Collectivo - Playa to Tulum

[austxdan]

Hola all,

With 4 days to go, I figured its time to start finalizing some of these plans in mi cabeza.

I've taken the Riveria Bus from Cancun to Playa before, and then ferried to Coz. This time we are continuing to Tulum. So I know I need to hop a collectivo to get to Tulum Pueblo.

And so my question is: Where is the best place to grab the collectivo in PDC?

I know I can ask the Riveria bus to dump us off on 307 before entering Playa and we can flag a collectivo there. But is this the best option? Will they be crowded there? I imagine this will be around 2:00 PM.

I believe my CanDo Riveria Maya map says that there is a collectivo "station" in PDC, and that would be a good starting point? I may need to re-read my map before Sunday.

Muchas gracias,

Dan

[calowie]

Dan

An alternative is to stay on the bus into PDC, get off in the bus station, and catch the next bus from the same station to Tulum.

[austxdan]

thanks Calowie,

I just saw on a map that there is an ADO station in Tulum Pueblo. That would be a very good option I think I'll go for.

I appreciate your reply,

Dan

[calowie]

Dan

If you have some downtime between arriving in Playa and leaving for Tulum (we have never had to wait for more than an hour) you can always step out of the bus station and enjoy the sites and sounds of 5th avenue, or even take a short walk to the beach. The bus station in Tulum is in the pueblo so that you still have to make your way to the beach region- usually about 30-35 pesos. Have fun and tell us all about it!

[austxdan]

Thanks again calowie,

I've checked the bus schedules online (www.ticketbus.com.mx/ticketbus (http://www.ticketbus.com.mx/ticketbus) ) but while I do see the schedule from Cancun to Playa, I cannot bring up a schedule from Playa to Tulum for Sunday. Actually I don't see any routes for any day, so maybe the website is just feeling "malo".

I'll check the boards once I get to PDC, and since this is afterall Mexico, I'll just go with the flow.

If we have some time we'll kick about PDC. We've done that before waiting for a ferry to Coz. However, the quicker we get to Tulum to drop off our stuff and plant our butts in the sand, the better.

Dan

[titmouse]

Dan,
Did this very thing in March. In Playa there is a line of collectivo pick-ups on 2nd Street between 15th & 20th Avenues. I think 2nd Street is just around the corner (north) from the ADO Bus station. Each van fits up to about 8 people and most times they wait for each van to fill up. There was a gentleman that seemed to organize everyone getting in to the vans according to direction you were interested in going. We waited about 5 minutes/ maybe less. It's a busy spot for locals and tourists traveling from Playa to Tulum. Our van was filled with mostly locals traveling to work.The cost was $2pp. We headed south toward Tulum and made a couple very quick drop-offs (maybe one hop-ons) along the way. We were dropped off at the intersection of 307 and the little road that heads to Tulum beaches. This intersection (hanging stop light) is just right outside of Tulum pueblo. At the intersection sits several taxis (in the parking lot of the Super Gas Station) where you are dropped off. The Stop 'n Go is across the street to the southwest. This is also a good spot to buy any water/food you might want to have on hand. We then took a taxi to our hotel on the sea. The cost was negotiated before we left. The taxi was $6 + tip for 3 people from intersection to hotel on the beach road. It was super easy. Good luck.

[titmouse]

Dan, you might also want to go to the bill-in-tulsa dot com website and print yourself the "Tulum" map. Includes map of downtown Tulum along with map listings of all the beach hotels along the sea. Very helpful to us. We even carried the map walking along the beach since many of the places don't have a sign on the beach side.

[Jessie James]

Bus to playa and then to Tulum. They leave pretty frequently. I've never waited more than a half hour for the next bus. Just don't get off the bus at the ruins. This year we took the bus to Tulum and everyone but us got off the bus at the ruins. We ran into a few people later that didn't know better and thought they were in town and felt pretty lost and confused for a while. From there you just hop in a cab that usually costs 35 pesos to where ever you'r egoing on the beach. Don't walk though. It is pretty friggin' far. Ran into a couple on the beach that were told they could walk it and were they ever fried what with there bags and all.

[Jessie James]

Are you taking a bus from the "CITY" Cancun. You can take a direct bus from Cancun to Tulum. Straight shot. Never tried from the airport, but I keep thinking in the back of my mind that I saw a bus going to Tulum from the airport. Could be wrong but you might as well ask them.

We're not the biggest collectivo fans either. There have been a few times they packed us in so tight I could hardly breath. Not to meantion it's nice knowing there a bano on the bus...

[austxdan]

Are you taking a bus from the "CITY" Cancun.

Last year we spent 3 days on Isla Mujeres before going to Cozumel. We took at taxi from Puerto Juarez to 'el Centro' (bus station) and from there hopped a Riveria bus to Playa. All of $3.20 /pp. This year we will take the Riveria bus directly from the airport to Playa. I think its more expensive, perhaps due to airport tax. Still, you can't beat the price for the nice coach buses they have.

I have no problem with the airport to PDC leg, was just a little confused on the PDC to Tulum leg. Thanks all for the advice and tips. We'll most likely try to catch another Riveria bus to Tulum (and not get off till town) and then taxi to the beach.

Dan

[austxdan]

Dan, you might also want to go to the bill-in-tulsa dot com website and print yourself the "Tulum" map. Includes map of downtown Tulum along with map listings of all the beach hotels along the sea. Very helpful to us. We even carried the map walking along the beach since many of the places don't have a sign on the beach side.

Great minds think alike. I have a folder with all my printouts to take on the trip, and to have Chris readon the plane, and one of those items is indeed bill's map. I also have the Laura Mapchick's Can-Do map, but it is a little light on the Tulum beach area. Still, it's my third Can-Do maps and they are a must for any 'Roo visit.

Dan

[calowie]

Dan

Where are you staying? I suspect at this time of year there are vacancies in most areas. We stopped in several of the beach hotels in late April and were told that after easter week (semana santa) that there always were vacancies and we were offered discounts from posted rates even without asking.

Once you arive in Tulum, the taxi drivers know all the resorts, even those that tend to change their names regularly. Take lots of pictures and let us live vicariouslythrough your trip!

[austxdan]

Dan
Where are you staying?

We are staying at Copal. I booked last September, as I was checking availability online and they went from totally open to almost booked up in about a week.

Methinks that with the damage to Cozumel, and the Cancun areas last year that more folks are heading further south this summer. I didn't want to get stuck back in the jungle at Copal so we pre-booked. We have a Seaview King cabana.

I'll take plenty o' pics.


Dan

[Allen]

I would think Collectivo not a good option if you have luggage..

[austxdan]

I would think Collectivo not a good option if you have luggage..

Just returned from our 10 days in Tulum. Took many a collectivo, including from Playa to Tulum with our backpacks. While we boarded with our packs in our laps, there is limited room in each collectivo (read: "nice passenger vans") for suitcases, and the driver will gladly help you put your luggage back there. Just remind him you have bags when you need to exit.

The collectivo system rocks! It is easy, convenient, and safe. Oh, and cheap. 2.50 USD Playa to Tulum, and basically 2.00 USD (20 pesos) from Tulum to anywhere else (short of back to Playa). We ran back and forth from Tulum to Akumal, and never waited more than 5 seconds (literally) for a ride. They are a fun, interesting to get around and meet locals.

Dan

[zelda]

Just returned from our 10 days in Tulum.
Dan

All right! Waiting anxiously for the trip report with lots of pictures!