Akumal

Private car transfer
from Cancun Airport to Akumal

Door-to-door
in 1 h 10 min
From ...
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent
trustpilot-stars

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Cancun Airport.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 1 h 10 min.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Akumal.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 93 km
  • 1 h 10 min

Overview: car trip from Cancun Airport to Akumal

The Cancun Airport to Akumal transfer is flexible with Daytrip, allowing you to choose between a budget-friendly group shuttle that leaves 5 times a day or a private car transfer that allows you to customize any sightseeing stops you’d like to add along the way. Whichever option you pick, you will receive safe, comfortable door-to-door service in just 1 hour and 15 minutes.

If you do go for the private transfer, you have the opportunity to stop en route to Akumal and explore sights such as the “Jardin Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin” a massive nature preserve that offers pristine hiking trails through some of Mexico’s lushest jungle.

This area might even grant you a glimpse of the only troop of spider monkeys left on the Yukaton coast, in addition to the array of colorful songbirds and diverse flora.

The garden also hosts a remarkably well-preserved Mayan archeological site and a reconstruction of a traditional Maya home, making it an essential stop before you reach your resort in Akumal.

About Akumal

Your trip from the Cancun Airport to Akumal will deposit you into one of the most sought-after destinations in Mexico. Akumal, meaning “place of the turtle” in Mayan, is a popular beach resort promising restful days in the sun lying on white-sand beaches, and vivid snorkeling experiences among the pure waters and thriving reefs.

Before the Spanish colonized the region, the area was a significant trade center for the Maya and acted as a major port city. Today, the city is known for its laid-back beach culture and world-class snorkeling and scuba diving (often with the intent to see turtles, as the city’s name suggests!)

Akumal is adjacent to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef! This lively reef stretches over 700 miles (1127 km) and helps to support the marine ecosystem that houses Akumal's famous sea turtles.

Beyond underwater adventures, the town of Akumal is a walkable, quaint area full of charm that is well worth exploring. There is a good range of markets, shops, bars, and restaurants in the downtown area, along with incredible art studios and galleries. Be sure to check out the Galeria Lamanai for a display of Mexican folk art to round out your trip.

The town also offers a few different spa experiences (including some beachside massage services as part of certain resort packages) for those who want to take their coastal relaxation to the next level.

From Cancun Airport to Akumal: travel tips

On your Cancun Airport to Akumal transfer, there are a few things to keep in mind that may bolster your journey and make your time in Akumaleven more enjoyable.

Stop to sightsee

As you plan your transportation from the Cancun Airport to your accommodation in Akumal, consider opting for a private Daytrip transfer if you want more control over your sightseeing itinerary than you might have with a group shuttle transfer or a public transportation route. You can pick where you want to visit during your door-to-door ride and your English-speaking driver can give you local insights into this scenic part of Mexico.

Be mindful of turtle laws

When you’ve made it to Akumal, be sure to pay close attention to the instructions of your snorkeling or scuba diving guides and be respectful of the wildlife protection laws surrounding sea turtles and any other curious creatures you may encounter. Never engage with, feed, or touch the turtles, as this can be harmful to them, dangerous for you, and is also illegal (resulting in fines or prosecution!).

How to get from Cancun Airport to Akumal

There are a few ways to cover the distance from the Cancun Airport to Akumal, including both public transit routes and private transfer options. Keep in mind that options such as the bus may not give you as much control over your journey as a private transfer or even a group shuttle might.

Bus from Cancun Airport to Akumal

The bus from the airport to Akumal takes just over 2 hours and is likely to be the cheapest transfer option with tickets ranging from $5 to $10. However, buses run only every 4 hours, so depending on your arrival time, you might end up waiting a while.

Taxi from Cancun Airport to Akumal

It is possible to take a taxi from Cancun Airport to Akumal, with quotes starting at around $60. This takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes—a bit less time than the bus since you don't have to wait for all those other people. Just be aware that you’ll usually need to haggle with taxis, and they have been known to change the price once you get in the car.

Group shuttle from Cancun Airport to Akumal

Another great option for the Cancun Airport to Akumal transfer is a group shuttle operated by Daytrip, balancing affordability with comfort and stress-free booking. These shuttles run 5 times daily and have a capacity of up to 10 people. This trip takes just 1 hour and 15 minutes and starts at $14 per traveler.

Private car transfer from Cancun Airport to Akumal

Selecting a private driving transfer with Daytrip is the most convenient option for travelers who want to make the most of their Mexican adventures by exploring sightseeing stops en route from the Cancun airport. This is also a good option if you have extra luggage and could use a more private journey and assistance from a friendly driver on either end of the trip. Prices are not much more than a shuttle, starting at $17 per person.

Things to do when you get to Akumal

Once you reach your final destination after traveling from Cancun Airport to Akumal, you are greeted by a quaint town teeming with seaside charm and the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

Snorkel with turtles

When in the “place of the turtle”, you’d be remiss to miss out on swimming alongside these magnificent sea creatures in the region’s crystal blue waters. Consider booking a guided tour that includes a trip around the bay in a clear-bottom boat, or rent your gear and head out for an early morning swim (the water can become hazy later in the day as it heats up and as others kick up sand)!

Swim in a cenote

Beyond the shores, this area of Mexico is home to nearly unlimited numbers of _cenotes, _which are essentially water-filled sinkholes that visitors can plunge into via. Rope swing, jumping platforms (or gentler entry methods such as wading in from hidden coves). These magical lagoons often charge an entrance fee, which can be around $15-20, but it is a unique natural feature that you should visit when in Akumal.

Relax at Playa Akumal

Take a break from our adventures with a day lounging in the sun at Playa Akumal, a model tropical paradise with sparkling white sand and turquoise-hued waters. The sea here is calm and suitable for all swimmers, and palm trees are all around the beach for those needing partial shade. There is also a series of restaurants and souvenir shops throughout the surrounding town to stop in on your way home after a day in the sun.

Visit the Monkey Sanctuary

The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is home to monkeys, birds, and a variety of other wildlife, many of which have been rescued from previous lives in poor conditions such as circuses or unethically run zoos.

When is the best time to visit Akumal?

In planning your Cancun Airport to Akumal transfer, you should consider the best time to visit this beautiful town. The general recommendation is to visit Mexico during the fall and winter, which is the dry season (and peak tourism period).

To avoid some of the biggest crowds, consider timing your visit during the very beginning of the dry season in November or as it tapers out in the spring months of March and April. You might also be able to find bargains during the rainy season (July to September) because many people are afraid to risk the wet weather, but in Akumal, it still only amounts to about 6 days of rain a month.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Cancun Airport to Akumal

Buses operate between Cancun Airport and Akumal, costing from $5 to $10 and taking a little over 2 hours in total. Keep in mind that the bus routes will not offer any stops along the way for sightseeing purposes, and are less flexible in terms of departure times than a private car transfer.
The best way to travel between Cancun Airport and Akumal is a private car transfer with Daytrip. This offers you the chance to control your itinerary and do some sightseeing along the way if you wish. Even if you prefer a direct transfer, choosing a private car gives you safe and comfortable door-to-door service with luggage assistance on both ends of your journey.
If you book your airport shuttle with Daytrip, getting from Cancun Airport to Akumal in a group of up to 7 takes just 1 hour and 15 minutes and starts at $14 per traveler.
Cancun Airport is about 58 miles (93 km) from Akumal, which can be covered in just 1 hour and 15 minutes by car, or a little over 2 hours by bus.
Akumal is often treated as a day trip stop, but it can definitely be worth visiting for a longer period to make the most of your coastal adventures. There is a lot to do here, even if the town itself seems quaint and quick to cover. The snorkeling, diving, hiking, and other outdoor activities beyond the renowned beaches are well worth planning in some extra time.
Taxis from Cancun Airport to Akumal vary in price depending on your travel season, but quotes for this route generally start at $60. This largely depends on your haggling ability though, and taxis have been known to change the price en-route.

Visit these sights on the way

Playa Delfines

Playa Delfines

Playa Delfines is popular with local surfers and is located right in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone.  Surf like the dolphins 

Jardin Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin

Jardin Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin

One of the largest nature reserves in Mexico, this lush patch of jungle is home to the last troop of spider monkeys on the coast. The Jungle Troop 

Cenote Las Mojarras

Cenote Las Mojarras

This large sinkhole looks a lot like a lake, and is a favourite chill-out spot for locals. Sunk in the Sun 

Cenote Chaak Tun

Cenote Chaak Tun

Sunlight and trees pour into a small hole in the heart of this stunning underground cenote ornamented by beautiful cave formations. Light in the Dark 

Chikin Ha

Chikin Ha

Three beautiful cenotes allow visitors to swim in and under the lush tropical forest, and partake in a Mayan ritual. Tres Treats 

Why people love Daytrip

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4,800+ reviews
  • 899 travelers took this route with us
Nov 9, 2024

Great communication with an actual person! They will take you ANYWHERE, No pre-set routes to choose from!

Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B
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James B

Nov 9, 2024
Nov 1, 2024

Perfect Transport

Andreas did a great job picking us up from Pireaus Cruise Port and taking us to our rental in Spata. The three of us had been on a long cruise and had 9 pieces of luggage. He arrived in an appropriate vehicle and loaded and unloaded all of it. We are very happy with out decision to book with Daytrip.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler LuckyTraveler01
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LuckyTraveler01

Nov 1, 2024
Oct 5, 2024

Great day

The ride was fantastic. The diver was great, he was on time, very informative, and could not have been nicer. Definitely would do again

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Steve N
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Steve N

Oct 5, 2024
Sep 30, 2024

Exactly what they promised

We used Daytrip.com for 4 trips within Italy. This door-to-door service is not inexpensive. That said: All 4 drivers arrived on time. All spoke fluent English. All were excellent drivers, and all were kind and considerate. Lots of other things went wrong on this trip, but Daytrip.com did exactly what they promised.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Curious51658572354
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Curious51658572354

Sep 30, 2024

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From ... per seatSelect

Best reviews

premium suv

Premium SUV

Comparable to aChevrolet Suburban
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-2
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • All standard sedan features
  • Premium SUV
  • Chauffeur-style service
  • Extra amenities
From ... per seatSelect

More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
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van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
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The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Cancun Airport to Akumal
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.

  • Safety first!

    We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Cancun Airport to Akumal

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

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