How To Get From Cancun To Tulum
The Smartest Way To Get From Cancun To Tulum (And Nobody Talks About It)
Alright, let’s be honest. You booked your flight to Cancun, maybe you even got a deal. Yet now, looking at a map, it has dawned on you that Tulum. The white-sand paradise you’ve been fantasizing about is still two hours away. And before you know it, the getting there is more complex than planning your entire trip.
Travelling from Cancun to Tulum can be as pain-in-the-assish as you let it be…. Whether you’re a bodysuit-clad Reina packing a yoga mat in one hand and a margarita fantasy in the other, or you’re just trying to get out of Cancun hotel zone to a place with FSE (fresh street eats,) I’m going to break down exactly how to get from Cancun airport to Tulum without meander, wasting cash or you-know-what, all that stuff that isn’t margarita froth.
This Bus From Cancun To Tulum Is Shockingly Comfortable
If you have time, this is your best option. ADO is Mexico’s major intercity bus company, and their buses are nothing like the beaten-up Greyhounds of adulthood. I mean plush reclining seats, working air-conditioning, and charging ports on some lines.
Price: Around $20 USD one-way
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours with friends or traffic.
How to catch it: Directly at Cancun International Airport (Terminal 2 & 3)
Unless it’s peak holiday season, there’s no need to book weeks ahead. Most passengers purchase tickets at the airport once they clear customs. If you’ll be hanging out in downtown Cancun first, buses to Tulum leave from ADO’s central station downtown on the hour, basically.
It’s not fancy, but it’s dependable. And since Uber doesn’t run out of the airport, this is one of the only options that doesn’t involve a spanglish conversation with a cabbie while you sweat profusely.
Want To Skip The Hassle? This VIP Cancun To Tulum Route Might Be Worth It
If you’re the type to simply want to get to your hotel in Tulum. No stops along the way, then a private transfer might be worth splurging for. No standing by, no detours, just you (and your posse) and the driver. This works well for groups, families with children, or anyone traveling with three suitcases and a surfboard.
Price: Cost is typically $90 to $130 USD for a single ride
Length: 1.5 to 2 hours (depending on time of day)
Perks: Door-to-door service, air conditioning, no language barrier if you book via a reputable site
Some of the highest-rated include Cancun Airport Transportation, USA Transfers, and eTransfers. Some even come with free bottled water and a beer, why not?
Is Driving From Cancun To Tulum A Total Nightmare? Here’s The Honest Truth
On paper, a rental car means freedom. You can pause at cenotes on the way, make a dash for Playa del Carmen, or pull over for roadside tacos. But here’s the truth: Mexican car rental rates almost always look unbelievably cheap online, but when you show up in person, you get a rude awakening in the form of mandatory insurance fees.
Base rates: $15/day online is mid-range; figure $50 and up after full insurance
Gas price: $30 USD to get to Tulum
Drive time: 2 hours, if you don’t take a wrong turn or get caught in beach traffic
The highway (Carretera 307) is safe and well-maintained, though signs sometimes disappear, and police checkpoints are plentiful. Always take it slowly behind the wheel and never rush. Yes, the tales of spot fines are true. Bring pesos just in case.
Oh, and parking in this town once you’re here is a nightmare. If you can’t park at your hotel, you’re going to be sweating out the blocks in your flip-flops.
Locals Use These Vans To Get To Tulum Fast
Colectivos are white vans that ply the coast, super popular among locals and budget travelers. They are cash-only, and you will most likely be squeezed between the surfboard and somebody’s beach dog, but it’s an experience.
Price: $5 to $7 USD
Time to travel: 2 to 2.5 hours (including stops)
Catch one: NOT from the airport, from downtown Cancun
This is a good option if you are already located in Playa del Carmen or in Cancun itself. From the Cancun airport, you’d have to make your way into town via taxi or local bus first, though, so it’s not the most convenient right off the plane.
Thinking About Taking A Taxi To Tulum? Here’s What You’ll Regret Later
Unless you are in emergency mode or you have literally unlimited funds, skip this. There are no meters in airport taxis, and the prices are outrageous.
Cost: $130 to $180 USD, cash payment only
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Yes, you’ll get there. But you may leave with regret in your wallet.
Still Not Sure How To Get To Tulum? This Breakdown Will Save You Hours And Dollars
Here’s a quick cheat sheet when it comes to choosing:
On a budget? ADO bus is the way. It’s clean, safe, and reliable.
4+ in your party or hate stress? Take a private transfer and share the cost.
Want freedom to explore? Rent a car, but check the details.
Adventurous spirit and local vibes? Opt for colectivos (but don’t venture downtown first).
In a hurry, and cost is no object? A taxi may be quickest, but dumbest financially.
More than 25,000 people travel between Cancun and Tulum each month. You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the array of choices. But as soon as you nail down your own style, budget-friendly, all-in luxury, or flexibility for adventure, the question becomes easier to answer. And just know, no matter how you get there, Tulum is absolutely worth it.
