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7 Best Ways to get from Cancun to Tulum, Mexico

You can get from Cancun to Tulum by ADO bus, shared shuttle, colectivo, private transfer, rental car, or Uber/ taxi.

The cheapest option to travel from Cancun to Tulum is by colectivo, which costs USD 5. The journey takes a bit over 4 hours, and you’ll need to switch vehicles in Playa del Carmen.

The most popular option is the ADO bus that goes straight from Cancun to Tulum and costs USD 17.

The fastest way to travel to Tulum from Cancun is by private transfer, taxi/Uber. Prices start at USD 50.

I’ve been traveling around Mexico many times, so trust me when I say I’ve got the scoop on all the major ways to get around this beautiful country.

In this guide, I will break down each travel option for you, providing all the details you need to make your journey safe and easy.

Cancun to Tulum Transportation Options

The following table outlines all Cancun to Tulum transportation options:

MethodTimePrice
ADO Bus Cancun to Tulum2.5 hrs$17
Cancun to Tulum Shuttle2.5 to 3 hrs$25 to 40
Colectivo from Cancun to Tulum4+ hrs$5
Cancun to Tulum Private Transfer1.5 hrs$114
Taxi from Cancun to Tulum1.5 hrs$80+
Uber from Cancun to Tulum1.5 hrs$50 to 60
Rental Car1.5 hrs

How far is Tulum from Cancun?

The distance from Cancun to Tulum is 81 miles or 131 kilometers. Driving from Cancun to Tulum takes about 1.5 hours.

Cancun to Tulum Transportation

1. ADO Bus Cancun to Tulum

Journey Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

Ado Bus Terminal In Cancun Downtown
The ADO bus terminal in Cancun downtown

Traveling from Cancun to Tulum is easy, and one of the most popular options is the 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 are modern and comfortable, with air conditioning and room for your luggage. If you want to relax, you can even nap, as the buses usually have comfortable reclining seats.

Also, they are reliable and will always get you on time to your destination.

ADO Coach Bus Schedule from Cancun to Tulum:

The table below displays the ADO bus timetable for trips from Cancun to Tulum, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEPETADURPX
07:10am10:00am2h 50m$17Book Now 3 E1661788865313
08:30am11:35am3h 05m$17Book Now 3 E1661788865313
09:10am12:00pm2h 50m$17Book Now 3 E1661788865313
10:05am01:05pm3h$17Book Now 3 E1661788865313
11:10am02:00pm2h 50m$17Book Now 3 E1661788865313
12:10pm03:00pm2h 50m$17Book Now 3 E1661788865313
02:05pm04:45pm2h 40m$17Book Now 3 E1661788865313
03:10pm06:00pm2h 50m$17Book Now 3 E1661788865313
05:10pm08:00pm2h 50m$17Book Now 3 E1661788865313
08:50pm01:40pm2h 50m$17Book Now 3 E1661788865313
Inside Ado Bus Terminal In Cancun, Mexico
The inside ADO bus terminal in Cancun, Mexico

2. Cancun to Tulum Shuttle

Journey Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Another option is to take a Cancun to Tulum Shuttle.

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 without having to go through the hassle of catching a regular public bus.

Several companies offer this service, and arriving in Tulum will take around 2.5 hours. 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!

3. Colectivo from Cancun Downtown to Tulum

Journey Duration: 4+ hours

Colectivos In Cancun Downtown
Colectivos in Cancun downtown

Taking a Colectivo (shared van) from downtown Cancun might be the best option if you are traveling on a budget.

The shuttles depart daily from across the ADO bus station.

You must 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. Cancun to Tulum Private Transfer

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 Cancun is the best option for travelers who are short on time and 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.

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

Do you need help arranging your transportation?

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Complete this form and one of our transportation specialists will be in touch!

We specialize in arranging transportation across Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Panama, Brazil, Thailand, and Colombia!

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 drive 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! The Cancun to Tulum drive time is about 1.5 hours.

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. Uber or Taxi from Cancun to Tulum

Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

The last and most expensive option for your transportation from Cancun to Tulum 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!

Best day tours in Tulum, Mexico

Best Tours In Tulum

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.

Here, you can find 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 USD 17.

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 it safe to drive from Cancun to Tulum?

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 can set your travel time, drive during the day.

Do you need a car in Tulum?

You can hail many taxis once you arrive in Tulum, so a car may not be needed. 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 to Tulum from Cancun Airport 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. You cannot take a flight to Tulum!

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 from the airport, approximately a 1.5-hour drive.

How to get from Cancun to Tulum?

You can get from Cancun to Tulum by ADO bus, shared shuttle, colectivo, private transfer, rental car, or Uber/ taxi.

More Routes from Cancun

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The following infographic outlines all transportation options from Cancun to Tulum, Mexico:

How To Get From Cancun To Tulum Mexico E1693820532146
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