Discover the best ways to travel from Cancun to Tulum, including private transfers, ADO buses, and rental cars. Plan your trip with expert tips!
The cheapest option to travel from Cancun to Tulum is by colectivo, which costs USD 5. The journey takes a bit over 4 hours, and you’ll need to switch vehicles in Playa del Carmen.
The most popular option is the ADO bus that goes straight from Cancun to Tulum and costs USD 17.
The fastest way to travel to Tulum from Cancun is by private transfer, taxi/Uber. Prices start at USD 50.
I’ve been traveling around Mexico many times, so trust me when I say I’ve got the scoop on all the major ways to get around this beautiful country.
In this guide, I will break down each travel option for you, providing all the details you need to make your journey safe and easy.
Quick Answer: Best Ways to Get from Cancun to Tulum
Best Options for Different Travelers:
- Best for Comfort: Private Transfer – Direct and stress-free, ideal for families and groups.
- Best for Budget: ADO Bus – Affordable and reliable for solo travelers and backpackers.
- Best for Freedom: Rental Car – Perfect for exploring at your own pace with stops along the way.
- Best for Adventure: Colectivo – The cheapest option, offering a local experience.
Cancun to Tulum Transportation Options
The following table outlines all Cancun to Tulum transportation options:
| Transportation Option | Travel Time | Cost | Comfort Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus | 2.5 hrs | $17 | Medium | Solo travelers |
| Shared Shuttle | 2.5 to 3 hrs | $25 to 40 | Medium | Solo travelers |
| Colectivo | 4+ hrs | $5 | Low | Backpacker |
| Private Transfer | 1.5 hrs | $114 | High | Families or groups |
| Taxi | 1.5 hrs | $80+ | High | Families or groups |
| Uber | 1.5 hrs | $50 to 60 | High | Families or groups |
| Rental Car | 1.5 hrs | High | Adventurers |
How far is Tulum from Cancun?
The distance from Cancun to Tulum is 81 miles or 131 kilometers. Driving from Cancun to Tulum takes about 1.5 hours.
Cancun to Tulum Transportation
1. ADO Bus: Budget-Friendly and Reliable
Travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Cost: USD 17
Why Choose This? It is affordable and great for solo travelers or backpackers.
Traveling from Cancun to Tulum is easy, and one of the most popular options is the ADO coach bus.
You can catch a comfortable, safe, and reliable ADO bus from the central bus station in Cancun.
ADO is the leading bus company that serves the Yucatan Peninsula, and buses depart regularly throughout the day.
The buses are modern and comfortable, with air conditioning and room for your luggage. If you want to relax, you can even nap, as the buses usually have comfortable reclining seats.
Also, they are reliable and will always get you on time to your destination.
The table below displays the ADO bus timetable for trips from Cancun to Tulum, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
2. Shuttle: Affordable and Social
Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cost: USD35 to USD40
Why Choose This? Budget-friendly with fewer stops than a bus.
Another option is to take a Shuttle.
A shuttle van transports fewer people and can be slightly more expensive than buses. However, this is usually still a cheap way of getting to Tulum!
It’s a comfortable, fast, safe, and convenient way to save money without having to go through the hassle of catching a regular public bus.
Several companies offer this service, and arriving in Tulum will take around 2.5 hours. Most shuttles have a maximum capacity of 10 people, so it’s much easier for you and your luggage than regular buses.
It’s less expensive than a private taxi and not as slow as a public bus. It’s always an excellent, budget-friendly option for travelers!
3. Colectivo from Cancun Downtown to Tulum: The Budget Backpacker Option
Journey Duration: 4+ hours
Cost: USD5 per person
Why Choose This? Extremely affordable, but less convenient.
Tip: Pack light, as space can be tight.
Taking a Colectivo (shared van) from downtown Cancun might be the best option if you are traveling on a budget.
The shuttles depart daily from across the ADO bus station.
You must 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.
4. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: Custom Time
If you are going straight to Tulum, don’t waste any time with public transportation, and book a private transfer right now!
Private transportation from anywhere in Cancun is the best option for travelers who are short on time and want to avoid long lines and crowded buses.
This type of transfer is the fastest and most convenient way to get from Cancun to Tulum.
Prices for a private transfer:
- 1 to 7 passengers: USD 114
- 8 to 10 passengers: USD 129
- 11 to 16 passengers: USD 229
5. Car Rental: Freedom to Explore
Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cost: USD30–USD50 per day + gas
Why Choose This? Flexibility to explore beyond Tulum.
Tip: Be mindful of traffic laws and tolls.
Renting a car is one of the best ways to get from Cancun to Tulum and explore attractions along the way! You’ll have plenty of time to see everything you want and organize your trip independently.
Renting a car for your drive from Cancun to Tulum offers travelers many advantages. You can get anywhere you want in the Yucatán Peninsula at your own pace, and you don’t have to rely on public transportation schedules or taxis.
Furthermore, it is one of the fastest ways to reach your destination, not to mention how affordable it can be! The Cancun to Tulum drive time is about 1.5 hours.
For a road trip from Cancun to Tulum, you’ll have to plan to avoid getting stuck on the highway during rush hour.
Start your drive early; if possible, aim to head out before 8 AM for the best chance of avoiding traffic.
We recommend renting a car online to get the best deal!
6. Uber or Taxi: Quick but Pricey
Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cost: USD80–USD120 one-way
Why Choose This? Great for last-minute or spontaneous plans.
Tip: Negotiate the fare upfront or use a reputable taxi service.
The last and most expensive option for your transportation from Cancun to Tulum is to take a taxi, but only consider this if you are in a hurry and have the extra cash. This can be the easiest option, but always expect to pay a high fare.
Taxis are convenient because they provide door-to-door services and can drop you off exactly where you need to go, but they can also be easily replaced with much more convenient transportation options.
If you decide to take a taxi cab, have cash with you, as credit cards are usually not accepted.
Most taxis use pesos, although some also accept U.S. dollars. So, keep that in mind when hopping into one of these neon green and yellow rides!
Best day tours in Tulum, 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 Tulum, Mexico.
FAQ How to get from Cancun to Tulum
What is the cheapest way to get from Cancun to Tulum?
Riding an ADO bus is the cheapest way to get from Cancun to Tulum, Mexico, with the bus ticket only costing USD 17.
Can you drive from Cancun to Tulum?
Yes, you can! The drive from Cancun to Tulum takes just under two hours along a single highway: Mexico Highway 307, the main tourist corridor connecting Cancun down the coast to the capital city Chetumal, which sits on the border of Belize.
Is it safe to drive from Cancun to Tulum?
Yes, the road is safe and well-maintained. Just stick to the main highway (Highway 307), follow traffic rules, and be cautious at night.
How to get from Cancun to Tulum?
You can get from Cancun to Tulum by ADO bus, shared shuttle, colectivo, private transfer, rental car, or Uber/ taxi.
How far is Tulum from Cancun, and how long does it take to get there?
Tulum is about 130 kilometers (80 miles) from Cancun, and depending on your transportation choice, the journey takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.
What’s the fastest way to travel from Cancun to Tulum?
A private transfer or rental car is the fastest way, taking around 1.5 hours without stops.
Is there a cheap way to get from Cancun to Tulum?
Yes, the ADO bus and colectivos are the most budget-friendly options, costing as little as $5 to $15 per person.
Can I take a taxi from Cancun to Tulum?
Yes, taxis are available, but they can be expensive, costing between $80 and $120 one-way. Pre-arranging a ride is recommended.
Are there buses from Cancun to Tulum?
Absolutely! ADO buses are a popular and reliable choice, offering air-conditioned comfort for about $15 per person.
Can I rent a car at Cancun Airport for the trip to Tulum?
Yes, car rentals are widely available at Cancun Airport, and they’re perfect for travelers who want to explore cenotes or Playa del Carmen along the way.
Do I need to book transportation in advance?
It’s a good idea to book private transfers, shared shuttles, or ADO bus tickets online in advance to secure your spot and avoid last-minute hassles.
What are colectivos, and how do they work?
Colectivos are shared vans that run between Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. They’re super cheap but may require transfers and patience.
Are there any stops worth visiting on the way to Tulum?
Definitely! Consider stopping at cenotes like Cenote Azul, visiting Playa del Carmen, or grabbing a bite at local roadside eateries for a more memorable journey.
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The following infographic outlines all transportation options from Cancun to Tulum, Mexico:
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