The Riviera Maya offers an array of experiences best enjoyed when you have the freedom and knowledge to move around efficiently. Fortunately, getting around is easier than you might think. The area boasts a well-organized and accessible transportation system designed with the needs of tourists, locals, and expats in mind.
This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with all the necessary information about public transportation options available in the area, ensuring you make the most out of your visit.
Best Ways to Get Around in Riviera Maya
Exploring the Riviera Maya is an adventure of its own. With its rich Mayan history, turquoise waters, and lush jungles, knowing the best transportation options can make your visit even more enjoyable. Here are three popular ways to get around in this picturesque region:
ADO Bus: Best in the Budget
The ADO bus service is a stellar choice for those who venture between cities or take day trips without denting their wallet. This extensive network covers southern Mexico, offering routes as far-reaching as Cancun to Mexico City.
Ideal for visits to neighboring towns, state crossings, or exploring landmarks like Chichen Itza, ADO buses ensure seamless and comfortable travel within the Riviera Maya. Bus stations are conveniently located near all major towns, so you can easily plan trips from Playa del Carmen to Tulum or other districts.
Buses are equipped with air conditioning and onboard bathrooms and offer generous luggage allowances to ensure a pleasant journey. You can book the bus service online from various platforms.
The ADO bus fares are also reasonable. Depending on the quality of the ride, a trip from Cancun to Tulum costs around $15 to $30, and from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, around 100 to 160 Mexican Pesos (USD 6 to 10).
Rental Car: Freedom on Four Wheels
If your itinerary includes off-the-beaten-path explorations or multiple-day trips, renting a car allows you to discover the Riviera Maya at your own pace. This option is perfect for adventurers keen on visiting secluded cenotes, wandering through lesser-known villages, or simply wanting the flexibility to start and end their day according to their schedule.
Car rentals offer a practical solution for those eager to escape the constraints of public transport timetables or the costs of frequent taxi rides. The cost of renting an economy car in the Riviera Maya, complete with full coverage insurance, is around MXN 500 (USD 30) daily. The price can be significantly higher if you want a premium car.
Considering the practicality of a rental car against your planned activities is essential. If your stay is concentrated around your hotel and nearby attractions, you might find that the hassle and expense outweigh the convenience.
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Colectivos: The Local Way to Go
For proximity travel and an authentic Riviera Maya experience, colectivos are the go-to option. These shared vans operate between Cancun and Tulum along Highway 307, including Playa del Carmen and Akumal stops. They offer a budget-friendly solution for shorter trips.
Boarding from the main hub in Playa del Carmen, you can head north towards Cancun or south to Tulum with these. They’re perfect for day trips or simply moving between towns, with fares such as Playa del Carmen to Tulum costing as cheap as MXN 50 (USD 3). However, space for luggage is limited, making colectivos more suitable for light travelers.
Despite their convenience, the catch with colectivos is their pick-up policy; colectivos only leave when they’re full and only stop if they have room. So, catching one mid-route can be hit or miss. Starting your journey at the hub ensures a spot, with another van always around the corner if one happens to pass you by.
Playa Express: Travel Between Playa del Carmen and Cancun
The Playa Express offers a comfortable and efficient transportation option for those traveling between Playa del Carmen and Cancun. This service is a notch above the standard colectivo, providing travelers with a more structured and slightly more luxurious journey northward.
Operated in easily identifiable vans adorned with the Playa Express logo, these shuttles are spacious Mercedes vans equipped with air conditioning to stay cool, electrical outlets for charging devices, seat belts for safety, along with a designated space for luggage. Playa Express carries passenger insurance for added safety assurance, offering peace of mind during your travels.
Playa Express shuttles run on a fixed schedule, with shuttles leaving every 30 minutes. They depart from their station in Playa del Carmen, located at Calle 1 and Av 45, near McDonald’s, at scheduled times regardless of passenger count. The destinations include the ADO bus station and Cancun’s city center, which have multiple stops along the way.
Taxi: Convenient for Short Distances
Taxis are one of the primary ways of transportation in Riviera Maya for short distances within city limits. Ideal for quick trips around town or when convenience outweighs cost, taxis offer a straightforward solution for getting around.
However, being vigilant about fares is wise, as tourists often face inflated prices. Always settle on a fare before beginning your journey, and don’t hesitate to negotiate if the price seems steep. For context, short inner-city rides should hover around MXN 40 to MXN 100 (around $2.5 to $6), while a trip from Playa del Carmen to Tulum might cost around MXN 600 (around $35).
For day-long hires, negotiating a fair rate is key. For safety, it’s recommended to use taxi stands or have your accommodation call one for you, ensuring a safer and more reliable ride.
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Airport Shuttle: Easy Airport Transfers
These shuttles offer a reliable and often more economical way to reach your destination from the Tulum or Cancun airport. Ideal for travelers prioritizing ease and efficiency, airport shuttles provide direct routes to major spots like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the hotel zone, ensuring a stress-free start and end to your trip.
However, be aware that private shuttles are often slightly more expensive than most other options for getting around the Riviera Maya. There are also shared shuttles available at a lower cost. If you choose the shared shuttle, book prior to secure your spot for a seamless transition from plane to paradise.
Bicycle: Blend Exercise and Exploration
Bicycles offer a delightful way to explore a city like Playa del Carmen. Many hotels and accommodations offer bike rentals or complimentary bikes, making it easy to set off on a two-wheeled adventure. The Riviera Maya’s flat terrain and dedicated bike paths, such as the one along 10th Avenue in Playa del Carmen, make cycling a pleasure.
Yet, cyclists should be cautious on less accommodating streets and mindful of the region’s heat and humidity. While biking in the Riviera Maya offers exceptional freedom to explore local attractions, remember that bike theft is a concern; always secure your bicycle properly.
Safety Tips While Using Public and Private Transportation in the Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya is widely regarded as a safe destination for travelers, offering a combination of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and hospitable locals. However, as with any travel destination, it’s necessary to follow certain safety precautions. Here are some key tips to ensure your journeys throughout this vibrant region are secure and enjoyable while on the route:
- Use Reputable Services: Choose transportation services with strong safety and reliability reputations. These include well-known bus companies like ADO, registered taxi services, and accredited car rental agencies.
- Agree on Fares Early: When using taxis, it’s wise to agree on the fare before embarking on your trip to avoid misunderstandings upon arrival at your destination.
- Keep Valuables Secure: Always ensure that your valuables, including important travel documents, are safely guarded and remain within vision. Utilize safety features like locked compartments or wear a money belt under your clothing.
- Stay Informed about Areas to Avoid: While the Riviera Maya is generally safe, staying updated on areas recommended for tourists and those best avoided can enhance your security.
- Maintain Communication: Let someone know your travel plans, especially if you’re venturing out for a long day or heading to a more secluded area. Having a local SIM card or an international plan can ensure you’re reachable.
- Be Mindful at Night: Exercise extra caution if traveling late at night. Remain in areas that are well-illuminated and frequented by people, and opt for safer modes of transport, such as trustworthy taxi companies or private shuttle services.
- Stay Sober and Alert: Keeping your wits about you is crucial, especially in unfamiliar settings. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and stay alert to your surroundings and personal belongings.
Adhere to these safety tips to use the Riviera Maya’s transportation network with peace of mind, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and adventure this stunning region offers.
Is There a Train Service in Riviera Maya?
Starting in December 2023, the Riviera Maya now has a new transportation option: the El Tren, or Maya Train. This extensive project aims to connect key destinations across the Yucatan Peninsula through a 1,500-kilometer railway network.
Partially opened, the train service initially operates routes stretching from Campeche to Cancun, covering 473 kilometers with 14 stations out of the planned 34, some of which are in Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, and Cancun. The full service, aiming to enhance accessibility to the region’s rich cultural and natural sites, is expected to begin by June 2024.
Is Uber Available in the Riviera Maya Region?
Uber’s presence in the Riviera Maya has been a topic of much discussion. Since 2016, Uber has maintained a limited operation in Cancun, with a limited number of drivers. Very recently, Uber signed an agreement with the Andrés Quintana Roo Taxi Union. This agreement allows Cancun taxi drivers to register with Uber, promising a combination of traditional taxi services and modern ride-hailing convenience under the Uber Cancun initiative.
Despite these advances in Cancun, Uber services did not extend further into the Riviera Maya as of March 2024. Uber’s collaboration with Cancun’s taxi union may pave the way for expansion into these areas in the near future.
FAQs
Yes, finding public transportation in Riviera Maya is quite straightforward. The region offers a variety of options, including buses, taxis, colectivos, and shuttle services like the Playa Express, catering to different preferences and budgets. Stations and stops are well-marked, particularly in tourist-heavy places.
Colectivos and local buses are the most economical transportation options. They provide frequent service between major destinations at a low cost. The Playa Express also offers an affordable and reliable shuttle service between Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
Absolutely. Renting a car allows you to explore Riviera Maya at your own speed, especially for visiting cenotes, remote beaches, and smaller villages. Remember to consider parking, insurance, and safety tips, such as driving during daylight hours and using toll roads when available.
Several options are available, including ADO buses, private shuttles, and taxis. The ADO bus service is a popular option as it is convenient and affordable. It directly connects the airport with major towns like Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
While the Playa Express provides some luggage space, it’s relatively limited compared to buses or private transfers. If you’re traveling with more than a daypack or small suitcase, you might find it challenging to accommodate larger items.
Armen is a real-estate content writer with a deep-rooted passion for Mexico and its vibrant culture. He offers practical advice, cultural tips, and information about lifestyle and real-estate opportunities that paint a vivid picture of what it’s like to embrace life in this amazing country. His writing resonates with both aspiring expatriates and seasoned globetrotters, providing valuable guidance on how to make the most of living abroad.
