The Ultimate Riviera Maya Transportation Guide
Trying to work through the logistics of Riviera Maya transportation? Read on for a deep dive into the Riviera Maya transportation options and guidance on how to decide which is right for you.
One of the most frustrating issues when traveling is trying to decipher local transportation systems and figure out the best way to get from A to B.
You want to spend your vacation days having fun, not scouring outdated bus schedules to figure out how to get to the local attractions!
In this article, we’ll cover all the different transportation methods available in the Riviera Maya.
You’ll discover what methods are best for long-distance travel, getting around town, airport transfers, and beyond.
You’ll also learn all the factors you’ll need to keep in mind when determining which Riviera Maya transportation method best suits your travel plans.
Throughout my year living in the Riviera Maya, I had a chance to experiment with every transportation method on this list and I’ve determined the most practical application for each of them.
Buckle up and let’s get going!
Getting Around in the Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya Airport Transfers
Best for: Travelers who want to get from the airport to their accommodation swiftly and safely, regardless of price.
Most visitors arrive in the Riviera Maya through the Cancun airport. So, your first order of business will be finding convenient transportation to your accommodation.
Airport transfers are one of the more costly options when it comes to airport transportation, but they are safe, comfortable, and convenient.
You can book your airport shuttle online ahead of arrival or hire one once you’re on the ground.
If you opt for a private airport shuttle, it will be more costly but it’s the fastest way to get to your hotel from the airport. A shared shuttle is slightly less money but you may have to wait through multiple stops before arriving at your hotel.
The great thing about airport shuttles is that the drivers are very professional, they are comfortable and roomy, the prices are fixed, and there is always plenty of room for your luggage.
Because shuttles can be booked in advance and travel at all hours of the day and night, you never have to worry about scheduling conflicts.
Organizing your ground transportation prior to arrival is a great way to ensure you reach your hotel safely and hassle-free.
Click here to book your Cancun Airport shuttle.
For more on Riviera Maya airport transportation, check out my guide to how to get from the Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
ADO Bus
Best for: Day trips; traveling between cities; budget travelers looking for safe and reliable transportation.
Mexico has an extensive bus system which makes it easy to travel anywhere within the country on a budget.
ADO is a bus company that serves all of southern Mexico. You can even take an ADO bus from Cancun all the way to Mexico City if you wish.
Whether you’re hoping to visit a neighboring town or cross into the next state, the ADO bus is a great option for visitors in the Riviera Maya.
There are ADO bus stations near every town throughout the Riviera Maya. Whether you’re planning a day trip from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, want to head over to Merida for a few nights, or visit Chichen Itza, ADO will take you there.
The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and have bathrooms onboard. There are no restrictions regarding luggage, so this is a convenient option even if you’re not traveling light.
An ADO ticket from the Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen will cost about $200 MXN. A ticket from Playa del Carmen to Tulum will cost about $100 MXN. Click here to book your ticket.
ADO has a subsidiary bus line called AU, which is a cheaper and more basic version of ADO buses. AU buses are a great option for short trips, but since they don’t have bathrooms onboard they often stop frequently which inevitably prolongs your journey.
Further Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Mexico’s ADO Bus Company
Rental Car
Best for: Long-distance day trips; reaching off-the-beaten-path destinations; travelers who want complete control of their itinerary
Depending on your travel plans, a rental car can be a fantastic way to explore the Riviera Maya.
If you’re planning to stay mostly within your hotel and make one or two trips into the city nearby, a rental car won’t be necessary. You’ll end up spending more time and money organizing the rental and looking for parking than you would if you just took a taxi.
However, if you’re planning to take some day trips, poke around in the villages up and down the coast, or visit a few cenotes, a rental car is definitely the best way to go.
With the car, you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to visit harder-to-reach places without having to rely on a tour or a bus schedule. You’ll also have a better chance of beating the crowds.
Depending on your plans you may wish to rent a car just for a day so you can take an off-the-beaten-path outing, or for your whole trip!
Click here to check the rates for rental cars in Riviera Maya.
Here are a few handy tips if you choose to rent a car:
- Take toll roads (called cuotas in Spanish) when available, as they are safer and in better repair than the other routes
- Don’t be fooled by super cheap car rental rates that you see online, additional insurance coverage is mandatory and usually costs $15 – $20 USD per day
- For safety reasons, avoid driving at night
- If you are stopped by a police officer (unlikely, but it does happen) don’t attempt to bribe them
Colectivos
Best for: traveling to nearby towns, budget travelers
Colectivos are small passenger vans that travel between the different villages in the Riviera Maya. They are commonly used by locals to get to and from work at the hotels outside of town, but they’re a good option for travelers as well.
The main hub for colectivos is in Playa del Carmen on Calle 2 Norte and 25 Av Sur. There are two routes: north to Cancun or south to Tulum.
Colectivos depart when they are full, and make stops anywhere there is someone waiting to get on or off. This makes them a great option for day trips to and from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and any of the towns in between.
They are a super-economical transportation option. A run between Playa del Carmen and Tulum costs about $50 MXN.
The main downside to colectivos is that they don’t offer much room luggage. If you have anything more than a daypack it may be tough to squeeze your belongings on board.
Since colectivos only stop to pick people up when they have space, you may find yourself watching them pass you by unless you board at the beginning of the route. But don’t worry, another will come along in a few minutes!
Taxi
Best for: short trips within city limits
Uber is not available in the Riviera Maya, so a taxi is your best bet for getting around locally in the region.
You can hire taxis for longer trips like airport runs or day trips, but in most cases, there are more affordable and convenient transportation options for those trips.
Taxis have a bad reputation in the Riviera Maya for gouging tourists and charging far more than the standard fare. Because this issue is so common, always confirm the rate before you get in the taxi.
Don’t be afraid to barter a little if the price seems exceptionally high. For your reference, short trips within a city should cost $40 to $100 MXN.
There are often standard rates for popular destinations such as the airport, Tulum, or XCARET. A taxi from Playa del Carmen to Tulum usually costs around $600 MXN
If you wish to hire a taxi to shuttle you around for the day you’ll have to negotiate a rate that works for both of you.
For safety reasons, always take taxis from taxi stands or have someone call a taxi for you.
Bicycle
Best for: cruising short distances within the city
Bicycle is a promising transportation option for getting around locally in the city where you are staying. Many accommodations will offer bicycle rentals, or have bicycles that are free for guests to use.
Playa del Carmen has a bike path along 10th Avenue which makes it easy to cruise through the city. On other streets, however, you will have to contend with traffic as there aren’t defined bike lanes.
The terrain in the Riviera Maya is flat, so cruising around on bikes is quite easy, as long as you can tolerate the heat and humidity.
While bikes can be a fun way to poke around town, they have their downsides too. Namely, bike theft. Always lock your bike carefully, as theft is quite common.
Walking
Best for: wandering the city streets
Most of the towns in the Riviera Maya are very pedestrian-friendly. If you can stay in a central location you’ll likely find that wandering from place to place is the best way to get around.
Taxis come in handy in places like Tulum, where the hotel zone is a few miles outside of the main town. Once you’re within the downtown core of each Riviera Maya destination, you’ll be able to see the sights comfortably on foot.
Mexico Travel Planning Resources
🌡️ Do I need travel insurance?
Yes! Healthcare in Mexico is affordable for minor ailments, but travel insurance will give you peace of mind if an emergency arises. Plus, you can add coverage for trip interruption, theft, etc. Get a quote from SafetyWing.
🏨 What’s the best way to find accommodation in Mexico?
I use a mix of Booking, Airbnb, and Hostelworld.
Booking.com is awesome for booking hotels and resorts, Hostelworld is great for hostels, and Airbnb specializes in apartment rentals, making it a great place to find long-term stays.
💸 How should I exchange money in Mexico?
Use local ATMS to withdraw cash. US travelers should open a Charles Schwab bank account because they’ll refund ATM fees at the end of the month.
Travelers from outside the US should open a Wise account to secure the best currency exchange rates.
📱 Where can I buy a local SIM card in Mexico?
Pick up a Telcel SIM card at any convenience store. Or, buy an Airalo eSIM online so you’re connected as soon as you land.
🗣️ Do I need to speak Spanish in Mexico?
No, but it definitely helps you feel more confident and connected.
RocketSpanish is my favorite program for learning the foundations of the language. If you’re more focused on improving your conversation skills, hire a tutor through iTalki to prep for your trip.
✈️ What’s the best way to find affordable flights?
I use Skyscanner because it makes it easy to compare rates across different travel days.
🚖 How do I find a safe airport transfer?
I recommend GetTransfer for airport transfers anywhere in Mexico.
🚗 What’s the best way to find rental cars in Mexico?
I recommend Discover Cars because they aggregate prices across rental car companies, making it easy to find competitive rates.
🚐 How do I book bus tickets online in Mexico?
Plan your routes with Rome2Rio, and book your tickets with Busbud — the site is in English and takes foreign credit cards. (Read more here)
🤿 How do I find cool activities and tours in Mexico?
I recommend Viator and Get Your Guide. Viator usually has more options, but it’s worth comparing offerings across both platforms.
🇲🇽 How can I experience Mexico like a local?
Solo female travelers can hire a local female guide through Greether. Greeters will tailor tours based on your interests— it’s basically like experiencing a destination with a local bestie!
🧳 What’s the best luggage for Mexico?
Unless you’re staying at a resort, a travel pack is recommended. I’ve used this one from Osprey for the last 8+ years.
👯♀️ How do I connect with fellow travelers in Mexico?
Join my Female Travelers in Mexico Facebook group, a supportive community of fellow Mexico travel enthusiasts, where you can find answers to all your travel questions!
My family of 8 will be travelling to the mayan Rivera & staying at one the all inclusive resorts that is not within walking distance to any of the sites. The cost of “excursions” especially booked from the hotel is unreal. Ive tried to get my family onboard with car rental, but they are convinced that it’s not safe or not worth it. I want to see more than a resort. Please help
Hi Steph!
I have a couple of suggestions for you. Firstly, I don’t think there are any safety concerns with a car rental. While tourists do occasionally get pulled over, it’s rare. I wouldn’t recommend driving late at night, but other than that, I wouldn’t worry about renting a car. With a big group, you could rent one for just a day or two to hit some of the further away excursions, instead of renting it for the entire trip.
Alternatively, you may be able to find more affordable tours if you book online. I’d check Get Your Guide, Viator, and Airbnb Experiences to see if anything looks appealing. For Viator and Get Your Guide, many of the tours include hotel pickups with the cost of the tour.
Depending on what you’re interested in, you can probably do many of the excursions using public transportation. For instance, Chichen Itza can be accessed via ADO bus from Playa del Carmen.
Finally, another convenient transportation option is hiring a taxi driver for the day. This works well for things like beach or cenote hopping. It might end up costing about the same amount as renting a car for the day, but a local driver will know exactly where to go. Just ask any taxi driver you encounter if they’d be willing to do this.
I hope this helps!