Local Cabs or Exclusive Services? The Best Transportation Choices in Tulum

Tulum International Airport's recent inauguration has brought both excitement and concerns, particularly regarding ground transportation. As the airport operates with a focus on exclusivity, the discourse around transportation expenses has sparked conversations among travelers. However, amidst the varying options, it's crucial to understand the range of services available to make informed choices.

Sergio González Rubiera, President of the Mexican Association of Incoming Tourism Agencies (Amatur), emphasized the multitude of transportation options connecting tourists to and from Tulum Airport. The services are diverse, ranging from budget-friendly choices to exclusive offerings. Rubiera underscores the importance of oversight by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT) to ensure fair pricing and service quality.

He dispelled misinformation circulating on social media, particularly about “stratospheric figures” reaching up to 11,000 pesos for luxury Tesla transfers. Rubiera clarified that such rates are associated with high-end electric vehicles and highlighted the need for transparent communication from service providers.

As of now, Tulum International Airport receives a maximum of five daily flights, primarily from Mexico City and Monterrey, with an average of 160 passengers each. The airport plans to expand its services by mid-month, introducing flights to Guadalajara and Tijuana. Further expansions into international destinations are expected by March 2024, with projections of over 50 weekly flights by May of the same year.

Local Cab Services

Local cab services have become an integral part of the transportation landscape, with drivers charging between 800 and 900 pesos for a trip from downtown Tulum to the airport, situated approximately 40 kilometers away. Eleazar Sagrero Ordóñez, Secretary-General of Tulum's cab drivers union, highlighted the shift in focus from the Cancún airport to the newly operational Tulum International Airport. Ordóñez emphasized the importance of regulating rates and legalizing the status of local cab operators.

Rubiera stressed the necessity of official rate regulations for transportation services, in line with the practices at major international airports like Cancún. He reassured travelers that discussions with the Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo have resulted in a commitment to publish official rates for various transportation modes on the Ministry of Tourism's website.

Flex Shuttle Ecocab, a transportation company operating at Tulum Airport, distanced itself from the controversial rates circulating on social media. The company emphasized its commitment to providing quality service with hybrid and electric vehicles, asserting that the published fares were not related to their operations.

While the initial concerns about transportation expenses at Tulum International Airport may have caused apprehension, ongoing efforts by regulatory bodies and service providers aim to ensure transparency, fair pricing, and a seamless travel experience. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed, choose services that align with their preferences and needs, and look forward to the expanding flight options that Tulum International Airport promises in the coming months.