Getting around Isla can seem like a lot but the island is 5 miles long and 1/3 of a mile wide at it’s widest part. We stay in El Centro, near North Beach, and walk most places. For longer trips, we take a taxi or hop on the bus. Honestly, we hardly ever rent a golf cart, and we get around just fine.

Best Way to get around

  • Walk
  • Taxi
  • Bus
  • Golf cart or scooter
  • Bicycle

Walking

If you enjoy walking, you’ll have no trouble exploring much of El Centro, including its restaurants, shops and North Beach. Head much farther south than Chedraui, the island’s main large grocery store, or beyond the Airport Road area, and you’ll probably want another way to get around. We usually choose a taxi. Our favorite example? We walk to Chedraui, buy more groceries than we intended (it happens!), and take a taxi home. Easy! Head much farther south than Chedraui, the island’s main large grocery store, or beyond the Airport Road area, and you’ll probably want another way to get around. We usually choose a taxi.

Taxis

Taxis are plentiful and rarely do we have trouble getting one. Mapchick’s Isla Mujeres app has several taxi drivers numbers so we can always call one if we need to. This is especially helpful to prearrange if you need to be somewhere on time, like the ferry back home 😢

Bus

The bus is very inexpensive and can be a good way to travel around the island. However, routes can be confusing, and schedules aren’t always predictable.
Our personal rule? If we’re waiting more than 10 minutes, we’ll usually grab a taxi instead. Your vacation time is too precious to spend all of it waiting for a bus!

Bicycles & scooters

You can rent bicycles and scooters on the island, but we’d only recommend them if you’re experienced and comfortable riding in traffic.
Isla Mujeres roads can get busy, and defensive riding is essential. If you’re renting a bicycle, bring your own properly fitting helmet. Helmets are not provided. When renting a scooter helmets are provided but may or may not fit properly. It is law to wear helmets on scooters.

Golf carts

Golf carts are incredibly popular on Isla Mujeres, and it’s easy to see why. They’re fun, give you freedom to explore and let you discover places at your own pace.
The downside? They’re expensive, especially if you’re renting for several days. For some visitors, the convenience is worth every peso; for others, taxis and walking make more sense.


A few important things to know before you rent:

  • Traffic is real. You’ll share the road with taxis, other golf carts, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and, occasionally, animals. Drive defensively and pay attention.
  • Impaired driving is a serious risk. Never drink and drive, even in a golf cart. Enforcement practices and penalties can change, so don’t rely on what you see other drivers doing. Fines can be up to $400us.
  • Remember this is a real community. People live, work, go to school and cross these streets every day.

We’ll cover the golf cart rules and our tips for renting one below.

If you’ve decided to rent a golf cart, a few simple precautions can make your trip safer and help avoid unexpected expenses.

1. Your driver’s license
Rental companies require holding your valid driver’s license while you have the cart. There is no need to be concerned about this, you get it back when you return the cart.
2. Inspect your cart before leaving
Take photos or a video before you drive away, especially if you notice scratches, dents or other damage.
3. Keep to the right and signal your turns
You’re driving on public roads, sometimes alongside heavy traffic. Pay attention, use appropriate turn signals or hand signals when safe and follow traffic signs.
4. Keep children out of the driver’s seat
A golf cart isn’t a toy. Only properly licensed and authorized drivers should operate it, and children should never be allowed to drive.
5. Stay off the Malecón
The Malecón is the wide pedestrian walkway along the island’s eastern side, with beautiful ocean views. Park your cart and enjoy the walk instead.
6. Watch for one-way streets
Some streets are one-way, and the signs aren’t always easy to spot. Mapchick’s custom Isla Mujeres map includes directional arrows to help you identify traffic flow. Still, pay attention to posted signs and follow them.
7. Watch for pedestrians and animals
Slow down, stay alert and give everyone plenty of room. It’s an island community, not a golf cart theme park!
8. Never drink and drive
Designate a sober driver if you’re going out for drinks. Better yet, arrange a taxi or a local driver if you plan to visit several bars. Don’t risk an accident, a fine or a ruined vacation.

Whatever you choose, take your time, look out for the people who call this island home, and enjoy the ride!🚕 🚌 🛵