You've just landed at Cancun International Airport (CUN). The sun is shining, the humid heat reminds you that you've finally arrived in the Caribbean, but that initial excitement is quickly met with a practical question: What is the best way to get to my hotel in the Riviera Maya?
If your destination is Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras, or Akumal, don't worry.
This guide is designed to explain all your options, from budget-friendly transport to premium private services, focusing on the most reliable companies so you can make the best decision.
The Riviera Maya stretches along Federal Highway 307, the main road connecting these paradises.
Distances from the airport vary: Puerto Morelos is just 20 minutes away, Playa del Carmen is 45 minutes, Puerto Aventuras is 1 hour, Akumal is 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Tulum is about 1 hour and 40 minutes (without traffic). Depending on your budget and comfort level, here are your best alternatives.
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Option 1: The Premium Experience (Most Recommended): Private Transfer
If you're traveling with family, carrying lots of luggage, or simply value your time and peace of mind after a flight, a private transfer is the best choice. Forget about lines, fixed schedules, or multiple stops. A driver will be waiting for you with a sign holding your name, help you with your bags, and take you directly to the door of your resort or Airbnb.
According to multiple traveler reviews and tourism guides for 2025-2026, here are the standout companies:
Sacbe Transfers: The Best Option to Get to Tulum
If your final destination is the archaeological site or the famous Hotel Zone of Tulum, Sacbe Transfers is considered the number one choice by experts. Why? Although Tulum is booming, the main roads can be tricky if you don’t know the area.
- Key advantage: They are known for excellent communication via WhatsApp and real-time flight tracking. If your flight is delayed, they will wait for you at no extra cost.
- The ride: The Shuttle from Cancun Airport to Tulum typically takes between 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes under normal conditions, though traffic on Highway 307 can extend it during peak hours.
- Honorable mentions: They have a 5.0 rating on platforms like TripAdvisor, highlighting their punctuality and clean fleet of vehicles.
Note for Tulum: Many hotels in Tulum are located on rough, unpaved roads.
Booking a private service like Sacbe ensures the driver is familiar with the area, preventing local taxis from overcharging or getting lost.
Cancun Airport Transfers
When we talk about "Cancun Airport Transfers," we're not referring to specialized companies like Cancun Airport Transportation or Cancun Airport Shuttle.
Cancun Airport Transfers is a transfer company with many years of experience and a wide variety of services available.
- Coverage: Their strength lies in all intermediate destinations. They are perfect for getting to Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, or Akumal.
- Comfort: They offer everything from private SUVs for 4 people to vans for up to 10 passengers. The price is usually per vehicle, not per person. For example, a vehicle for 8 people could cost around $84 USD per trip, which, when split among friends, is more economical than the bus.
- 24/7 Service: They operate 24 hours a day, which is ideal for late-night flights.
Cancun Airport Taxi (Known to locals as Taxi Aeropuerto Cancun)
When we say "Cancun Airport Taxi," we're not referring to the taxi service itself, but rather to a company that also provides pre-arranged transportation.
- How it works: Like any other transfer company, they have a website and contact information.
- Best for: If you want to travel from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen, Cancun Airport Taxi is the best option in terms of price and travel time.
Option 2: ADO Bus (The Budget-Friendly & Safe Option)
If you're traveling alone or with light luggage and want to save money, ADO is the king of the peninsula.
- How to take it: Right as you exit the terminals (T2, T3, T4), you'll see the ADO booths. You buy your ticket (card and cash accepted) and board the air-conditioned bus.
- 2025-2026 Prices: A ticket to Playa del Carmen costs around 220-250 MXN ($12-14 USD), while a ticket to Tulum is around 280-320 MXN ($16-18 USD).
- Destinations: They make official stops at Puerto Morelos (drop-off at the gas station on the highway), Playa del Carmen (downtown terminal), and Tulum (town center).
- The problem for Akumal and Puerto Aventuras: ADO does NOT drop you off inside these gated communities. If you get off on the main highway, you'll need to take a local taxi to reach your hotel's entrance, adding an extra $5-10 USD to your cost.
Option 3: Colectivos (For Backpackers Only)
This option is extremely budget-friendly but NOT recommended for leaving the airport with large suitcases.
Colectivos are shared vans that function as local transportation. Their stop is not inside the airport; you have to walk out to the main highway (307) by crossing a pedestrian bridge, which can be dangerous with rolling luggage.
Prices:
- Playa del Carmen to Tulum: 60-80 MXN.
- Playa del Carmen to Akumal: 40-50 MXN.
- Playa del Carmen to Puerto Aventuras: 30-35 MXN.
Who is it for? For backpackers with a small backpack who want a local experience while traveling during the day.
Quick Guide by Destination
To make it even easier, here’s a summary of what to do based on your city:
Puerto Morelos (Closest to the Airport)
This is the most authentic fishing village and the closest to the airport. Being only 20-30 minutes away (Zone B for shuttles), taxis or private transfers are quite affordable.
Recommendation: Private transfer or ADO bus + local taxi.
Playa del Carmen (The Midpoint)
Playa is the heart of the Riviera Maya. All options work well here. If you're coming for a family or luxury trip, being equidistant from the airport means a private transfer will save you the walk from the ADO terminal (on 20th Avenue) to your hotel on 1st or 5th Avenue.
Recommendation: ADO (if going downtown) or Private Transfer (if going to Playacar or a more remote rental).
Akumal (Turtles and Tranquillity)
Akumal is in Zone C for transport services. The issue here is that the bus stop is on Highway 307.
You'll have to cross a hot pedestrian bridge and then walk or take a taxi to enter the town.
Recommendation: Definitely Private Transfer. It's worth paying to be dropped directly at the door of your dive resort or condo.
Puerto Aventuras (Condos & Marina)
Similar to Akumal, this is a gated community. ADO will drop you at the main entrance, but from there to your apartment could be a 1-2 km walk under the sun.
Recommendation: Private transfer. Companies like Sacbe or Valentina's Tours know the area perfectly and will take you right to your reception.
Tulum (Farthest Destination)
Tulum is the most in-demand destination, but also the farthest (Zone E: 1.5 to 2 hours). Tulum's "Hotel Zone" is a 15-minute drive from the town center.
- Critical advice: Do NOT take a taxi from the airport to Tulum. It will cost a fortune ($150+ USD).
- The pro move: Book Sacbe Transfers. They monitor your flight, and as specialists in Tulum, they know exactly how to navigate the traffic on the coastal road (Kukulcán) that often comes to a standstill during high season.
Which Option Is Best?
To wrap up, the choice depends on your traveler profile:
- If you're on a budget and staying in Playa or downtown Tulum, the ADO Bus. Clean, safe, and air-conditioned.
- If you want comfort, luxury, peace of mind (or are going to Akumal/Puerto Aventuras): Sacbe Transfers (if heading to Tulum) or Cancun Airport Transfers (for other destinations). For around $30-80 USD (depending on the destination), you'll have a private car waiting for you with no waiting and WhatsApp tracking.
Don't let transport stress overshadow your first hours in paradise. Book ahead, and you'll arrive in the Riviera Maya with a cold drink in your hand and the sea at your feet.
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