Cancun is approximately 80 miles (130 km) from Tulum. Both cities are located on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and, because they are both hubs that draw a lot of tourists, there are many direct routes that connect Cancun to Tulum.
If you are staying in Cancun for your trip, then you should absolutely block out a day or two to visit Tulum. Tulum is known for its stunning beaches, turquoise sparking waters, and well-preserved mayan ruins that offer spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. The city offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. The atmosphere is a bit more laid back and authentic than neighboring Cancun – which feels a smidge like Orlando, Florida.
Without further ado, here are my tips and tricks for planning transportation from Cancun to Tulum.
Traveling from Cancun to Tulum
The total drive time between the two cities takes anywhere from 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic and the type of transportation your choose to make the journey. As a side note: It is absolutely possible to do a day trip from Cancun to Tulum and return before it gets dark.
There are several safe and convenient ways to travel from Cancun to Tulum – from buses, to private cars, to rentals. Below is an overview of three main transportation options:
1. Private Car
You can hire a private car or book a private shuttle service to transport you from Cancun to Tulum, or vice versa. This is perhaps the most comfortable and quick direct transfer from cities.
That said, make sure you are booking through a reputable company. Many accommodations will actually book transfer services on your behalf. If you are staying at a resort, check in with the concierge and they can help make the arrangements. It will be a bit pricier, but will leave you with the least amount of hassle.
If you are not staying at an accommodation that will book a transfer for you, a few reputable car services are below. Again, make sure you do research ahead of time:
- USA Transfers
- Happy Shuttle Cancun
- Canada Transfers
- Cancun Airport Transportation
Estimated Cost: $80 – $150 USD for a one way transfer.
2. ADO Bus
The ADO Bus is a reliable service that offers routes between Cancun and Tulum. The bus is certainly the most budget-friendly option on this list. ADO buses are comfortable, direct, and air conditioned.
You can catch the ADO Bus from the Cancun International Airport, or from the ADO Bus terminal in downtown Cancun. Check out their official website for more information on routes and to book tickets in advance.
Estimated cost: $8 – $12 USD for a one-way ticket.
3. Car Rental
Renting a car and driving from Cancun to Tulum is another option for transportation. The route is well-paved, well-traveled, and well-marked. The drive takes roughly 1.5 – 2 hours to complete.
If you opt to rent a car, make sure you download your route maps ahead of time, and familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules and speed limits. Also, make sure that you have a valid driver’s license before locking in this plan.
You can rent a car from Budget, Avis, or other car services directly at the Cancun International Airport. This might be your best and most convenient option.
Estimated cost: $30 – $70 USD per day, not including gas. Total cost will depend on the duration of your car rental, and the type of vehicle you rent.
Is Tulum worth visiting?
The answer is a resounding “Yes”. On my entire trip exploring the Yucatan Peninsula, visiting Tulum and the Mayan ruins were my personal favorite experience.
Visiting the Tulum Ruins was a top bucket list item for me. And they did not disappoint! I opted to take a guided tour of the ruins to learn what each of the buildings was used for during the Mayan Empire. If you are even remotely a history buff, I highly recommend spending a little extra for a guided tour. I was fascinated to hear the stories of Kukulkan, the feathered serpent creator god, and the Jaguar god of the Underworld – and how so many of the structures in the civilization were constructed in ways that honor the many gods.
The ruins are situated on a cliff that provides incredibly stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. I recommend booking a day trip from Cancun to Tulum to ensure that you do not miss the rich history and astounding architecture of the ancient Mayan civilization. It is an experience you cannot miss out on! (Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes and pack your sunscreen and shades!)
As an added bonus: there is a fantastic culinary scene in Tulum – and the food really knocks it out of the park.
Is Tulum safe?
Tulum is a relatively safe destination. It is a popular tourist location, and authorities typically have incentive to keep tourists as safe as possible. However, as with any city, it is important to exercise caution when traveling to foreign places. It is important to not stand out as a potential target, and to not draw unwanted attention to yourself. Here are a few things to avoid:
- Always go to a bank to withdraw money, and avoid using ATMs on the street
- Only carry small amounts of cash on you at any given time
- Consider purchasing a money belt for ID and credit card
- Do your research ahead of time to ensure you are not being scammed by car rental companies or driver services
- Make sure your accommodation has good reviews
- Do not wander while under the influence
- Plan your routes ahead of time
- Do not walk alone at night (especially for the ladies, unfortunately)
If you stick to basic “city smarts” rules, you should be okay.
That’s all, folks!
Hopefully this guide gives you a good understanding of how to travel from Cancun to Tulum. If you are basing out of Cancun for your trip to the Yucatan peninsula, then a day trip (or multi-day trip) to Tulum is an absolute must. Enjoy soaking up the Caribbean sun and breeze, and indulge in some incredible food. You won’t regret making the trek!
Have you traveled from Cancun to Tulum? Drop a comment below with some of your best travel hacks.
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