How Far Is Cancun From Tulum

Is Cancun Close Enough To Tulum For A Quick Trip Or Will It Ruin Your Whole Day?

You’re probably looking at an idyllic photo of Tulum’s white sand beaches or the hotel rooftop pools in Cancun. And if you can hear that, you’re thinking … how far apart are they actually? Can you hole up in one and day-trip to the other without obliterating your glow with hours of transit? 

Here’s what I wish someone would have told me versus me trying to figure it out myself. Short version? It’s not that long, but the specifics are a whole lot more important than you’d expect. 

The Exact Distance From Cancun To Tulum And How Long It Actually Takes To Drive It

If we’re strictly talking about numbers here, the distance between Cancun and Tulum is approximately 118 kilometers, or 73 miles. That’s from downtown Cancun to the center of Tulum, down Highway 307. In theory, it’s a 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hour drive by car. That’s if you’re not slowed down to a crawl by traffic or one of those police checkpoints.

Coming from Cancun International Airport? It is a little closer, say 110 km or 68 miles, so you’d shave off maybe 10 - 15 minutes. But, you know, that depends on the day.

Why It Takes So Long To Get From Cancun To Tulum And The Reason That Rules Of The Road Don’t Apply

73 miles seems like it would be over in no time, but that’s not always how it is. Highway 307, the road between Cancun and Tulum, isn’t like a U.S. interstate. That is one main highway that cuts through towns like Playa del Carmen, is full of stoplights, random speed bumps and must share it with everything locals.  

On weekends and during high season (from December to April), things may move slower. Throw some roadwork in or slow traffic because of the Tren Maya project, and that 2-hour drive can stretch to 2.5 or even 3 hours on a bad day.

And what if you’re on a shuttle or bus that makes several stops? Just be aware you will possibly lose your entire afternoon.

Every Way You Can Get From Cancun To Tulum And How Long Each Takes

There are more than a few ways to get from Cancun to Tulum, and each method has its pros and cons. Here’s what they really look like, rather than in the glossy brochure.

• Drive yourself down.

  You have complete control of your time (and stops, those cenotes), and it also takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, give or take traffic. Charges usually begin from $25 - $40 USD/day, although it is compulsory to have insurance, which can sometimes double the sum total.

• ADO Bus

  The ADO bus from Cancún or the airport is comfortable and dirt-cheap. Around $18 - $22 USD one way. Just know it’s not fast. You’re probably looking at 2.5 to 3 hours to get there, especially if there’s no direct bus.

• Shared Shuttle

  USD 30 - 40 per head, approximately. These shuttles tend to wait until all the seats are taken and may stop to let other people off along the route. Anticipate 2 to 3 hours in transport.

• Private Transfer

  The path of least resistance if you’re on a group trek or no stress. On the sly, much of it behind the wheel, AC on, water bottles in tow. Typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, and prices vary from $90 to $120 per vehicle.

What You’ll See Between Cancun And Tulum If You Take Your Time On The Highway

The road from Cancun to Tulum is not simply a line with an endpoint. You’ve got Playa del Carmen a little more than halfway down, convenient for lunch or to hop to the beach. And you’ll drive by a ton of cenotes on the way there, such as:

• Cenote Azul

• Dos Ojos

• Cenote Cristalino

You could quite literally spend an entire day hopping from one cenote to another. The great thing is, these are not big detours. They’re usually just off the highway, with signs you’ll spy as you travel.

Whether To Stay In Cancun And Day-Trip To Tulum Or Just Change Hotels

And now for the part that really goes unsaid. Is it possible to day trip from Cancun to Tulum? Yes, it is. But realistically? It’s a long day. Four to six hours round-trip, depending on traffic and stops.

If you don’t plan to do much more than chill in Tulum, maybe visit the ruins, have lunch at a beachfront café, catch sunset at a beach club, you might want to stay here rather than spend a day rushing around.

If you’re coming from Tulum and catching a flight out of Cancun, give yourself a bit more buffer time. Accidents and road closures are rare but occur, and you don’t want to lose your flight over a detour near Playa del Carmen.

Why Cancun And Tulum Are Not That Far Apart, But Places Apart

This one’s a bit more personal, but worth knowing before you go. Cancun is mega resorts, all-inclusive package deals, nights of delirious revelry, and ease of access. Tulum is more kick back, more boutique hotels, beach yoga, smoothie bowls, and jungle-chic vibes.

Of course, it’s not far, but the energy shift’s the deal. It’s sort of like the difference between Las Vegas and Sedona; you’ll understand when you experience it.