Routes, prices, stops, safety tips, and how to travel to Tulum, Akumal & Puerto Morelos.

If you want to travel around the Riviera Maya cheaply, quickly, and like a local, colectivos are one of the best options. These shared vans run constantly up and down Highway 307, connecting Playa del Carmen to Tulum, Akumal, Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Morelos, and Cancun.

They’re safe, fast, inexpensive, and used daily by workers, families, and budget-savvy travelers.

This guide breaks down exactly how colectivos work, where to catch them, how much they cost, and tips to make your ride smooth and stress-free.

1. What Are Colectivos?

Colectivos are shared passenger vans that run set routes, picking up and dropping off people along the highway. They are:

Cheap
Frequent (every 2–5 minutes)
Easy to use
Popular with locals
Air-conditioned (usually)

Most colectivos run from 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.

2. Where to Catch Colectivos in Playa del Carmen

There are two main colectivo stations:

A) The New Main Terminal – Calle 2 & 20th/25th Ave

This is where the large, official white vans depart for:

Tulum
Akumal
Puerto Aventuras
Xpu-Ha
Chemuyil

Look for the signs that say “Tulum” or “Colectivos Riviera Maya”.
This station is organized, safe, and has a waiting area.

B) 30th Avenue (Local Stops)

Along 30th Ave (especially between Calle 2 and Calle 34), colectivos pick up locals heading to:

Hotel zones
Residential neighborhoods
Work centers

These aren’t for long-distance travel, but are good for short hops around Playa.

3. Colectivo Prices (2025)

Colectivos are one of the cheapest ways to travel in the Riviera Maya.

Playa del Carmen → Tulum:

60–80 MXN depending on the stop

Playa del Carmen → Akumal:

40–50 MXN

Playa del Carmen → Puerto Aventuras:

30–35 MXN

Playa del Carmen → Xpu-Ha:

35–40 MXN

Playa del Carmen → Puerto Morelos:

(Colectivo to Cancun)

45–60 MXN

Playa del Carmen → Cancun Downtown:

55–70 MXN

Prices may vary slightly by company but are always posted near the station entrance.

4. How to Pay

Pay in cash when you board or as you get off (varies by driver).
Pesos only — colectivos do not accept USD or cards.
Try to bring small bills (20s, 50s, 100s).

5. How to Ride Colectivos Like a Local

✔ 1. Get in line

At the main station, riders line up under the sign for your destination.

✔ 2. Wait for the next available van

Colectivos come every few minutes and fill up fast.

✔ 3. Tell the driver your destination

Say:

“Tulum, por favor.”
“Akumal, por favor.”
“Puerto Morelos, por favor.”

They will stop at the right point on the highway.

✔ 4. Press the buzzer or say “¡Baja!” to get off

Colectivos will pull over at safe shoulder stops along the highway.

6. Routes Explained

A) Playa → Tulum

Stops include:

Puerto Aventuras
Xpu-Ha
Akumal
Chemuyil
Grand Cenote entrance
Tulum Archaeological Zone
Tulum Pueblo (center)

This is one of the most popular routes for visiting cenotes, ruins, and beaches.

B) Playa → Akumal

The colectivo drops you at the pedestrian bridge, and from there it’s a 5–10 minute walk to Akumal Beach.

Note: Akumal Beach now requires a guide or wristband for snorkeling with turtles.

C) Playa → Puerto Aventuras

Drops off at the main gate or anywhere along the highway. Great for visiting:

Dolphin Discovery
Marina restaurants
Residential neighborhoods

D) Playa → Puerto Morelos / Cancun

From Playa, take the colectivo toward Cancun. Stops include:

Punta Maroma
Crococun Zoo
Puerto Morelos bridge (walk into town or take a taxi)
Cancun downtown (final stop)

7. Are Colectivos Safe?

Yes — colectivos are widely used by locals and considered safe for daytime travel.

Safety tips:

Use them only during daylight or early evening
Sit properly and use seatbelts if available
Hold your backpack on your lap during busy hours
Keep phones and valuables secure
Avoid colectivos extremely late at night

Drivers are experienced, but the highway is fast — stay alert when getting off.

8. When NOT to Use Colectivos

You may want another option if you have:

Large luggage (ADO bus is better)
Mobility issues (steep steps into vans)
A big group (private shuttle is easier)
Travel plans after 10:00 PM
Beach gear or lots of bags

For airport trips, use ADO or a shuttle, not colectivos.

9. Colectivos vs. Other Transport Options

Transport	Costo	Comfort	Luggage OK?	Best For
Colectivos	Cheapest	Moderate	❌	Day trips & commuters
ADO Bus	Affordable	High	✔✔	Airport, long trips
Taxis	High	Good	✔	Night travel or heavy bags
Renting a car	High	Maximum	✔✔	Multiple stops

10. Final Tips for Using Colectivos Like a Local

Colectivos leave as soon as full — no published schedules
Sit near the door if you’re getting off early
Always double-check which colectivo you’re boarding (Cancún vs. Tulum routes)
Bring water — the vans get warm when stopped
Don’t be afraid to tell the driver where you’re headed; they’re helpful

Final Thoughts

Using colectivos in Playa del Carmen is one of the best ways to explore the Riviera Maya cheaply, quickly, and authentically. Whether you’re heading to the beaches of Akumal, cenotes near Tulum, or the markets of Puerto Morelos, colectivos offer a safe, easy, and local experience.

Once you try them, you may never want to take a taxi again!

About the Author

Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.

From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.

Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.

North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
🌐 www.nasplaya.com 🔑 Rentals: rentals@nasplaya.com
📊 Ventas: buy@nasplaya.com 🏘 Property Management: bookings@nasplaya.com

How to Use Colectivos in Playa del Carmen Like a Local (2025 Guide)