Are you looking for ways how to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum? Learn about your transport options, including what you need to consider when choosing to go by bus, shuttle, or car.
Playa del Carmen and Tulum are two travel destinations you must not miss when exploring Quintana Roo in Mexico. Both have great beaches, good food, and many other offerings, even for the most discerning traveler.
If you have done all the best things in Playa del Carmen and are on a hunt for more activities, consider extending your visit and traveling to Tulum.
Tulum has its own unique charm and set of tourist spots that are truly worth the drive, so don’t let the distance hinder you from visiting this beautiful destination.
To visit Tulum from Playa del Carmen, you can go by ADO Bus, shuttle, taxi, or rental car.
How far is Tulum from Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen and Tulum distance is 46 miles or 74 kilometers.
It takes about 50 minutes to travel from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.
Transportation Options from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, Mexico
The following table outlines all transportation options from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, Mexico:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Coach Bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum | 1-1.5 hours | USD 6-USD 12 |
| Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Tulum | Custom Time | USD 114 |
| Taxi from Playa del Carmen to Tulum | 50 minutes | – |
| Shared Van Shuttle from Playa del Carmen to Tulum | ~1 hour | – |
| Rental Car from Playa del Carmen to Tulum | 50 minutes | – |
How to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum?
1. ADO Coach Bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
Taking an ADO Bus is one of the best ways to get to Tulum from Playa del Carmen!
The cost to ride an ADO Bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum starts at USD 6 or about MXN 105, and can go all the way to USD 12. The journey takes between 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on your departure time.
Departures are very frequent throughout the day, so you should have no problem catching a bus at any preferred time!
Riding an ADO Bus is one of the most preferred routes from Playa del Carmen to Tulum because of its safety features and dependable service. It is recommended for budget travelers and for those who are not in a hurry to reach Tulum.
Since this is a popular transportation choice from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, we recommend checking out the schedules and booking your tickets online in advance here!
Pochutla to Puerto Escondido OCC Coach Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:40 PM | 06:00 PM | 1 hour 20 minutes | USD 6 |   |
| 07:00 PM | 08:20 PM | 1 hour 20 minutes | USD 6 | |
| 06:30 PM | 07:30 PM | 1 hour | USD 7 | |
| 12:30 AM | 01:40 AM | 1 hour 10 minutes | USD 9 | |
| 01:30 AM | 02:50 AM | 1 hour 20 minutes | USD 9 | |
| 06:30 AM | 07:30 AM | 1 hour | USD 9 | |
| 07:30 AM | 08:50 AM | 1 hour 20 minutes | USD 9 | |
| 08:05 AM | 09:00 AM | 55 minutes | USD 9 | |
| 08:50 AM | 10:00 AM | 1 hour 10 minutes | USD 9 | |
| 09:20 AM | 10:40 AM | 1 hour 20 minutes | USD 9 | |
| 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM | 1 hour 30 minutes | USD 9 | |
| 10:35 AM | 12:00 PM | 1 hour 25 minutes | USD 9 | |
| 01:30 PM | 02:25 PM | 55 minutes | USD 9 | |
| 03:35 PM | 04:50 PM | 1 hour 15 minutes | USD 9 | |
| 05:30 PM | 06:47 PM | 1 hour 17 minutes | USD 9 | |
| 10:30 PM | 11:40 PM | 1 hour 10 minutes | USD 9 | |
| 12:35 PM | 02:00 PM | 1 hour 25 minutes | USD 12 | |
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
2. Shuttle from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
You can also take a shuttle to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. Colectivos, as locals call them, are a cheaper alternative to buses. The fare costs about 40 pesos and the total travel time is about an hour – depending on the number of stops your Colectivo makes.
Colectivos are, in general, minivans with no air conditioning. You can hail one along the road if you see space or go to their pick-up points for a better chance at seats.
Riding a Colectivo is one of the things you must do when visiting Quintana Roo. It is one of the most efficient ways of traveling from city to city, from cenote to cenote, and from one destination to the next.
Think twice about taking a Colectivo if you have much luggage in tow. As the name suggests, the minivan is too tiny to carry too many bags.
3. Taxi from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
If you’re traveling with a group or family and you prefer not to share rides with strangers, opting for a taxi from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is a viable option.
This choice provides you with ample space for your luggage and the benefit of absolute privacy, ensuring a more comfortable journey for everyone involved. Also, a taxi ride can be more efficient than public transport, as it can drop you directly at your hotel or chosen location in Tulum.
However, please be aware that given the considerable distance from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, which is approximately 64 kilometers (about 40 miles), your taxi fare will likely cost in the region of 600 pesos, and potentially more depending on traffic and the time of day.
Therefore, it’s recommended to negotiate and agree on a fixed price with your driver before starting the journey. This way, you can avoid any unexpected costs or disputes upon arrival at your destination.
4. Private car from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
If you’re someone who values comfort, convenience, and the flexibility to travel on your own schedule, then choosing a private transfer from Playa del Carmen to Tulum could be the ideal solution for you.
With this service, your driver will conveniently pick you up directly from your hotel in Playa del Carmen at your specified time. This eliminates the stress of adhering to public transportation schedules or haggling with taxi drivers.
Additionally, for a small extra charge, many private transfer services offer the flexibility to make stops along the way, perfect for capturing those scenic photographs or exploring the region’s hidden gems.
Private transfers can be especially cost-effective if you’re traveling in a group. When the fare is split among multiple passengers, the price per person becomes quite affordable, making this luxury option surprisingly economical!
Different companies offer a variety of deals, packages, and vehicle options to cater to different group sizes and needs. So, take a look at the choices available, find the offer that best suits your requirements, and book your convenient and comfortable private transfer from Playa del Carmen to Tulum right here!
Prices for a private transfer from Plata del Carmen to Tulum:
- 1-7 passengers: USD 125
- 8-10 passengers: USD 129
- 11-16 passengers: USD 229
5. Uber to Tulum
Right now, there are no Uber services in the cities of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, so you cannot possibly go there by Uber.
6. Rent a car
One best way to go from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is by renting a car. This way, you can take the wheel and plan a whole itinerary out of your ride.
You can also choose to rent the car for the whole duration of your stay in Quintana Roo and use it to do all the best things to do in Tulum and beyond.
It takes 54 minutes to drive to Tulum from Playa del Carmen nonstop. You just have to go straight and stay on 50 Avenida Sur/Cancun – Chetumal/Carr. Tulum – Cancún/México 307.
The cost to rent a car starts at 52 USD per day. You can choose to conveniently leave the rental car in Tulum or drive it back to Playa del Carmen.
Before renting a car, consider travelers’ comments about the difficulty of finding parking spaces in popular tourist destinations in Tulum. Road signages, rules, and maps are also something you must research before your trip.
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 Playa del Carmen to Tulum
Is it safe to drive from Playa del Carmen to Tulum?
It is generally safe to drive from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. The road conditions between the two cities are good aside from some potholes, poorly-marked roads, and dim lights. To avoid these, consider driving during the daytime. Regarding crime, the area is regularly patrolled by police, so this should give you a sense of security.
Is it worth going to Tulum?
It is worth going to Tulum. It is home to numerous beautiful cenotes, lovely locals, stunning beaches, and world-renowned ruins. Reading about all the best things to do in Tulum will convince you even more.
What is the cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum?
The cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is by a local colectivo. Tickets for these local public vans usually costs about 40 pesos, but if you want a more comfortable alternative, you can also travel with the ADO coach bus for only USD 6!
What is the fastest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum?
The fastest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is by car. Traveling the distance from Playa del Carmen to Tulum by car takes only about 50 minutes!
How much does a taxi from Playa del Carmen to Tulum cost?
Taxi fares can fluctuate based on the time of year and the individual taxi company, but generally, a one-way taxi trip from Playa del Carmen to Tulum can cost anywhere from 600 to 900 MXN, or USD 40-USD 50.
Is there a direct bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum?
Yes, the ADO bus service provides direct transportation from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned.
Are colectivos a safe way to travel to Tulum from Playa del Carmen?
Colectivos, or shared vans, are a common method of transportation in this region. They are generally safe, but as with any form of public transportation, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take care of your personal belongings.
Can I rent a car in Playa del Carmen to drive to Tulum?
Yes, there are numerous car rental companies in Playa del Carmen. Driving allows more flexibility to stop along the way and explore other sites, like the cenotes or the ruins of Coba.
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