The airport in Cancun is a maze of people selling expensive transportation to the hotel zone. Taxis cost about $35 per person. A shared ride "Linea Verde", similar to the super shuttle in most American cities cost $9 also per person - but they will drop you off at you hotel door step.  There's another alternative, the ADO Bus company.  They too have a stall almost at the end of the line. It cost 75 pesos or about $7.50USD.  This is a first class bus.  It's air conditioned; it has a bathroom; and it shows a movie during the 25 minute ride to downtown Cancun.

After you arrive collect your luggage and head out the door.  By pass the Taxi offers and walk to the Bus stop.  Take the bus marked "Zona Hotelera"  which is almost any bus, and pay the driver 6.50 pesos; tell him the name of your hotel, and he will get you as close as possible without going to the hotel front door.  These buses do make frequent stop, and when they can, they fly down the streets.

Agreed, this is not for everyone, particularly if you travel with more than one suitcase, and, they are not rolleys! But you if you want to save a few dollars, give them a try.  You will see a different Cancun.

If you want more convenience and intend to go beyond Cancun to Chichen or down 307 on the Riviera Maya then a car rental will work as well. All the big name agencies are at the airport but plan to book well in advance from your home country before you land in Cancun. Come out wait for the shuttle buses that take you to the rental office. Insurance is critical so unless your AMEX or Visa covers the collision/theft/damage buy that for the value of the car as well as buy Personal Liability Insurance to cover you if you are in an accident. But don't let that scare you. Driving is less aggressive than in most large U.S. cities like New York or Boston and the Airport to Cancun Hotel Zone route is easy as is the one from Cancun to Chichen and Cancun to Puerto Morelos, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum on the Riveira. Tire flats are not covered by the roadside assistance programs of the rental companies so make sure you check the spare and the jack and are comfortable changing a tire if you get a flat. If you do then change the tire and go back for a new car next day. A little bit of a hassle but you have the convenience of leaving as and when you want to visit sites without wasting time waiting for buses or paying/haggling for taxi fares.