5 Best Ways to get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, Mexico

You can get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen by ADO bus, colectivo, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.

The cheapest option to travel from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is by colectivo, which costs only a few dollars. The journey takes a bit over 1 hour.

The most popular option is the ADO bus, offering direct transportation for only USD 9.

The fastest way to travel to Playa del Carmen from Tulum is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi, which takes about 50 minutes.

My adventures in Mexico have taken me from its sun-kissed beaches to its bustling cities while giving me a lot of experience when it comes to navigating its versatile landscapes.

In the following article, I’ll unveil my tips and methods to traverse this magnificent country effortlessly and securely.

Check our guide for the best options to travel from Tulum to Playa del Carmen.

Transportation Options from Tulum to Playa del Carmen

The following table outlines all transportation options from Tulum to Playa del Carmen:

Method	Time	Price
ADO Bus from Tulum to Playa del Carmen	~1 hr	$9
Colectivo from Tulum to Playa del Carmen	~1 hr	–
Tulum to Playa del Carmen Private Transfer	50 min	$125 to 229
Taxi from Tulum to Playa del Carmen	50 min	–
Rental Car	50 min	–

How far is Tulum to Playa del Carmen?

The distance from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is 39.8 miles or 64 kilometers.

Getting to Playa del Carmen from Tulum

1. ADO Bus from Tulum to Playa del Carmen

Journey Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes

If you are traveling on a budget and don’t want to take a colectivo, the cheapest transportation between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, we recommend taking the ADO bus.

All ADO buses are equipped with Air conditioning, a luggage rack, TVs, reclinable seats, and a toilet.

An ADO bus ticket costs $9 at the time of writing, and the journey takes around one hour and 10 minutes.

Tulum to Playa del Carmen ADO Bus Schedule

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

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
08:10am	09:20am	1h 10m	$9
12:00pm	01:10pm	1h 10m	$9
01:00pm	02:10pm	1h 10m	$9
04:30pm	05:45pm	1h 15m	$9
05:35pm	06:50pm	1h 15m	$9
07:35pm	08:45pm	1h 10m	$9

2. Private Transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen

Journey Duration: 50 minutes

A private transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is the most convenient and hassle-free option to travel!

Your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Tulum and drop you off at your accommodation in Playa del Carmen. You are also not dependent on bus or shuttle schedules as you decide when you want to get picked up.

Another advantage is that your driver will go straight to Tulum without stopping unless you want to combine your transfer with a sightseeing tour. Most drivers will offer you to stop along the way for an additional charge.

Prices for a private transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen:

• 1-7 passengers: USD 125
• 8-10 passengers: USD 129
• 11-16 passengers: USD 229

3. Colectivo to Playa del Carmen from Tulum

Journey Duration: ~1 hour

The cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is by colectivo.

A colectivo is basically a minibus that you can share with other passengers. The difference with a regular shuttle van is that you cannot make a reservation for a collective, and there are no fixed departure times.

The colectivo departs once all seats are taken. But don’t worry. The route between Tulum and Playa del Carmen is very popular, so colectivos usually fill up quickly.

If you prefer to reserve a seat, you can book a ticket for a minivan here.

4. Driving with a Rental Car from Tulum to Playa del Carmen

Journey Duration: 50 minutes

One of the best ways to explore the Yucatan Peninsula is by renting a car.

With a rental car, you can easily visit the Mayan ruins close to Tulum or make some of the most popular day trips.

Traveling by car from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is also easy, safe, and has many advantages. You are flexible; you can stop and take more luggage wherever you want.

We use Rentalcars.com to book a rental car in advance as they compare all major rental car companies and usually offer the best prices.

5. Taxi from Tulum to Playa del Carmen

Journey Duration: 50 minutes

If you want to decide last minute when you want to travel to Playa del Carmen, a taxi might be the best option. However, we recommend booking your transportation in advance to save money.

Best day tours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

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 Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions