Are you wondering about how to get from Cancun to Tulum, Mexico? Check out our detailed guide with all travel options and prices.
Getting to Tulum from Cancun downtown and Cancun International Airport is easy and affordable.
The world knows Tulum for the Mayan ruins and fascinating cenotes that perfectly characterize this travel destination.
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As you search how to get from Cancun to Tulum, you will find plenty of land transport options to choose from – and that’s about it.
There is no airport located in Tulum, so there is no option for you to book a flight there.
The nearest airport is actually in Cancun. That is why the route from Cancun to Tulum is so popular.
How far is Tulum from Cancun Downtown and Cancun Airport?
The Cancun to Tulum distance is 81 miles or 131 kilometers.
The distance from the Cancun Airport to Tulum is 73 miles or 118 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Cancun to Tulum
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cancun downtown to Tulum:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus from Cancun to Tulum | 2.5 hours | USD 17 |
| Shared Shuttle from Cancun to Tulum | 2.5 to 3 hours | USD 25 to 40 |
| Colectivo from Cancun to Tulum | 4+ hours | USD 5 |
| Private Transfer from Cancun to Tulum | 1.5 hours | USD 114 |
| Taxi from Cancun to Tulum | 1.5 hours | USD 80+ |
| Uber from Cancun to Tulum | 1.5 hours | USD 50 to 60 |
| Rental Car | 1.5 hours |
Transportation from Cancun to Tulum
1. Shared Shuttle from Cancun Downtown to Tulum
Journey Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
As a first option, you can always take a shared shuttle from Cancun to Tulum.
A shuttle van transports fewer people and can be slightly more expensive than buses. However, this is usually still a cheap way of getting to Tulum!
It’s a comfortable, fast, safe, and convenient way to save money while not having to go through the hassle of catching a regular public bus.
Several companies offer this service, and it will take around 2.5 hours to arrive in Tulum. Most shuttles have a maximum capacity of 10 people, so it’s much easier for you and your luggage than regular buses.
It’s less expensive than a private taxi and not as slow as a public bus. It’s always an excellent budget-friendly option for travelers!
Click here to book a shared shuttle to Tulum!
2. ADO Bus from Cancun Downtown to Tulum
Journey Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
Traveling from Cancun to Tulum is easy, and one of the most popular options is by ADO coach bus. You can catch a comfortable, safe, and reliable ADO bus from the central bus station in Cancun to Tulum.
ADO is the leading bus company that serves the Yucatan Peninsula, and buses depart regularly throughout the day.
The buses themselves are very modern and comfortable with air conditioning and room for your luggage. If you want to relax, you can even take a nap, as the buses usually have a comfortable reclining seats.
Also, they are reliable and will always get you on time to your destination.
- 07:10 AM to 10:00 AM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Downtown
Total price: USD 17
- 08:30 AM to 11:30 AM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Downtown
Total price: USD 17
- 09:10 AM to 12:00 PM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Downtown
Total price: USD 17
- 10:05 AM to 01:05 PM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Downtown
Total price: USD 17
- 11:10 AM to 02:00 PM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Downtown
Total price: USD 17
- 12:10 PM to 03:00 PM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Downtown
Total price: USD 17
- 02:05 PM to 04:45 PM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Downtown
Total price: USD 17
- 03:10 PM to 06:00 PM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Downtown
Total price: USD 17
- 05:10 PM to 08:00 PM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Downtown
Total price: USD 17
- 08:50 PM to 11:40 PM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Downtown
Total price: USD 17
3. Colectivo from Cancun Downtown to Tulum
Journey Duration: 4+ hours
If you are traveling on a budget, taking a Colectivo (shared van) from downtown Cancun might be the best option.
The shuttles depart daily from across the ADO bus station.
You will have to take a shuttle from Cancun downtown to Playa del Carmen and then a second shuttle from Playa to Tulum. The total cost is about USD 5.
4. Private Transfer from Cancun to Tulum
Journey Duration: Custom Time
If you are going straight to Tulum, don’t waste any time with public transportation, and book a private transfer right now!
Private transportation from anywhere in the Cancun area is the best option for travelers who are short on time but want to avoid long lines and crowded buses.
This type of transfer is the fastest and most convenient way to get from Cancun to Tulum.
No need to cram into cramped taxis or wait for public buses. This door-to-door service will take you directly from your Cancun accommodation to any desired destination in Tulum.
Leave all your worries about getting stuck in traffic, bus arrivals and departures schedules, finding a safe taxi, and paying too much for a ride behind. Just gather a group, split the cost, and you’ve got yourself a great deal!
This service will ensure that you get to your hotel as fast as possible, without any hassle, so you will have more time to enjoy the beaches of Tulum or explore its remarkable ancient Mayan ruins.
Prices for a private transfer from Cancun to Tulum:
- 1 to 7 passengers: USD 114
- 8 to 10 passengers: USD 129
- 11 to 16 passengers: USD 229
5. Car Rental from Cancun to Tulum
Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Renting a car is one of the best ways to get from Cancun to Tulum and explore attractions along the way! You’ll have plenty of time to see everything you want and organize your trip independently.
Renting a car for your trip from Cancun to Tulum offers travelers many advantages. You can get anywhere you want in the Yucatán Peninsula at your own pace, and you don’t have to rely on public transportation schedules or taxis.
Furthermore, it is one of the fastest ways to reach your destination, not to mention how affordable it can be!
For a road trip from Cancun to Tulum, you’ll have to plan to avoid getting stuck on the highway during rush hour. Start your drive early; if possible, aim to head out before 8 AM for the best chance of avoiding traffic.
We recommend renting a car online to get the best deal!
6. Taxi or Uber from Cancun to Tulum
Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
The last and most expensive option is to take a taxi, but only consider this if you are in a hurry and have the extra cash. This can be the easiest option, but always expect to pay a high fare.
Taxis are convenient because they provide door-to-door services and can drop you off exactly where you need to go, but they can also be easily replaced with much more convenient transportation options.
If you decide to take a taxi cab, have cash with you, as credit cards are usually not accepted.
Most taxis use pesos, although some also accept U.S dollars. So, keep that in mind when hopping into one of these neon green and yellow rides!
How to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum?
1. ADO Bus from Cancun Airport to Tulum
Journey Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes
Traveling by ADO Bus to Tulum from Cancun Airport is the most popular option for visitors and residents.
The bus from Cancun Airport to Tulum departs directly from the airport.
ADO bus is the leading bus company that caters to the Riviera Maya.
It is the only public bus transport company offering rides from the Cancun International Airport.
To save your seat and avoid queuing up at the ticket booth, I recommend you buy your bus ticket online in advance.
There are multiple daily trips from Cancun Airport to Tulum:
- 10:30 AM to 12:40 PM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 25
- 11:40 AM to 01:55 PM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 25
- 01:00 PM to 03:10 PM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 25
- 04:45 PM to 06:55 PM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 25
- 06:35 PM to 08:45 PM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 25
- 08:35 PM to 10:45 PM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 25
- 02:40 PM to 04:50 PM: Coach Bus to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 25
To get to Tulum from Cancun by bus takes about two hours and 35 minutes.
The ADO busses are equipped with toilets, power outlets, and air conditioning. They are also pet-friendly and are lenient when it comes to sports equipment.
2. Shuttle from Cancun Airport to Tulum
Journey Duration: 2 hours
If you plan to travel from Cancun to Tulum, you can also take a shared shuttle from Cancun Airport.
A shared shuttle van can accommodate up to twelve passengers at a time.
Should there be vacant seats when leaving the airport, the driver will pass by specific major hotels to pick up passengers along the way.
This may add a few minutes to your travel time and should be considered.
A one-way Cancun airport to Tulum shuttle trip costs $70 per person. You can book your ticket online in advance. Shuttles are leaving every hour.
The meeting point for the shuttle at Cancun airport is at the BDExperience counter in the Arrivals Hall.
You will then be directed to your vehicle. The total travel time from Cancun to Tulum by shuttle is around two hours.
Shared Van Shuttle Schedule:
- 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Shuttle to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 96
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Shuttle to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 96
- 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM: Shuttle to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 96
- 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM: Shuttle to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 96
- 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM: Shuttle to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 96
- 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM: Shuttle to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 96
- 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM: Shuttle to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 96
- 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM: Shuttle to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 96
- 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM: Shuttle to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 96
- 05:00 PM to 07:00 PM: Shuttle to Tulum from Cancun Airport
Total price: USD 96
3. Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum
Journey Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
It is also possible to book a private car from the Cancun airport to Tulum.
If you travel from Cancun Airport to Tulum as a group, you might want to consider pre-booking a private vehicle online.
Prices for a private Airport Transfer from Cancun to Tulum:
- 1 to 7 passengers: USD 114
- 8 to 10 passengers: USD 129
- 11 to 16 passengers: USD 229
Booking a private transfer saves you from the hassle of looking for other passengers, waiting for latecomers, or not stopping the vehicle when and where you need to.
Compared to driving on your own, it also allows you to relax in your seat without being stressed about the roads.
The private airport transfer from Cancun to Tulum takes about one hour and 45 minutes, depending on the number of stops you agree to make on the way.
Transport companies will allow you to stop at grocery stores or food chains for an added charge.
4. Taxi from Cancun Airport to Tulum
Journey Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Getting to Tulum from Cancun is made easy (or hard) by the dozens of taxis that wait at the airport for travelers who did not make prior transport reservations.
As a rough estimate, a one-way taxi ride from Cancun to Tulum costs USD 80 or 1,700 pesos.
The taxi ride to Tulum from Cancun Airport will take less than two hours during favorable traffic conditions.
5. Uber from Cancun Airport to Tulum
Journey Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Is there Uber in Cancun?
Yes, there is.
Download the application on your smartphone to try booking an Uber in Cancun. Going to Tulum from the international airport costs about $50.
It is essential to check beforehand if you plan on using Uber to get to Tulum.
There has been a history of Uber not operating in Cancun due to some restrictions, so it is better to do a quick check before your trip.
The Uber ride to Tulum from Cancun Airport takes about one hour and 45 minutes.
6. Drive from Cancun Airport to Tulum
Journey Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
When researching how to get to Tulum from Cancun, you will find out that renting a car might be cheaper and more convenient than the other options.
If you will be doing a lot of exploring within the peninsula, it is truly best to rent a car.
However, be aware that the road signs are written in Spanish, so if you are not knowledgeable about the language, prepare to have your GPS on hand to guide you.
Aside from that, driving in Cancun is generally safe and easy.
To drive to Tulum from Cancun, you have to follow Mexico 307.
This route will take you directly to Tulum Centro. As you drive, you will pass by Puerto Morelos, Playa Del Carmen, and Puerto Aventuras.
There will be police checkpoints on your way to Tulum.
They will ask for documents such as your driver’s license and rental papers as a standard procedure.
It is nothing to be alarmed about – as long as you are not bringing in anything illegal.
The trip from Cancun to Tulum takes about one hour and 45 minutes.
Renting a car in Cancun and then dropping it off in Tulum starts at $13 per day.
Best day tours in Tulum, 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 Tulum, Mexico.
FAQ How to get from Cancun to Tulum
What is the cheapest way to get from Cancun to Tulum?
Riding an ADO bus is the cheapest way to get from Cancun to Tulum, Mexico, with the bus ticket only costing $8.
Can you drive from Cancun to Tulum?
Yes, you can! The drive from Cancun to Tulum takes just under two hours along a single highway: Mexico Highway 307, the main tourist corridor connecting Cancun down the coast to the capital city Chetumal, which sits on the border of Belize.
Is the drive from Cancun to Tulum safe?
Despite many online comments and articles that will tell you otherwise, Tulum as a destination is safe. As with any part of the world, take safety precautions when driving at night. If you have the liberty to set your travel time, drive during the day.
Do you need a car in Tulum?
There are plenty of taxis you can hail once you arrive in Tulum, so there may not be a need for a car. However, renting a car from Cancun Airport on your way to Tulum – and then using the same vehicle to go around – is far better and cheaper if you plan to make day trips from Tulum.
How much is Uber from Cancun to Tulum?
Uber has been available in the Cancun area since June 2019. Getting from Cancun Airport to Tulum with Uber will cost you around USD 50. Unfortunately, Uber is currently not available in Tulum.
Is there an airport in Tulum?
Unfortunately, there is no airport in Tulum. The closest airport is, in fact, in Cancun.
What is the closest airport to Tulum, Mexico?
The closest airport to Tulum is, in fact, the Cancun International Airport. Tulum is located 120 kilometers away from the airport, approximately a 1.5-hour drive.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Tulum?
The cheapest way to get from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Tulum is to drive, which costs USD 9 – USD 15 and takes around 1 hour and 47 minutes.
What is the fastest way to get from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Tulum?
The quickest way to get from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Tulum is by car (either taxi or a private vehicle). It takes around 1 hour and 47 minutes.
Is there a direct bus between Cancun Airport (CUN) and Tulum?
Yes, a direct bus departs from Cancun International Airport T2 and arrives at Tulum. Services depart very frequently and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
Where do I catch the Cancun Airport (CUN) to Tulum bus from?
Cancun Airport (CUN) to Tulum bus services, operated by ADO, depart from Cancun International Airport T2 station.
Where does the Cancun Airport (CUN) to Tulum bus arrive?
Cancun Airport (CUN) to Tulum bus services, operated by ADO, arrive at Tulum station.
More Routes from Cancun
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The following infographic outlines all transportation options from Cancun to Tulum, Mexico:
