Is There Uber in Tulum Mexico? (The Answer Might Shock You)
Wondering if you can use Uber Tulum services on your trip?
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but no, there’s no Uber in Tulum. But don’t worry — I got you — because this article is going to go over all the transportation alternatives you have since you can’t use Uber in Tulum.
As many researching the topic of Uber in Tulum want to know about taking Uber from Cancun to Tulum specifically — you’re going to discover the best alternatives for that. Though you have a few options, there’s a clear winner for the most hassle-free, fastest and safest way: a private shuttle.
I especially recommend the private shuttle from Cancun to Tulum if you don’t speak Spanish, as you’re guaranteed an English-speaking driver. The round trip shuttle is a bargain at just $175USD, for door to door service from Cancun Airport to Tulum. ▶︎ BOOK YOURS NOW!
In case you’re wondering Is there Lyft in Tulum? Sorry again, but also no. So now that you know you won’t be able to Uber in Tulum, or even use Lyft in Tulum, let’s look into all the transportation options you do have while traveling to Tulum, Mexico.
[lwptoc]
is there Uber in Tulum Mexico?
Can I Uber from Cancun to Tulum?
As there’s no Tulum Airport, you will have to fly into Cancun International Airport (code: CUN). Wondering, How far is Tulum from Cancun? The Cancun Airport is about 1.5-2 hours north of Tulum, but this is the nearest airport Tulum has.
🤔 Why am I telling you about the closest airport to Tulum?
Because you will have to figure out how to get to Tulum from Cancun! While there is Uber in Cancun (sort of), they likely won’t take you the two hours to Tulum, and they aren’t technically even allowed to pick anyone up from the Cancun Airport.
Is there Uber in Cancun Mexico?
Sort of — 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.
Is there Uber in Playa del Carmen Mexico?
No — just taxis. For a deep dive into this topic, check out Is There Uber in Playa del Carmen? (Cancun to Playa del Carmen Transport)
is there uber in tulum mexico?
How can I get from Cancun to Tulum without Uber?
I promised you in the first few words of this post that I got you, and I wasn’t kidding. As someone who lives not far from Tulum in Merida, Mexico, I am very familiar with Quintana Roo state and Yucatan Peninsula transportation, and I’m sharing all my insider intel with you!
For a deep dive into this topic, head to this article ▶︎ Cancun to Tulum: The 6 Best Transportation Options. However, in my personal opinion, the absolute most stress-free, hassle-free and best way to get to Tulum from Cancun is by private Tulum shuttle (see below ⤵).
The private shuttle is economical for groups of two or more. However, for those doing solo travel in Tulum and anyone traveling to Tulum on a budget, you can save some money with the shared shuttle. However, for anyone concerned about social distancing, a private shuttle is your best option.
Cancun to Tulum Private Shuttle Service
I recommended Cancun Airport Transportation, the best private transfer Cancun to Tulum service out there! They have an impressive 4.5 star rating and 2,500+ reviews on Tripadvisor — and have even won four Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence awards.
🤑 SAVE 25% by booking round trip instead of one way! So go ahead and book now, then kick back and relax knowing your Tulum to Cancun Airport shuttle is handled.
▶︎ Need accessible transport? Cancun Airport Transportation has vans with a wheelchair ramp.
How much is the Cancun to Tulum Private Shuttle?
Here are the prices with Cancun Airport Transportation:
- For 1-3 passengers, you’re only looking at $175USD round trip
- 4-6 passengers, it’s $200USD round trip
- 7-9 passengers is $220 round trip.
If you are traveling in a couple or small group, it’s actually one of the most economical options — both time-wise and cost-wise. Whether you’re in a group, couple, or just want private transport from Cancun to Tulum for health and safety, here are six reasons it’s the best option:
1. Leave on Your Schedule
With the private shuttle, you set and control the departure time.
Imagine getting to Cancun Airport after your flight, going through the Customs line, getting your luggage, and then having to wait another two hours to even get on the bus to Tulum — which will take another two hours to drive to the Tulum bus station 🤬 Yeah, no.
2. Bilingual Driver
With Cancun Airport Transportation, you’re guaranteed an English-speaking driver from Cancun to Tulum. For those who aren’t confident in their Spanish, having a bilingual guide who will guide you through the airport is a nice perk — especially after a long day of traveling!
🧡 Your driver will be easy to find: Just look for the orange sign, with their suitcase logo ⤵
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 lol), your private shuttle will still be there for you. With a shared shuttle, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card so you can call the company and hopefully get rebooked.
4. they keep only Nice Cars, SUVs and Vans
Cancun Airport Transportation guarantees you’re in an insured, new, and air conditioned vehicle. While many shared shuttles from Cancun to Tulum do have AC, it’s not always a guarantee, and on a two-hours drive in the tropics after a flight, it’s not a good start to your Tulum trip!
▶︎ Need a luxury car? You have options for SUV transportation in a Yukon, Suburban or Expedition, and also limo service from Cancun to Tulum.
5. Door to Door tulum shuttle Service
With the private shuttle, your driver will meet you with a greeter sign (see photo above ⤴) in the Arrivals area in the airport. They will walk you and your luggage outside to the car or SUV, and drive you straight to your Tulum accommodation.
Keep in mind that if you take a shared shuttle to Tulum, you’ll get dropped off at a central point in town. From there, you will then have to take a taxi to your Tulum Airbnb, hotel or hostel. Depending on where you’re staying, you can spend anywhere from $100-800 pesos ($5-40USD) for a taxi.
6. Tulum private shuttle is the Fastest Option
As time is always the most precious commodity while on vacation — the one we never seem to have enough of — it makes sense to spend a bit more money, as long as you’re saving a good chunk of time! With the private shuttle: you are.
Shared shuttles often have to make stops at the other three Cancun Airport terminals to pick up more passengers, then do drop offs all along the route. Most shared shuttles also stop in three other cities, Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen, as they make their way south to Tulum.
In short, with your private shuttle, getting from Cancun to Tulum is usually a 1.5 hour trip. When going by shared shuttle, plan for at least 2.5 hours. A rental car will also take about 1.5 hours, but other than that, a private shuttle is the fastest option.
🚐💨 Book your Cancun to Tulum private transport now ⤵
is there uber in tulum mexico?
Cancun to Tulum Shared Shuttle
For those doing solo travel in Mexico, the shared shuttle is more economical than the private shuttle, since you’re not splitting the cost. For those backpacking or visiting Tulum on a budget, the shared shuttle is also a great option, at only about $75USD for round-trip tickets.
The shared airport shuttle from Cancun to Tulum carries up to 12 passengers, in a Nissan Urvan (or similar). With all seats full, the Cancun to Tulum shuttle time trip can be up to four hours (though it’s usually closer to three) — versus just 1.5 in your private shuttle.
Not only will you have to pick up passengers in all four airport terminals, but you’ll also make several off-highway stops along the way to other popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya and more. Note: If you’re arriving on the weekend or holiday, expect a full shuttle.
Cancun Private Shuttle vs Shared Shuttle
Unless you’re a solo traveler, or on a very strict budget, the private shuttle is the best and most cost-effective option. It’s also the fastest way to get from Cancun to Tulum.
Not only do you get door to door service in less than half the time, it’s also often cheaper. For up to three passengers, the private shuttle is $175 round trip — so $88 when split by two, and $59 split three ways. The shared shuttle is about $75 round trip, so private is often the cheapest way to go!
is there uber in tulum mexico?
Rent a Car at Cancun Airport
💡 Tulum Travel Disclaimer: For those who just plan to relax on Tulum Beach with a drink in hand, soaking up the sun and partying at night — skip the rental car and opt for the Tulum shuttle instead.
Now, if you’re planning to do a few Tulum day trips to Tulum cenotes, Valladolid, Coba Ruins, and the other amazing places in the Yucatan Peninsula, then a rental car is the way to go. For a Tulum car rental, the best place to get one is actually at Cancun Airport, as it has the biggest selection.
When booking your car online, I recommend and personally use Discover Cars. They are great because they search both international companies, and local Mexican companies, so you get the best price.
What NOT to Do: Taxi from Cancun to Tulum
How much is a taxi from Cancun to Tulum?
Short answer: A LOT!
Taking a taxi to Cancun from Tulum can cost up to $200USD — depending on your luck. To be blunt, the taxi drivers will judge your appearance (ie. how well you’re dressed, if you look like it’s your first time in Mexico, etc.), and give you a price based on that, which could be $200 if they feel like it.
In truth, a Cancun to Tulum taxi is actually your worst option, and you should only consider this in an emergency when you have no other options. While I love Mexico and live in Mexico, I will say I’m pretty anti-taxi, as scamming travelers isn’t uncommon with taxis in Mexico (or anywhere).
make sure to Set the Price Before You Get In
If you do take a taxi to Tulum, know that you must negotiate and agree on the fare before getting in the taxi. As most Mexico taxis don’t have meters, this is the way it’s done. If you just jump in the car and start the drive, they can throw out whatever price they want when you arrive in Tulum.
This is the same Tulum taxi procedure you will use when you actually get to Tulum, Mexico. Make sure you know, agree to, and are firm on the price before you get in the taxi. If you don’t want to use taxis in Tulum, renting a moped or bicycle are both great options.
How to Get Around in Tulum Without Uber
Tulum is actually a small town. In fact, it’s one of the Mexico pueblos magicos, which means magic towns. According to the 2020 census, Tulum has only about 47,000 residents (source: Wiki), so it’s not only small in size but in population as well!
As you just learned in the last section of this article, I do not recommend a Tulum rental car if you’re just staying in Tulum itself. The best motorized way to get around town is by taxi, or renting a scooter or moped in Tulum.
Tulum Moped Rentals
🏍 How much are Tulum moped rentals?
Tulum scooter rentals average about $800-1,000 pesos ($40-50USD) per day. There are several rental places on the main road in Tulum, which goes through Tulum Town (AKA Downtown Tulum). There’s really only one road in Tulum Town, so you can’t miss it.
🏍 What do I need to rent a scooter in Tulum?
- Driver’s License: You can rent a moped in Tulum with your United States driver’s license, though some places will ask to hold your passport as collateral. Know that this is a standard practice, though admittedly, it doesn’t feel comfortable. If this is too uncomfortable for you, consider a Tulum bicycle rental.
- Cash (Pesos): You will also likely need to pay for the rental in cash. In fact, a lot of places in Tulum are cash only, and some charge you a fee of about 5% for using your card. The cash only rule is especially true for small businesses, which these scooter rental places often are.
Tulum Bike Rentals
If you don’t like the idea of riding a moped in Tulum, your best bet will be a Tulum bicycle rental. As Tulum gets more and more popular, and traffic gets worse and worse, the bike allows you to bypass all that — as well as any parking fees.
🚲 How much are Tulum bike rentals?
Tulum bike rentals average about $200 pesos ($10USD) per day. There are several rental places on the main road in Tulum, which goes through Tulum Town (AKA Downtown Tulum), and all you need is an ID. My preferred bike rental is at La Tulumeña Boutique Hotel.
Can I just walk in Tulum?
Yes, of course! But do know Tulum weather only has two seasons: Hot and Hot AF 🥵 Also, Downtown Tulum is about 1.5 miles from Tulum Beach, which can be a brutal walk in the heat and humidity. If you want to visit the Tulum cenotes, you really can’t walk to any of those.
RELATED ARTICLE 🏝 10 Best Cenotes Tours Tulum Has to Offer
Taxis in Tulum Mexico
The way most people get around in Tulum is by taxi. There are plenty of cabs in Tulum, operating day and night. You can hail a cab in Tulum the old school way, by just waving your hand to the driver anywhere on the street.
Are taxis expensive in tulum?
They can be! As Tulum has become more and more popular, price tags on everything have gone up — including Tulum cab rides.
how much do taxis cost in tulum?
While the distance from Tulum Town (AKA Downtown Tulum) to Tulum Beach is only about 2-4 miles, it can cost anywhere from $250-500 pesos ($12-25USD). The fare will depending on factors including demand for cabs, time of day, day of the week (weekends can be pricier), etc.
The one thing to keep in mind is that you must agree on the price before the ride — as taxis in Mexico very rarely have meters. When hailing a cab, you’ll tell the driver where you’re headed, they will tell you a price, then you accept it, or not. If you get in, you have agreed to the price.
Are taxis safe in Tulum?
Yes — for the vast majority of travelers, Tulum taxis are safe. Tulum taxi drivers rely on tourism dollars to support their livelihood, so they do their part to ensure a safe ride for passengers.
RELATED ARTICLE 🏝 Tulum Itinerary: How to Spend 3, 4 or 5 Days in Tulum, Mexico
Tulum Travel Guide & Tulum FAQ
Where to stay in Tulum
Tulum is a small town, at about five miles from one end to the other. It consists of these three Tulum neighborhoods: Downtown Tulum (AKA Tulum Town or Tulum Pueblo), Aldea Zama and Tulum Beach. All the articles linked below feature places to stay in Tulum in one of these areas ⤵
- 11 Gorgeous Tulum VRBO Options at Under $99 Per Night
- Tulum Beach House Rentals: 10 Best Beachfront Tulum Villas
- Tulum Glamping: 11 Boho Glampsites & Tulum Treehouse Hotels
Tulum Map
Is Tulum safe?
For the most part: Yes! Aside from hurricanes, drinking too much (don’t forget your Anti-Hangover Meds!), sunburns and petty crime, Tulum is safe for most travelers. In fact, all of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Tulum itself are considered safe for most visitors.
Though Tulum is mostly safe, you’ll still want to follow general travel safety measures, like avoiding places and people that seem unsafe. In addition, watch your alcohol intake, don’t take drinks from strangers, stay aware of your surroundings and belongings — and you’ll have a great Tulum vacation.
Is Tulum expensive?
Frankly, Tulum isn’t cheap. In fact, it’s fast becoming one of the most expensive Mexico beach towns.
Now, that’s not to say Tulum budget travel is impossible — only that it requires a solid plan — and maybe foregoing the private shuttle from Cancun to Tulum for the ADO bus. For a deep dive into this topic, check out Tulum On A Budget: 10 Ways to Make Your Trip Affordable.
Is Tulum worth visiting?
If you understand what you’re signing up for — high price tags, rustic vibes and lots of other tourists — and you don’t mind those things, you’ll enjoy your Tulum trip. If you want to lay on a beautiful Mexican Caribbean beach, sip cocktails, take photos and swim in the cenotes, then Tulum is for you.
Like all places, the key to enjoying Tulum is managing your expectations of it — Think Instagram vs. Reality! If you’re fully aware the photos you’ve seen online are heavily edited, cropped and filtered, then you’re already well on your way to managing Tulum expectations.
RELATED ARTICLE 🧜♀️ 10 Best Cenote Tours in Tulum: Visit All the Best Tulum Cenotes
Final Thoughts: No Uber in Tulum Mexico
While there’s no Uber in Tulum, at least not yet, you still have plenty of options for Tulum transportation and getting around in Tulum.
As so many visitors need to travel on the Cancun Tulum route, the fact that there’s no Uber in Tulum is certainly annoying, though not the end of the world and you can book your shuttle here. In Tulum itself, you also have these options to get around: taxis, renting a moped or renting a bicycle.
When factoring in convenience and price, booking private transportation in advance is the best way to get from Cancun to Tulum. For solo travelers and Tulum budget travel, the shared shuttle is a great option. However, for groups of two or more, private transportation is your best bet.