How to get from Merida to Tulum, Mexico (3 Best Ways)

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

The cheapest option is by ADO bus, which costs USD 25. The journey takes 4 hours.

The most popular option is also the ADO bus, offering convenience and affordability for all travelers.

The fastest way is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi. The journey takes about 3.5 hours with this option.

Are you ready for a tropical adventure? Look no further than Tulum, Mexico! You’ll love it!

Transportation Options

The following table outlines all transportation options:

How far is Tulum from Merida?

The distance from Merida to Tulum is 161 miles or 259 kilometers. The journey takes about four hours.

Getting to Tulum from Merida

1. ADO Bus

Journey Duration: 4 hours

If you’re traveling alone or on a limited budget, the ADO coach bus is affordable, convenient, and comfortable.

The ADO bus company is the most reputable service provider in Mexico, and many people choose to travel by bus because it is so economical and well worth the price!

Comfortable seating, air conditioning, and an onboard bathroom are all available to make your trip as comfortable as possible!

The trip takes about 4 hours, and tickets cost between USD 25 and USD 35, depending on which bus you take.

These buses are the only direct public transportation operating on lengthy routes like this one.

Some buses make one stop along the way or don’t stop at all, and they depart directly from ADO Merida station.

ADO Coach Bus Schedule:

Below is the current ADO bus schedule with departure times, trip durations, and prices.

Departure	Arrival	Duration	Price
06:50pm	10:50pm	4h	$25
06:40am	11:00am	4h 20m	$34
11:40am	04:00pm	4h 20m	$34
11:50am	03:50pm	4h	$35
11:50am	04:00pm	4h 10m	$35
06:50am	10:50am	4h	$35
08:50pm	12:50am	4h	$35

2. Private Transfer

Journey Duration: ~3 hours 40 minutes

Another convenient but more expensive option is to arrange a private transfer.

Because you can book a private vehicle whenever you want, you don’t have to worry about public transportation schedules! 

No bus stops, no crowds, and no confusion—you will be picked up from your Merida hotel and taken to your destination in Tulum. Unlike driving alone, having a private transfer on long road trips allows you to relax without worrying about the roads.

Traveling from Merida to Tulum takes roughly 3 hours and 40 minutes, making this the fastest traveling option. Your driver will also allow you to make a small stop if necessary.

Additionally, since this option costs per car rather than person, a private transfer is an excellent option if you are traveling in a group. Instead of ordering a cab, splitting the overall cost among the passengers is more practical.

3. Rental Car

Journey Duration: ~3 hours 40 minutes

Driving a car is your fastest option if you must go anywhere quickly because of a tight schedule. But if you have endless time, renting a car will allow you to change your itinerary as you go, which may make your trip more exciting and enjoyable!

Additionally, given that the route is paved and well-maintained, traveling across Mexico and arriving in Tulum should be easy and safe!

The trip takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Universal Traveller — How to Get from Merida to Tulum