You can get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen by ADO bus, colectivo, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.
The cheapest option to travel from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is by colectivo, which costs only a few dollars. The journey takes a bit over 1 hour.
The most popular option is the ADO bus, offering direct transportation for only USD 9.
The fastest way to travel to Playa del Carmen from Tulum is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi, which takes about 50 minutes.
My adventures in Mexico have taken me from its sun-kissed beaches to its bustling cities while giving me a lot of experience when it comes to navigating its versatile landscapes.
In the following article, I’ll unveil my tips and methods to traverse this magnificent country effortlessly and securely.
Check our guide for the best options to travel 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 | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus from Tulum to Playa del Carmen | ~1 hr | $9 |
| Colectivo from Tulum to Playa del Carmen | ~1 hr | – |
| Tulum to Playa del Carmen Private Transfer | 50 min | $125 to 229 |
| Taxi from Tulum to Playa del Carmen | 50 min | – |
| Rental Car | 50 min | – |
How far is Tulum to Playa del Carmen?
The distance from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is 39.8 miles or 64 kilometers.
Getting to Playa del Carmen from Tulum
1. ADO Bus from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
Journey Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes
If you are traveling on a budget and don’t want to take a colectivo, the cheapest transportation between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, we recommend taking the ADO bus.
All ADO buses are equipped with Air conditioning, a luggage rack, TVs, reclinable seats, and a toilet.
An ADO bus ticket costs $9 at the time of writing, and the journey takes around one hour and 10 minutes.
Tulum to Playa del Carmen ADO Bus Schedule
The table below displays the ADO bus timetable for trips from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:10am | 09:20am | 1h 10m | $9 |  |
| 12:00pm | 01:10pm | 1h 10m | $9 | |
| 01:00pm | 02:10pm | 1h 10m | $9 | |
| 04:30pm | 05:45pm | 1h 15m | $9 | |
| 05:35pm | 06:50pm | 1h 15m | $9 | |
| 07:35pm | 08:45pm | 1h 10m | $9 | |
2. Private Transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
Journey Duration: 50 minutes
A private transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is the most convenient and hassle-free option to travel!
Your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Tulum and drop you off at your accommodation in Playa del Carmen. You are also not dependent on bus or shuttle schedules as you decide when you want to get picked up.
Another advantage is that your driver will go straight to Tulum without stopping unless you want to combine your transfer with a sightseeing tour. Most drivers will offer you to stop along the way for an additional charge.
Prices for a private transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen:
- 1-7 passengers: USD 125
- 8-10 passengers: USD 129
- 11-16 passengers: USD 229
3. Colectivo to Playa del Carmen from Tulum
Journey Duration: ~1 hour
The cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is by colectivo.
A colectivo is basically a minibus that you can share with other passengers. The difference with a regular shuttle van is that you cannot make a reservation for a collective, and there are no fixed departure times.
The colectivo departs once all seats are taken. But don’t worry. The route between Tulum and Playa del Carmen is very popular, so colectivos usually fill up quickly.
If you prefer to reserve a seat, you can book a ticket for a minivan here.
4. Driving with a Rental Car from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
Journey Duration: 50 minutes
One of the best ways to explore the Yucatan Peninsula is by renting a car.
With a rental car, you can easily visit the Mayan ruins close to Tulum or make some of the most popular day trips.
Traveling by car from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is also easy, safe, and has many advantages. You are flexible; you can stop and take more luggage wherever you want.
We use booking.com to book a rental car in advance as they compare all major rental car companies and usually offer the best prices.
5. Taxi from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
Journey Duration: 50 minutes
If you want to decide last minute when you want to travel to Playa del Carmen, a taxi might be the best option. However, we recommend booking your transportation in advance to save money.
Best day tours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Here, you can find some of the best tours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there Ubers in Tulum?
Uber isn’t available in Tulum currently, so you must take a taxi there.
What is the closest airport to Tulum, Mexico?
Cancun International Airport is the nearest airport to Tulum. It is a 1.5-hour drive from the Cancun Airport to Tulum, which is 120 kilometers away.
Why is Tulum famous?
The sleepy fishing town of Tulum has rapidly become a popular vacation destination. This popularity is mainly due to the gorgeous natural scenery along the coast, where azure blue Caribbean seas lap pristine white sand beaches.
What is the cheapest way to get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen?
The cheapest option to travel from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is by colectivo, which costs only a few dollars!
What is the fastest way to get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen?
The fastest way to travel to Playa del Carmen from Tulum is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi, which takes about 50 minutes.
More Routes from Tulum
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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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Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo, an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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