Similar to Cozumel, Tulum is a beach town paradise that has earned its reputation not only as a hippie and yoga haven but also as a paradise brimming with fun things to do and see like white sand beaches, enchanting cenotes, and gorgeous ancient Mayan ruins. Indeed, it’s a destination that everyone should visit. But how do you even get there?
This blog will explain how to get from Cancun to Tulum. Luckily, there are many ways to get from Cancun to Tulum for every budget and preference.
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At A Glance
Where Is Tulum, Mexico
Located in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, on the Caribbean coast lies the idyllic beach town of Tulum about 1500km southwest of the capital Mexico City. Tulum lies along the famous Riviera Maya which is composed of other coastal towns with amazing beaches.
The nearest airport to go to Tulum is Cancun International Airport. The airport receives direct flights from North and South America and some parts of Europe. If your destination is Tulum, you’ll most likely fly to this airport. Cancun will be most likely your first destination in Yucatan Peninsula.
Tulum is most famous for its breathtaking beachfront Mayan ruins, perched on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. These ruins offer a glimpse into the ancient civilization that once thrived here, making Tulum one of the most unique archaeological sites in the world.
READ: Ultimate Tulum Guide!
5 Popular Tours In Tulum You Can’t Miss
Here’s a quick list of things to do in Tulum:
1. Tulum Ruins Tour
Explore the iconic beachfront Mayan ruins with a guided tour, offering insights into the ancient civilisation and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Book a guided Tulum Ruins Tour here.
2. Cenote Tour
Discover the magical cenotes with a guided tour, where you can swim or snorkel in these natural freshwater pools surrounded by lush jungle.
Book a guided Cenote tour here.
3. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Tour
Embark on a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can spot wildlife, explore lagoons, and enjoy a boat ride through the mangroves.
Book a guided Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Tour here.
4. Zip-lining in the Mayan Jungle
Visit Native Park Tulum and experience the thrill of zip-lining through the lush Mayan jungle, combining adventure with stunning natural scenery.
Book your zip-lining adventure here.
5. Coba Ruins and Cenote Tour
Take a day trip to the Coba ruins, where you can climb the tallest pyramid in the Yucatán, followed by a refreshing swim in a nearby cenote.
Book a guided trip tour to the Coba ruins here.
How far is Cancun to Tulum, Mexico
Cancun International Airport lies 118km west of Tulum City. The city of Cancun, however, lies further north, 131km from Tulum. You’ll also likely spend a night in the party city of Cancun.
From Cancun to Tulum, travel time varies between 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours depending on the mode of travel, traffic, and weather.
How To Get From Cancun To Tulum, Mexico – 5 Easy Options
Trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun
There are plenty of ways to get from Cancun to Tulum. It all depends on your budget and the level of comfort you want for your travel. From budget transport to car rentals, we have the following options for you.
By Bus
ADO or Autobuses de Oriente is the most popular bus transport in Mexico and they provide services to most of the country. They’re known for their safety, comfort, timeliness, and reliability, especially with their executive buses.
Indeed, I used ADO buses in Mexico and I wouldn’t travel any other way (except if I have a wad of cash lying somewhere, then I’ll take the helicopter). The prices vary every season but they are still very affordable.
From Cancun International Airport To Tulum
If you’re flying into Cancun International Airport and heading to Tulum, ADO is the only bus company that’s got you covered. The first bus leaves the airport at 10:55 am, and the last one heads out at 9:45 pm. But keep in mind, bus schedules can change, especially during peak travel times. For example, buses usually leave every hour, but after 4 pm, they shift to every 2 hours. It’s always a good idea to check the schedule online and grab your tickets in advance to avoid any surprises.
Cancun Airport has four terminals, and the ADO buses swing by each one. So, make sure you’re at the terminal before the bus arrives to avoid any stress. The ride from the airport to Tulum takes about 2 hours, and a one-way ticket will set you back $14.55 USD. The bus drops you off at Tulum Centro, which is super convenient to get taxis to get to your hotel in Tulum.
If you want to skip the hassle and enjoy a smoother ride, you can also book a direct bus service. This way, you won’t have to worry about making connections or dealing with multiple stops. Just hop on the bus, relax, and let ADO take care of the rest, getting you to Tulum without any extra stress.
Book your ADO bus now.
From Cancun To Tulum Via Playa Del Carmen
ADO buses stationed in Cancun International Airport transport visitors to main tourist destinations in the Yucatan peninsula in addition to Tulum, like Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen lies 52 kilometres from Cancun Airport, about halfway to Tulum. So if you find yourself without a bus to Tulum at the airport and with no time to wait, you can hop on an ADO bus going to Playa del Carmen.
The ADO bus will drop you off at either of the 2 ADO stations in Playa del Carmen. From there, you can get a ticket to go to Tulum. Buses to Tulum from Playa del Carmen are more frequent; about 30 buses service the route daily.
The travel time from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is about an hour and it takes about another hour to get to Tulum.
The price of the ticket will be just about the same as if you’d taken a direct route. So if you don’t mind transferring between buses and are in a hurry to paradise, then this way is recommended.
Book a Cancun Airport transfer to Playa del Carmen here.
Cheaper Bus Option – Mayab Bus
If you want to save on transport, another option is to get on an ADO bus from Cancun Airport, stop at Playa del Carmen, and then get on a cheap bus from Playa del Carmen. While the only bus that services Cancun to Tulum and Cancun to Playa del Carmen is the ADO bus, the ADO bus station in Playa del Carmen also gives you the option to take cheaper buses.
The Mayab Bus can take you from Playa del Carmen to Tulum for a much cheaper price. They are safe and comfortable. However, they often stop in many locations to drop off and pick up passengers along the way. It can be good if you don’t intend to drop off at Tulum Centro and have other plans in mind.
By Rental Car
If you have some extra cash to spare or prefer the flexibility of getting around to explore on your own in Yucatan and prefer to have your comfortable ride, renting a car from Downtown Cancun or Cancun Aiport or before arriving through online car rental websites is your best bet.
There are plenty of options online when it comes to car rentals. Expedia and Discover Cars are some of the recommended ones.
There are also plenty of car rental companies right at the airport when you arrive, or in the City of Cancun. They usually offer about the same rates and services.
An average car rental rate is USD 25 per day plus the insurance at USD 45 per day. The companies will ask you for a deposit of about USD 2500, so use your credit card when doing so. In that way, the amount will only be held and not taken away from your account unlike when you use a debit card.
The road from Cancun to Tulum is pretty straightforward and the roads are safe and well-maintained. Plus, you’ll get a good view of the coastal road leading to Tulum. Check Google Maps or Waze to get right to your hotel in Tulum.
The ride can take about 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
Keep in mind the road bumps which Mexico is notoriously known for. Oftentimes, there will be no signs but they’re common when you’re in residential areas.
Rent your private car to Tulum here.
By Private Transport
If you can’t be bothered with the whole transportation arrangement and just want to get to Tulum as quickly and as seamlessly as possible, then this is recommended.
Private transport companies are also available at the airport. They offer different kinds of vehicles from cars to vans to transport individuals, couples or families. These are great if you’re travelling with family or a group of friends.
The cost is about USD 150 one way for the entire shuttle. The ride usually just takes 1.5 hours and it’ll get you directly to your hotel.
They also offer round-trip rates for USD 175. Let them know of your schedule beforehand and they’ll come to pick you up on time. One of the most recommended companies is Cancun Airport Transportation.
Book your airport shuttle here.
There are also shared shuttle services available at the airport. If you’re looking forward to a less cramped ride than a bus but don’t have a budget for a taxi or a car, then a shared taxi is recommended.
The ride will cost you USD 25 one way, per person, and you’ll be sharing the shuttle with about 5 other people. The ride takes about 2.5 hours due to the waiting of other passengers usually.
Book your shared shuttle from Cancun Airport to Tulum here.
By Colectivo
Perhaps the cheapest option from Downtown Cancun to Tulum is by Colectivo. Colectivos are minivans that are usually used by locals for going short distances.
There are no colectivos from Cancun Airport. From across the ADO bus station in downtown Cancun, you can take a colectivo to go to Playa del Carmen. And from Playa del Carmen, there’ll be a colectivo that will take you to Tulum.
Colectivos are good if you really want to immerse yourself in the local culture and mode of transport and if you only have a small backpack to carry.
Colectivos are usually cramped as they pick up passengers along the way which also makes colectivo a slow way to go to Tulum. It takes about 3 hours to get from Cancun to Tulum. You won’t have space for luggage or big backpacks in a colectivo.
It may save you a bit of money but it’s really just a small difference from when taking the ADO bus.
When travelling from Cancun to Tulum, having a reliable internet connection is crucial.
With eSIM technology and Jetpac, I no longer worry about losing connection and getting lost when the bus drops me off in unfamiliar places along the way. Whether I’m exploring remote areas or navigating through bustling towns, Jetpac ensures seamless connectivity, making the journey effortless and stress-free.
With Tulum getting more popular each year, it’s only timely that transport options are becoming more available to visitors. For comfort, speed and a hassle-free way to go from Cancun to Tulum, getting a private transfer is the best option.
The most popular and most recommended way, however, is riding an ADO bus. It’s cheap, comfortable, and mostly right on schedule.
I’d recommend staying away from colectivos. They’re great only for travels with short distances and when you have a small pack so as not to disturb other passengers.
If you’re looking to make the journey even more memorable, consider exploring some fantastic Mexico Tours, which can add an extra layer of excitement and discovery to your trip. These tours often provide unique insights and experiences, making your travel adventure even more unforgettable.
Before setting off on your journey, it’s vital for travellers to be clued up on the local travel regulations. Stay in the loop with the most recent travel tax info by checking out essential Visitax mexico details ahead of your Tulum adventure.
So, let’s explore the journey from Cancun to Tulum and uncover the one that best suits your travel style.
