How to get from Tulum to Cancun, Mexico

AnaMarija Mishachkovska 14 Dec 2021 Last updated: 22 Mar 2025 4 min read No comments


You can get from Tulum to Cancun by ADO bus, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.

The cheapest option to travel from Tulum to Cancun is by ADO bus, which costs USD 17. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.

The most popular option is the ADO bus since it provides convenience and affordability.

The fastest way to travel to Cancun from Tulum is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi, which takes about 1.5 hours.

Want to get there now? Having traveled to Mexico numerous times, I’ve become well-versed in navigating its varied landscapes.

In this article, I’ll offer a comprehensive look at the best ways to traverse this vibrant nation, ensuring your memorable and hassle-free trip.

Transportation Options

The following table outlines all transportation options from Tulum to Cancun:

MethodTimePrice
ADO Bus2.5 hrs$17
Private Transfer1.5 hrs$114 to 229
Taxi1.5 hrs$150
Rental Car1.5 hrs

How far is Tulum from Cancun?

There is a distance of 80.8 miles or 130 kilometers separating Tulum from Cancun, and depending on how you get there, it will take about 2 hours.

Getting to Cancun from Tulum

1. ADO Bus

Journey Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Coach Buses operated by ADO provide the cheapest transportation option.

Direct bus lines travel several times daily between the cities, so you donโ€™t have to worry about missing your bus.

Buses provided by ADO are modern and equipped with air conditioning and TVs,

It is a safe route; they store your luggage underneath the bus, with overhead compartments for smaller bags.

However, I recommend that you always keep your personal belongings on your lap and with you at all times.

Check out their schedules before booking your seats

ยฉdepositphotos.com

ADO Bus Schedule:

The table below displays the ADO bus timetable for trips from Tulum to Cancun, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEPETADURPX
11:20am01:45pm2h 25m$17
01:00pm03:30pm2h 30m$17
02:20pm04:45pm2h 25m$17
04:30pm07:10pm2h 40m$17
05:35pm08:10pm2h 35m$17
05:35pm10:00pm2h 25m$17
10:22pm12:45am2h 23m$17

2. Private Transfer

Journey Duration: Custom Time

Can’t be bothered with hassle while on vacation?

Private transportation is the fastest, easiest, and safest option.

An English-speaking driver will meet you at your destination and take you directly to your Tulum hotel (or wherever you wish). 

There’s a price difference, but you can split the cost if traveling with a large group. It’s a great way to enjoy a relaxed and flexible journey.

Prices for a private transfer to Cancun:

  • 1-7 passengers: USD 114
  • 8-10 passengers: USD 129
  • 11-16 passengers: USD 229

3. Driving with a Rental Car

Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

To get from Tulum to Cancun, I recommend simply renting a car. Cancun has a very similar highway to the United States in that it is wide, well-paved, and well-maintained. 

The advantage of renting a car is stopping and seeing other destinations. Having a car in Cancun is especially important since you don’t have to worry about catching a taxi when you need one.

The rental agency scene in town is thriving, and it should be a breeze if you make reservations in advance.

4. Taxi

Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

The distance between Tulum and Cancun is not very big, so you can also take a taxi there.

Taxis in Tulum are expensive and tend to prey on unwary tourists, soย Iย recommend booking a private shuttle service, which I consider more reliable and safer.

Finding a reasonable, fair taxi price is impossible unless you have encountered a trusted, reliable taxi driver during your stay.

The cost of a taxi from Tulum to Cancun is typically 150 USD. I recommend always opting for a private transfer with a reliable company rather than a random cab.

Best day tours in Cancun, Mexico

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. Itโ€™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 Cancun, Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there Ubers in Tulum?

Uber isn’t available in Tulum currently, so you must take a taxi when 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 Cancun?

The cheapest option to travel from Tulum to Cancun is by ADO bus, which costs USD 17.

What is the fastest way to get from Tulum to Cancun?

The fastest way to travel to Cancun from Tulum is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi, which takes about 1.5 hours.

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