ADO Bus
The ADO bus is the cheapest option for transportation but not the most time-efficient one. Tickets can be purchased just outside the terminal or online https://www.ado.com.mx
Tulum Airport to Tulum:
First bus departs at 10:30 am
Last bus departs at 6:30 pm
Estimated travel time: 50 minutes
Price: 220 MXN
Cancun Airport to Tulum:
First bus departs at 10:15 am
Last bus departs at 9:25 pm
Estimated travel time: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Price: 420 MXN
Tulum to Cancun Airport:
First bus departs at 7:20 am
Last bus departs at 4:20 pm
Estimated travel time: 2 hours
Price: 420 MXN
Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen:
First bus departs at 8 am
Last bus departs at 11:25 pm
Estimated travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Price: 250 MXN
Airport Shuttle Transportation
Private transfer is available, one way and round-trip service. These are generally vans, they wait outside the terminal with your name on a placard to take you straight from the airport to your accommodations. Quick beer, liquor and snack stops are generally available on request.
Common local companies include:
Car Rental
Rental cars are available. Common major US companies are available in the airport. Local companies like Easyway or American are also available. They wait with your name on a placard outside the terminal and transfer you to their offsite office to perform the paperwork and get you on your way. Common disclaimer: purchase all of the insurance they offer.
Taxis
Taxis are available, specially expensive from the airports, but readily available. It’s recommended to discuss the fare before getting in the taxi. Always agree on the price in advance.
Weather
Will it rain? Hurricane season on the Riviera Maya runs from June 1 through November 30. The highest risk of storm activity is historically between August and October. The good news is, hurricanes are fairly rare. However, daily showers are to be expected year-round. It is a tropical environment. Just because your weather forecast predicts rain doesn’t mean your day will be washed out. Always Google "Caribbean weather radar" to find major approaching weather patterns. In the Caribbean, even during rainfall, it remains pleasantly warm.
Check out the Live Beach Camera
Exchange
Dollars or pesos?
While US dollars are widely accepted in and around the Riviera Maya, using them opens you up to get the worst possible exchange rate. Therefore, using Mexican currency is highly recommended. So how do you get pesos? You can visit your home bank and allow them to make the conversion. You can visit any one of the numerous currency exchange booths or stores located all over the region, including the airport. But you generally get the best exchange if you simply use your ATM card at a trusted ATM machine. By “trusted”, we suggest inside a bank or major supermarket where surveillance is in place. Using a machine that is outside and not monitored opens you up to ATM “skimmers”. Also very important, some ATMs offer to do the conversion to pesos right there, at the machine. Always DECLINE this option. The ATM machine gives you a terrible exchange rate.
Check the exchange rate on casa de cambio San Jorge
SAFETY
While it’s true Mexico has a significantly higher homicide rate (28 per 100,000 people) than the United States (7 per 100,000 people), data suggests violence against American citizens remains rare. In 2021, 75 U.S. citizens died by homicide in Mexico, according to the State Department.
That represents a small fraction of the more than 28.8 million Americans who went to the country over the same time period. Using those figures, the murder rate of U.S. citizens in Mexico was around 0.26 per 100,000 visitors, significantly lower than the rate in the United States.
Reporting Police Misconduct, Extortion and Corruption.
If you witness or experience inappropriate police behavior in Tulum, visit the portal at denuncia.qroo.gob.mx, where you can submit your complaint. Your input is crucial for promoting accountability and ensuring a safe community.
Choose your type of report: The system allows users to file denuncias (formal complaints of administrative violations) and manifestaciones (non-corruption-related grievances).
Provide detailed information: Specific details such as the time, location, and identity of the public official involved are essential to ensure proper investigation.
Follow up on your report: Even if filed anonymously, you can track the status of your complaint on the same platform.
Anonymous option: You can file anonymously, and the system allows you to follow the case progress online. This is particularly useful for those who fear retaliation.
Emergency 911
The main emergency number in Mexico is 911, they will answer in spanish, they will probably have someone for english too.
In Tulum there is also a local number for the Local Police
Seguridad Pública (+52 1) 984 871 2055
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With love from Tulum 