Tips For Planning a Trip From Cancun to Tulum

We’ve made the journey from Cancun to Tulum numerous times and have gathered some insights that might not be immediately obvious to many travelers. One crucial piece of advice is that your departure point within Cancun greatly affects your travel options to Tulum. 

Depending on whether you start at the Cancun Airport, downtown, or the hotel zone, you’ll find different transportation methods available. For those who prefer a more straightforward and comfortable route, we highly recommend opting for a private transfer. 

However, if you’re looking for more economical ways to travel, there are several budget-friendly alternatives. Below, we’ve provided a chart summarizing the main transportation options from Cancun to Tulum, catering to various needs and budgets.

Where is Tulum?

Tulum is a captivating beach town situated about a 1.5-hour drive south of Cancun, nestled at the southern end of the Riviera Maya. Distinct from the more developed areas like Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Tulum stands out as a rising star in the Yucatan Peninsula, celebrated for its bohemian flair and laidback atmosphere.

As Tulum continues to develop, it remarkably preserves its wild, jungly ambiance and unique architectural style. Unlike Cancun, you won’t find the large, sprawling all-inclusive resorts here. Instead, Tulum’s expansive beaches are adorned with boho chic art galleries and eco-friendly, barefoot luxury cabañas constructed from natural materials, reflecting the quintessential Tulum style that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

The natural beauty of the area around Tulum is breathtaking and rich with attractions. It offers secluded lagoons perfect for kayaking and snorkeling, turtle reserves where you can witness marine life in its natural habitat, and ancient Mayan ruins that stand as poignant reminders of a civilization that once thrived here. 

The nearby Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a sanctuary for thousands of species of flora and fauna, offering endless opportunities for exploration and connection with nature.

Travel Options from Cancun to Tulum

This table should help you decide the best way to travel to Tulum based on your budget and preferences.

Tulum, once a quaint coastal town, has evolved into a trendy beach destination adored by hipsters, honeymooners, and yogis. It’s a place where lush jungle meets pristine shoreline, accented by expansive wilderness and stylish accommodations like treehouses.

Your journey to Tulum starts with a flight to Cancun. Due to ongoing construction on the Federal Highway, the trip from Cancun to Tulum may take a bit longer than before. In this guide, we will detail the different ways you can travel from Cancun to Tulum. Let’s explore these options.

Method 1: ADO Bus from Cancun Airport to Tulum

Traveling by the ADO bus from Cancun Airport to Tulum is the most popular transportation method. ADO buses offer comfort, air conditioning, and ample luggage space underneath. This journey usually takes about 2 hours.

Buses depart daily at 10:55 AM, 12:25 PM, 2:25 PM, 4:55 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:45 PM. If these times don’t suit your schedule, you can opt for a bus to Playa del Carmen, which runs every half-hour, and then transfer to a Tulum-bound bus from there.

The bus ride takes approximately 2 hours, plus additional time to travel from the Tulum bus station to your hotel.

Cost: Approximately 288 MXN (around $13.50 USD).

Ticket Purchase: Tickets can be purchased via the ADO bus website, which might be challenging with some USA credit cards. An alternative is the Bookaway site, which offers easier booking options. Alternatively, tickets are available at the airport’s ADO counters; to avoid long lines, try the lesser-known ADO kiosk next to the buses for quicker service.

Arrival in Tulum: The Tulum bus station is situated on the outskirts of Tulum town. If your accommodation is on the beach, plan for a taxi ride of over 30 minutes, particularly during peak sunset traffic.

Method 2: Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum

If you’re looking for a hassle-free vacation, the quickest and most convenient way to get from Cancun Airport to your Tulum hotel is through private transportation. Enjoy the comfort of a bilingual English-speaking driver who will greet you at the airport and drive you directly to your hotel in Tulum.

We highly recommend Cancun Airport Transportation, which boasts a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor.

Duration: 90 minutes.

Cost: $165 for a one-way trip, or $320 for a round trip per vehicle. This is quite cost-effective for larger groups sharing the expense.

Booking: Make your reservations in advance via the Cancun Airport Transportation website.