Getting Around the Riviera Maya and Yucatán: A Complete Guide to Transportation
Discover how easy it is to explore the Riviera Maya and Yucatán with this comprehensive guide to the different means of transport available in the region.
The must: “los colectivos”
Colectivos in Playa Del Carmen are minibuses used as public transport, mainly by locals. It’s the cheapest way to get around, costing between 5 and 60 pesos a trip. The principle is simple: you stand on the side of the road and wave to the driver, who stops to take you on board. You announce where you’re going and pay as you get off.
The driver may forget your stop, so don’t hesitate to say “baja” when you want to get off.
The driver will call your headlights if there’s still room. There are no fixed times for the colectivos, which wait for as many people as possible before setting off. Generally, there’s a departure every 15-2O minutes.
Collectivos are economical and practical, allowing you to get around at lower cost while making contact with the local population. However, they offer little comfort, have no fixed timetable and are sometimes overcrowded. Fares are very affordable, usually just a few pesos per trip.
Tuk-tuk: a colorful trip
Tuk-tuk, or three-wheeled vehicles, are becoming increasingly popular in tourist areas. They offer an original way to get around and discover the city. Fares are generally negotiable.
Convenient for short distances, tuk-tuk are ideal for visiting city centers and markets. However, they are less economical than collectivos or school transport and can be uncomfortable over long distances. Prices vary according to distance and length of journey, but are generally higher than for public transport.
ADO Buses: Comfortable buses to explore the Riviera Maya
ADO is one of Mexico’s leading bus companies, offering regular, comfortable transportation throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, including the Riviera Maya. ADO buses are a comfortable and economical way to travel in Mexico. They offer regular departures every 30 minutes and serve several popular destinations such as Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Mérida and Bacalar. Tickets can be purchased at the station or online via the ADO website or Busbud.
ADO bus types
ADO offers several types of bus to meet the different needs of travelers:
Bus Primera Clase: These top-of-the-range buses offer maximum comfort, with reclining seats, individual screens, electrical outlets and often Wi-Fi.
Turistar buses: A little less luxurious than Primera Clase, Turistar buses still offer a good level of comfort, with reclining seats and generous legroom.
GL buses: These buses are more economical and offer a basic service, ideal for small budgets.
ADO fares
ADO bus fares vary according to distance, type of bus and time of year. In general, prices are very affordable, making them an economical option for getting around the Riviera Maya.
Some examples of fares (for information only):
Cancun – Playa del Carmen: between 120 and 250 Mexican pesos
Playa del Carmen – Tulum: between 90 and 130 Mexican pesos
For exact fares and bus schedules, please visit the ADO website or use their mobile app.
Getting around by cab in the Riviera Maya: a practical guide
Cabs are a very popular means of transport in Riviera Maya, offering great flexibility for getting from one point to another. However, it’s important to be aware of a few key points to optimize your experience and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Cabs in Riviera Maya are easily recognized by their white color and green stripe on the doors. They are generally available in all tourist areas and main towns.
Advantages:
Flexibility: Taxis allow you to travel whenever and wherever you want.
Comfort: Vehicles are often air-conditioned and offer a certain degree of comfort.
Speed: Taxis are a fast way to get around, especially for short distances.
Disadvantages:Cost: Taxis are generally more expensive than public transport such as ADO buses or colectivos.
Negotiation: It is often necessary to negotiate the fare, which can be a source of stress for some travelers.
Reliability: Service quality can vary from driver to driver.There are no regulated rates for cabs in Riviera Maya. The fare is usually negotiated with the driver before boarding.
When you arrive at Cancùn airport in Mexico, it’s essential to remain vigilant, especially after a long journey. Cab drivers can sometimes take advantage of travelers’ fatigue to charge excessive rates. Fares from Cancùn airport to Playa Del Carmen can vary, but usually cost between 1,000 and 1,500 pesos.
UBER: present in Mexico
Uber est également présent au Mexique, mais sa disponibilité varie d’une région à l’autre. Dans la Riviera Maya, il est préférable de commander votre Uber en dehors des aéroports et des hôtels, car le monopole des taxis peut provoquer quelques tensions.
Uber est généralement disponible dans les grandes villes comme México, Puebla, Guadalajara, Monterrey et Cancùn.
LE FERRY : votre passeport pour les îles paradisiaques
To take full advantage of the idyllic setting offered by the Mayan Riviera, with its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, many travelers choose to venture to its islands, which are accessible by ferry.
Regular ferries are available from various ports to access these paradise islands:
Cozumel island: Departure from the port of Playa Del Carmen, 2 types of companies, Ultramar and Winjet. Prices vary according to transport category and season.
îsla Mujeres: Departure from Cancùn, Puerto Juàrez, Playa Tortugas, Playa Caracol. The price is 540 pesos for a round trip for an adult.
Holbox: Departure from the port of Chuiquila. The price is 600 pesos for a round trip for an adult.
Other means of transport: Bikes, scooters...
If you prefer to explore cities like Playa del Carmen or Cancùn, renting a bike or scooter is a practical and ideal option for getting around town while enjoying the surrounding area.
Some vacation resorts and residences offer in-house rentals, but there are also plenty of stations where you can rent a bike by the day, week or longer.
For Tulum, we strongly advise you to opt for scooter or quad rental, as the center is quite a distance from the archaeological zone and the seaside hotel zone, and is also highly recommended for its difficult, paid parking along the coast.
⚠️Pour For safety reasons, you should always wear a helmet for all means of transport, including bicycles.
Tips for travelling by public transport
Don’t hesitate to negotiate prices with tuk-tuk drivers, especially if you’re taking several trips. Learning a few words of Spanish will help you communicate with drivers and other travelers.
Find out about routes by asking locals or consulting transport apps for timetables.
And don’t forget to bring some change, as payments are usually made in cash.
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+52 981 279 1330
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+52 981 279 1045
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