You can travel from Tulum to Playa del Carmen by ADO bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or taxi. Check out our guide with all the important information.
Playa del Carmen is a beautiful beach town located on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
You can spend your days lounging on the white sand beaches or exploring the nearby Mayan ruins. For those who want a little more adventure, there are plenty of activities like scuba diving and snorkeling.
Playa del Carmen is the perfect place to relax and enjoy all that Mexico has to offer.
With its stunning scenery and friendly people, it’s no wonder this town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
GetYourGuide offers several tours and activities in Playa del Carmen, making it easy for you to get the most out of your trip.
We recommend this Panoramic Helicopter Tour to take in spectacular, panoramic views of the pristine beaches and marveling turquoise waters.
Check out our guide for all the important information on traveling from Tulum to Playa del Carmen.
Distance from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
The distance from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is about 64 kilometers or 39.8 miles by car.
It takes around 55 minutes to travel by car from Tulum to Playa del Carmen.
Transportation Options from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
The following table outlines all transportation options from Tulum to Playa del Carmen:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus from Tulum to Playa del Carmen | 1 hour 10 minutes | USD 9 |
| Shared Shuttle from Tulum to Playa del Carmen | 1+ hour | USD 5 |
| Private Transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen | 55 minutes | – |
| Taxi from Tulum to Playa del Carmen | 55 minutes | – |
| Rental Car from Tulum to Playa del Carmen | 55 minutes | – |
Getting to Playa del Carmen from Tulum
1. ADO Bus from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
The ADO Bus from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is a great way to get from one place to another.
The bus takes you from Tulum to Playa del Carmen in just over an hour, and it’s a comfortable ride. The bus is air-conditioned and has plenty of space for luggage.
You can buy your tickets online in advance or at the station, and the fare is very reasonable.
2. Shared Shuttle Tulum to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 1+ hour
A shared shuttle is a cost-effective and convenient way to travel between the two popular tourist destinations.
Numerous companies offer shared shuttles between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. We recommend booking your shuttle in advance to ensure availability.
3. Private Transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 55 minutes
Traveling with a private transfer to Playa del Carmen is convenient because you can choose your own pick-up and drop-off times.
You don’t have to worry about waiting for a bus or shuttle or trying to flag a taxi down on the street.
Private transfers are also more comfortable than public transportation. You can relax in the backseat of a comfortable car and take in the sights.
Prices for a private transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen:
- 1 to 7 passengers: USD 114
- 8 to 10 passengers: USD 129
- 11 to 16 passengers: USD 229
4. Driving with Rental Car from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 55 minutes
If you’re looking to explore the Riviera Maya and want the freedom to move around at your own pace, then renting a car is a great option.
Here’s a guide on renting a car from Tulum to Playa del Carmen.
First, you’ll need to decide what kind of car you want to rent. If you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage, then you’ll want to choose a larger vehicle like an SUV. But a smaller car will suffice if you’re traveling solo or just have a few bags.
Once you’ve decided on the type of car, it’s time to start looking around for the best deal.
There are a few rental companies located in Tulum, so take your time to compare rates and look for any special deals or discounts that may be available.
We usually find the best deals online on Rentalcars.com.
5. Uber or taxi from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 55 minutes
Lastly, you can also take a taxi to Playa del Carmen. From our experience, however, organizing transportation in advance is more comfortable and affordable.
An ADO bus ticket, for example, only costs USD 9. Also, a private transfer is a good deal if you split the costs with your travel companions.
There are a few things to keep in mind for those still planning on taking a taxi from Tulum to Playa del Carmen.
First, it is important to agree on a price with the driver before getting in the car.
Second, be sure to have the exact fare, as drivers do not usually carry change.
And finally, it is helpful to know some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with the driver.
Best day tours in Playa del Carmen
Looking for the best day tours in Playa del Carmen?
Look no further than GetYourGuide.
With over 1,000 tours and activities to choose from, they have something for everyone. From snorkeling and swimming with dolphins to exploring ancient ruins, GetYourGuide has a tour that will fit your interests.
Check out the following widgets for more day tours in Playa del Carmen!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest option to get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen?
The cheapest option to get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is by ADO bus. A one-way ticket costs USD 9.
What is the fastest way to get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen?
The fastest way to get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is by private transfer or rental car. Getting to Playa de Carmen by car only takes around 55 minutes.
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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