Cancun to Tulum – Riviera Maya: Transportation Options Explained
Planning how to get from the airport to your hotel in the Riviera Maya is one of the most important decisions you’ll make to start your trip. Here we break down all your Riviera Maya transportation options.
It might sound like a minor decision in your vacation plan but your transportation impacts your budget, travel time, and overall experience. Whether you’re heading to Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Akumal, or Tulum, this guide breaks down all the transportation options in the Riviera Maya so you can confidently choose what works best for your trip. We will break down airports, transfers, trains, taxis, and more.
Airports: Which Airport Should You Fly Into?
Distances
Distances from Cancun Airport
- Puerto Morelos: 20 minutes
- Playa del Carmen: 45–60 minutes
- Akumal: 1.5 hours
- Tulum: 2 hours
*It is important to note that there is one highway that runs North/South that connects all of the desitinations in the Riviera Maya. If there is an accident or construction it can cause significant delays.
Choosing the right airport is the first step in planning a smooth trip to the Riviera Maya, and for most travelers, the best choice is Cancún International Airport. It is the largest airport in Quintana Roo and offers the most flight options, competitive pricing, and the easiest access to major destinations like Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Akumal, and Tulum.
While Tulum International Airport is a newer alternative, it’s smaller and still requires a transfer to reach Tulum town or nearby areas, making it best suited only for travelers staying further south. I only recommend flying into Tulum if you are staying in Tulum or Akumal. If you are staying north of Akumal you should fly into Cancun.
Other airports, like Cozumel International Airport, are only practical if that’s your final destination. For a seamless arrival and the most flexibility, flying into Cancun and arranging transportation from there is the simplest and most reliable option.
Cancún International Airport (Best for Most Travelers)
- Largest airport in the region
- Most international flight options
- Best transportation infrastructure
Best for:
- Playa del Carmen
- Puerto Morelos
- Akumal
- Tulum
Pro Tip: Fly into Cancun and arrange transportation south to your hotel
Tulum International Airport
- Smaller airport located about 40 minutes from Tulum town
- Limited routes and flight availability
Only recommended if:
- You are staying in Tulum
- You are staying in Akumal
Not recommended if:
- You are staying north of Akumal (Playa del Carmen or Puerto Morelos)
Cozumel International Airport
Important!
- Only fly here if you are staying in Cozumel
If you are not staying on the island of Cozumel you will need to transit back to the mainland to reach your resort. You can travel between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen by ferry or private boat service.
- Ferry to Playa del Carmen
- Catamaran to Playa del Carmen
- Additional transportation needed to your hotel
Playa del Carmen Airport (above)
- Not used for commercial flights
- Primarily private aviation and skydiving
Riviera Maya Transportation Options Infographic 2026
Local Riviera Maya Transportation Options Compared
Getting around the Riviera Maya once you arrive is generally easy, but the best option depends on where you’re staying and how far you plan to travel.
In destinations like Playa del Carmen and Tulum, most travelers rely on a mix of bikes, e-bikes, and scooters for short distances, especially in beach areas where traffic and parking can be limited. These are often the most convenient and enjoyable ways to get around. Taxis are widely available as well, but prices are not metered, so it’s important to confirm the fare before starting your ride. Ride apps like Eiby can also be useful in some areas, offering upfront pricing and an alternative to traditional taxis.
In smaller towns like Puerto Morelos and Akumal, transportation is more limited, and many visitors get around by walking or biking, with occasional taxi use when needed. For travelers planning to explore multiple towns, cenotes, or attractions, renting a car provides the most flexibility.
Overall, most visitors end up using a combination of transportation methods depending on their daily plans, with bikes and scooters for local exploring and taxis or cars for longer distances.
Private Transfer (Most Convenient)
- Direct, private ride
- No waiting or additional stops
Details:
- Cost: $80–150 USD plus tip
- Best for: Families, groups, convenience
Taxi Tip:
Always confirm your destination and price before getting in the car.
Rental Car (Best for Flexibility)
- Easy highway driving
- Ideal for exploring cenotes, ruins, and beaches
Details:
- Cost: $30–50 USD per day plus insurance
- Best for: Independent travelers
Shared Shuttle (Best Mid-Range Option)
- Door-to-door service
- Shared with other travelers
- Multiple stops possible
Details:
- Cost: $25–40 USD per person
- Best for: Easy transport to any destination
ADO Bus (Best Overall Value)
- Air-conditioned coaches
- Assigned seating
- Reliable and safe
Routes:
- Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
- Cancun Airport to Tulum
Limitations:
- No direct service to Puerto Morelos or Akumal
Details:
- Cost: $11–25 USD
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers
Ride Apps (Eiby – Uber Alternative)
The Eiby app works similarly to Uber:
- Enter pickup and destination
- View price upfront
- Request rides through the app
Best for:
- Short distances within towns
Not ideal for:
- Airport transfers
*These service are not currently allowed at airports because of the taxi unions (that story is a blog post on its own)
Colectivo (Cheapest Option)
- Shared vans used by locals
- Frequent departures along Highway 307
Details:
- Cost: $2–10 USD
- Best for: Budget travel between towns
Limitations:
- Not ideal from the airport
- Not suitable with luggage as they can be crowded
Tren Maya (Best for Touring, Not Transfers)
The Tren Maya is a great option for regional exploration and visiting sites in Quintana Roo, Yucatan, and Campeche. It is not a great way to get around the area since the stations can be far from the resort areas. Reach out to us for more information about Tren Maya routes and how to incorporate this into your Mexico itinerary.
Best for:
- Visiting archaeological sites
- Scenic travel across the Yucatan peninsula
Not ideal for:
- Cancun Airport to hotel transfers
- Direct access to beach zones or hotel zones
Getting Around the Riviera Maya: Other Transportation Options
Playa del Carmen and Tulum
- Bikes
- E-bikes
- Scooters
- Taxis
- Ride apps like Eiby
Puerto Morelos and Akumal
- Walking
- Bikes
- Limited taxi availability
ATVs
- Available in some areas
- Primarily recreational, not practical transportation
How to Choose the Best Option:
- Puerto Morelos: Private transfer or rental car
- Playa del Carmen: ADO bus or shared shuttle
- Akumal: Shared shuttle or private transfer
- Tulum: Shared shuttle, private transfer, or ADO plus taxi
Final Thoughts
For most travelers, the simplest approach is:
- Fly into Cancun
- Pre-book your transportation
- Choose local transport based on your destination
From there, getting around is easy. Whether you are biking in Tulum, walking in Playa del Carmen, or exploring by car, the Riviera Maya is a very manageable destination with the right plan.