Traveling to Cancun and the Riviera Maya requires moving between the different places of interest: Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Chichen Itza… Traveling to Cancun and the Riviera Maya requires moving between the different places of interest. It is very easy to get around thanks to the numerous means of transportation available in the region. Although most tours offer included transportation, it is always useful to know how to travel independently.
Public transportation in Cancun
Cancun has two parts: the Hotel Zone, with its majestic Caribbean beaches, and Downtown Cancun, with its local flavor. It is very easy to understand how to get around in Cancun, as many of the best attractions and places of interest are located in the Hotel Zone. The Hotel Zone is the main tourist area of Cancun and is very accessible by foot. In addition to that, there are plenty of cabs available and public transportation options.
Most travelers agree that the bus in cancun is the best way to get around. Buses R1 or R2 are the most popular routes, they will take you back and forth between downtown and the hotel zone. The fare is $12 pesos. With this option, you will have access to the beach of your choice, the disco area and any part of the hotel zone. The R2 will even drop you very close to Mercado 28 (downtown) if you want to buy souvenirs at a good price. If you are not sure where to get off the bus, tell your driver. He will let you know when the bus has arrived at your stop.
Cancun cabs have the reputation of being the most expensive means of transportation in the city. Fares in the hotel area are different from those in the urban area. If you are taking a cab, it is better to pay in pesos because they take the dollar at a lower price than at an exchange house. It is also very important to ask what the fare is before you get in. Avoid hailing cabs on the street. Instead, ask your hostel/hotel to arrange a cab for you or call a cab company.
Touring the Riviera Maya
Transportation around the Riviera Maya is generally quite safe, and most towns and cities will have bus services connecting different areas. Look for ADO stations for longer trips and trips to and from the airport. They are very popular in Mexico and serve the most visited destinations in the Riviera, such as Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancun. They are comfortable and economical. You can buy your tickets at the ADO terminal or directly on the website.
Most buses guard your luggage in compartments, but it is preferable to take all valuables with you if possible and beware of thieves.
An alternative is to use the colectivos that operate the route from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and Tulum on a regular basis. If you are traveling short distances, colectivos can be found in most towns and charge around 30 to 40 pesos. This is the cheapest option for this trip. However, the buses make different stops along the route, which can lengthen travel time.
Private Transportation
Another transportation alternative in the city of Cancun and the Riviera Maya is the private transfer service. There are many private transportation companies that can take you and your companions or family from the Cancun airport to your hotel.
The most recommended are Cancun Airport Transportation, a company with more than 10 years in the transfer market, Tequila Transfer that offers the service “Cancun airport to Puerto Juarez” and Cancun private Shuttle, a company that offers luxury services.
