means, stay on the right side of the road as it can get crowded. If you’re not confident on a bike, this may not be the way to go.
During the January – April season, the island gets hot. Driving around will make you sweat instantly
You can go anywhere on the island with a bike. Driving all the way from north to south will probably take 20-30 minutes, depending on your fitness.
The island has some small hills in the south, which is definitely the more challenging part if you’re on a bike (although it isn’t much, it just makes you tired more quickly)

Walking Around Isla Mujeres

Route from playa norte to the ferry terminal on isla mujeres by foot — A walk from Playa Norte to the ferry terminal is 13 minutes. By that point, you’ve crossed the complete northern part of the island.

Did I say cycling was the cheapest way? I should have said walking! However, walking is really only a good option if you’re planning to stay in the north of the island. You can, in theory, walk to the south, but it will be a hot, long walk. Do not recommend it if you’re on a relaxing holiday.

Having said that, in the north, you’ll get anywhere on foot within 10 minutes. The city center of Isla Mujeres really isn’t that big, which is also one of the things that makes it charming.

Renting Scooters or Motorbikes on Isla Mujeres

There are a couple of good scooter rental places on the island. BiCi Express, MEGA, and Moto Rent Angel come to mind. Scooters are a great option if you’re traveling solo or as a couple. They’re cheaper than golf carts (around $600 – $700 pesos per day, which is around $30 – $35 USD) while being more convenient than a bicycle.

The usual applies here: you’ll leave a driver’s license or a deposit. Be careful when driving, roads on Isla Mujeres aren’t the best, and there are a bunch of potholes that can take you out if you’re not careful.

Getting Around Isla Mujeres Using Local Buses

Parked local bus on Isla Mujeres in the city center — This is what the bus will look like from the ferry terminal

Yes, Isla Mujeres has buses. When you exit the ferry terminal, they’re located on the right site (about 100 feet to the right). A couple of things to keep in mind:

There’s no clear schedule. Buses operate during daylight hours and stop when the sun is setting.
There are two bus lines, one of which will take you all the way to the south with stops in between. The other one will drive south at first, but will drive back north to the part of the island that houses ‘La Palapa del Capitan’. Check which bus you’re going on by telling the driver your destination.
Entering the bus will cost $20 pesos, and they’ll drive you as far as you want.
If you want to get off, just stand up and yell at the bus driver; that’s how it works here.
Buses don’t always take the same route back, but rather drive in a circle. If you don’t know how to get back, just take a taxi. If you do spot a bus, just wave, and most of the time they’ll stop on the side of the road for you.
Buses are completely safe and shared with the locals.
Buses don’t have a lot of facilities and are very beaten down. Don’t expect a luxury experience.

FAQ

Do you need a golf cart on Isla Mujeres?

A golf cart is convenient on Isla Mujeres if you need to transport more than three people at a time. Alternatively, taxis, scooters, bikes, and buses are an option as well.

How much does it cost to rent a golf cart on Isla Mujeres?

Golf cart rental will cost between $70 – $80 USD for half-days (9 AM – 5 PM) and $100 – $110 USD for a 24-hour rental.

Can you walk everywhere on Isla Mujeres?

In theory, yes. In practice, the city center in the north is the walkable part. If you want to get anywhere else, take a taxi, bus, scooter or golf cart.

Are taxis expensive on Isla Mujeres?

Taxis will cost between $100 pesos – $250 pesos, depending on where you’re going on the island.

Is it safe to drive a scooter on Isla Mujeres?

Yes, it’s safe to drive a scooter on Isla Mujeres. Do keep in mind that the condition of the roads isn’t always optimal and that there are potholes that can take you out if you don’t pay attention.

Are there buses on Isla Mujeres?

Yes, there are two bus lines on Isla Mujeres. The cover the complete area of the island. The bus terminal is found on the right side of the ferry terminal if you exit the terminal. Ask the bus driver if he’s going to your destination.

How long does it take to drive around Isla Mujeres?

Going from north to south can be done in 15 minutes with any motorized vehicle. A round-trip would take you 30 minutes at most.

What is the cheapest way to get around Isla Mujeres?

Walking or cycling is the cheapest way to get around Isla Mujeres. Walking is free, and renting a bike will cost $10 – $15 USD per day.