You can get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen by ADO bus, colectivo, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.
The cheapest option 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 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, giving me extensive experience navigating its versatile landscapes.
In the following article, I’ll reveal my tips and methods for effortlessly and securely traversing this magnificent country.
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus | ~1 hr | $9 |
| Colectivo | ~1 hr | – |
| Private Transfer | 50 min | $125 to 229 |
| Taxi | 50 min | – |
| Rental Car | 50 min | – |
Getting to Playa del Carmen from Tulum
1. ADO Bus
Journey Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes
If you are traveling on a budget and don’t want to take a colectivo, we recommend taking the ADO bus.
All ADO buses are equipped with Air conditioning, a luggage rack, TVs, reclinable seats, and a toilet.
At the time of writing, an ADO bus ticket costs $9, and the journey takes around one hour and 10 minutes.
ADO Bus Schedule
The table below displays the ADO bus timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Journey Duration: 50 minutes
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:
- 1-7 passengers: USD 125
- 8-10 passengers: USD 129
- 11-16 passengers: USD 229
3. Colectivo
Journey Duration: ~1 hour
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
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
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there Ubers in Tulum?
Uber isn’t available in Tulum currently, so you must take a taxi there.
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.
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