From the airport to the city centre Yucatán Peninsula

To get to Cancún from the airport, there are several options

The cheapest option is to take a bus from ADO ($94) which will drop you off at the bus station in the city center in 30 minutes (buses every 30 minutes). Then you have to take a bus ($12) at the corner of Tulum and Uxmal avenues (very close), or a taxi or VTC (around $80) to reach the hotel area

Second option: the colectivo via the companies Green Line or Gray Line for example which deposit the passengers at the foot of their hotel (160 $ per person). This is the most practical

Finally, the most comfortable option, but also the most expensive, is to take a taxi. Impossible to negotiate, the prices are fixed, and it will cost you more than $600, a fortune compared to the prices in the rest of the country

Note that you can reach Playa del Carmen by ADO bus without going through the center of Cancún. Departures from the airport every 45 minutes, 1 hour drive ($208). Same for Tulum, 2 hours drive ($276).

Arrival by train Yucatán Peninsula

Mexico has an extensive rail network, but it is now reserved for the transportation of goods. Immigrants from Central American countries use it clandestinely to reach the northern border, but it is not advisable to do the same. In the peninsula, as elsewhere, there are no trains to move from city to city. President AMLO's "Mayan train" project, designed to connect the region's main tourist sites (a loop of about 1,500 km over five states, with 19 stations), should be finalized in 2024. However, this train, which is intended for tourism only, is being strongly contested by environmental organizations and Mayan communities, and rightly so.

Arrival by boat Yucatán Peninsula

Chetumal can be reached from San Pedro (Belize) in 1.5 hours. Daily departures in both directions with the shipping companies San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi (www.belizewatertaxi.com) and Water Jets International (www.sanpedrowatertaxi.com). Ultramar (www.ultramarferry.com) offers regular ferry connections between Playa del Carmen and the island of Cozumel, and from Cancún (Puerto Juárez, Playa Tortuga, El Embarcadero and Playa Caracol) to Isla Mujeres. Several cruise ship companies serve the ports of Cozumel, Mahahual and Progreso.

Public transport Yucatán Peninsula

Bus. If there is one word to remember for travelers who opt for the bus, it is the term camión, which refers to the buses in Mexico. The first class buses(ejecutivo) are comfortable, equipped with televisions, toilets, sometimes wifi, and air conditioning (which always makes you regret having forgotten your scarf and hat). In the higher category, known as servicio de lujo, there are more spacious reclining seats, as well as drinks, snacks and wifi. It is generally 20% more expensive than the previous one. These buses travel on toll highways. The bus stations offer sanitary facilities where it is possible to wash up and cafeterias to refresh yourself. Sometimes there are also convenient luggage lockers to visit a city in a few hours

In the Yucatan Peninsula, the ADO company (pronounced "a-dé-o") is the main bus company and has its own bus stations. You can book and buy tickets online on the company's website(ado.com.mx), on the application (not very functional) or through booking platforms such as busbud.com or miescape.com.mx. Second class buses (companies such as Mayab, Oriente, Sur...) do not necessarily require a reservation and are less expensive. They often use secondary roads and stop in villages along the way. The travel times are therefore longer and the trips more tiring. There is also a greater risk of luggage theft, as a ticket is not systematically given when personal belongings are checked in. Also, it is advisable not to leave your belongings lying around on your seat once you have reached your dream destination

Colectivos . Public transportation for short distances is usually in collective cabs(colectivos) or combis (minivans). The colectivos leave as soon as they are full (4 to 7 passengers) and the combis stop continuously to pick up or drop off passengers en route. This is convenient for accessing certain sites where conventional buses do not stop

City buses. There are many buses and minibuses(trucks) in the cities. The trips are easy (but it is better to tell the driver your destination), cheap and the wait is never long (every 5-10 minutes on average). On the other hand, it can be complicated with bulky luggage.

Bike, scooters & co Yucatán Peninsula

Adventurers who want to cycle around the peninsula will have the advantage of flat terrain. It is a fantastic way to get around for those who have time, a certain level of fitness and a propensity to endure natural elements that are not always friendly (the heat in particular; prefer the slightly cooler months of December to March). However, this is the price to pay for unforgettable experiences that the most colourful bus cannot offer. The best thing to do is to come to Mexico with your own bike, which most airlines will carry for free if you give them advance notice. You can also buy a bike on the spot, for a few weeks trip . Renting a bike by the hour or by the day is common in the tourist centers (Tulum, Playa del Carmen, on the islands...). The bike is indeed very practical to join for example the beaches or the cenotes without having to wait each time for a colectivo. Count around 100 $ the day (9am-6pm generally) or 150 $ the 24h. The scooter is also practical, and you can ride it with two people! Count 500 $ the day, 700 $ the 24h.

With a driver Yucatán Peninsula

Cabs are equipped with a taximeter in Mexico City, but rarely elsewhere. It is therefore important to negotiate the fare before leaving to avoid unpleasant surprises upon arrival. Cab stands"(sitios) are easily recognizable on the street. You can also call them by phone and they will pick you up at the place of your choice. Please note that the Yucatán Peninsula receives many Anglo-Saxon tourists, so the rates are higher than elsewhere, but they are also generally more transparent than in the rest of the country. It is now possible in several bus stations to buy a ticket at a fixed price according to your destination, to be given to the driver. It is a little more expensive but it avoids discussions. In several cities, such as Cozumel, fixed prices for travel on the island are posted in all tourist places

Moreand more Mexicans (and tourists) are using VTC platform applications such as Uber, Cabify or Didi. This is the safest way to get around the city with rates that are often cheaper than a cab. A "cash payment" option(efectivo) is available at the time of booking. Please note that VTCs can drop you off at the airport, but cannot pick you up there.

By car Yucatán Peninsula

Renting a car is the most comfortable way to visit the Yucatán peninsula, and it can be financially interesting if there are 3 or 4 people. You save a lot of time and you don't have to plan your program according to the bus schedules (even if they are quite frequent in general). The road conditions are generally good and the road network is important. Remember to install Waze and Maps.Me (this app works offline if you have downloaded the maps before), it's very useful. Be very careful with speed bumps(topes) which are frequent and sometimes not signalled (sometimes invisible at night), they can be fatal for your shock absorbers. Always respect the speed limit (30-50 km/hour in the city, 80-120 km/hour outside the city): traffic wardens love to stop tourists to lighten their wallets. Note that traffic lights are placed after intersections, which is surprising at first! Beware also of the rather folkloric local driving. It's understandable: to get their license, Mexicans don't have to pass any exam, they just have to pay a small fee and fill in a form.

If you arestopped, you have to talk calmly to the police officer, explaining for example that you have only been driving in the country for a short time. It is always a good idea to avoid reversing the dominant-dominated role, while continuing the discussion. The roads are not only populated by malicious people.

Car rental. An international driver's license is not required; however, a national driver's license (older than one year) and a credit card, with sufficient funds - blocked during the rental period for the deposit - and payment limits are essential. Drivers must be at least 21 years of age and up to 25 years of age to rent a car. At the time of rental, you should ask what type of fuel is suitable: Pemex Premium (red pump) or Pemex Magna (green pump). The Pemex Magna blend is less expensive. For those who choose to rent a car from a major company, it is advisable to do so online, as the prices charged on the web are often cheaper than those offered in agencies. In any case, insurance(seguros), which is not compulsory but highly recommended, can significantly increase the bill. When you receive the car, check each scratch with the rental company, and do not hesitate to film or photograph them to avoid any dispute.

Theft. Rental cars are easily identified (they are all more or less the same) and it is strongly advised not to leave anything in the vehicle, including in the trunk. Leave the car in paying car parks(estacionamientos), and even in this case, do not leave anything of value (money, passport...). For security reasons, driving at night is strongly discouraged and be careful at crossroads in big cities, at night Mexicans slow down but do not stop at traffic lights or stops.

Accessibility Yucatán Peninsula

Mexican cities are not very accessible for people with reduced mobility or travelling with a stroller. Sidewalks are not always in good condition and crosswalks are often non-existent or not respected. Modern shopping malls and large hotels are the exception, with ramps and specially equipped rooms

Tourist traps Yucatán Peninsula

Since cabs are not equipped with a meter, beware of the "tourist" fare that may be charged, often double or triple the normal price, especially if you do not speak Spanish. Agree on the price before the start of the trip to avoid problems at the time of payment. Using the platforms Uber, Didi or Cabify are good alternatives to avoid price disputes. If you rent a car, beware of very low call prices, especially on the Internet, which can turn out to be real scams. In general, the low rates do not take into account the compulsory insurance and optional supplementary insurance, which make the rates explode. If you are coming from a long intercontinental trip, avoid signing a rental contract when you arrive at the airport. Finally, among the scams on the road, in addition to the untimely stops by the police to get money from you for an imaginary offence, be careful when you fill up your tank at the gas stations. These stations are not self-service, it is a pump attendant who serves you and it sometimes happens that he forgets to reset the meter to zero...