You can travel from Cancun to Tulum by ADO bus, shared shuttle, colectivo, private transfer, rental car, or taxi/ uber. Check out our guide with all the important information.
Tulum is a beautiful city located on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
It is known for its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and Mayan ruins.
There are many things to do in Tulum. If you want to experience the best of what the city offers, you should consider taking a day tour.
GetYourGuide offers a variety of day tours that will allow you to experience the best of Tulum.
From swimming in cenotes to exploring ancient ruins, there is something for everyone. Check out GetYourGuide’s selection of the best day tours in Tulum, and book your tour today!
Check out our guide for all the important information on traveling from Cancun to Tulum.
Distance from Cancun to Tulum
The distance from Cancun to Tulum is about 131 kilometers or 81 miles by car.
It takes around one hour and 30 minutes to travel by car from Cancun to Tulum.
Transportation Options from Cancun to Tulum
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cancun to Tulum:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus from Cancun to Tulum | 2 hours and 50 minutes | USD 17 |
| Shared Shuttle from Cancun to Tulum | 1 hour and 45 minutes | USD 11 |
| Colectivo from Cancun to Tulum | 4+ hours | USD 5 |
| Private Transfer from Cancun to Tulum | 1.5 hours | USD 114 |
| Taxi from Cancun to Tulum | 1.5 hours | USD 80+ |
| Uber from Cancun to Tulum | 1.5 hours | USD 50 to 60 |
| Rental Car | 1.5 hours |
Getting to Tulum from Cancun
1. ADO Bus from Cancun to Tulum
Journey Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
The ADO bus is the best way to get from Cancun to Tulum if you are traveling on a budget.
The bus ride takes about two and a half hours and costs USD 17.
The ADO buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, and they have free WiFi.
You can buy your tickets online or at the ADO bus station in Cancun.
2. Shared Shuttle from Cancun to Tulum
Journey Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
If you’re looking for an affordable and convenient way to get from Cancun to Tulum, consider taking a shared shuttle.
For as little as USD 11 per person, you can book a seat on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus that will drop you off right at your hotel or resort in Tulum.
Shuttles depart from Pizza Hut in the city center every day. The journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on the traffic.
So whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, take the hassle out of getting from Cancun to Tulum and book a seat on a shared shuttle today!
3. Private Transfer from Cancun to Tulum
Journey Duration: Custom Time
There are many reasons to choose a private transfer from Cancun to Tulum. Here are just a few:
- With a private transfer, you can avoid the hassles of public transportation. There is no need to worry about missed buses or taxi delays.
- A private transfer provides door-to-door service. This means that you can relax and enjoy your vacation from the moment you arrive at the airport until the moment you depart for your return flight home.
- Private transfers are usually more comfortable than public transportation options. You will have plenty of space to stretch out and relax in your own private vehicle.
- When you book a private transfer, you can be confident that you will receive professional and courteous service from your driver.
Prices for a private transfer from Cancun to Tulum:
- 1 to 7 passengers: USD 114
- 8 to 10 passengers: USD 129
- 11 to 16 passengers: USD 229
4. Colectivo from Cancun to Tulum
Journey Duration: 4+ hours
Taking a Colectivo (shared van) from downtown Cancun is a great option if you are traveling on a budget.
The shuttles depart daily from across the ADO bus station in the city center of Cancun.
You’ll need to take a shuttle from Cancun downtown to Playa del Carmen and then a second shuttle from Playa to Tulum.
The total cost is about USD 5.
5. Travel by Rental Car from Cancun to Tulum
Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Car rental in Cancun is easy and relatively inexpensive.
The drive from Cancun to Tulum is about an hour and a half. It’s a beautiful drive down the coast with plenty of stops along the way if you want to take in the scenery or go for a swim.
There are a few things to keep in mind when driving in Mexico.
First, be sure to purchase Mexican car insurance. This can be done easily online before your trip or at the rental car counter when you arrive.
Second, be aware of topes (speed bumps). They are everywhere and can be quite large!
Lastly, drive defensively and be cautious of other drivers as they may not obey all traffic laws.
With a rental car, you can explore all that the Riviera Maya has to offer at your own pace.
We recommend you make a reservation in advance!
6. Uber or taxi from Cancun to Tulum
Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Lastly, you can take a taxi from downtown Cancun to Tulum.
We recommend organizing transportation in advance to get a better deal! If you still choose to travel by taxi, we advise you to negotiate a fixed price before getting in the car.
Due to restrictions, Uber had to stop operating in Cancun several times in the past. Make sure to check if Uber is currently available before deciding on this travel option.
Best day tours in Tulum
GetYourGuide has a wide range of day tours available in Tulum. From exploring the ancient Mayan ruins to snorkeling in crystal clear waters, there is something for everyone.
The ancient Mayan ruins are some of Tulum’s most popular tourist attractions. GetYourGuide offers a tour that takes you around the site, explaining the history and culture of the Maya people. You’ll also get to see some of the amazing views from the top of the ruins.
If you’re looking for a more active day, why not try snorkeling? GetYourGuide offers a tour that takes you to some of the best snorkeling spots in Tulum. You’ll be able to see a variety of colorful fish and coral and maybe even spot a turtle or two!
Check out the following widgets for more day tours in Tulum!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest option to get from Cancun to Tulum?
The cheapest option to get from Cancun to Tulum is by taking a shared shuttle van which costs USD 11.
What is the fastest way to get from Cancun to Tulum?
The fastest way to get from Cancun to Tulum is by taking a private transfer or driving with a rental car.
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Author: AnaMarija Mishachkovska
AnaMarija is a devoted SEO travel writer with deep expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand. Experience: AnaMarija's academic journey commenced with pursuing a bachelor's degree at AUE FON University in Macedonia. Subsequently, she immersed herself in the realm of travel writing, specializing in creating comprehensive transportation guides for diverse regions in Latin America and Southeast Asia. Since 2021, AnaMarija has been employed as a travel writer with expertise in transportation at Universal Traveller. Furthermore, in 2022, she expanded her horizons by becoming a travel writer for Guatemala Transport Service and Mexico Transport Service. Since 2023, AnaMarija has been actively sharing her extensive knowledge in Thailand transportation as a contributor to Bangkok Insiders. Expertise: AnaMarija holds profound expertise in transportation across various countries, including Costa Rica, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and Thailand. Her comprehensive knowledge enables her to navigate the most efficient routes effortlessly, while her writing style ensures that this valuable information is easily understandable and readily accessible online. Education: AnaMarija's educational background includes studies in Design and Multimedia at AUE FON University in Macedonia. To augment her academic foundation, she pursued online courses in Search Engine Optimization…
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AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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