Watch for the white vans!

These white vans, called colectivos, are mini-bus lines that service the route of the Riviera Maya- Cancun to Tulum. These are highly economical and also convenient. You can take these mini-vans from their “terminals” or flag them down on the highway. Just make sure you are in a safe and visible sport when you flag these down. Just wave your arm, and the driver will stop for you. You can also get off at any point in the highway.s

The driver, upon approaching you, will flash his lights on and off. This is to ask you if you want to ride his mini-van, as there is space available. If you wave, the driver will stop. Once hopping on, inform the driver of your desired destination.

The colectivos servicing the Cancun-Tulum route run up and down Highway 307 every 15 to 30 minutes during the day starting from 5:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. There are also other colectivos service other routes to places in the area.

There are two colectivo terminals in Playa del Carmen: one on Avenida 20, between Calle 12 and 14 and one on Avenida Juarez corner 5th Avenue.

There is usually no fixed schedule of departure, as a colectivo usually waits to be filled before it leaves the “terminal.” The maximum capacity of a colectivo is usually 10 passengers.

Tips:

• Be on the lookout for your stop. Although the driver has been informed of where you want to get off, it will be better for you to tell him to stop when you have reached your desired destination.
• Payment is made when you exit the colectivo.