How to get to Tulum & the Rivera Maya by airplane

When people fly to the Rivera Maya they usually fly into Cancun. This is a small airport and is very easy to get around. I have flown on 3 different airlines to get to Cancun, US Airways, American Airlines and Mexicana.

Mexicana allowed me to check 2 bags per person at no charge from the USA. I was a little over weight and had to pay on one of my trunks but it was not much. They did it per kilo which was nice because I was not very far over. I also paid $100 to bring my cat.

**** Side note about bringing animals into Mexico**** I was not sure how easy it would be to bring my cat to Mexico but I knew that she had to come. It was pretty easy too. I had to bring a copy of her shot record. My vet had this ready to go for me when I left Oregon. The other thing that I needed was a "Health Certification"-- This can only be issued no more the 72 hours before departure. The Health Cert. is a simple examination of the animal. I got 2 copies of this just in case. I also bought a hard airline case from the vet as well. I was not sure if Calvin was going to go with me or go in cargo. At the airport, I paid my $100. But they said that I needed to use my soft case because the hard case could not go under my seat. That was fine with me. I wanted Calvin with me. The hard case was checked and did not cost me anything. Calvin was wonderful. I am really lucky I have a really chill cat. All be it HUGE!!! She is almost 20 lbs. Once I got to Mexico I had to go with a woman at the airport to register Calvin. This process took only a few moments and was very easy. And they were very nice to my cat.****

Anyway. Mexicana was also very kind in that they checked some bags at the gate because with 3 carry-on suit cases, 3 "personal items" 2 kids and a cat. It was more then I could handle. The people were also very nice. None of my trunks had been searched when I came in. They had all been taped shut in San Francisco.

Mexicana is my favorite airline to fly to Mexico. And if you keep your eyes open, you can find some great deals to Cancun from the USA on Mexicana

I have also flown American Airlines. I had a wonderful experience on this one as well. I was able to check 2 bags for international flights with no charge. the flights were on time, but I was left with little time for my connections.

I have also flown US Airways. The people were very nice and I got a great deal on my tickets. But when I left Mexico to go home and visit I was not charged anything for my bags. Not sure if the people forgot, didn't care or where in love with the babies but I did not pay anything. But when I was flying back to Mexico from San Diego there was a $15 for the first bag for each person and $25 for the 2nd bag. This wiped away any discount that I got on my ticket. I think that their overweight charges are also pretty high ($65 for 1st bag 51-70 lbs. and $115 if over 70 lbs.)They also charge $1 for coffee and tea, $2 for a can of soda or juice and $7 for wine, beer or cocktails. and $5-7 for some food. That seemed a little steep to me. But in these times I guess it makes sense.

Once landing in Cancun it is a very simple process. Many flights are directed towards the customs area and the lines move pretty fast. They often check your immigration and customs forms when you get off the plane so corrections can be made before people hit the line.Have your passports open to the photo page and your forms out and ready. Once you are through this point you will be in the baggage claim area. Grab your bags and if needed use one of the free carts that are around. you will then go to customs. This process is easy. You just put your bags on the scanner and wait--behind the yellow line!!! (They will yell at you otherwise)Once you give your docs to the customs agent you will push the magic button. Sometimes it is red and sometimes it is green. If it is red you will be searched. They are fast and respectful of your things when they search. You will also not be allowed to bring certain food items. I forgot about an apple in my little cooler and had to throw it out but no big deal.

Getting out of the airport and to the Rivera Maya

Now, I have not gone to Cancun's hotel zone but I am sure there is a a shuttle or bus that gets you there. I will look into this.

To get to Playa del Carmen from the Cancun airport there are a few options. My favorite, because it is the cheapest, is to go to the ADO Bus line desk after you get out of customs. They have a ref logo and are clearly marked. Be prepared that the people here may or may not speak English. The bus from the airport to Playa del Carmen is 90 pesos. Kids are half the cost and under 3 can sit on your lap for free. The buses are nice and clean and run frequently. The bus gets out in downtown Playa in the middle of 5th Avenue, the main tourist hub of Playa del Carmen. It is about 45 minutes from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.

You can take a taxi from the airport and it should run you about 400 pesos.

There are also shuttles that can pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel in various areas of the Rivera Maya. It is a good idea to have an idea of what cross streets and major landmark are near your hotel. I have had friends frive around for quite a while looking. I will get more info and prices and update this post.

You can also rent a car in the airport. There are many major names that you will be familiar with right in the airport. Be careful because there are some, and while they are great (we used Breeze and got a great deal) but they are not in the airport. When we used Breeze they had someone in the airport and they took us over to the office. My husband was there and is Mexican so that made the communication easier.

To get to Tulum from Playa del Carmen you can take a taxi. That will run you about 400 pesos. Sort of expensive when you consider the other options.

You can take ADO from 5th Avenue & Benito Juarez for about 45 pesos I think. Not bad at all.

But there are also collectivos. These are van shuttles that run the length between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The collectivos are set up in Playa del Carmen at 30th and Benito Juarez. They are right next to Tres Hermanos shoe store. It costs 30 pesos per person to get to Tulum from Playa. They will let you off anywhere along the main road. If you are only going part of the way the cost will be a little less. Kids over 4 pay full fare but they are also allowed a seat. Kids 3 and under can sit on your lap for free.