3 Best Ways to get from Tulum to Tikal, Guatemala

You can get from Tulum to Tikal by ADO bus + shared shuttle, taxi + shared shuttle, or private transfer.

The cheapest option to travel from Tulum to Tikal is by ADO bus + two shared shuttles, which cost between USD 100 and USD 130. The journey takes about 20 hours.

The fastest way to travel to Tikal from Tulum is by private transfer, which takes about 9 hours.

Having traveled across Mexico numerous times, I’ve gathered much knowledge about the best travel routes and methods.

Dive into this article, where I’ll shed light on tried and tested ways to navigate from Tulum to Tikal in this vibrant country with confidence and ease!

Check our guide for the best options to travel from Tulum to Tikal.

Transportation Options from Tulum to Tikal

The following table outlines all transportation options from Tulum to Tikal:

Method	Time	Price
ADO Bus + Shuttles from Tulum to Tikal via Chetumal	~20 hrs	$100 to 130
Taxi + Shared Shuttle from Tulum to Tikal via Chetumal	~16 hrs	–
Private Transfer from Tulum to Tikal	~9 hrs	–

How far is Tikal from Tulum?

The distance from Tulum to Tikal is 369.5 miles or 594.7 kilometers.

It takes around 9 hours to travel from Tulum to Tikal by car.

Getting to Tikal from Tulum

1. ADO Bus + Shared Shuttles from Tulum to Tikal via Chetumal

Journey Duration: ~20 hours

Traveling from Tulum to Tikal and crossing the Mexico-Guatemala borders is a long journey requiring a few stops and vehicle changes.

But the route is not as complicated as it seems, despite the long distance between these popular destinations and the border crossing!

The two locations are well connected; you will find many transportation combinations and ways to reach your destination.

To begin your journey, you can catch a coach bus from Tulum to Chetumal, a city bordering Mexico and Belize.

The trip from Tulum to Chetumal takes under 4 hours, and you will find many daily departures to travel any time!

We recommend booking your coach bus tickets online here with ADO, which provides a convenient and comfortable trip for only USD 29!

Tulum to Chetumal Coach Bus Schedule

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

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
01:30am	05:20am	3h 50m	$29
09:00am	12:50pm	3h 50m	$29
10:00am	01:50pm	3h 50m	$29
11:00am	02:50pm	3h 50m	$29
12:00pm	03:50pm	3h 50m	$29
01:00pm	04:50pm	3h 50m	$29
01:05pm	04:55pm	3h 50m	$29
02:00pm	05:50pm	3h 50m	$29
03:00pm	06:50pm	3h 50m	$29
04:00pm	07:50pm	3h 50m	$29
05:05pm	08:55pm	3h 50m	$29
06:05pm	09:55pm	3h 50m	$29
07:40pm	11:30pm	3h 50m	$29
08:55pm	12:45am	3h 50m	$23

Once you arrive in Chetumal, head to the bus station, where you can catch a shared shuttle to Flores, a small town in northern Guatemala that serves as a gateway to Tikal. You can’t get directly to Tikal, so this is the only convenient option. 

These shuttles typically run multiple times daily, but remember they depart early. So, if you want to make the trip in one day, plan accordingly and arrive in Chetumal before 08:00 AM to catch the next shuttle to Flores.

The shuttle ride from Chetumal to Flores takes approximately 10 hours and will take you through the picturesque countryside of Guatemala!

You can check the departure times and book your tickets for only USD 55 here!

Chetumal to Flores Shared Van Shuttle Schedule

The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from Chetumal to Flores, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
08:00am	06:00pm	10h	$68
08:30am	06:00pm	9h 30m	$55

After arriving in Flores, you can catch another shared shuttle that will take you directly to Tikal in about 2 hours.

However, you will probably have to visit Tikal the next day after arriving in Flores since the shuttles to Tikal also depart early.

You could alternatively take a taxi to Tikal, but it won’t make sense to visit the site after such a long trip and arrive there very late in the afternoon.  

The shuttle tickets from Flores to Tikal cost USD 30-USD 45 and have multiple daily departures. They’re a popular way of getting around the area, so save your seats in advance!

Overall, the traveling time using this type of transportation should be around 20 hours. It’s a long journey, but definitely well worth it!

Flores to Tikal Shared Van Shuttle Schedule

The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from Flores to Tikal, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
08:00am	10:00am	2h	$30
06:00 AM	08:00am	2h	$45
10:00am	12:00pm	2h	$45
08:00am	10:00am	2h	$45

2. Taxi + Shared Van Shuttle from Tulum to Tikal via Chetumal

Journey Duration: ~15 hours

If you’re looking for a faster alternative to travel from Tulum to Tikal, you can consider combining a taxi with a shared van shuttle!

Start your journey by taxiing from Tulum to Chetumal, the border city between Mexico and Belize. You can negotiate the fare with the taxi driver beforehand, and the ride will take approximately 2-3 hours.

Once you arrive in Chetumal, you can catch a shared shuttle to Flores. However, the trip from Chetumal to Flores lasts about 10 hours, so it’s not convenient to travel the distance any other way besides with a shuttle.

These shuttles usually run multiple times a day. Still, all the companies offer only early departures, so catch a taxi very early in the morning and arrive in Chetumal on time for the next shuttle to Flores.

Chetumal to Flores Shared Van Shuttle Schedule

The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from Chetumal to Flores, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
08:00am	06:00pm	10h	$68
08:30am	06:00pm	9h 30m	$55

After arriving in Flores, you can catch another shared shuttle or taxi to Tikal. 

The shared shuttle option is relatively inexpensive, and the ride takes about an hour. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi for a more flexible and personalized experience, which will take about 45 minutes. 

To learn more about traveling from Flores to Tikal, check out our detailed guide on How to get from Flores to Tikal, Guatemala!

3. Private Transfer from Tulum to Tikal

Journey Duration: Custom Time

For those who value privacy, comfort, and convenience, a private transfer is a great transportation option for traveling from Tulum to Tikal.

With a private transfer, you can avoid the hassle of dealing with multiple modes of transportation and enjoy a direct and personalized service from start to finish.

You can arrange a private transfer online or through a travel agency. A professional driver will pick you up at your hotel in Tulum and take you directly to Tikal. The ride will take approximately 8 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing times. 

During the drive, you’ll enjoy the comfort of a modern air-conditioned vehicle and the flexibility to stop for breaks and sightseeing along the way.

The driver can also provide valuable information about the region and answer any questions you might have.

Once you arrive at the Tikal Park entrance, you can purchase your entrance ticket and begin exploring the ancient ruins of Tikal.

This transportation option is ideal for groups or families or those who want to travel in comfort and style and are willing to pay a bit more for the convenience of a private transfer.

We recommend departing early if you want to visit Tikal and travel on the same day!

Best day tours in Tikal, Guatemala

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 Tikal, Guatemala.

Frequently Asked Questions