If you have never been to Chichen Itza, then do not be surprised if you find yourself in complete awe the moment your feet touch the ground. Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Cancun to Chichen Itza.
Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city that’s been around for nearly 3,000 years. Its humble beginnings laid the foundation for the Mayan empire.
It is a significant regional capital that rises out of the jungle in Yucatan. Today, it is one of Mexico’s biggest tourist attractions and still an active archaeological site.
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And even though it’s been pretty much abandoned since 1300 CE, it’s incredible to see that some of the most giant Mayan pyramids and temples have hardly changed. If you love history, art, architecture, and nature, Chichen Itza will blow you away!
It is classified as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
A single highway connects Cancun with Chichen Itza, and there are various ways for visitors to get there.
Ready to check it out?
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Cancun to Chichen Itza.
How far is Chichen Itza from Cancun?
Cancun is conveniently located just 120 miles or 193 kilometers from Chichen Itza, one of Mexico’s most important and iconic sites, and it is only a 2-hour drive!
Transportation Options from Cancun to Chichen Itza
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cancun to Chichen Itza:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus from Cancun to Chichen Itza | 3 hours | USD 23 to 36 |
| Shared Shuttle from Cancun to Chichen Itza | 2.5 to 3 hours | USD 30 to 40 |
| Private Transfer from Cancun to Chichen Itza | 2.5 hours | USD 282 |
| Taxi from Cancun to Chichen Itza | 2.5 hours | USD 150 to 180 |
| Flight from Cancun to Chichen Itza | 1 hour | USD 1371 |
| Rental CarCancun to Chichen Itza | 2.5 hours |
Getting to Chichen Itza from Cancun
1. ADO Bus from Cancun to Chichen Itza
Journey Duration: 3 hours
Are you traveling on a budget?
Don’t worry. Standard and Coach buses around Mexico are not only affordable, but they are also incredibly safe and comfortable.
ADO buses run from Cancun’s ADO bus station to Chichen Itza daily, providing a fast and affordable trip!
Cancun to Chichen Itza Bus Schedule
- 08:00 AM to 11:47 AM: ADO Coach Bus from Cancun to Chichen Itza.
Total price: USD 36
- 08:45 AM to 11:00 AM: ADO Standard Bus from Cancun to Chichen Itza.
Total price: USD 23
Are you trying to find the cheapest and most efficient way to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza? We’ve got the best option for you!
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Cancun to Chichen Itza. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
2. Shared Van Shuttle
Journey Duration: 2-3 hours
Travel by shuttle van from Cancun to Chichen Itza and experience an adventure you will never forget. Wayak Tours arranges group tours as well as private and customized excursions.
Their Wayak pass, a flexible way of traveling through Mexico, allows you to plan your itinerary to travel through the Mexican destinations using their shuttle van to Chichen Itza.
At each destination, you can stay as long as you like while the company handles all the arrangements for an enjoyable trip.
Priced at USD 329, their service is well worth the splurge!
3. Private Transfer from Cancun to Chichen Itza
Journey Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes
Wayak’s private car service from Cancun to Chichen Itza can accommodate up to four passengers. The ride takes around 2 hours and is comfortable and flexible!
It is possible to depart Cancun International Airport (CUN) as early as 00:00 and as late as 23:00. You will find your driver holding a sign with your name on it in the Arrivals Hall. Pick a time that works for you, and don’t worry about schedules!
It is a bit more costly, starting at USD 282, but taking this type of transport will provide you with the most comfort and convenience.
Pick comfort by choosing Wayak’s private transfer, and travel with their cars for the most enjoyable trip!
4. Cancun to Chichen Itza Flight
Journey Duration: 1 hour
You can also spend your vacation money like a rockstar and visit Chichen Itza by plane.
A private or shared flight to Chichen Itza offers the benefit of exclusivity, as well as the opportunity to save time and make unforgettable memories.
Flights Cancun offers a private transfer via standard plane with a capacity of 5 passengers. The price for one passenger is USD 1371.
Besides the standard flight, Flights Cancun also offers a Tourist Flight from Cancun to Chichen Itza that can hold up to 12 passengers. Arrive at the archaeological site even faster, in the most luxurious way, for USD 2587.
Many amenities are included in these flights from Cancun to Chichen Itza. You will find local food and beverages, air conditioning, and English-speaking staff onboard.
You should arrive at the airport 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Your boarding pass will be issued upon presentation of your passport and voucher (sent to you via email).
Fly over the region with a group and enjoy the most stunning views as you soar above the clouds!
5. Driving with Rental Car
Journey Duration: 2 hours
You can rent a car from Cancun and drive yourself to Chichen Itza.
Between Quintana Roo and Yucatan, this area of Mexico is effortless to drive. It’s a tourist-heavy area, so it’s safe and protected since the land is flat and the highways are relatively straight.
The drive takes about two hours each way, with plenty of opportunities to stop and see additional sights. See the pastel buildings and Spanish architecture of Valladolid, for example, to get a sense of the beautiful colonial town.
There are many affordable rental car options in Mexico, but fees are often hidden, making it appear that a car can be rented for less than $5 a day.
After adding insurance, the cost skyrockets; depending on the season, you can expect to pay $30 to $50 per day.
6. Uber or Taxi
Journey Duration: 2- 3 hours
And last but not least, you can always take a Taxi or Uber to reach Chichen Itza.
A taxi ride from Cancun Airport to Chichen Itza will cost between USD 150 and USD 180, depending on your destination and time of day.
Best day tours in Chichen Itzá, Mexico
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Chichen Itzá, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is so special about Chichen Itza?
A peak population of over a million people made Chichen Itza the largest city on the Yucatan Peninsula. The ruins of this city today reflect a great civilization filled with architectural wonders and ancient secrets. Aside from the pyramids, Chichen Itza has cenotes, including the Xtoloc Cenote, also known as the “Sacred Cenote.”
What are three facts about Chichen Itza?
There is a possibility that this famous Mayan site is not entirely Mayan.
A nearby cenote gives the city its name.
Several smaller pyramids nestle inside the main pyramid.
Is it disrespectful to climb Chichen Itza?
Visitors cannot climb the Chichen Itza Pyramid. Tourists used to claim the Chichen Itza Pyramid in the past, but not anymore.
