Tulum to Cancun

What to expect when visiting Cancun

Cancun is a vibrant beach city overlooking the Caribbean Sea. With its crystal blue waters and snow-white sand, the city can be too touristy for some visitors. But its location on Mexico’s east coast makes it the perfect gateway to other destinations like Chichen Itza, Isla Mujeres and Holbox.

You’ll find most tourists in the Hotel Zone, which is full to the brim with all-inclusive resorts, restaurants and lively bars. Depending on what you’re looking for, Cancun can just be a short stopover or a holiday destination by itself. Whichever you decide, make sure to explore other nearby destinations for a more authentic Mexican experience!

5 ways to get from Tulum to Cancun

Mainly used by locals in Riviera Maya, most colectivos operating from Tulum to Cancun are indirect. You’ll have to make a transfer at Playa del Carmen. This shared shuttle is the cheapest option at 87 MXN (€4.10).

It is worth noting that one company, Sindicato Lazaro Cardenas, operates direct colectivo trips between Tulum and Cancun. These colectivos are available every hour from 08:00 to 20:00. A ticket costs 130 MXN (€6.10), just €2.30 more expensive than the indirect alternative.

Although a bit of a hassle with the extra transfer, the perk of taking the indirect colectivo is that you can travel more like a local. And of course, the minimal cost. Combined ticket prices are only around 87 MXN (€4.10) and can be paid directly on the bus.

If you prefer to have this indirect shared shuttle experience, read on for a step-by-step guide!

Colectivos to Playa del Carmen depart from a stop at the intersection of Chetumal and Calle Osiris Norte in the city centre. There are two companies operating this route: Playa Express and Colectivos Foraneos. Each company has their own stop and buses run every 15 minutes or when the vehicle reaches capacity.

Playa Express operates from 04:00 to 23:00, while Colectivos Foraneos runs 24 hours. Our first choice is Playa Express because their vehicles are more comfortable, with more space between seats and working AC.

The average rate to Playa del Carmen is 42 MXN (€2), but it can increase during peak tourist season. You can pay your ticket directly to the bus driver.

When you arrive in Playa del Carmen, simply get off at the last stop. This is where you’ll also find the colectivos bound for Cancun, which are operated by the same two companies. They depart every 15 minutes.

The ride to Cancun takes 1.5 hours and costs around 45 MXN (€2.10), but prices can increase during peak tourist seasons.

The colectivos’ last stop is one block from the bus station in Cancun city centre. Unlike buses, you can get off before the last stop if your accommodation is on the way.

Extra note on the Colectivo’s running between Cancun-Playa del Carmen-Tulum

Colectivo’s running on the route from Cancun-Playa del Carmen-Tulum are originally not intended for tourists. They mainly transport locals and workers from the resorts and tourist attractions.

They have become popular among independent travellers and low-budget tourists because they stop everywhere, allowing people to visit multiple beaches, cenotes and the Tulum ruins without paying for expensive tours.

Tulum’s bus station is located in the centre of town. This makes it easily accessible by foot or by taxi if you’re staying slightly further away or in one of the beach areas.

A good average rate for a ride from the beach areas to the bus terminal is around 150 MXN (€7). However, keep in mind that taxis in Tulum are not metered, so it’s better to agree on the rate before getting in.

You can take an ADO bus to get to Tulum to Cancun. All buses are air-conditioned, are equipped with reclining seats and have a toilet on board. Operated by Mexico’s biggest bus company, you can expect a comfortable ride with ADO.

A bus ticket costs €12.80 and the journey takes around 1h 45m - 2h 45m.

Buses stop at Cancun’s main bus station, conveniently located in downtown Cancun, with many hotels and hostels located close by or just a few blocks away. This gives you the perfect opportunity to exercise your legs after the long bus journey.

However, if you are staying a bit further away, in the beach areas, for example, you may have to take a taxi to get to your final destination. Taxis are available from outside of the bus station and are metered, so rates will depend on the distance and time.

An average ride to the beach area is around 210 MXN (€9.90).

Another option is to use public transport. Buses pass in front of the bus terminal on Avenida Tulum and lines R-1, R-3 and R-38 connect the bus stop with the beach and hotel area. The rate for the buses is 15 MXN (€0.70) to be paid directly to the bus driver.

If you’re flying out of the Riviera Maya, you can travel directly from Tulum to Cancun International Airport. It is the busiest airport in the Yucatan Peninsula and the closest airport to Tulum.

There are 3 ways to do this: by bus, shared minivan/airport shuttle or with a private transfer. All three options have an average duration of 2 hours, but the bus may take an extra 15 minutes because it makes a short stop in Playa del Carmen.

IMPORTANT: When booking any of the Cancun Airport transportation services, remember to leave Tulum at least 6 hours before your flight to account for any traffic, roadworks or in the case of shared services, any issue with additional stops.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

A shared shuttle is a good option if you want a direct ride from your hotel in Tulum to Cancun Airport but do not have the budget for a private transfer. Minivans depart every hour, 24 hours a day.

Note that the minivan may make a few stops on the way to pick up other passengers. You can book this Cancun Airport shuttle on BookAway with rates from 490 MXN (€23).

Another good option is to hire a private shuttle. Your private driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you directly to the airport. This service is provided by several companies that allow you to book in advance online.

We recommend booking your ride via BookAway, which offers the cheapest rates we’ve found for this route. Prices start from 1,390 MXN (€65) for a 6 to 8-seater minivan.

If you prefer to travel with one of the local agencies in Tulum, eTransfers and Happy Shuttle Cancun receive the best reviews and cost/benefit ratio. Rates for private transfers going to Cancun International Airport start at 1,400 MXN (€66) one way.

You can also get a direct bus to Cancun International Airport from Tulum. These are run by the company ADO and depart five times a day from 07:10 to 15:00 (roughly every 2 hours). As you’ll be travelling with a popular company, you can expect a secure and pleasant ride with an ADO bus.

Buses leave from the ADO bus terminal in the centre of town. You can buy your ticket directly at the bus station or book it online through Clickbus. The bus rate is 300 MXN (€14.10).

Cancun to Tulum Guide

Cancun has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in the whole of Mexico, particularly amongst American tourists. Attracted by the clear-blue Caribbean Sea and white-sand beaches, many see Cancun as a place to relax, preferably in one of its luxury resorts.

Located north of Riviera Maya, Cancun is known for its all-inclusive resorts, nightclubs, bars and too many restaurants to choose from! If you could get a Cancun hotel by the beach, you’re already guaranteed a lovely visit.

This busy city is also the door to other popular sites in the Yucatan Peninsula, as well as the rest of Mexico due to Cancun International Airport, which is well connected for both domestic and international flights. It is the closest airport to nearby popular destinations and also serves Playa del Carmen and Tulum, among a few other towns.

Shared minivans are a direct way to travel from Tulum to Cancun. There used to be shared minivans with hotel pick-up and drop-off, but the minivans available now only operate between the city centres.

Travel time takes 3 hours 30 minutes. Just a little cheaper than the bus, tickets cost €28.

A disadvantage of shared minivans is that there are only four departures in a day, unlike the buses with hourly trips.

Departure and arrival station

Minivans are available along C. Alfa Sur 7 right in the city centre. You can find them just behind the local market.

In Cancun city centre, you will be dropped off at Avenida Uxmal near the ADO bus station. If you’re heading to the hotel zone, you’ll need to take a taxi with rates from 210 MXN (€9.90).

You can also wait for a bus in front of the bus station. Lines R-1, R-3 and R-38 head to the beach and hotel area, and fares are as cheap as 15 MXN (€0.70).

Taxis are also available from Tulum to Cancun. Rates start from 2,080 MXN (€98) for a ride with trusted taxi companies. Some taxi drivers from the streets may be willing to charge a lower rate. Just keep in mind that they may not be as reliable as taxi drivers from established operators.

So instead of taking a taxi, why not book a private car beforehand? Private cars are normally more spacious than ordinary taxis and they come with trusted drivers. You can also easily book one online through BookAway. Rates start from €82 for a 10-seater private transfer.

Important: When booking your ride online, make sure you pick one that’s heading to either downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone, wherever you’re staying. Fares for taxis and private cars from Tulum to Cancun Airport are about 505 MXN (€24) cheaper and may look tempting, but keep in mind that the airport is still 20 minutes away from Cancun’s tourist area.

Taxi options from Tulum to Cancun