The Best Way to Get From Cancun to Valladolid Mexico (And the Worst!)
Wondering how to get from Cancun Airport to Valladolid?
The closest airport to Valladolid is Cancun International Airport (code: CUN), so you’ll fly there, and then make your way 2.5 hours west to Valladolid.
But don’t worry — it’s very easy to travel from Cancun to Valladolid Mexico — and you’re about to discover the best transport options.
As someone who’s lived in Mexico since 2018, and has traveled to Valladolid several times, I know the best way to get to Valladolid from Cancun is via this private transport service.
This is by far the easiest, fastest, most stress-free and hassle-free way to get from Cancun Airport to Valladolid with door to door service.
You can book with the Tripadvisor-backed company I recommend, or keep reading to find out why I say they are your best option.
Besides private transportation, you can rent a car in Cancun and drive to Valladolid, or take the ADO bus from Cancun Airport to Valladolid, or go on a Valladolid tour.
You can also take a taxi from Cancun to Valladolid — but you’ll soon see why that’s your worst option.
Ready for a breakdown of all your Valladolid transportation options? Keep reading to learn about the best ways to get from Cancun to Valladolid Mexico.
Where is Valladolid Mexico located?
Valladolid is located in Yucatán State, one of the three states that make up Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
As you can see on the Valladolid map above, it is west of Cancun, and located in-between Merida and Cancun.
Valladolid is one of the 177 Mexico pueblos magicos (magic towns), some of the best small towns in Mexico.
How far is Valladolid from Cancun?
Wondering about the Cancun to Valladolid distance? It’s 101 miles (162 km) from Cancun Airport to Valladolid.
The Cancun to Valladolid drive time is about 2-2.5 hours in normal traffic.
- Tulum to Valladolid: 64 miles (102 km)
- Playa del Carmen to Valladolid: 88 miles (142 km)
- Merida to Valladolid: 99 miles (159 km)
- Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins to Valladolid: 27 miles (44 km)
- Puerto Morelos to Valladolid: 112 miles (180 km)
- Riviera Maya to Valladolid: 95 miles (154 km)
The Best Cancun to Valladolid Private Transfer
The best and easiest way is to book private transportation from Cancun to Valladolid.
While there are cheaper ways, 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.!?
I recommend Cancun Airport Transportation, with an impressive 4.5 star rating and 6,500+ Tripadvisor reviews, as the best private transfer Cancun to Valladolid shuttle service.
SAVE $15 by booking round trip, and relax knowing your Valladolid to Cancun Airport shuttle is also handled.
How much is the private shuttle to Valladolid?
A private service is the most convenient, but as always, convenience comes with a price — though it’s likely not as steep as you think.
- Private Shuttle: $305 one way, and $595 round-trip
- Luxury Private Shuttle in an SUV: $550 one way, and $1,080 round-trip
The shuttles accommodate up to eight passengers, and this is the total price you’d be splitting between all people.
For couples and groups, a private shuttle from Cancun to Valladolid really is the way to go!
Six Reasons to Book the Cancun to Valladolid Shuttle
1. Leave on Your Schedule
With the private shuttle, you set the departure time so you’re not waiting around on anyone else. You can also adjust the departure time, if needed.
Imagine arriving to Cancun Airport after your flight, going through the Customs line, getting your luggage, and then waiting another two hours to even get on Valladolid bus — to then make the 2.5 hour to drive to Valladolid 🤬
Yeah, no.
2. Bilingual Driver
With Cancun Airport Transportation, you’ll have an English-speaking driver.
For those who aren’t confident in speaking Spanish, having a bilingual guide who will meet you at the airport is a nice perk — especially after a long and stressful day of traveling!
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 (travel is stressful sometimes 🤪), your private shuttle will still be there for you.
4. Nice Cars, SUVs and Vans
Cancun Airport Transportation guarantees you’re in an insured, new, and air conditioned vehicle.
While many shuttles from Cancun to Valladolid do have AC, it’s not always a guarantee, and on a 2-hour drive in the tropics after a flight, no AC is not a good start to your Valladolid trip!
💎 Want a luxury car? You have options for SUV transportation in a Yukon, Suburban or Expedition from Cancun to Valladolid.
5. Door to Door Service
With the private shuttle to Valladolid, your driver will meet you right outside of the airport.
They will walk you and your luggage to the car, van or SUV, pack everything up for you, and drive you straight to your Valladolid hotel, while you just kick back and relax 😎
6. It’s Your Fastest Option
As time is always the most precious commodity while on vacation — and the one nobody seems to have enough of — it makes sense to spend a bit more money, as long as you’re saving a good chunk of time.
Compared to your other transport options, the private shuttle is fastest.
Rent A Car: Driving from Cancun to Valladolid
Beside a private transport service, getting a Cancun car rental at the airport and driving to Valladolid from Cancun is the second best option.
Now, for those who just plan to relax in Valladolid itself — skip the rental car and opt for this Valladolid airport shuttle, because the town is walkable.
However, if you’re planning to do a few Valladolid day trips to nearby Tulum, Chichen Itza Ruins, Mérida, Cenote Suytun, Izamal, and some of these other amazing places in the Yucatan, then a car is the way to go.
The best place to rent a car? Cancun Airport, which has a huge selection.
When booking a Mexico car rental online, I recommend and use Discover Cars.
They are great because they search both international companies, and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates.
Discover Cars also provides ratings for all companies, so you can eliminate ones that don’t have a good reputation.
Finally, you can buy Mexican car insurance right from them when you book, so you’re not surprised with an exorbitant and unexpected bill when you get the car.
How much are Cancun car rentals?
Mexico car rental rates vary, but figure about $30 USD per day for an economy car if you decline insurance, and about $50 USD per day for full coverage.
⚠️ Note: You do need insurance, as you’ll see below.
If you’ve looked online for a Mexico rental car, you might see $5 USD rentals. If this rate seems too good to be true — that’s because it is!
This is the base price for just the car, not including insurance, taxes, fees, etc. To be safe, assume the car will be at least $30 USD per day.
🚗💨 Valladolid car rental pro tip: Cancun is the best place to get a rental car, as you can then just drive to Valladolid.
Also, the Cancun Airport car rental selection is much bigger than what you’ll find in Valladolid.
For more info, check out Renting A Car in Cancun: Everything You Need to Know.
Do I need Mexico Car Insurance?
Yes — At the minimum, you need Personal Liability Insurance to drive in Mexico.
One of the reasons I always book with Discover Cars is because they offer full coverage for about $10-15 USD per day!
At that rate, it’s a no brainer for me when renting a car in Mexico so I have peace of mind.
Credit Card Insurance through a U.S. Card
Some United States credit cards provide insurance for card holders.
However, if anything happens, you have to pay for the damages out of pocket when you return the car in Mexico.
You’ll then file a claim with the credit card company, and hope they fully reimburse you in a timely manner.
I have been in Mexico long enough, and heard enough horror stories, that I 100% always tell people not to rely on this.
If you do opt for credit card coverage, call them before your Valladolid trip and double check their coverage policy, so you know you’re comfortable with it.
🚨 Some companies won’t let you take the car if you decline insurance, so be prepared with a backup plan — or purchase the full coverage when you book with Discover Cars, which is only about $10 USD per day.
If you’re planning to decline coverage altogether, first, know the company can deny your rental.
For those who have booked through a third party rental site where you’ve already paid in full, you’ll then have to haggle with them for a refund.
Second, they will likely put a hold of about $3,500 USD on your card — and make sure to use a credit card for this.
With a credit card, the money is held; whereas with a debit, the money is actually taken (then returned), but you’d be out the $2,500 until you return the rental 😳
Is the Cancun to Valladolid drive safe?
Yes — The road from Cancun to Valladolid is Highway 180D (Carretera Cancún-Kantunil).
This isn’t a big highway, but a well-maintained road that’s comfortable to drive on, even in a compact car.
⚠️ Note: You’ll want a bigger car or SUV to explore other places in Yucatan.
From the airport, you’ll find lots of signs directing you to Highway 180D.
You’ll then take this one road about 90% of the way, then get on Highway 295 into Valladolid.
Depending on traffic and weather conditions, the Cancun to Valladolid drive time is about 2-2.5 hours.
While it’s not often advisable to drive at night in Mexico, you should be fine on this road at night.
Highway 180D is frequented by tourists driving from Cancun Airport to Valladolid, so the government keeps it nice and safe.
🚔 Note: Don’t speed at night, as there’s often police checkpoints.
Cancun to Valladolid Map
Topes: Speed bumps in Mexico
When driving, beware of topes in Mexico. A tope (pronounced toe-pay) is a speed bump, and can be on any road — even highways.
Often, there’s no sign alerting you to them, so keep your eyes on the road.
Some topes are bigger than others, so always slow all the way down when approaching one, so you don’t cause any damage to your rental car.
Cancun to Valladolid Bus (ADO)
🚐 Wondering, Is taking the bus in Cancun safe? Yes — Mexico buses are safe, efficient and inexpensive, and used by locals and travelers alike.
For those traveling on a budget, the ADO bus from Cancun to Valladolid is the best option.
However, it can take triple the time as this private shuttle from Cancun to Valladolid — but if you don’t mind sacrificing several hours, the bus is the cheapest way to get to Valladolid from Cancun.
➡️ Book ADO tickets via the Bookaway site here, which is in English.
There’s No Cancun Airport to Valladolid Bus
The bus takes a lot longer because there are no direct buses from Cancun Airport to Valladolid.
For this route, you must first get to the main ADO Cancun bus station in downtown (in the rotunda at the intersection of Calle Pino, Avenida Uxmal and Avenida Tulum), then head to Valladolid.
📍 ADO bus station Downtown Cancun address: Calle Pino, SM23, MZ56, Lt 1 y 2, Centro, 23, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico (Google Map)
Step #1 — Cancun Airport to Downtown Cancun
You can take a taxi (about $25 USD), or the ADO bus from Cancun Airport to Downtown Cancun (about $7 USD).
Keep in mind that there’s no Uber in Cancun Airport, so you have to take a bus or taxi.
There are buses departing every 30-45 minutes from all Cancun Airport terminals.
Step #2 — ADO Cancun to Valladolid Bus
The Cancun to Valladolid ADO bus departs every 1-2 hours, from about 8am-6pm — See the full Cancun to Valladolid bus schedule on the ADO site.
Tickets are about $300 pesos ($15 USD). In normal traffic, the drive takes 2.5 hours, and you’ll be dropped off at ADO Valladolid (here).
🚌💨 How to book ADO Bus Tickets
ADO (pronounced ahh-day-oh) is Mexico’s largest bus company, with service all over the entire country on a luxury-class fleet of buses.
Though there’s the ADO website, it’s much easier to book ADO tickets via the Bookaway site, which is in English.
Taxi from Cancun to Valladolid (Not Recommended)
In my opinion, a Cancun to Valladolid taxi is your worst option.
Barring an emergency situation, I’d recommend you use another way to get to Valladolid from Cancun. Here’s why:
How much is a taxi from Cancun to Valladolid?
Short answer: A LOT — but plan for at least $300 USD, though it could be more, depending on your luck (I’ll explain below).
At $305 USD, it’s about the same to use the shuttle, though it also might be cheaper to book private transportation from Cancun to Valladolid.
As you’re getting to the exit doors, Cancun Airport taxi drivers will begin approaching you.
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 give you that price.
For this reason, you’ll likely get a Cancun to Valladolid taxi cost of $300+USD — the same as you’d pay for a private transfer.
The issue with taxis in Mexico is they rarely have meters, and sadly, scamming travelers who don’t know the prices isn’t uncommon in Mexico (or anywhere).
In short — save yourself the hassle and just book your Cancun to Valladolid private shuttle.
They will meet you right outside the airport, walk you and your luggage to the van, and drive you straight to your hotel in Valladolid.
🚨 A Word of Warning About Cancun Taxis
Cancun taxi drivers are famous for, and good at, tricking people into taking a taxi.
They may say there aren’t rental cars available, or the buses aren’t running, or anything they think will work.
Take whatever they tell you with a grain of salt unless you have seen it with your own two eyes.
🚕 Set the Price Before You Get In
With taxis in Mexico, you’ll negotiate and agree on the fare before getting in, because most cabs don’t don’t have meters.
If you don’t know this and just jump in the car, they will throw out some exorbitant price when you arrive in Valladolid — so agree on a firm price before getting in.
The Best Cancun to Valladolid Tours
For those staying at a Cancun hotel or resort, you can always opt for a Valladolid tour.
Located about 2.5 hours from Cancun, Valladolid is one of the best day trips from Cancun Mexico. With the tour, you don’t have to worry about anything — except enjoying yourself!
Here are the best Cancun to Valladolid tours, with most day tours combine Chichen Itza tours with a visit to the cenotes and Valladolid — so you get a lot of bang for your buck!
How to Get from Cancun to Valladolid: FAQs
Is there Uber in Cancun?
Sort Of — The answer to this question is tricky, because though Uber is legal in Cancun, it’s very rarely used (even by locals).
It’s even less used for long journeys, like the five-hour round trip Cancun Valladolid drive.
In 2019, a court ruled Uber can operate in Cancun, but to say Cancun taxi drivers weren’t thrilled would be an understatement.
In fact, there are sometimes clashes between groups, and most locals and visitors simply stay away from Cancun Uber for this reason.
Can I take Uber from Cancun to Valladolid?
Sort Of — But it’s a hassle, and many regret this choice.
To use Uber, you’ll have to fully exit the airport with all your luggage, and walk about 10 minutes in the hot and humid Cancun weather to the main road, then call an Uber.
📲 Note: Make sure you have a Mexico SIM Card so you can call. Cancun Airport WiFi, though free, has never worked for me.
As the Cancun to Valladolid trip will take five hours in total, many drivers will cancel the trip as soon as they see it come up.
For this reason, you might have to wait 30-45 minutes to even get a car — and it won’t be much cheaper than if you just book the Cancun to Valladolid shuttle now.
is there Uber in Valladolid mexico?
Yes — Once in Valladolid, you can use Uber to get around, though it’s a small town and you can walk everywhere.
You can also rent a scooter or bike at Ko’ox Balak, use taxis, or drive your rental car.
⚠️ Note: It’s not always easy to find an Uber driver for the return Valladolid to Cancun trip.
Is there a Cancun to Valladolid flight?
No — There’s no airport in Valladolid Mexico, and no flights to Valladolid. However, there are several airports nearby.
The closest airport to Valladolid is Cancun International Airport (code: CUN). The drive in normal traffic from Cancun Airport to Valladolid is about 2 hours.
Merida International Airport (code: MID) and Tulum International Airport (code: TQO), are both about 2.5 hours away.
However, but most people opt for flights to Cancun Airport CUN because it has so many more daily flights, and more direct flight options from the U.S.
Valladolid Mexico Travel: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hotels in Valladolid?
Planning to spend the night in Valladolid? Smart choice!
As you’re about to discover below, there’s so many amazing things to see in and the surrounding areas.
Below is a list of the best hotels in Valladolid, with great options for any travel budget.
- Best overall Valladolid hotel: Le Muuch Hotel
- Best boutique hotel in Valladolid: Saastah Hotel Boutique
- Best spa hotel in Valladolid: Hotel Zentik Project & Saline Cave (I have stayed here before, and wrote this full review of the hotel)
- Best splurge hotel in Valladolid ($$$): Verde Morada
- Best Valladolid hacienda hotel ($$$): Hacienda San Miguel Yucatan
- Best mid-budget hotel in Valladolid ($$): Hotel Casa Hipil
- Best hostel in Valladolid ($): Hostel Candelaria
What are the best things to do in Valladolid Mexico?
There are many great places to see and things to do in Valladolid Mexico — like visiting the two colonial churches, Iglesia de San Servacio and Ex-Convento de San Bernardino de Siena.
👩🎨 Love museums? Head to Casa de los Venados to see their impressive Mexico folk art collection.
Many of the best cenotes in Mexico are in and near Valladolid, like Cenote Ik-Kil, Cenote Suytun, Cenote Xkeken (Ditznip) and Cenote Oxman.
You can also visit some of the best Mayan Ruins in Mexico, like Chichén Itzá and Ek-Balam, both about one-hour from Valladolid.
Is Valladolid safe for travelers?
Yes — Valladolid is in Yucatan State, known as one of the safest states in Mexico. The other is Campeche state.
Valladolid is also located near Merida, Mexico, which is widely considered the safest city in Mexico.
Incidents of violent crime are nearly-unheard of, and even petty crimes are rare.
Is Valladolid expensive?
No — As one of the best hidden gems in Mexico, you can visit Valladolid for relatively little money.
Even many of the best places to stay in Valladolid average just $125 USD per night, and you can eat amazing Yucatan food at the best Valladolid restaurants for just $7-12 USD per meal.
Is Valladolid worth visiting?
YES! — I have been to Valladolid several times, and find it more and more charming each time I visit.
While the “big name” Mexico travel destinations like Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen offer cushy accommodations, Valladolid gives you a chance to experience real Mexican culture 🇲🇽
Final Thoughts: Best Way to Get from Cancun to Valladolid
I have lived in the Yucatan Peninsula since 2019, and have helped many people make the trip from Cancun to Valladolid.
Without hesitation, I 100% recommend booking private transportation from Cancun to Valladolid — as anyone who’s taken the bus has later told me they regretted it.
While the bus costs about less money, it takes about three times as much time.
Unless you’re traveling on a tight budget, it’s worth spending the extra money for the convenience of door to door private transportation from Cancun airport to your Valladolid Mexico hotel.
A Cancun rental car is another one of the fastest ways to get from Cancun to Valladolid, but if you’re not planning to leave Valladolid itself, it’s not worth getting a car.
If you want to explore the cenotes, Mayan ruins and other charming towns near Valladolid (like Izamal), get a rental car.
