Ground transportation from Cancun Airport to Riviera Maya
So you are flying into Mexico and need ground transportation from Cancun Airport to the Riviera Maya. In his article you will find all the options you have for getting to where you want to go. Here are the easiest and best ways depending on your budget.
For the most part, a private transfer is the best way to go. These are even better than a taxi service. By pre-booking these vans you have a driver waiting for you at the airport. You will even be saving money if you book a round trip. This is a great way to start your vacation. You will be at your hotel in no time. There is one budget option for those backpacking, traveling along or staying near the bus stations. Below we talk about these options.
ADO Bus transportation from the Cancun Airport
In a few cases you can take the ADO Bus from the Cancun Airport. This is a good option if you are staying in the downtown of Cancun, near the highway in Puerto Morelos or near the bus station in Playa Del Carmen. Below we give detailed information on how to take this ground transportation option from the Cancun Airport to different destinations in the Riviera Maya.
What about Uber or a taxi?
Uber is operating in Cancun by a thread. It just had a lot of problems with local unions and not enough drivers. So, this is not really an option. Taxis compared to private transfer companies are not the best option in our opinion. Private transfers offer fixed prices and a driver waiting for you at the exit. You also can get a discount for a round trip with a private transfer. These are very good value, and we highly recommend the company mentioned below.
Ground transportation for transfers
We have you covered with one of the best companies that our readers enjoy. Below you will find different destinations in the Riviera Maya and what the prices are for a transfer from Cancun Airport. Before you look below, here are a few details about this transfer company that we recommend.
- All prices for the Cancun Airport transfers include taxes and fees.
- The price for the entire van and not per person.
- The transfer company is insured.
- A bilingual driver will meet you at the Cancun Airport.
- This is a very reliable transfer service with the best prices for our readers.
How does the transfer work from the Cancun Airport?
It is pretty easy. First book your one way or round trip by clicking the links below. Select your destination. Once you have booked, when you exit the airport, your driver will be waiting for you. Then it is a smooth transfer to your destination complete with bilingual driver.
Ground transportation map to the Riviera Maya
Where do you want to go from the Cancun Airport to in the Riviera Maya? This map will show you the locations of areas and the prices of transfers plus links to book them.
Cancun Airport ground transportation to Cancun
Cancun is actually two different locations. One part is the super touristy Hotel Zone where most of the hotels are. The other part is the downtown area. In the downtown there are some hotels, but most people stay here for a day or two while in transit somewhere. We have ground transportation options for both parts of Cancun below.
ADO bus transportation to the downtown of Cancun
In our article about getting from the Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen we talk about the ADO bus and how to find it at the Cancun Airport. There are regular busses that make the trip between Cancun Airport and the Cancun ADO bus station. This really is a service for those that are staying in the downtown area and perhaps close to the bus station. If you are thinking about taking the ADO bus and then going to the Hotel Zone, this is difficult. See why in our article on getting the Hotel Zone here.
ADO Bus Company is the only that has service between the Cancun Airport and Cancun. There are local busses in Cancun, but these do not service the Cancun Airport.
Transportation from Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen is south of the Cancun Airport, and it will take about 50 minutes to arrive at the city. Here are transfer prices.
- Tip: Booking a round trip can save you between $10-$35 USD.
Ground transportation via ADO bus to Playa Del Carmen
Each terminal of the Cancun Airport has a pickup spot, and busses leave about every 30 minutes. Tickets are sold in the terminals and at a kiosk curbside. These busses will only go to the Juarez Avenue ADO in Playa Del Carmen. From there you will either have to walk or take a taxi. For more on taking the bus from the airport to Playa Del Carmen, see our article here.
Note: The Cancun Airport now has four terminals open. Transportation time has increased for taking the bus. Allow extra time going to the Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen now.
Ground transportation from Cancun Airport to Tulum
From Cancun Airport to Tulum a transfer takes about one hour and a half. That is why we like the private transfers, so they take your directly and comfortably. Click the reserve now button for prices and information.
- Tip: Booking a roundtrip can save you between $10-$25 USD.
If you did not see your destination listed above, see the map and click on the area you need to go to. There is a link in each section for booking your transfer.
Ground transportation to get around on your holiday!
Another aspect of getting around is how to get everywhere you want to go while here. Since most people are going to use Playa Del Carmen as a base, we made this map to help people get to popular destinations.
To use the map, click on the line to the destination you are interested in. There will be a link to an article where you can read in depth on where and how to get transportation to where you want to go.
Did we answer all your questions about ground transportation from Cancun airport to the Riviera Maya? Do you have a questions or comments? Let us know below in the comment section. We would love to hear from you.
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This is a good selection of info. I personally never like the taxis because they seem to arrange the price by how much they think they can get.
Great help! We just came down to Playa del Carmen for the first time. We had a great driver who welcomed us at the airport and we were taken directly to our hotel. Loving Playa and your website. It has been a real help!
By far the best way is a private van to pick you up from the airport. We tried a taxi one year. It was small and the driver was like speedy Gonzales. It made us nervous. We like the vans that come even if you have just two people. Courteous drivers and good service that you can book in advance. Best way to start your vacation.
Hello there, you have done a fantastic job with maps and information. I’ll definitely search through your website for more stuff for vacations. Thanks!
Thank you Lavonna for using our website and your nice comments. We hope you have a good vacation here and let us know if you need anything else for your time here.
Are these prices negotiable or set in stone?? I’ve traveled to many Caribbean destinations which provide several local tourist companies to provide transportation & often i can find great rates.
So before i look further into this company – are these rates set in stone??
Hello Mike
These are set prices for transportation from the Cancun Airport. All transportation companies have fixed prices except taxis. Taxis at the airport have no stand or price sheet and will see how much they can get from people arriving. Since there are nearly 20,000,000 people arriving yearly into the airport there is not much reason to accept a low price. The good thing about a private transfer is you can get a discount for a round trip, unlike a taxi. The company we refer people to has a great reputation and we have never had any complaints about them. Not only are the prices good but excellent service.
We too your suggested transfer service and it was very good. Thanks for that.
The Mexican people are so nice and welcoming. Even as politics get in the way of the news, people are very nice and consistancly with a smile. I will continue to come back.
Hello! This is a very get service. I very much recommend them for other travelers.
Appreciate it!
Cancun Airport was pretty easy to navigate and having a lot of options from the airport are nice. Maybe just missing a tram between the terminals.
I am looking for transportation for two groups. There are 5 people in each group and will need transportation from the Cancun airport to Akumal and then to Playa Del Carmen. Can you help me with a quote? Thank you. This is for January.
Hello Mark
We do not provide transportation services but we do refer people to good providers so you can get good service. We do have a recommendation for you. We will send you an email with all the information for you Thank you for reading our artice.
It is true that Uber still does not work in the area? I mean for getting from Cancun to Playa?
Hello Breana
It is true. The best option is either taking the ADO bus or booking a private transfer from the Cancun Airport.
Hello Melanie
We were there yesterday at Cancun’s new terminal. It is nice that it is spacious and will offer people coming to the Riviera Maya faster ground services like customs. The area is growing. We remember when terminal 1 was not used. Now all four terminals are getting busy.