How to get to Tulum from Cancun

Are you wondering how to get to Tulum from Cancun?

Fear not! I’ve got you covered. The good news is that it’s super easy to travel from Cancun to Tulum, and you’ve got several options at your disposal.

First things first, there’s no Tulum Airport, so you’ll have to fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN) and make your way two hours south to Tulum. 

Now, you could rent a car and try your hand at driving in Mexico, but that might be a bit too adventurous for some of us. Instead, I suggest going with a private car service. 

A car is not needed to get around Tulum plus parking can be a pain.

The Cancun Airport Transportation private shuttle is hands-down the easiest, fastest, and most stress-free way to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum. 

Plus, you get door-to-door service, so you don’t have to worry about lugging your luggage around or getting lost in translation.

As for Tulum itself, it’s a haven for style-conscious travelers and ex-pats alike.

And let’s not forget about the artists and foreigners who have flocked here over the years, contributing to the town’s transformation from a sleepy fishing village to one of the most upscale destinations in Mexico.

With its endless beaches and bohemian vibes, Tulum is a must-visit spot.

So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure! And remember, when in doubt, just book that private shuttle and let someone else do the driving.

How far is Tulum from Cancun?

Get ready for a math lesson, amigos!

So, how far is Tulum from Cancun? 

The answer is: it depends on where you’re coming from in Cancun.

If you’re heading out from the Cancun Airport, it’s about 73 miles (118 km), and approximately 1.5 hours of driving. 

If you’re in downtown Cancun, it’s a bit further, about 81 miles (131 km), which takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. 

However, the above time is without traffic. With traffic it can take longer.

And if you’re lounging in the Cancun Hotel Zone, or as the locals call it, the Zona Hotelera, it’s about 85 miles (137 km), and about 2 hours of drive time. 

But hey, with the beautiful views and tropical weather, it’s just more time to soak in the scenery, right?

how long it takes to get to Tulum

Traffic Will Cause A Delay

When it comes to Tulum, location is key.

If you’re a Tulum newbie, it’s important to know that there are a few different areas that make up the town:

It’s kind of like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with more sand.

Now, if you’re staying on the private beach strip (south of Avenue Coba), be prepared for a longer commute to get there than if you’re staying downtown.

And if you’re thinking, “But wait, they look so close on the map!” – hold on to your sun hat, because there’s a catch.

The road to the beach (and yes, there’s only one) can get pretty congested, especially during peak times. And let me tell you, it’s not because everyone’s excited to hit the road. 

There’s still some work to be done on infrastructure, so you may have to navigate around a few potholes and floods. It’s like an obstacle course, but with cars and trucks instead of monkey bars.

So if you’re planning on driving during the busy hours, be ready for bumper-to-bumper traffic with everyone and their mother trying to get through.

And by “everyone and their mother,” I mean it quite literally – don’t be surprised if you spot a few families of coatis crossing the road.

But fear not – if you’re staying in Tulum town or Aldea Zama, you should have an easier time navigating traffic.

And who knows, maybe you’ll even beat the coatis to your destination.

Is it possible to fly to Tulum?

Attention all jet-setters!

If you’re planning a trip to Tulum, you’ll be happy to know that the nearest international airport is Cancun Airport.

That’s right, folks – it’s time to dust off your passports and head to sunny Mexico! 

But wait, is there a Tulum airport, you ask? 

Sorry to burst your bubble, but the answer is no.

You’ll have to make the 1.5 hour trek from Cancun International Airport to Tulum by other means of transportation.

Don’t worry, though, there are plenty of options to choose from!

Transportation Options: From Cancun to Tulum

If you’re wondering how to make the trek from Cancun International Airport to Tulum, – you’ve got options! 

You could take a shared shuttle, rent a car, hop on a bus, or hail a taxi.

Personally, I’ve dabbled in all these modes of transportation on my multiple trips to Cancun and Tulum over the years, and let me tell you, private transportation is where it’s at.

Booking a private transfer online in advance is the way to go. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and won’t have to worry about any surprises. 

After you breeze through customs and snag your luggage, your driver will be waiting for you outside. It’s like having your own personal chauffeur!

There are 6 popular transportation options for traveling from Cancun to Tulum:

Private transportation

can be provided in the following vehicle types:

• regular vans
• luxury SUVs
• large vans
• handicapped-accessible vehicles
• Limos

Cost of private transportation ranges anywhere from $155 USD to $449 USD depending on the vehicle and amount of people.

A perk with private transfer is you can add drinks to your service when booking! Make sure to ask your driver for them to quench the thirst!

ADO BUS

The cheapest way to get to Tulum from Cancun: ADO BUS

If you’re on a tight budget and looking for a wallet-friendly way to get from Cancun to Tulum, look no further than Mexico’s trusty ADO bus system.

Ado is the only bus company that operates between Cancun Airport and Tulum.

It’s the ultimate penny-pincher’s dream come true: safe, clean, comfortable, and, most importantly, cheap as chips.

You can relax and enjoy the ride. Just make sure you don’t miss your stop – we can’t guarantee the bus driver will come looking for you if you accidentally fall asleep!

You can hop on a bus from one of the four terminals at the airport, but be sure to specify if you’re heading to Tulum town or the beach areas.

We wouldn’t want you ending up in the wrong place and wandering around like a lost tourist, now would we?

Departure times are a bit all over the map, so if your flight arrives at an awkward hour, your best bet might be to catch a bus to Playa del Carmen and switch to a Tulum-bound bus there. 

Pro tip: buses between Playa del Carmen and Tulum are as frequent as politicians making promises during election season.

You can snag your tickets ahead of time online or at any ADO bus counter, and most agents speak English, so you won’t have to resort to pantomiming your way through the transaction. 

And don’t worry about schlepping your luggage around like a pack mule – the buses have storage compartments underneath, so you can relax and enjoy the ride.

If you find yourself in Cancun during the off-hours when direct buses aren’t running, fear not. You can still get your Tulum fix by taking an ADO bus to Playa del Carmen and transferring there. 

Downside to taking the bus to Cancun

Listen up, amigos! While the ADO bus system is a cheap and reliable way to get from Cancun to Tulum, let’s not forget about the one major downside: inconvenience. 

That’s right, you’re going to have to work that brain a little and figure out the timetable yourself, which can be a real challenge after a few too many margaritas.

And once you finally make it to the Tulum bus terminal, you’re not exactly dropped off at your accommodation’s front door. 

Nope, you’ll have to navigate the rest of the way to your hotel or hostel, and depending on where you’re staying, that can be a real adventure. So get ready to channel your inner Lewis and Clark, because it’s about to be a wild ride.

How to book the ADO Bus

Book online in advance by going to www.guatego.com or directly with www.ado.com.mx; or you can purchase a ticket when you get to the airport at one of the ADO kiosks.

You can ride the bus to the Xcaret, Xel Hal, Tulum Archaeological Zone, and the center of Tulum

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Shared airport shuttle 

Let’s talk about shuttles, baby! Taking a shuttle from Cancun Airport to Tulum is a great option, especially for solo travelers. Sure, it might be a bit more expensive than the ADO bus, but it’s definitely cheaper than shelling out for a private car or taxi all to yourself. 

Plus, you get to share the ride with other cool and interesting people (hopefully).

The shuttle service is top-notch and will whisk you away to Tulum and other hotspots along the way. It’s a modern, air-conditioned VW van that makes for a pretty comfortable ride. The drivers speak English, so you don’t have to practice your high school Spanish to ask for a bathroom break.

These shuttles leave once an hour from Cancun Airport, so you won’t be left twiddling your thumbs for too long.

However, the departure point depends on which terminal you land at, so you might want to ask the customer service team in the airport to point you in the right direction.

The best part? 

The shuttle drops you off right at the doorstep of your accommodation, so you won’t have to lug your bags around like a pack mule in the blazing heat.

The downside to this shared ride is that it can take a while to get to your final destination.

That’s because the shuttle makes multiple stops along the way, so if your spot is one of the last on the list, you might be in for a longer ride than you expected. 

But hey, it’s all about the journey, not just the destination, right?

Now, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the shared shuttle isn’t the most cost-effective option for couples. 

At roughly $30 USD per person (one way), you might want to consider other alternatives if you’re traveling with your significant other. 

But, if you’re flying solo, the shuttle is a great way to save a few bucks and meet some new friends along the way.

Just be prepared to make a few pit stops, as the shuttle has to make multiple drops before it reaches your destination.

Taxi : from Cancun Airport to Tulum

Taking a taxi from Cancun airport to Tulum is like playing Russian roulette with your wallet. 

Sure, you can do it, but you might end up paying an arm and a leg for the ride. 

Even if you’re a master negotiator and speak fluent Spanish, you can expect to fork over at least 1800 to 2100 pesos (about 98 to 115 USD).

But wait, there’s more! If you do decide to hail a taxi, be prepared to pay in cold, hard cash – so make sure you have plenty of pesos on hand, instead of dollars. And don’t be surprised if your driver tries to tack on some extra fees, or tells you tall tales about car rental places being closed or buses not running. These guys are slicker than a greased pig at a county fair. Just nod and say ‘no thank you’, or if you plan on taking a taxi negotiate a price before getting in the car.

Now, don’t get us wrong – taxis are generally safe in Cancun, and all the ones waiting outside the airport are legit. But the problem is that they tend to see tourists as walking ATMs. Without meters, it’s up to the driver to decide how much to charge you, and if you look like you have some dough, you can bet your bottom dollar they’ll jack up the price. So, unless you’re cool with paying an arm and a leg, we recommend exploring other options.

Bottom line:

Taking a taxi from Cancun airport should be a last resort, especially if you’re looking for a way to get from Cancun airport to Tulum. Trust us, there are way better, cheaper, and more convenient ways to get there – and your wallet will thank you for it. A private transfer is a much better option.

Renting a car from Cancun Airport 

Renting a car in Mexico can seem like a no-brainer, especially if you’re in Tulum and want to cruise around in style. 

But hold on to your sombrero, because things can get a little dicey on the roads down south. 

The police in Tulum have a reputation for being more crooked than a corkscrew, so it’s best to keep your nose clean when you’re behind the wheel. 

That means no drinking and driving, and definitely no cruising with illegal substances in tow. 

If you do get pulled over, prepare to cough up some cash – unless you fancy a 24- or 48-hour stay in the slammer. 

So unless you’re down to make some new friends in the police department, it’s best to stick to the straight and narrow when you’re renting a car in Tulum.

When it comes to renting a car, it’s important to choose the right company.

Unless you want your vacation to turn into a never-ending nightmare. Some companies have less than stellar ratings, and the last thing you want is to be stuck with a faulty car, unexpected fees, or poor customer service. So, let’s take a look at some of the most recommended and avoidable car rental companies in Cancún:

Recommended Car Rental from Cancun Airport:

Avoid these car rental companies at the Cancun Airport:

Fox: They are notorious for giving customers one type of car and then switching it at the last minute, charging extra for a car they didn’t ask for in the first place.

Mex Rent a Car: They have a history of giving customers a quote that doesn’t include the mandatory insurance, resulting in a surprise fee at the rental counter.

ACE Rent a Car: They have a habit of doubling or even tripling the price of the rental car when customers arrive to pick it up, leaving you feeling like you’ve just been robbed.

So, choose wisely, my friends. Your vacation depends on it!

How to avoid rental scams when renting a car in Cancun

Cancun can be full of scammers, but with some precautions, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises when renting a car. 

Carefully read every point of your rental contract and contact the company beforehand to confirm the details of your reservation. 

Typical scams in Mexico include hidden fees and false claims of damage to the rental vehicle upon return. To avoid false claims, take time-stamped photos of the car before and after the rental period. 

It’s also important to make sure you have adequate insurance coverage to avoid unexpected expenses. With these steps, you can have a safe and enjoyable rental experience in Cancun.