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Tulum Airport has been up and running since December, and now the arrival of the first flight from the United States is just weeks away.
Everybody is excited about being able to fly directly to the popular destination but might be surprised upon arrival when there’s a lack of transportation options.
Due to what drivers are calling “excessive rates,” Tulum Airport transfer providers are canceling services ahead of the launching of U.S. flights.
The High Price Transfer Providers Pay To Operate At Tulum Airport
Reports of the exact amount transfer providers are required to pay to operate at the airport vary.
According to most, the rate is between 805 and 933 pesos, with the most recent report being 913 pesos.
This equates to roughly $53 that transfer providers must pay to the airport every time they pick up or drop off passengers.
@santekagrigley Tulum International Airport has officially opened! #tulumairport #tulummexico #cancun #tulum #travelnews #blacktraveltiktok #traveltiktok #mexico ♬ If You Had My Love – TWOPILOTS & De Hofnar
Suspension Of Services In The Absence Of An Agreement
According to service providers, who are being represented by the Mexican Association of Tourist Carriers, Roberto Rubio, the business isn’t sustainable when being charged such excessive rates.
That’s why at least one bus operator, in addition to other carriers, has suspended services at the airport.
Service providers are hoping to come to an agreement with the airport but have had no luck so far.
@jandjcreate So excited the Tulum airport is now open and we can tour our condo on Monday🌴🌴 #tulum #tulumairport @JD's World ♬ original sound – Jackie
What This Means For Tourists
If service providers don’t come to an agreement with airport officials and they start operating again at these high rates, that cost will undoubtedly be passed on to the customer.
If they don’t start operating again, tourists are going to possibly find themselves stranded at Tulum Airport.
Either way, it’s not making Tulum Airport look like the best option for getting to the destination right now.
@passportpoppin If you have plans to visit Tulum anytime soon, the brand new airport will make your trip there easier than ever before. In the past, we would have to book clients to Cancun and organize transportation. Two hours away to their hotels in Tulum. But no more! We will be able to offer Services straight to the Tulum airport to cut out the long drive! . . . . . . . . #passportpoppin #blacktravelagent #blacktravelagency #travelagency #blacktravelblogger #blacktravelgroup #airporthacks #airportravel #tulumairport #travelbucketlist #blacktravelclub #blacktraveltiktok #blacktraveltiktok ♬ Da Girls (Girls Mix) [feat. Lola Brooke & Lady London] – Ciara & Lola Brooke & Lady London
Location Of Tulum Airport
Further exacerbating the problem for transfer providers is the distance between Tulum Airport and the city of Tulum.
The airport is located about 25 miles from Tulum, which is about a 40-minute trip by car.
The added cost of fuel prices leaves little room for profit for transportation providers, and the suspension of services leaves few options for tourists until an agreement is reached.
The Affect This Can Have On Tourists Taking The Maya Train To Tulum In The Future
Not only will a lack of transfer providers affect tourists arriving at the airport by plane, but by Maya Train as well.
Tulum will have two Maya Train stations, one of which will be located on the airport property.
If you plan to travel to Tulum by train once the route is completed, you’ll want to disembark at that other station if the transfer provider situation has not yet been resolved.
@marinecci New airport in Tulum is definitely nice. I'm excited when they will have direct flights from New York 🤩 #solotraveler #femalesolotraveler #mexico #mexicotravel #tulumairport #airportreview #aeromexico ♬ original sound – Marina
When The Maya Train Route To Tulum Will Be Completed
It will be a bit before U.S. flights to Tulum are widely offered.
The Maya Train route from Cancun to Tulum, on the other hand, could be completed as early as April or May.
Once operating, it will be the quickest, most affordable way to get between the two destinations.
@amazing_architecture #trenmaya #Tulum #TrainStation in #Mexico designed by AIDIA STUDIO. #viral #fyp #architecture #foryou #follow #diy #nature #latina #mexican #amlo #i ♬ original sound – Amazing Architecture
Getting To Tulum From Cancun Airport
For the time being the best way to get to Tulum is still flying into Cancun and then taking a taxi or private transportation the hour and a half to Tulum.
Direct flights to Cancun are available from 41 U.S. airports, so connectivity is not a problem.
Transportation starts at around $140 each way if booked in advance or about $200 if you book upon arrival.
The transportation part may be a little pricey, but it remains the best option for now.
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Tammy
Sunday 11th of February 2024
I’ve been to Tulum 3 times. This year I swore to never going back. Prices are outrageous. I live in one of the most expensive cities in the United States, San Diego, and I still couldn’t believe the prices I was paying there. Every business is trying to take advantage of you. This year I went for a music festival. Taxis were charging between $100 to $150 just to take you to the venue which was only 15 mins away from the center of Tulum. Inside the venue they were charging $15 bucks for a small can of beer and $12 for a small water. Cocktails were over $25 bucks. Every place you go feels like you are getting scammed. Uber is not allowed in Tulum so taxis charge whatever they want so if you aren’t able to rent a car you are stuck paying their prices, which are ridiculously expensive. I used to love going there for the cenotes and ruins but it is not worth it anymore. Because of their greed Mexico is slowing losing tourists
Mark
Sunday 11th of February 2024
You can probably walk out to the road and catch a cab
Lovesbluewater
Sunday 11th of February 2024
Mexico used to be a good, inexpensive vacation option. Not any more keep going up on the prices and soon you will start to lose tourist dollars. Between the VAT Tax on tourist to the excessive cost of the Train Maya for tourist and the price gouging at the airport for transfers (by both the goverment to the drivers and then to the tourist) I can see why the Yucatan will be less of a option. Right now, you have huge numbers coming every year, but give it time. People will wise up and look to other places for vacation options.
Clifton
Monday 12th of February 2024
@Lovesbluewater, I agree. We go every year, but the fees are getting ridiculous. We'll probably begin vacationing in the US in the future.