The Best Way to Get From Cancun to Akumal Mexico (And the Worst!)
Wondering how to get to Akumal from Cancun Airport?
The closest airport to Akumal is Cancun International Airport (code: CUN), so you have to fly there and then make your way 1.5 hours south to Akumal. But don’t worry — it’s very easy to travel from Cancun to Akumal Mexico — and you’re about to discover your best transport options!
As someone who’s lived in Mexico for years now, and currently lives in Merida just a few hours from Akumal, I know the best way to get to Akumal from Cancun is via private transport service.
This is by far the easiest, fastest, most stress-free and hassle-free way to get from Cancun Airport to Akumal with door to door service! You can book below with the Tripadvisor-backed company I recommend ⤵, or head here to find out why I say they are your best option.
Besides private transportation, you can rent a car in Cancun and drive to Akumal, or take the ADO bus from Cancun Airport to Akumal or go on an Akumal tour. Besides these, you can take a taxi from Cancun to Akumal — but you’ll soon see why that’s your worst option.
Ready for a breakdown of all your Akumal transportation options? Keep reading to learn about the best ways to get from Cancun to Akumal Mexico!
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Where is Akumal Mexico?
Akumal is located in Quintana Roo State, one of the three states that make up Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It it south of Cancun, and in-between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The small pueblo of Akumal sits on the Caribbean Sea, and ranks among the best beach towns in Mexico.
🐢 Akumal Mexico is famous because you can swim with the turtles in Akumal Bay!
How far is Akumal from Cancun?
Wondering about the Cancun to Akumal distance? It’s 57 miles (92 km) from Cancun Airport to Akumal. The Cancun to Akumal drive time is about 90 minutes in normal traffic.
- Tulum to Akumal: 22 miles (35 km)
- Playa del Carmen to Akumal: 27 miles (38 km)
- Riviera Maya to Akumal: 16 miles (26 km)
- Puerto Morelos to Akumal: 45 miles (72 km)
Akumal Mexico Map
Cancun to Akumal Private Transfer
As mentioned, the best and easiest way is to book private transportation from Cancun to Akumal. While there are cheaper ways, they often take triple the amount of time — and who wants to deal with that after getting off a flight, going through the Customs line, waiting for luggage, etc.!?
I recommended Cancun Airport Transportation, with an impressive 4.5 star rating and 2,500+ Tripadvisor reviews — and is the best private transfer Cancun to Akumal shuttle service. SAVE $25 by booking round trip, and relax knowing your Akumal to Cancun Airport shuttle is also handled!
♿︎ Need accessible transport? Cancun Airport Transportation has vans with a wheelchair ramp.
Beyond not being in a shared bus or shuttle with 5-30 other passengers, a private service is the most convenient.
As always, convenience comes with a price — but it’s not as steep as you think.
For 1-3 passengers, you’re looking at $135USD round trip; for 4-6 passengers, it’s $160USD round trip; and 7-9 passengers is $185 round trip.
This is the total price you’d be splitting between all people, so for couples and groups, a private shuttle from Cancun to Akumal really is the way to go.
Six Reasons to Book the Cancun to Akumal Shuttle
1. Leave on Your Schedule
With the private shuttle, you set the departure time.
Imagine arriving to Cancun Airport after your flight, going through the Customs line, getting your luggage, and then waiting another two hours to even get on Akumal bus — to then make the 1.5 hours to drive to Akumal.
🤬 Yeah, no.
2. Bilingual Driver
With Cancun Airport Transportation, you’ll have an English-speaking driver.
For those who aren’t confident in speaking Spanish, having a bilingual guide who will meet you at the airport is a nice perk — especially after a long and stressful day of traveling!
3. It doesn’t matter if your flight’s late
If your flight arrives late, or if you have any issues clearing Customs, or if there’s any delay or issues with your luggage (travel is stressful 🤪), your private shuttle will still be there for you.
4. Nice Cars, SUVs and Vans
Want a luxury car? You have options for SUV transportation in a Yukon, Suburban or Expedition, and also limo service from Cancun to Akumal.
Cancun Airport Transportation guarantees you’re in an insured, new, and air conditioned vehicle.
While many shuttles from Cancun to Akumal do have AC, it’s not always a guarantee, and on a 1.5-hour drive in the tropics after a flight, no AC is not a good start to your Akumal vacation!
5. Door to Door Service
With the private shuttle, your driver will meet you right outside of the airport.
They will walk you and your luggage to the car or SUV, pack everything up for you, and drive you straight to your Akumal accommodation, while you just kick back and relax.
6. It’s Your Fastest Option
As time is always the most precious commodity while on vacation — and the one nobody seems to have enough of — it makes sense to spend a bit more money, as long as you’re saving a good chunk of time.
Compared to your other transport options, the private shuttle is fastest.
Book your Cancun to Akumal Private Transport
Rent A Car: Driving from Cancun to Akumal
Beside a private transport service, getting a Cancun car rental at the airport and driving to Akumal from Cancun is the second best option.
Now, for those who just plan to relax on Akumal Beach, drink in hand, soaking up the sun — skip the rental car and opt for the Akumal airport shuttle.
However, if you’re planning to do a few Akumal day trips to nearby Tulum, Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, Valladolid, and some of these other amazing places in the Yucatan, then a car is the way to go.
For car rentals, the best place to get one is in Cancun Airport, which has the biggest selection.
When booking your car online, I recommend and use Discover Cars.
They are great because they search both international companies, and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates.
Discover Cars also provides ratings for all companies, so you can eliminate ones that don’t have a good reputation.
Finally, you can buy Mexican car insurance right from them when you book, so you’re not surprised with an exorbitant and unexpected bill when you get the car.
How much are Cancun car rentals?
Mexico car rental rates vary, but figure about $25USD per day for an economy car if you decline insurance, and about $35USD per day for full coverage.
Note: You do need insurance, as you’ll see below.
🚗💨 Akumal car rental: Cancun is the best place to get a rental car, as you can then just drive to Akumal, and Cancun will have a much bigger selection.
If you’ve looked online for a Mexico rental car, you might see $5 USD rentals. If this rate seem too good to be true — that’s because they are!
This is the base price for just the car, not including insurance, taxes, fees, etc. To be safe, assume the car will be at least $25 USD per day.
Do I need Mexico Car Insurance?
Yes — At the minimum, you need Personal Liability Insurance to drive in Mexico.
One of the reasons I always book with Discover Cars is because they offer full coverage for about $10-15 USD per day!
At that rate, it’s a no brainer for me when renting a car in Mexico so I have peace of mind.
Credit Card Insurance through a U.S. Card
Some United States credit cards provide insurance for card holders.
However, if anything happens, you have to pay for the damages out of pocket when you return the car in Mexico.
You’ll then file a claim with the credit card company, and hope they fully reimburse you in a timely manner.
I have been in Mexico long enough, and heard enough horror stories, that I 100% always tell people not to rely on this.
If you do opt for credit card coverage, call them before your Akumal trip and double check their coverage policy, so you know you’re comfortable with it.
🚨 Some companies won’t let you take the car if you decline insurance, so be prepared with a backup plan — or purchase the full coverage when you book with Discover Cars, which is only about $10USD per day!
If you’re planning to decline coverage altogether, first, know the company can deny your rental.
For those who have booked through a third party rental site where you’ve already paid in full, you’ll then have to haggle with them for a refund.
Second, they will likely put a hold of about $3,000 USD on your card. Make sure to use a credit card for this.
With a credit card, the money is held; whereas with a debit, the money is actually taken (then returned), but you’d be out the $3,000 until you return the rental 😳
Is it safe to drive from Cancun to Akumal?
The road from Cancun to Akumal is Highway 307 (Carretera Cancún-Tulum).
It’s not a big highway, but rather, a well-maintained four-lane road that’s comfortable to drive on, even in a compact car.
Note: A bigger car or SUV is better if you’re exploring other places in Yucatan.
From the airport, you’ll find lots of signs directing you to Highway 307.
You then just have to take this one road for a simple, straight shot drive all the way to Akumal.
Depending on traffic and weather conditions, the Cancun to Akumal drive time is about 1.5 hours.
While it’s not often advisable to drive at night in Mexico, you should be fine on this road at night.
Highway 307 is frequented by tourists driving from Cancun Airport to Akumal, so the government keeps it nice and safe.
🚔 Note: Don’t speed at night, as there’s always police checkpoints.
Cancun to akumal Map
Police Checkpoints on the Way to akumal
There will be a few police checkpoints on Highway 307 as you drive to approach Akumal.
It’s usually a fast procedure: Traffic will funnel down into one lane, police will do a quick check to make sure nothing’s out of the ordinary, and you’ll go on your merry way.
The police may ask you to pull over, see your rental papers, your driver’s license, etc. — so have your documents handy.
This is standard procedure to verify you don’t have anything illegal, aren’t driving without a license and aren’t drunk on your Cancun to Akumal drive.
Topes: Speed bumps in Mexico
When driving, beware of topes in Mexico! A tope (pronounced toe-pay) is a speed bump, and they are all over — even on highways.
Often, there’s no sign alerting you to them, so keep your eyes on the road.
Some topes are bigger than others, so always slow way down when approaching one.
Cancun to Akumal Bus
For those traveling on a budget, the ADO bus from Cancun to Akumal is the best option.
However, it can also take triple the time as the private shuttle from Cancun to Akumal — but if you don’t mind sacrificing two hours, the bus is the cheapest way to get to Akumal from Cancun.
💸 Cancun to Playa del Carmen ADO bus tickets cost $216 pesos, or about $11USD. ▶︎ BOOK NOW with BusBud
The bus takes a lot longer because there are no direct buses from Cancun Airport to Akumal.
In fact, you actually need to take one bus to Playa del Carmen, then a taxi or colectivo (small, shared van), then likely another taxi to your Akumal hotel.
Step #1 — ADO Bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
The ADO Cancun to Playa del Carmen bus departs from Cancun Airport about every 30-45 minutes, all day and night, from Terminals 2, 3 and 4.
Most U.S. airlines arrive at Terminal 3 or 4, but you can click here to see which Cancun Airport terminal your airline arrives in.
🚌💨 ADO (pronounced ahh-day-oh) is Mexico’s largest bus company, with service all over the entire country on a luxury-class fleet of buses. Though there’s the ADO website, it’s much easier to book ADO tickets via the BusBud site, which is in English.
The drive to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport takes about one hour in normal traffic.
There is only one bus station in Playa del Carmen, located on Avenida Quinta (5th Avenue) and Avenida Benito Juarez (map).
Step #2 — Playa del Carmen to Akumal
From Playa del Carmen, you have two options — take a taxi to Akumal (about $40 USD) or take a colectivo to Akumal (about $3 USD).
Taxis are easy to get, as they’re lined up right outside the Playa del Carmen bus terminal, all day and night.
🚐💨 The Playa del Carmen to Akumal drive time is about 45 minutes.
For the colectivo, which is a small, shared van, you’ll walk about five blocks to Calle 2 (2nd Street), between Avenidas 15 and 20 (15th Avenue and 20th Avenue).
There, you’ll see people lined up for the colectivos, and you’ll get on the one that has a sign for Akumal.
A few tips for taking colectivos in Mexico
- You will need pesos to pay for the ride.
- Some drivers won’t make chance, so have some small bills and coins.
- Let the driver know where you’re headed, and they will alert you when you’re there.
- Colectivos don’t have air conditioning.
- Colectivos don’t have luggage storage space.
Taxi from Cancun to Akumal
In my opinion, a Cancun to Akumal taxi is your worst option. Barring an emergency situation, I’d recommend you use another way to get to Akumal from Cancun. Here’s why:
How much is a taxi from Cancun to Akumal?
Short answer: A LOT — but plan for at least $100 USD, though it could be more, depending on your luck.
At $80 USD, it’s cheaper to book private transportation from Cancun to Akumal.
As you’re getting to the exit doors, Cancun Airport taxi drivers will begin approaching you.
Depending on how they judge your appearance (ie. how well you’re dressed, if you look like it’s your first time in Mexico, etc.), they’ll give you that price.
For this reason, you might get a Cancun to Akumal taxi cost of $125+USD — the same as you’d pay for a luxury private transfer.
The issue with taxis in Mexico is they rarely have meters, and sadly, scamming travelers who don’t know the prices isn’t uncommon in Mexico (or anywhere).
In short — save yourself the hassle and just book your Cancun to Akumal private shuttle.
They will meet you right outside the airport, walk you and your luggage to the van, and drive you straight to your Akumal accommodation.
A Word of Warning About Cancun Taxis
Cancun taxi drivers are famous for, and good at, tricking people into taking a taxi.
They may say there aren’t rental cars available, or the busses aren’t running, or anything they think will work.
Take whatever they tell you with a grain of salt.
Set the Price Before You Get In
With taxis in Mexico, you’ll negotiate and agree on the fare before getting in, because most cabs don’t don’t have meters.
If you don’t know this and just jump in the car, they will throw out some exorbitant price when you arrive in Akumal — so agree on a firm price before getting in.
Cancun to Akumal Tours
For those staying at a Cancun hotel or resort, you can always opt for an Akumal tour.
Located about 1.5 hours from Cancun, Akumal makes the perfect day trip from Cancun Mexico.
With the tour, you don’t have to worry about anything — except enjoying yourself!
Above, you’ll see some of the best Cancun to Akumal tours, which you can book right now.
FAQs: How to Get from Cancun to Akumal
Is there Uber in Cancun?
Sort Of — The answer to this question is tricky, because though Uber is legal in Cancun, it’s very rarely used (even by locals).
In 2019, a court ruled Uber can operate in Cancun, but to say Cancun taxi drivers weren’t thrilled would be an understatement.
In fact, there are sometimes clashes between groups, and most locals and visitors simply stay away from Cancun Uber for this reason.
Can I take Uber from Cancun to Akumal?
Yes — But it’s a hassle, and many regret this choice.
To use Uber, you’ll have to fully exit the airport with all your luggage, and walk about 10 minutes in the hot and humid Cancun weather to the main road, then call an Uber.
Since they are rarely used, you might have to wait 20-plus minutes.
is there Uber in Akumal mexico?
No — Once in Akumal, you’ll also have to get around by taxi or with your rental car.
Is there a Cancun to Akumal flight?
There’s no airport in Akumal Mexico, so the nearest airport to Akumal is Cancun International Airport (code: CUN).
There are many direct flights to Cancun from the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
There’s also the Tulum International Airport (code: TQO), though it has less flight options than CUN Airport.
Akumal Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hotels in Akumal?
Some of the best hotels and best resorts in Mexico are located on Akumal Beach.
It is one of the best hidden gems in Mexico, especially for those who want to stay in an all-inclusive resort.
Here are the best Akumal all inclusive resorts, located right on the beach.
- Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal
- Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa
- Secrets Akumal Resort — Adults Only
- Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya — Located between Akumal and Tulum
How do I swim with the Turtles in Akumal?
Of all the best things to do in Akumal, there is none more famous that going snorkeling with the turtles in Akumal Bay.
🐢 Akumal turtle season runs from May to November.
A few years back, when this became very popular, the Mexican government put restrictions in place to limit the number of daily visitors — for the benefit of the turtles.
Now, you must book a tour to snorkel with the turtles in Akumal Bay. I recommend and this best Akumal turtles tours, which I have taken myself.
If you don’t chose that one, there are only a handful of companies sanctioned to do these tours, so make sure you’re booking with one of them.
One thing’s for sure though — but don’t hesitate to book, as these often sell out because they are limited in capacity.
Is Akumal safe?
Yes — Aside from hurricanes, drinking too much at your Akumal all inclusive resort (don’t forget these Anti-Hangover Meds), and sunburns, Akumal is safe for the majority of travelers.
Though Akumal is safe, you’ll still want to follow general travel safety measures, and stay aware of your surroundings.
Is Akumal expensive?
It’s about average, as far as Mexico beach towns go.
Akumal has a lot of great all-inclusive resorts, and since many who stay in one of these rarely have to leave the resort, you’ll have a good idea of how much you’ll be spending as soon as you book your all-inclusive resort in Akumal.
Which is better? Cancun vs Akumal
Determining which is better, Cancun or Akumal, will come down to personal preferences.
The two cities share the same beautiful beachfront real estate along the Caribbean Sea, but have totally different vibes.
Cancun is lively both day and night, while Akumal is peaceful and quiet.
Is Akumal worth visiting?
Akumal is the ideal town for those who want the same gorgeous beaches you’ll find in Cancun — but not the large crowds.
If you want to enjoy a bit of quiet relaxation on a gorgeous beach, you’ll love Akumal.
For those who want a party scene, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum might be better.
Final Thoughts: Best Way to Get from Cancun to Akumal
I have lived in the Yucatan Peninsula since 2019, and know many people who have made the trip from Cancun to Akumal.
Without hesitation, I 100% recommend booking private transportation from Cancun to Akumal — as anyone who’s taken the bus, has said they regretted it.
While the bus costs about half as much money, it takes about three times as much time.
Unless you’re traveling on a tight budget, it’s worth spending the extra $40 USD (or so) for the convenience of door to door private transportation from airport to hotel in Akumal.
A Cancun rental car is another one of the fastest ways to get from Cancun to Akumal, but if you’re not planning to leave your Akumal all-inclusive resort, it’s not worth getting a car.
Most hotels have expensive parking charges, so it ends up being more than private transportation.