You can get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum by ADO bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.
The cheapest option to travel from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is by ADO bus, which costs USD 6. The journey takes between 1 and 1.5 hours.
The most popular option is also the ADO bus, the most convenient and affordable choice.
The fastest way to travel to Tulum from Playa del Carmen is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi. When traveling by car, the journey duration is only 50 minutes.
Mexico, with its lively festivals and tranquil beaches, has offered me countless memories and travel experiences over the years.
This compilation is your map to traversing this captivating land and navigating from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. I will share with you first-hand experiences and tips, ensuring you navigate Mexico with joy and ease!
Transportation Options from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, Mexico
The following table outlines all transportation options from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, Mexico:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum | 1-1.5 hrs | $6 to 12 |
| Shuttle from Playa del Carmen to Tulum | ~1 hr | – |
| Playa del Carmen to Tulum Private Transfer | ~50 min | $114 |
| Taxi from Playa del Carmen to Tulum | 50 min | – |
| Rental Car from Playa del Carmen to Tulum | 50 min | – |
How far is Tulum from Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen and Tulum distance is 46 miles or 74 kilometers.
It takes about 50 minutes to travel from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.
How to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum?
1. ADO Bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
Taking an ADO Bus is one of the best ways to get to Tulum from Playa del Carmen!
The cost to ride an ADO Bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum starts at USD 6 or about MXN 105 and can go all the way to USD 12. The journey takes 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on your departure time.
Departures are frequent throughout the day, so you should have no problem catching a bus at any preferred time!
Riding an ADO Bus is one of the most preferred routes from Playa del Carmen to Tulum because of its safety features and dependable service. It is recommended for budget travelers and those not hurrying to reach Tulum.
Since this is a popular transportation choice from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, we recommend checking out the schedules and booking your tickets online in advance here!
Playa del Carmen to Tulum ADO Coach Bus Schedule
The table below displays the ADO bus timetable for trips from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:40pm | 06:00pm | 1h 20m | $6 |  |
| 07:00pm | 08:20pm | 1h 20m | $6 | |
| 06:30pm | 07:30pm | 1h | $7 | |
| 12:30am | 01:40am | 1h 10m | $9 | |
| 01:30am | 02:50am | 1h 20m | $9 | |
| 06:30am | 07:30am | 1h | $9 | |
| 07:30am | 08:50am | 1h 20m | $9 | |
| 08:05am | 09:00am | 55m | $9 | |
| 08:50am | 10:00am | 1h 10m | $9 | |
| 09:20am | 10:40am | 1h 20m | $9 | |
| 10:00am | 11:30am | 1h 30m | $9 | |
| 10:35am | 12:00pm | 1h 25m | $9 | |
| 01:30pm | 02:25pm | 55m | $9 | |
| 03:35pm | 04:50pm | 1h 15m | $9 | |
| 05:30pm | 06:47pm | 1h 17m | $9 | |
| 10:30pm | 11:40pm | 1h 10m | $9 | |
| 12:35pm | 02:00pm | 1h 25m | $12 | |
2. Shuttle from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
You can also take a shuttle from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. Colectivos, as locals call them, are a cheaper alternative to buses. The fare costs about 40 pesos, and the total travel time is about an hour – depending on the number of stops your Colectivo makes.
Colectivos are, in general, minivans with no air conditioning. You can hail one along the road if you see space or go to their pick-up points for a better chance at seats.
Riding a Colectivo is one of the things you must do when visiting Quintana Roo. It is one of the most efficient ways of traveling from city to city, from cenote to cenote, and from one destination to the next.
Think twice about taking a Colectivo if you have much luggage in tow. As the name suggests, the minivan is too tiny to carry too many bags.
3. Taxi from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
If you’re traveling with a group or family and prefer not to share rides with strangers, opting for a taxi from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is a viable option.
This choice provides ample space for your luggage and the benefit of absolute privacy, ensuring a more comfortable journey for everyone involved. Also, a taxi ride can be more efficient than public transport, as it can drop you off directly at your hotel or location in Tulum.
However, please be aware that given the considerable distance from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, approximately 64 kilometers (about 40 miles), your taxi fare will likely cost around 600 pesos, and potentially more depending on traffic and the time of day.
Therefore, it’s recommended to negotiate and agree on a fixed price with your driver before starting the journey. This way, you can avoid any unexpected costs or disputes upon arrival at your destination.
4. Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
If you value comfort, convenience, and the flexibility to travel on your schedule, then choosing a private transfer from Playa del Carmen to Tulum could be the ideal solution for you.
With this service, your driver will conveniently pick you up directly from your hotel in Playa del Carmen at your specified time. This eliminates the stress of adhering to public transportation schedules or haggling with taxi drivers.
Additionally, for a small extra charge, many private transfer services offer the flexibility to make stops along the way, perfect for capturing scenic photographs or exploring the region’s hidden gems.
Private transfers can be incredibly cost-effective if you’re traveling in a group. When the fare is split among multiple passengers, the price per person becomes quite affordable, making this luxury option surprisingly economical!
Different companies offer a variety of deals, packages, and vehicle options to cater to different group sizes and needs. So, look at the choices available, find the offer that best suits your requirements, and book your convenient and comfortable private transfer from Playa del Carmen to Tulum right here!
Prices for a private transfer from Plata del Carmen to Tulum:
- 1-7 passengers: USD 125
- 8-10 passengers: USD 129
- 11-16 passengers: USD 229
5. Rent a car from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
One of the best ways to go from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is by renting a car. This way, you can take the wheel and plan a whole itinerary out of your ride.
You can also choose to rent the car for the whole duration of your stay in Quintana Roo and use it to do all the best things to do in Tulum and beyond.
It takes 54 minutes to drive to Tulum from Playa del Carmen nonstop. You must go straight and stay on 50 Avenida Sur/Cancun РChetumal/Carr. Tulum РCanc̼n/M̩xico 307.
The cost to rent a car starts at 52 USD per day. You can conveniently leave the rental vehicle in Tulum or drive it back to Playa del Carmen.
Before renting a car, consider travelers’ comments about the difficulty of finding parking spaces in popular tourist destinations in Tulum. Road signages, rules, and maps are also something you must research before your trip.
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 Playa del Carmen to Tulum
Is it safe to drive from Playa del Carmen to Tulum?
It is generally safe to drive from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. The road conditions between the two cities are good, aside from some potholes, poorly marked roads, and dim lights. To avoid these, consider driving during the daytime. Regarding crime, the area is regularly patrolled by police, so this should give you a sense of security.
Is it worth going to Tulum?
It is worth going to Tulum. It is home to numerous beautiful cenotes, lovely locals, stunning beaches, and world-renowned ruins. Reading about all the best things to do in Tulum will convince you even more.
What is the cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum?
The cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is by a local colectivo. Tickets for these local public vans usually cost about 40 pesos, but if you want a more comfortable alternative, you can also travel with the ADO coach bus for only USD 6!
What is the fastest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum?
The fastest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is by car. Traveling from Playa del Carmen to Tulum by car takes only about 50 minutes!
How much does a taxi from Playa del Carmen to Tulum cost?
Taxi fares can fluctuate based on the time of year and the individual taxi company, but generally, a one-way taxi trip from Playa del Carmen to Tulum can cost anywhere from 600 to 900 MXN or USD 40 – 50.
Is there a direct bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum?
Yes, the ADO bus service provides direct transportation from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned.
Are colectivos a safe way to travel to Tulum from Playa del Carmen?
Colectivos, or shared vans, are a common method of transportation in this region. They are generally safe, but as with any public transport, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and take care of your personal belongings.
Can I rent a car in Playa del Carmen to drive to Tulum?
Yes, there are numerous car rental companies in Playa del Carmen. Driving allows more flexibility to stop along the way and explore other sites, like the cenotes or the ruins of Coba.
More Routes from Playa del Carmen
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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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