Acapulco Transportation Guide - Buses, Taxis & More

Transfers from Acapulco Airport to Your Hotel or Rental

Acapulco restricts street taxis from picking up passengers at the airport. Instead, there are several authorized transportation options available just outside the terminal. Vans and mini-vans, accommodating 5 to 10 passengers along with luggage, are commonly used. The fare is a fixed rate of $300 MXN per vehicle, not per person.

You can purchase a ticket for these services inside the airport or simply walk outside and board the next available shuttle. Airport personnel are readily available to assist and direct you to the appropriate transportation. These shuttles are considered very safe, and incidents of concern are extremely rare, making this part of your journey worry-free.

As a courtesy, consider tipping the driver, especially if you have a large amount of luggage.

Transfers from the Bus Terminal to Your Hotel or Rental

Upon arriving at a bus terminal in Acapulco, you'll find taxis lined up outside, though they may not always be well-organized. Some drivers may attempt to overcharge, so it's important to clarify the fare before starting your ride. To avoid misunderstandings, confirm the price in Mexican pesos and specify your exact destination. If you don't speak Spanish, consider using a translation app or writing down your destination and the agreed price to ensure clear communication. Taking these precautions will help you secure a fair and smooth transfer to your accommodation.

No Uber or Rideshare Services in Acapulco

Despite its popularity in many tourist destinations, Uber and other rideshare services are not available in Acapulco. The absence of Uber is primarily due to strong opposition from local taxi unions, which have significant influence in the area. These unions have long protested the introduction of rideshare apps, citing concerns over competition and the impact on traditional taxi drivers' livelihoods. As a result, Uber or similar has been unable to operate in the city.

Ironically, Uber Eats is available in Acapulco, as it does not directly compete with local transportation services.

For transportation, visitors rely on traditional taxis, including the blue and white cabs, colectivos, and private car services offered by local companies.

Acapulco's (In)Famous Blue and White Taxis

Acapulco’s iconic blue and white taxis are a hallmark of the city’s transportation scene, instantly recognizable by both locals and visitors. Many of these taxis are still the classic Volkswagen Beetles, a nostalgic touch given that the model was discontinued in 2003. These colorful cars are an integral part of the Acapulco experience, although they often lack meters, which means it’s essential to negotiate the fare before starting your ride.

The general rule of taxi travel in Acapulco is to always ask about the fare before getting into the vehicle. A typical fare for a short trip within the city is about $30 pesos. For rides that last around 10 minutes, the fare might increase to $50 pesos. If the taxi is a larger car, the fare could be 25% higher, especially during busy times like rush hour, rain, or if there are roadblocks or demonstrations affecting traffic.

It's important to know that taxi drivers in Acapulco usually take only one or two routes to any given destination. While this can be a bit surprising compared to cities where you can choose from multiple routes, it means that drivers tend to stick to well-trodden paths. However, it’s not uncommon for drivers to take longer, winding routes through back streets, even if a more direct option is available. Don’t let this unnerve you—it’s just part of how things work in Acapulco. If you find a driver you like, ask for their card or phone number, as it can be useful for future rides.

When hailing a taxi, keep in mind that the fare is charged per trip, not per person. So, whether you're traveling alone or with companions, the price will remain the same. Little taxis (Volkswagen Beetles) tend to be cheaper than larger ones due to their lower operating costs, but sometimes you can negotiate the fare with a larger taxi driver, especially during quieter times of the day or season. Additionally, if you’re carrying a lot of luggage, you may want to opt for a larger vehicle for convenience.

Here’s a breakdown of typical fares:

• A short trip within the city in a Volkswagen Beetle typically costs $30–$40 pesos.
• A ride to the airport from the city will generally cost $100–$200 pesos, depending on the exact location.
• Larger taxis will charge about $10 to $100 pesos more than smaller ones due to their higher operating costs.
• It's customary to leave a tip of around $10 pesos, particularly if you have a lot of luggage or if the driver provides exceptional service.

While these taxis offer a traditional and convenient way to get around, keep in mind that they may not have air conditioning, so they’re best suited for short trips, especially during cooler parts of the day. If you're not fluent in Spanish, a translation app might come in handy to avoid misunderstandings, but overall, riding in these classic taxis offers a colorful, quintessentially Acapulco experience.

Acapulco's (In)Famous City Buses

Acapulco's public transportation system is diverse, featuring both the modern Acabús network and traditional city buses. The older city buses are privately operated, often vibrantly painted with colorful decorations and flashing lights, creating a festive atmosphere. Their drivers are known for their bold and sometimes chaotic driving style, a unique Acapulco experience. The buses follow distinct routes marked on their windshields with white shoe polish, indicating their destinations and key stops.

Fares are generally affordable, with short trips averaging around 10-15 pesos. Payments are made directly to the driver upon boarding, often requiring small bills or exact change. Keep small denominations of pesos for easier payment. Passengers typically board from the front and exit through the rear door. Designated stops exist, but drivers often stop wherever flagged by passengers. To request a stop, use the button near the rear door (if operational) or shout "¡Baja!" to notify the driver.

The main bus routes are:

• Caleta-Base (Route 101): This route runs from Caleta Beach on the western side of Acapulco Bay to the Naval Base on the eastern end. Common windshield labels include "Hornos," referring to the area between downtown and Parque Papagayo, as well as "CICI" (a water park in Costa Azul) and "Wal-Mart," marking stops close to the route's turnaround point. Some buses display "Zócalo" and "Caleta," indicating they return to the central downtown area and Caleta.
• Hornos-Coloso/Puerto Marqués (Route 106): Similar to Route 101 but extends beyond the Naval Base to Puerto Marqués or Coloso, with some variations reaching Colosio in the Diamante area. Buses on this route tend to drive slower through the Costera Alemán. This route does not reach the Zócalo or Caleta area; it stops at the Vía Rápida near the modern mermaid statue.
• Cine Rio-Base (Route 102): This route overlaps with the Caleta-Base along the Costera but diverges on its return towards downtown. Instead of following the Costera back downtown, it turns near Parque Papagayo, heading to Avenida Cuauhtémoc where both major bus terminals are located. The route serves the Caleta area but has variations labeled "Vaquero" that stop near Mercado El Parazal instead. Some versions labeled "Praderas" turn at the CICI water park, heading to a residential area instead of the Naval Base.

Colectivos in Acapulco

Beyond the iconic blue and white taxis, Acapulco also has yellow and white taxis known as “colectivos.” These shared cabs, typically boxy Nissans or similar models, serve the city's main routes, constantly honking to signal availability. Like the local buses, they display their destinations on the windshield.

Colectivos offer a hybrid between buses and private taxis, accepting up to five passengers who often squeeze together in the compact space. Fares are pocket change, around $13 pesos per person, making them a budget-friendly and efficient choice for short trips. You can flag one down anywhere along the route and exit whenever you wish. Some locals still refer to them as “peseros,” a nod to the time when they charged just one peso per ride.

For a bit more privacy, you can pay double to sit in the front seat, avoiding the common practice of someone sitting partially on the console between the driver and passenger. It's not unusual for four passengers to share the back seat either. A reliable spot to catch a colectivo heading anywhere in the city is Las Anclas, near Cuauhtémoc Avenue and the southern side of Papagayo Park, though they are easy to find throughout town.

On the Costera, colectivos generally follow the same route as the Caleta-Base buses. However, many eastbound colectivos continue past the Base, crossing over the hill to Puerto Marqués and Coloso, indicated by "Coloso" written on the windshield. Returning westbound, they might display “Coloso” or simply “Costera.”

Outside of peak hours, a colectivo ride often feels like a private taxi due to the lower passenger load. For just a few pesos, it’s one of the fastest and most convenient ways to navigate Acapulco’s main thoroughfares.

Aacbús

Acapulco's public transportation system, known as Aacabús, is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network designed to streamline travel across the city. Officially launched on June 21, 2016, Aacabús replaced approximately 220 traditional bus routes with a more efficient system comprising 120 routes, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and enhance service reliability.

Routes and Destinations: Aacabús operates a central trunk route along Avenida Cuauhtémoc, extending 16 kilometers from Las Cruces to Caleta, with 18 dedicated stations. This main corridor is exclusively served by rapid transit articulated buses. In addition to the central route, four supplementary trunk routes (Routes 4 and 5) run along the primary Costera Miguel Alemán highway, connecting key areas of the city. To ensure comprehensive coverage, several shorter feeder routes link various neighborhoods to the main trunk routes, facilitating easy access to the BRT system.

Pre-Paid Card System: Passengers are required to obtain a pre-paid card to use the Acabús system. Most journeys, including connecting services, cost between 8 and 11 pesos (less than 60 cents U.S.).

Modern Fleet: The system employs 135 modern buses equipped with state-of-the-art technology to reduce emissions and save fuel, replacing older, less efficient vehicles.

For real-time schedules, route maps, and updates, passengers can refer to the official Aacbús website or consult local transit apps.

Car Rentals

Car Rentals are handled in Acapulco just as in all other parts of the world. The checking out and checking in process may be somewhat prolonged over the automatic systems in metropolitan airports, but it is not any different. Be very careful to identify every little bump or scrape on the exterior of the car; otherwise, you may be charged for them when you bring it back. Plan to get to the airport (if that’s where the car is returned) well in advance of the check-in time, to allow for un-programmed delays.

The difference between driving at home and in Acapulco becomes evident as soon as you sit behind the wheel. Life on Acapulco's streets is just not the same as in urban centers of the U.S. or Canada. In Acapulco, little deference is given to the concept of “right of way.” It is not something that is “given"; rather, it is something that is "taken." "Yield" is not in the vocabulary. Drive as if the car had elbows. It is a good idea to give all buses an extra amount of space.

Private Transportation and Drivers in Acapulco

For those seeking comfort and convenience, Acapulco offers private car and van services with drivers, ideal for both city exploration and nearby trips. A private car with a driver allows you to travel at your own pace, whether for a quick journey around Acapulco or a longer excursion. Professional drivers, familiar with the area, ensure a smooth, hassle-free ride, whether you’re visiting local attractions or enjoying a special event. This is often the best option when renting private vacation villas in Acapulco in ares like Las Brisas and other gated areas of town.

For larger groups or trips outside of Acapulco, private vans are an excellent option. These spacious vehicles are perfect for family outings or tours to nearby destinations like Pie de la Cuesta, Taxco or Zihuatanejo. Booking a private car or van can be done through local agencies or apps, with pricing based on distance and trip duration. With flexible itineraries and personalized service, private transportation offers a comfortable and stress-free way to enjoy Acapulco and its surroundings.

Parking in Acapulco

Many hotels in Acapulco offer valet parking, though it usually comes with an additional charge. It’s customary to tip the valet, even if a fee has already been paid for the service. Restaurants and some nightclubs, especially those along the Escénica, also offer valet parking, and in many cases, it may be the only option available due to limited parking space. While valet parking is generally safe, some drivers prefer to find their own parking. In any case, never leave valuables in the car when using valet services.

Locals often choose street parking over garage options because it’s more convenient and, most importantly, cheaper. Street parking is generally safe in most areas along the Costera, though it’s advisable not to leave your car overnight on the main avenue. Acapulco doesn’t have many parking meters, but if you’re unfamiliar with the parking regulations, you may find a ticket on your windshield. If this happens, you’ll need to visit the Transito office to resolve the issue and retrieve your license plate.

For shoppers, many stores and malls in Acapulco provide parking for their customers, typically located beneath the stores. Popular shopping centers like Soriana, Wal-Mart, La Gran Plaza, and Galerías Diana offer parking, usually at a low cost. For example, with a stamped receipt from Soriana, parking for an hour is just $3 pesos. This makes it easy for shoppers to visit multiple stores while their car is conveniently parked.

Along the Costera Alemán, you'll find a few independent public parking lots or garages, but these are less automated than those in U.S. cities. These lots usually have an attendant on-site and provide basic security. The Condesa area, from the Diana traffic circle to the Calinda Beach Hotel, can be especially challenging for parking, so finding a spot in this area might require some extra patience. However, a multi-story parking facility is located at the Diana circle, which may be a great option for those planning to spend the evening out. The Furia Café disco is located on the top floor of this garage, making it a convenient choice for nightlife enthusiasts.