This is the Easiest Way to Get from Cancun to Tulum (And One Way You Should Avoid)

Wondering how to get to Tulum from Cancun?

You’re in the right place, as I live in Mexico and have done the Cancun to Tulum trip many times. In this article, I’ll explain the whole process to you so you’re confident on how to get from Cancun to Tulum.

Right off the bat — it’s easy to travel from Cancun to Tulum Mexico, and you have several options. However, the best way to get to Tulum from Cancun is by booking this private car service.

The Cancun Airport Transportation private shuttle is the easiest, fastest, most stress-free and hassle-free way to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum, with door to door service. ↳ Check rates and availability here.

Besides private transport, you can rent a car in Cancun and drive to Tulum, book the shared shuttle, or take the ADO bus from Cancun Airport to Tulum.

There’s also colectivos (public transport vans), Ubers and taxis. However, these are your worst choices, and you’ll see why soon.

Ready for a thorough breakdown of all your options? Keep reading for a list of the four best ways to get from Cancun to Tulum — and the three worst ways that you’ll want to avoid.

Cancun to Tulum Transportation: Quick Guide

Method	LENGTH OF TIME	ONE WAY COST
1. Private Shuttle	1.5 hours	$155 each way
2. Rental Car	1.5 hours	$25-45 per day
3. Shared Shuttle	2.5 to 3 hours	$50-65 each way
4. ADO Bus	2.5 to 4 hours	$15-25 each way
5. Uber	1.5 hours	$75-125+ each way
6. Taxi Cab	1.5 hours	$75-125+ each way
7. Colectivo	4+ hours	$5 each way
8. Tours	Times vary	Prices vary

How to Get from Cancun to Tulum Mexico

1. Private Transfer from Cancun to Tulum (Best Option)

My answer to How do I get from Cancun to Tulum? is always to take the private shuttle. I find it the best Cancun transport to Tulum — which is why I recommend it, and use it myself.

You SAVE $11 by booking a round trip, and then kick back and relax knowing that your Tulum to Cancun Airport shuttle is handled — and so is your transportation to Tulum from Cancun.

I recommend Cancun Airport Transportation Services, which has an impressive 4.7 star rating and 4,700+ reviews on TripAdvisor. It is the highest-rated and best private transfer Cancun to Tulum service available.

🤑 How much is the Cancun to Tulum shuttle?

In a post-2020 world, a private service makes more sense than ever. Beyond not being in a shared shuttle or public bus with 5-30 other passengers, a private service is the most convenient.

As always, convenience comes with a price — but it’s not as steep as you think.

For 1-8 passengers, it’s $299 round trip (if you book round-trip with the discount), and $155 one way. In other words: You save $11 USD when you book round-trip.

This is the total price you’d be splitting between all people, so for couples and groups, a private shuttle from Cancun to Tulum really is the way to go.

If you are traveling in a couple or small group, it’s actually one of the most economical options.

Whether you’re in a group, couple, or just want private transport from Cancun to Tulum for health and safety, check out the eight reasons why the private shuttle is best option for the Tulum Cancun trip:

🤔 Cancun Airport Transportation Reviews: Why Choose them?

1. You get to Leave on Your Schedule

With the private shuttle, you set the departure time. That means as soon you’re ready to go, you jump in your private shuttle, kick back, relax, and enjoy the drive to Tulum Mexico.

2. You’ll get a Bilingual Driver

With the Cancun Airport Transportation private shuttle service, you’re guaranteed an English-speaking driver from Cancun to Tulum. For those who aren’t confident in their Spanish, a bilingual guide is a nice perk.

3. It doesn’t matter if your flight’s late

If your flight arrives late, or if you have any issues clearing Customs, or if there’s any delay or issues with your luggage (we’ve all been there), your private shuttle will still be available for you.

4. They have Nice Cars, SUVs and Vans

Cancun Airport Transportation guarantees you’re in a new, insured and comfortable vehicle that has air conditioning. With the hot weather in Tulum Mexico year-round, you’ll be very thankful for this.

💎 BONUS: They also have Luxury Tulum Shuttles

If you’re looking for upgraded service, and the regular private shuttle from Cancun Airport to Tulum won’t do, Cancun Airport Transportation also has more options for you.

• Want a luxury car service for Tulum? They have options for luxury SUV transportation in a Yukon, Suburban, Expedition, or similar.
• Looking for limo service from Cancun to Tulum? They have that too!

5. This is the Fastest way to get from Cancun to Tulum

Time is always the most precious commodity while on vacation — and no one ever seems to have enough of it.

For this reason, you may want to spend a bit more money, as long as you’re saving a good chunk of time. With the private shuttle Cancun service, you can cut your journey time in half!

6. Door to Door Service

With the private shuttle, your driver will meet you curb-side at Cancun Airport with a greeter sign. They’ll walk you and your luggage to your private car or SUV, pack it up, and drive straight to your Tulum accommodation.

⚠️ Note: There is Uber in Cancun — but they can’t legally pick up curbside at CUN Airport. Also, there’s no Uber in Tulum, no Lyft in Tulum and no Lyft in Cancun.

7. Cancun Airport Transportation has Great Reviews

Cancun Airport Transportation has great reviews on so many platforms, including TrustPilot and TripAdvisor. With years of experience, they’re always my #1 pick for a private shuttle.

They have several TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence and have been selected as a Traveler’s Choice — with 4.7 out of 5 Stars and thousands of reviews.

8. They have accessible transportation to Tulum

Need accessible transport from Cancun to Tulum Mexico? Cancun Airport Transportation has vans with a wheelchair ramp available. In fact, this is the only accessible company that I know of.

🚌 Book your Cancun to Tulum private transport now

2. Rent a Car at Cancun Airport and Drive to Tulum

Beside a private transport service, getting a Cancun car rental from the airport is the second best option. It takes less time than the shared shuttle, but has a comparable cost.

Now, for those who just plan to relax on the beautiful beaches in Tulum with a drink in hand, soaking up the sun by day, and partying at night — skip the rental car and opt for this Tulum shuttle instead.

🚗 Need more info? Check out this article, Renting A Car in Cancun: Everything You Need to Know, for a deep dive into the Cancun Mexico car rental process.

However, if you’re planning to do a few Tulum day trips to nearby Valladolid, Coba Ruins archaeological site, and some of these other amazing places in the Yucatán Peninsula, then your own car is the way to go.

For Cancun car rentals, the best place to get one is in Cancun Airport. It has the biggest selection, and you really don’t save a whole lot by renting off-site — so for convenience, opt for a CUN Airport car rental.

What’s the best Cancun car rental company?

My pick for the best Mexico car rental company is Discover Cars. In fact, when booking your Mexico car rental online, I not only recommend them, but I personally Discover Cars.

They search international corporations and local Mexican companies, so you get the best deal — and have FREE cancellation up to 48 hours before your rental.

Discover Cars also provides ratings for all companies, both international companies and local Mexican car rental companies, so you find the best rates.

With their ratings, you can eliminate ones that don’t have a good reputation. Finally, you can buy insurance right from them, so you’re not surprised with an exorbitant and unexpected bill when you get the car.

Also, since the vast majority of Tulum travelers are flying into Cancun Airport, and you need to drive to Tulum from Cancun anyway — it also makes more sense to get your rental car in Cancun.

Not only will you be able to handle your own Cancun to Tulum travel, you will also be able to get back to Cancun for your return flight!

That’s right: With a Cancun rental car, your Tulum to Cancun transport is handled too.

⚠️ Note: The roads in Tulum aren’t always great, but if you’re cautious, you’ll be fine with a smaller car. However, a bigger car or SUV is better if you’re exploring other places in Yucatan.

From the airport, you’ll see lots of signs directing you to Highway 307. You then just take this one road for a simple, straight shot drive all the way to Tulum.

The Cancun to Tulum drive time is about 1.5 to 2 hours, though times can fluctuate depending on traffic conditions and weather conditions.

🗺️ Cancun to Tulum Map

Is it safe to drive to Tulum at night?

While often not recommended to drive at night in Mexico, you should be fine on this road if you arrive at night.

Highway 307 is frequented by tourists driving from Cancun to Tulum, so the government does their part to keep it nice and safe. Do watch your speed at night, as there’s always police checkpoints on this road.

🚔 Police Checkpoints on the Way to Tulum

There are three police checkpoints on Highway 307; though sometimes they set up additional checkpoints.

It’s usually a fast procedure: Traffic will funnel down into one lane, police will do a quick check to make sure nothing’s out of the ordinary, and you’ll go on your merry way.

The police may ask you to pull over, see your rental papers, your driver’s license, etc. — so have your documents handy.

This is standard procedure to verify you don’t have anything illegal, aren’t driving without a license and aren’t drunk on your Cancun to Tulum drive.

5 Additional Mexico Driving Tips

1. Just like in the U.S., you drive on the right side in Mexico.

2. Beware of topes in Mexico! These are speed bumps, and they are all over; even on highways. Often, there’s no road signs alerting you to topes (pronounced toe-pays), so keep your eyes on the road at all times.

🚗 Head to this article, Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know, for additional Mexico driving tips.

3. Speed limit signs are in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour. Don’t worry about doing math for the conversion rate; just make sure the speedometer matches the number on the signs.

4. Keep your rental paperwork, like proof of insurance, the car rental agreement and anything else, in the glove compartment at all times.

5. It is illegal to use your cell phone while driving in Mexico. Furthermore, even having your phone in your hand is a ticketable offense. If you’re renting a car in Cancun, pack this hands free phone holder.

3. Shared Shuttle: Cheapest Cancun to Tulum Shuttle

For those doing solo travel in Mexico, backpacking or visiting Tulum on a budget, the shared shuttle is more economical than the private shuttle.

Prices can fluctuate a bit, but the shared shuttle to Tulum is about $130 USD for round-trip tickets.

The shared airport shuttle from Cancun to Tulum carries up to 12 passengers. Most shuttles will be a Nissan Urvan, Toyota Hiace, or a similar style van.

With all seats full, the Cancun to Tulum shuttle time trip can be up to four hours, though it’s usually closer to 2.5 or 3 hours. In this private shuttle, it’s just 1.5 hours.

Tulum Private Shuttle vs Tulum Shared Shuttle: Which is better?

⏰ The Private Shuttle is Faster

With the shared shuttle, you’ll have to pick up passengers in all four airport terminals before you drive from Cancun Airport to Tulum — which can add up to 45 minutes to the trip.

⚠️ Note: If you’re arriving on the weekend or during the busy season in Tulum (December to March), expect a full shuttle and even longer drive times.

You’ll also make several off-highway stops along the way to other popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras, and more.

🤑 The Shared Shuttle is cheaper

While the shared shuttle is a cheap way to get from Cancun to Tulum, you lose a good bit of time. Unless you’re a solo traveler, or on a very strict budget, I still say this private shuttle is your best option.

Not only do you get door to door service in less than half the time, it’s also often cheaper because you’re splitting it with a group.

For up to eight passengers, private transportation from Cancun Airport to Tulum via the shuttle is $299 round trip — so $150 when split by two, and $99 split three ways.

This shared shuttle from Cancun Airport to Tulum is about $130 round trip, so private is usually the best way to go for cost and convenience.

4. ADO Bus from Cancun Airport to Tulum

🎫 One-Way Cancun to Tulum ADO bus ticket prices average $262 pesos ($15 USD). Prices can fluctuate, but the bus will never be an expensive option.

The ADO Cancun to Tulum bus departs from Cancun Airport at various times throughout the day, from Terminals 2, 3 and 4.

Most U.S. airlines arrive at Terminal 3 or 4, but you can click here to see which Cancun Airport terminal your airline arrives in.

🚌 What’s the Cancun to Tulum bus schedule?

Wondering, How often do buses run from Cancun to Tulum? They run all day and night from the Downtown Cancun ADO station, but be aware there are only five direct buses from Cancun Airport to Tulum each day.

If none of the times available work for you, you’ll want to take the ADO bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, then a second bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.

Keep in mind your flight arrival time should be at least one hour before these scheduled departure times so you can clear the Customs line and Immigration desk, pick up any luggage, and walk over to the bus terminal.

While this has been the Cancun Airport to Tulum ADO bus schedule for a while now, double check the ADO website because their current times can change at any moment.

While you’re at it, you might want to double check the ADO bus Tulum to Cancun Airport schedule too. This way, you know what time the bus heads back to Cancun so that you can catch your return flight.

⚠️ Note: Their website is horrible (and I’m being nice here) when it comes to purchases. In fact, most U.S. credit cards don’t work — so do yourself a favor and book Tulum bus tickets using the widget below.

Where is the Tulum ADO Bus station?

Wondering about the Tulum bus stations?

There’s only one bus station in Tulum — the Terminal Autobuses Tulum ADO. It is located in Downtown Tulum, which is also called Tulum Town or Tulum Pueblo.

ADO Tulum is on the one main road that goes through Downtown Tulum, so it’s easy to find. 📍 Check this map to see where the Tulum ADO bus station is located.

ADO Bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen

What if you arrive either earlier or after these scheduled departure times for the direct Cancun to Tulum bus?

The next best option is to take the Cancun to Playa del Carmen bus, and then take a second bus to Tulum.

📍 Wondering, How far is Tulum from Playa del Carmen? It’s about 40 miles (65 km), and 1 hour by car or bus in normal traffic.

There are many more Cancun to Playa del Carmen ADO bus options, departing about every 30-45 minutes all day long, and only five direct buses per day, so many do this.

In Playa del Carmen, you can buy a second bus ticket on the ADO to Tulum, or save a few bucks by taking the second-class Mayab Bus.

ADO is a first class bus, with nicer amenities like AC, recliner seats, electric outlets for plugs, and a bathroom. On the Mayab buses in Mexico, you won’t have any of those nicer amenities.

Colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Tulum

To save even a few more pesos, take the colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Tulum instead of the bus.

Colectivos are shared public transportation vans, common throughout Mexico. They are especially popular with budget travelers because they are so cheap.

From the Playa del Carmen ADO station, just ask a staff member where to catch the colectivo to Tulum; it’s only a few blocks away.

⚠️ Note: You can also use this route to get back from Tulum to Cancun instead of using the Tulum to Cancun bus route.

Traveling from Cancun to Tulum on the ADO bus is a safe, popular, comfortable and inexpensive option. ADO is the main bus company in Mexico, beloved by tourists and locals alike.

Wondering, Is the ADO bus safe for solo female travelers? Yes — For the vast majority of Mexico visitors, including solo travelers in Mexico, the ADO bus is a perfectly safe and convenient way to get around.

5. Cancun to Tulum Colectivo

Wondering, What’s the cheapest way to get from Cancun to Tulum?

The cheapest option is definitely the colectivo (small, shared public transport vans), as it’s only about $3 USD. However, you get what you pay for, and this is not a comfortable nor recommended way to get to Tulum.

The first thing you need to know is the colectivo is cheaper than the ADO bus, but only by about $10 USD.

For how inconvenient this trip ends up being, it’s just not worth sacrificing so much travel time and comfort for a few bucks.

This trip takes twice as long as the bus, at about four hours, because colectivos make tons of stops along the way.

There’s no direct colectivo from Cancun to Tulum, so you’ll take the first one to Playa del Carmen, then a second to Tulum.

🧳 Note: If you have luggage, you have to hope there’s enough space. There’s no luggage storage on the colectivo, so you have to hold anything you have with you.

While colectivos are an inexpensive way to get around in much of Mexico, you’ll rarely (if ever) hear anyone describe them as comfortable.

The ride itself will be bumpy, and there won’t be AC on the colectivo — and don’t forget this is a two hour trip in the tropics.

My advice? Save yourself the hassle, and just book your ADO ticket here.

6. Taxi from Cancun to Tulum

In truth, the Cancun to Tulum taxi service is your worst option, and you should only consider this in an emergency when you have no other options. Here’s why:

“Normal” taxis are not allowed inside Cancun Airport; only sanctioned airport taxis. Cancun Airport cabs have to pay a special tax to be able to enter — and that fee is passed down to you.

🚨 A WORD OF WARNING ABOUT CANCUN TAXI SCAMS

Beyond this fee, sadly, scamming travelers isn’t uncommon with taxis in Mexico (or really, anywhere).

Once you walk outside of the airport, and even as you’re approaching the exit, you’ll start to be approached by the Cancun Airport taxi services.

Depending on how they judge your appearance, ie. how well you’re dressed, if you look like it’s your first time in Mexico, etc., they’ll quote you that price.

For this reason, you might get a price of up to $150 USD, which is more than this private transfer.

However, if it’s nighttime or they don’t think you know any better, it’s just the price they will quote you. They are hoping you don’t know better — But now you do!

👎 The Verdict: Cancun to Tulum Taxis are not worth it

My advice? Save yourself the hassle and haggle and book this Cancun to Tulum private shuttle now. While you might not think so, it’s probably about the same price as taking a Cancun Airport taxi to Tulum.

They will meet you right outside the Cancun Airport, walk you and your luggage to the van, SUV or limo, pack your stuff up, and drive you straight to your Tulum accommodation.

All you have to do is kick back, relax and enjoy the ride — with no haggling necessary! However, if you still want to take a taxi from Cancun to Tulum, here are two more things to remember:

⚠️ Another Word of Warning About Cancun Taxis

Cancun taxi drivers are famous for, and quite good at, tricking people into taking a taxi.

Often, they say there aren’t rental cars or private vehicles available, or the buses aren’t running, or anything they think will work.

Take whatever they say with a grain of salt, and only believe what you’ve seen with your own eyes.

💸 Set the Price Before You Get In

Most Mexico taxis don’t don’t have meters. For this reason, you must negotiate and agree on the fare before getting in the taxi.

If you don’t know this and just jump in the car, they will throw out some exorbitant price when you arrive in Tulum. In short: Make sure you agree on a firm price before taking the cab to Tulum.

Also, while Cancun taxis have a bad reputation for price-gouging tourists, so do Tulum taxi drivers. In short: While you can take a taxi from Tulum to Cancun Airport, make sure you’re very clear on the price first.

7. Uber from Cancun to Tulum

However, if you want to take an Uber from Cancun Airport to Tulum, you can.

Though it’s not a straightforward experience, here’s how to use the Uber from Cancun Airport to Tulum transportation service, and some things to keep in mind when you do:

You have to completely exit airport property to call an Uber Cancun driver. Depending on which terminal you’re at, this can be a 5-20 minute walk — while schlepping all your luggage in the Cancun humidity 🥵

Once you exit the airport and get onto the main street, you can call the Uber from there. Of course, you’ll need to have WiFi, so don’t forget to buy a Mexico SIM card before you go.

Now, not all drivers will take this trip because it’s usually about four hours round-trip for them, so not everyone’s schedule can accommodate a spur-of-the-moment drive from Cancun to Tulum.

However, some can, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get one of them. If not, you might have to wait a long time (about 10-30 minutes in very hot weather) for Uber rides from Cancun to Tulum.

👎 The Verdict: Cancun to Tulum Ubers are not worth it

All this to say that anytime anyone I know has done the Cancun to Tulum Uber trip, they have regretted it!

I’ve heard enough “never agains” that I now always recommend another method, like these:

• Private shuttle to Tulum from Cancun Airport
• Shared shuttle to Tulum from Cancun
• Rent a Car in Cancun Airport and drive to Tulum

🚕 Wondering, Is Uber available in Tulum? No — once you get to Tulum Mexico, there are no Ubers; only taxis.

8. Cancun to Tulum Tours

FAQ: Getting from Cancun to Tulum Mexico

Wondering, Can I take Uber from Cancun to Tulum?

Technically, yes, but it’s not always easy or possible to find a driver who will take the trip, as it’s about four hours round-trip from Cancun to Tulum and back.

Also, Uber can’t pick you up at curbside at Cancun Airport. To use Uber at Cancun Airport, you’ll have to walk all the way off airport property to the main road and call from there.

As has been said throughout this article, this Cancun to Tulum Private Transfer is the most convenient way to make the trip.

While there is Uber in much of Mexico, there’s (basically) no Uber in the state of Quintana Roo — where Tulum is located.

Once in Tulum, you’ll have to get around by taxi, renting a bike, moped or quad (4X4), or driving your rental car.

There is a Cancun to Tulum helicopter transfer service, but it’s pretty steep at $2,250 USD one way for four people. The flight is short, at just 50 minutes, and you do get some nice views along the Caribbean Sea.

Keep in mind there are also luggage weight restrictions, so isn’t the most practical Cancun Tulum route for many travelers. If you’d like to book a helicopter tour, there’s Cancun Helicopter.

🚁 Note: I have never used this company, and am not endorsing them in any way. I only list them to tell readers all their Cancun to Tulum travel options.

As there’s no airport for Tulum, you’re going to have to first get to Cancun, then head to Tulum.

Here are the exact Cancun Tulum distances and drive times you can expect — and of course, this will answer the How far is Tulum from Cancun? question for you as well:

• Cancun Airport to Tulum: The distance is 73 miles (118 km), and about 1.5 hours of drive time. 
• Downtown Cancun to Tulum: The distance is 81 miles (131 km), which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• Cancun Hotel Zone to Tulum: The distance from the Zona Hotelera on Cancun Beach to Tulum is 85 miles (137 km), and about 2 hours of drive time.

How to get from Downtown Cancun to Tulum

There are three Downtown Cancun bus terminals, but you’ll want to use the main bus station for the trip to Tulum. The main Cancun ADO bus station is located here, at the roundabout on Calle Pino.

From there, you have plenty of options, with frequent ADO buses to Tulum all day long — and at cheaper rates than the Cancun to Tulum bus from the airport.

However, for your return trip, opt for the direct shuttle from Tulum to Cancun Airport to save yourself a good bit of time.

How to get from the Cancun Hotel Zone to Tulum

Staying in the Zona Hotelera (Cancun Hotel Zone on Cancun Beach Area) and want to see Tulum, Mexico?

There’s no ADO bus terminal on the beach, so you can take a taxi to Downtown or the Cancun Airport, and catch the bus there.

You can also get a Cancun rental car and drive; from Cancun Beach, it will take about two hours.

Final Thoughts: Best Cancun to Tulum Transport Options

As mentioned throughout this article, I always say that the best and easiest way to get to Tulum Mexico is to book this private transportation from Cancun to Tulum.

I always recommend Cancun Airport Transportation (linked above), the best transfer company and highest-rated Cancun shuttle service I know of.

This is the company I always use when getting to Tulum from Cancun — and yes, I do book as a normal customer, at full price because they don’t sponsor me or offer me free transport!

I use them because they’ve been awarded numerous Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence, and because Cancun Airport Transportation has a 4.7 out of 5 Star rating.

Need more info? You can head here to see out why I say they’re your best option.

While there are cheaper ways to get to Tulum, they often take triple the amount of time — and who wants to deal with that after getting off a flight, going through the Customs line, waiting for luggage, etc. 🤬

🏝️ Cancun to Tulum Day Trips

Staying in Cancun? For a Cancun to Tulum day trip, the best way to visit is on a tour.

This article featured some of the best Tulum tours from Cancun, so you don’t miss any of the amazing things to do in Tulum.

🏆 Best Cancun to Tulum Transportation Options

Cancun has one of the biggest airports in Mexico, with direct flights from around the world, so you’ll have no issues getting to Cancun. (✈️ Note: There are plans to build a Tulum Airport, so things might be changing.)

Hopefully you now see that once you’re in Cancun, you have plenty of Cancun to Tulum transfer options.

When factoring in convenience and price, booking this private transportation in advance is the best way to get from Cancun to Tulum Mexico.

For solo travelers and Tulum budget travelers, this shared shuttle and the ADO bus are great options.

However, for groups of two or more, private transport is your best bet for how to get to Tulum from Cancun.