Traveling from Cancun to Tulum is a journey well worth the effort. Tulum is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters beaches and archaeological ruins that transport you back in time. Moreover, its relaxed and bohemian atmosphere has turned Tulum into a fashionable destination.
You can’t miss exploring its crystal-clear cenotes and savoring delicious local cuisine at the countless restaurants overlooking the sea. Furthermore, Tulum serves as an ideal starting point to explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the jungle and mangroves. In summary, it is an essential place to see in Mexico.
We’ll provide you with all the transportation options for getting from Cancun to Tulum. It’s a straightforward journey that takes less than a couple of hours. However, if you have time during your trip, we recommend dedicating a few days and making stops to discover the most beautiful spots along the Riviera Maya. You can even relax at one of the finest resorts on the Riviera Maya – they offer movie-like facilities!
We’ll share 20 things to do in Tulum so you can fully enjoy your destination.
Discover the best areas and hotels to stay in Tulum.
We stayed at the Boutique Hotel Terranova. Highly recommended for its lovely rooms and convenient location!
Don’t forget your travel insurance with a 5% discount for traveling to Mexico. You’ll have assistance in Spanish for all sorts of contingencies: theft, transport delays or cancellations, baggage loss, medical emergencies, and more.
HOW TO GET FROM CANCUN TO TULUM
Day Trip to Visit Tulum
Price of the trip: from $72 USD
Travel duration: full day with hotel pickup and guide
Short on time but don’t want to leave Cancun without visiting Tulum? You can book a day trip that includes stops at the impressive Cobá archaeological site and the Mariposa cenote, one of the most beautiful in the area. You’ll have direct transportation from your Cancun hotel to the Tulum Mayan ruins, where the famous Castle hangs over a cliff with views of the turquoise waters below. Afterward, you’ll have the opportunity to take a dip in the Mariposa cenote and witness a traditional Mayan ceremony. Finally, you can taste exquisite local cocoa and honey.
Following a delicious meal, you’ll head to Cobá, where you’ll discover the majestic Nohoch Mul pyramid, the tallest in Yucatán. Plus, you’ll have free time to explore the ruins before returning to Cancun with a wealth of enriching experiences thanks to a guide who will accompany you throughout the journey, sharing plenty of interesting facts and curiosities.
The total duration of the tour is 12 hours, perfect if you want to see many cool places in a single day. Additionally, it includes two drinks, meals, and everything you need to swim in the cenote (life jacket and locker).
Bus, the Most Common Way to Get from Cancun to Tulum
Price of the trip: from 230 MXN / $14 USD per person
Travel duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
To travel from Cancun to Tulum by bus, we recommend ADO, the primary bus company in Mexico. They are usually punctual and have a modern fleet of vehicles. They offer multiple departures every hour from the central bus terminal in Cancun. If you want to go directly from Cancun Airport to Tulum, there are also buses covering that route
The price of tickets from downtown Cancun to Tulum is approximately 230 Mexican pesos (about $15 USD). If you’re departing from Cancun Airport, tickets to Tulum cost 400 pesos (about $23 USD).
We advise you to book your tickets online in advance to secure your seat, especially during high season when some buses fill up. However, if you’re unsure about your preferred schedule, you can go to the ADO counter at the airport to purchase tickets for the next available departure with available seats.
The bus will drop you off at the Tulum Bus Terminal located in the city center. Alternatively, you have the option to get off at the terminal near the Tulum ruins. This latter location is more convenient if you plan to visit Tulum in a single day and want to start by exploring the beautiful ruins area.
How to go from Cancun to Tulum
Rent a Car
The Most Convenient Transportation for Getting Around the Riviera Maya
Price of the trip: from $25 USD per day + fuel
Travel duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Additionally, when you rent a vehicle, you’ll have the freedom to make stops along the way and visit some of the most beautiful places in the Riviera Maya. But that’s not all – having a car in Tulum will greatly facilitate getting around between the city center and the beach area. You’ll also be able to reach the Sian Ka’an Reserve (home to some of the most incredible beaches in the region) and nearby cenotes. Similarly, you shouldn’t leave the Yucatan Peninsula without visiting Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
However, if you do decide to rent a car, we recommend checking out our post about the 12 best day trips from Cancun. We hope to provide you with some ideas for making stops along the way. Additionally, we offer some useful tips in our post on 15 tips for driving in Mexico with a rental car. Mexican roads have some peculiarities you should be aware of!
Private Shuttle
Exploring the Riviera Maya with a private transportation service offers a seamless and secure way to travel. While there are various transportation options available, renting a car stands out as an excellent choice for maximizing your convenience and safety.
Private Transportation for Exploring the Riviera Maya
Price of the service: varies based on the provider and vehicle chosen
Travel duration: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
When considering how to travel from Cancun to Tulum, opting for a private transportation service provides you with a range of benefits that extend beyond convenience. While the cost may vary depending on the service provider and the type of vehicle you choose, the additional advantages make this option well worth considering.
Safety First: A Secure and Hassle-Free Journey
The road that connects Cancun to Tulum spans a distance of around 120 kilometers (75 miles). Choosing a private Shuttle from Cancun to Tulum service ensures a safe and secure journey, eliminating the potential risks associated with driving an unfamiliar vehicle in a foreign country. With a professional driver at the helm, you can relax and enjoy the scenic route while avoiding the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads.
Customized Itinerary: Freedom to Explore
Renting a car for private transportation not only provides you with a dedicated driver but also allows for a personalized itinerary. While the road from Cancun to Tulum takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, you have the flexibility to make stops along the way to explore the captivating attractions of the Riviera Maya. Whether it’s pausing to visit stunning cenotes, indulging in local cuisine, or immersing yourself in the region’s rich culture, the freedom to design your own adventure is invaluable.
No Worries About Fuel and Maintenance
When you choose a private transportation service, you won’t need to worry about refueling or vehicle maintenance. Your driver takes care of these details, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey. This allows you to focus entirely on enjoying your trip without any logistical concerns.
Expert Local Insight: Your Personal Guide
In companies like Taxi Riviera Maya your professional driver not only ensures your safety but also serves as a knowledgeable local guide. They can provide insights into the region’s history, culture, and hidden gems, enhancing your travel experience and helping you discover the true essence of the Riviera Maya.
Collective, the Cheapest Way to Get from Cancun to Tulum
Price of the trip: from 45 MXN / $3.50 USD per person
Travel duration: 2 hours or more
The final option we recommend for traveling from Cancun to Tulum is collectives. These are shared transportation options in Mexico that follow established routes using minibuses. They’re known for being an economical and flexible alternative, as they don’t have fixed schedules. If your budget is tight, this will be the most affordable way to get around. A collective trip from Cancun to Tulum costs around 45-60 MXN (about $3-4 USD) per person.
However, it’s important to note that the collective journey will take longer than a bus due to multiple stops to pick up and drop off passengers along the way. On the other hand, it’s also relevant to mention that the space in these vehicles is often very limited, both for you and your luggage. Nonetheless, a positive aspect is that you’ll have the freedom to get off at any point during the journey, so you can visit all the places of interest without restriction. If you choose this option, we recommend asking your accommodation in Cancun for the nearest collective stop.
FAQs ABOUT HOW TO GET FROM CANCUN TO TULUM
Below, we answer some frequently asked questions about how to travel from Cancun to Tulum. However, if you have any other concerns, feel free to leave us a comment.
How many kilometers are there from Cancun to Tulum?
There are about 120 kilometers (75 miles) between Cancun and Tulum. The best part is that along the way, you’ll traverse the beautiful Riviera Maya, where some of Mexico’s most spectacular beaches are located.
How long does it take to travel from Cancun to Tulum?
The duration of the journey between Cancun and Tulum varies depending on the transportation method you choose. However, the approximate travel time is two hours.
How to get from Cancun to Tulum quickly?
If you’re aiming to get from Cancun to Tulum as quickly as possible, the best thing you can do is rent a car. By choosing this option, you can reach your destination in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Although this might vary based on traffic conditions, you’ll have the freedom to manage your time.
How to go from Cancun Airport to Tulum directly?
The most convenient option (especially after a long flight) is to book a transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum. If you opt to rent a car, you can pick it up directly at Cancun Airport and start your journey to Tulum right away. It takes about a few hours. Alternatively, there are some ADO buses that go directly from Cancun Airport to Tulum.
How much does it cost to go from Cancun to Tulum?
In terms of price, the most economical transportation option from Cancun to Tulum is the collective. If you’re looking to save money, you can spend between $3 and $6 USD (depending on your stops) using this service. However, you should keep in mind that this is the least comfortable option and at times, it might take longer to reach your destination due to the number of stops made during the journey.
On the other hand, there are more expensive options for traveling to Tulum, such as renting a car or booking a private tour. However, you’ll also find the perfect middle ground by taking a bus. Nevertheless, regardless of the transportation method you use, traveling from Cancun to Tulum is not particularly expensive
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