How to Get from Akumal to Tulum in 2024
Trying to figure out how to get from Akumal to Tulum? Look no further!
As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen, I’ve become an expert on all the transportation options for getting around the Riviera Maya region.
Akumal is known for its beautiful beaches and abundance of sea turtles, but this small beach town doesn’t have quite as many transportation services as Playa del Carmen or Tulum.
But don’t worry, getting to Tulum from Akumal is still easy and manageable!
In this post, I’m sharing the best ways to get from Akumal to Tulum, whether you’re looking for the cheapest ride or the most luxurious trip.
Read on to find out the best Akumal Tulum transportation for you!
Best Ways to Get from Akumal to Tulum
These are the best ways to get to Tulum from Akumal:
1. Take a Colectivo
The cheapest and most common way to get from Akumal to Tulum is by taking a colectivo.
This is a shared public transportation service that runs continuously between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Basically, colectivos pick up passengers from the side of the highway and drop them off at any point in between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
They don’t have set schedules but run daily roughly every 10 minutes from about 7AM-9PM.
To catch a colectivo from Akumal, you’ll want to head to the main highway 307. Cross the overpass to get to the other side of the highway as you’ll need to flag down a southbound colectivo.
There is a small bus stop on the side of the highway where you’ll likely see other passengers waiting for a colectivo.
Be on the lookout for oncoming colectivos (you can see what they look like in the pictures below).
When you see one coming, simply wave like you’re hailing a taxi and as long as the colectivo isn’t full, it should stop to let you on.
Once you’re on the colectivo, you can take it to its final stop in downtown Tulum and it should take about 30-40 minutes.
You’ll pay the driver upon exiting and it should only cost around $35 pesos (~$2 USD). Be sure to have small bills on hand (pesos are best) as most drivers don’t have much change.
🗣 Note: If you want to get off a little sooner (i.e. if you want to go from Akumal to the coastal ruins of Tulum or the Hotel Zone), then I would recommend telling the driver where you’re headed as soon as you get on. Most colectivo drivers don’t speak English so this is usually the easiest way to communicate your destination rather than having to shout from the back of the colectivo.
Once you’ve reached the final stop in Tulum, you can get around Tulum by taking a taxi or walking to your final destination.
Keep in mind the Tulum beach zone (Zona Hotelera) is about 3 miles away from the colectivo stop so you’ll likely need to hail a taxi or rent a bicycle if that’s where you’re headed.
2. Take a Taxi
If you don’t mind spending a little more, then taking a taxi is the next best option to get from Akumal Mexico to Tulum.
Taxis are much faster and more direct than colectivos as colectivos make frequent stops along the highway.
Plus, you’ll have the privacy and comfort of a private vehicle and door-to-door service.
To catch a taxi from Akumal to Tulum, you can arrange one from your hotel or resort or from one of the main taxi stands in town (marked as “Sitio”).
There is a taxi stand next to the arch at the entrance to Akumal Bay and another one in the pueblo.
If you have any trouble finding a taxi, you can also call for one using numbers provided by your hotel or vacation rental host.
If you take a Akumal to Tulum taxi, it should take about 30 minutes to get to Tulum and it should cost around $650 pesos (~$35 USD).
3. Rent a Car
Another option is to rent a car and drive yourself from Akumal to Tulum.
This is a great option for those who are comfortable driving in Mexico and want the convenience of having their own vehicle to explore Quintana Roo.
A rental car makes it much easier to visit more off-the-beaten path attractions and day trips near Tulum, including Kaan Luum Lagoon, Dos Ojos Cenote, the Cobá Ruins, or even Sian Ka’an.
Plus, renting a car can sometimes be cheaper than taking taxi rides, depending on the length and number of trips you’ll be taking.
🚙 Related Reading: Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya Rental Car Tips
The drive from Akumal to Tulum takes about 20 minutes and you’ll want to take the main highway 307 directly south.
It’s a very easy drive on a well-maintained highway–you might just face some occasional road construction delays.
I recommend booking your rental car through Discover Cars, as you can see detailed ratings and reviews from many different rental car companies.
There is an Avis rental car location in Akumal, which can be reserved online through Discover Cars.
Pricing will vary depending on your rental length and car type, but you can expect prices to start around $40 USD per day for the most basic economy vehicles.
4. Rent a Scooter
If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to get from Akumal to Tulum, then you might consider renting a scooter.
Renting a scooter is a great way to explore the local scenery and get off the beaten path, although it is a bit more dangerous.
You can find Akumal scooter rentals through most hotels and resorts in Akumal, as well as a few local scooter rental companies like Scooter Club Cancun.
This company offers scooter rentals online, and then they’ll drop off the scooter at your location in Akumal.
You can expect scooter rentals in Akumal to cost around $500-$600 pesos (~$25-$30 USD) per day, and they typically include helmets and insurance.
5. Book a Private Transfer
The last option for getting to Tulum from Akumal is to book a private transfer. This is the most expensive option, but it’s also the most comfortable and convenient.
You’ll be able to reserve pickup in advance and you’ll be driven directly to your destination in a private vehicle.
I recommend booking your Akumal to Tulum private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation, as they offer reliable vehicles and friendly, experienced drivers.
The price for an Akumal to Tulum private transfer will depend on the total duration of your trip.
If you’re looking for a stress-free way to get from Akumal to Tulum, then a private transfer is the way to go.
How Far is the Drive from Akumal to Tulum?
The Akumal to Tulum distance is about 17 miles (28 km) and takes about 30 minutes.
It’s an easy drive on a well-maintained highway but you might face some occasional road construction delays.
Private transfers are the fastest option, while colectivos take a bit longer due to frequent stops along the way.
Does the ADO Bus Stop in Akumal?
No, the ADO bus does not stop in Akumal. The ADO only goes from Playa del Carmen to Tulum (and vice versa) and does not makes stop in Akumal.
There are Mayab buses (an ADO lower-class bus line) that travel in between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, which allow passengers to be dropped off in Akumal.
These charter-style buses leave from the ADO stations and operate in the same fashion as colectivos, where you can get picked up and dropped off on the side of the highway.
However, they only run every 4 hours or so, so it’s much easier and more convenient just to take a colectivo.
Getting Back to Akumal from Tulum
When you’re ready to head back to Akumal from Tulum, you can basically just reverse the process with your chosen Akumal transportation method.
If you want to catch the colectivo from Tulum to Akumal, head to the main highway 307 and flag one down that’s going north towards Playa del Carmen.
If you’re coming from the Tulum beach road, there’s a bus stop in front of the 7-Eleven where it’s pretty easy to catch one.
Or if it makes you feel more comfortable, you can always go back to the main colectivo stop that you were dropped off at.
🚐 Related Reading: How to Get from Playa del Carmen to Akumal
Tips for Taking a Colectivo from Akumal to Tulum
Follow these tips for a stress-free experience when taking the Akumal to Tulum bus:
- Have small bills on hand (pesos are best): Most colectivo drivers will not have much change so make sure to have small bills on hand (pesos are best). Trust me, they will not be happy if you try and pay with a $500 peso bill!
- Tell the driver your destination when you get on: If you’re planning to get off anywhere before the final stop in downtown Tulum, it’s usually easiest just to tell the driver as soon as you get on. Most drivers will not speak English and this is easier than having to shout from the back of the bus. They’re pretty good about remembering where to stop.
- Track your location on Google Maps: If you’re nervous about where you need to get off, it doesn’t hurt to track your location on Google Maps so you can get prepared.
- Be prepared for some walking: The colectivos only operate along the highway so depending on where you’re staying on Akumal Beach, it’ll probably take a bit of walking to get to the highway. For example, from Half Moon Bay to the highway, it might take 15-20 minutes.
- Travel light: Colectivos do not have luggage storage and are usually pretty full. It’s best to pack light and only take what can fit on your lap.
- Avoid traveling at night: Colectivos run until about 9PM but I would recommend taking them during daylight if possible. It’s much more difficult to flag down colectivos in the dark. Plus, it can be more dangerous walking alone at night.
Akumal to Tulum: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about getting from Akumal to Tulum:
The cheapest way to get from Akumal to Tulum is to take a colectivo, which only costs around $35 pesos (~$2 USD) each way.
A colectivo costs around $35 pesos (~$2 USD) each way.
Not really. Colectivos do not have luggage storage so you can really only take what you can fit on your lap.
A taxi from Akumal to Tulum costs around $650 pesos (~$35 USD) each way.
Conclusion: Akumal to Tulum Transportation Guide
I hope this guide has helped you figure out how to get from Akumal to Tulum! There are a few different options depending on your budget and comfort level.
The cheapest and most common way is to take a colectivo (public transportation van).
Once you get the hang out it, they are an easy and inexpensive way to get around the region.
Or if you’re looking for more convenience with door-to-door service, consider taking a taxi or booking a private transfer from Akumal to Tulum.
Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to have a great time exploring Tulum!
🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?
These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:
🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.
🚗 Rental Cars: I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited on most snorkeling tours, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
