You can travel from Tulum to Cancun by bus, shared shuttle, colectivo, private transfer, taxi, or rental car. Check out our guide with all the important information.
Cancun is a place where beauty meets culture! With its stunning turquoise waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and colorful coral reefs, it is no wonder that Cancun is one of Mexico’s most popular vacation destinations.
But while it’s a pretty well-known spot for spring breakers, it’s also one of many Mexican gems that offers something new and unique every day!
Its fun-loving spirit, miles of resorts, and nonstop nightlife are only one small part of the story.
There are plenty of activities and adventures to keep you busy on land—and if that’s not enough, don’t forget the underwater world! The Caribbean Sea offers plenty of snorkeling opportunities!
Cancun’s sights range from ancient ruins to beaches and diving adventures, so you can always find something new to explore while relaxing on your next trip here.
And the best thing to do is combine all those things by booking an amazing tour! We recommend going on this Cancún full-day tour, where you will unlock the mysteries of the Mayan culture!
By booking this tour, you will also get the chance to visit Chichén Itzá, take a refreshing swim in a cenote, discover the historic town of Valladolid, and finish everything off with a sumptuous buffet lunch and tequila sampling!
So, what are you waiting for? Book this tour today and discover Cancun in the best possible way!
Also, find out everything you need to know about Mexico transportation here!
Check out our guide for all the important information on traveling from Tulum to Cancun.
Distance from Tulum to Cancun
The distance from Tulum to Cancun is about 131 kilometers or 81 miles by car. The drive to Cancun takes a little under 2 hours!
Transportation Options from Tulum to Cancun
The following table outlines all transportation options from Tulum to Cancun:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus from Tulum to Cancun | 2 hours 30 minutes | USD 17 |
| Shared Shuttle from Tulum to Cancun | ~2 hours | USD 11+ |
| Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun | ~2 hours | USD 114- USD 229 |
| Colectivo from Tulum to Cancun | ~4 hours | USD 3 |
| Taxi from Tulum to Cancun | 1 hour 45 minutes | ~USD 150 |
| Rental Car from Tulum to Cancun | 1 hour 45 minutes | – |
Getting to Cancun from Tulum
1. ADO Coach Bus from Tulum to Cancun
Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Coach buses are one of the most common transportation options for traveling through Mexico. And ADO’s coach buses make traveling from Tulum to Cancun easy and affordable!
ADO provides first-class coaches with features including air conditioning, reclining seats, plug ports, and restrooms.
Additionally, they are fairly reasonably priced even though they offer everything you need for comfortable and easy travel. For example, a single ticket only costs USD 17!
Numerous direct bus routes run between Tulum and Cancun each day, so you won’t worry about missing one.
2. Shared Shuttle from Tulum to Cancun
Travel time: ~2 hours
Taking a shared shuttle is another easy and economical way to get from Tulum to Cancun!
Travelers on a budget will especially appreciate this option. You can find this transportation at a reasonable price with excellent service from various companies.
These shuttles are frequently available, but we still recommend making a reservation in advance to secure a seat and get the best deal.
3. Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun
Travel time: ~2 hours
Want to travel to Cancun in comfort? We recommend hiring a private transfer from Tulum to Cancun!
Taking private transportation from Tulum to Cancun is the easiest, quickest, and safest option. Your driver will meet you anywhere in Tulum at any time and drive you directly to your final destination in Cancun.
Although convenience always comes at a cost, the price isn’t as high as you might expect.
You can split the price if you’re traveling with a group, and the ride will become well worth the price!
A private vehicle provides a relaxed and flexible way to travel between Tulum and Cancun, taking only two hours.
Check out the best deals and make a reservation for your private transfer from Tulum to Cancun today!
Prices for a private transfer from Tulum to Cancun
- 1-7 passengers: USD 114
- 8-10 passengers: USD 129
- 11-16 passengers: USD 229
4. Colectivo from Tulum to Cancun
Travel time: ~4 hours
If you want to get from Tulum to Cancun for the lowest price possible, then you can opt for the colectivo!
Colectivos are small, shared public transport vans, and tickets for this ride cost only about USD 3.
Due to the numerous stops that colectivos make along the way, this trip can take twice as long as the bus, or roughly four hours.
There are far better options to consider unless you truly want to save on a trip and are eager for an adventure.
5. Driving with Rental Car from Tulum to Cancun
Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes
For those who want flexibility and comfort, getting a car rental in Tulum to get to Cancun is another excellent option besides the private transfer!
This way, you will get to drive yourself and have the opportunity to move anywhere and at any time.
The highway from Tulum to Cancun is well maintained, and the distance isn’t so long, so you’ll be able to get there in under 2 hours.
Having your own car allows you to explore as many attractions as you like. In addition, it is the easiest way to explore the Yucatan beach area on day trips from Tulum.
Booking in advance should ensure that you get the best deal from the rental agencies in town!
So, check out all the options and make the best choice!
6. Taxi from Tulum to Cancun
Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes
You could also take a taxi from Tulum to Cancun because they are not that far apart.
However, Tulum taxis are pricey and sometimes prey on tourists, so we advise using a private shuttle service instead. We think it’s more dependable and secure.
If you haven’t already encountered a reliable, trustworthy taxi driver throughout your stay, it will be difficult to get a decent, fair cab fare.
Taxis from Tulum to Cancun usually cost USD 150. Therefore, use a private transfer with a reputable operator if you want to travel independently in a private vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to travel from Tulum to Cancun?
The fastest way to travel from Tulum to Cancun is by car. Book a private transfer, grab a taxi, or rent a car, and you’ll find yourself in Cancun in less than 2 hours!
What is the cheapest way to travel from Tulum to Cancun?
Taking a colectivo is the cheapest way to travel from Tulum to Cancun, which costs only USD 3. However, since this is public transport, traveling can take more than 4 hours.
What is the safest way to travel from Tulum to Cancun?
The fastest, easiest, and safest way to get to Cancun from Tulum is by private transfer. It’s also the most comfortable option!
Can you get an Uber from Tulum to Cancun?
Uber is not available in Cancun or anywhere in Quintana Roo. Booking a taxi or a private shuttle run by a local business is your best option if you wish to travel privately from Tulum to Cancun.
Is it safe to drive from Tulum to Cancun?
The trip from Cancun to Tulum is safe and manageable, thanks to a well-maintained main highway. However, you should still take safety precautions to guarantee a safe journey.
Is it best to rent a car in Tulum?
To set your own itinerary and travel whenever and wherever you like, renting a car in Tulum is actually the most economical and practical option.
Can you make a day trip from Tulum to Cancun?
Since Cancun is only 131 kilometers or 80 miles away from Tulum, making a day trip is very easy! The drive is less than 2 hours, so you can head out from Tulu on a one-day adventure to Cancun!
Is it hard to get a taxi in Tulum?
Taxis are simple to find in Tulum Pueblo. On the beach road, empty taxis concentrate around Punta Piedra, Playa las Palmas, and at the northern end of the beach road, where the walk to the ruins begins. There is also a taxi station at the bus terminal and another on the central plaza.
What is the most popular transportation option from Tulum to Cancun?
The most popular way to travel from Tulum to Cancun is by the ADO Coach Bus!
Do taxis in Cancun take US dollars?
Dollars are accepted by taxi drivers but at a less favorable exchange rate than pesos.
More Routes from Tulum
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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