Private car transfer
from Cancun Airport to Akumal
in 1 h 10 min
per seat
car
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
- 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
Visit these sights on the way
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
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 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
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
- 1,186 travelers took this route with us
Great driver in Egypt
“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”

Maps315861
Feb 28, 2025Comfortable and Safe Rides in Mexico
“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”

Golourdesduarte
Feb 20, 2025Great way to travel and see some sights on the way
“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”

Michelle R
Feb 10, 2025Excellent service
“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”

Omar
Jan 25, 2025Vehicle options for this trip
Most popular
Sedan
- 1-3
- 3x
- 3x
- Clean
- Comfortable
- Air conditioned
- Handicapped accessible
- Child seats
- Pet friendly
- Smoke-free
Best reviews
Premium SUV
- 1-2
- 2x
- 2x
- All standard sedan features
- Premium SUV
- Chauffeur-style service
- Extra amenities
The Daytrip driver advantage
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,000+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
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