How to get fromCancun to Chichen Itza (and back)

What to expect when visiting Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is a large and extremely well-preserved complex of archaeological site that belonged to the Mayan civilization and date back to 500 AD. The whole complex is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of the best representations of Mayan culture, millions visit Chichen Itza every year, making it among the top destinations in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

You can easily spend 4 or more hours exploring Chichen Itza. Some of the most famous sights include the impressive El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcan), the observatory and the open fields. The open fields are the area where the Mayans played a sacred ball game to honour the gods.

The entrance to Chichen Itza costs 525 MXN ($25) per person for foreigners. It opens at 08:00 and closes at 17:00. Entry to the site is allowed until 16:00.

TIP: Wear comfortable clothes and bring a lot of water and sunscreen. You will be in the open air and under the sun the whole day so it’s best to be prepared.

5 ways to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza

The 5 ways to travel the distance of 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Cancun to Chichen Itza are by: bus (2 hours 15 minutes), private transport (2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours), Airplane tour (6 hours 30 minutes), day trip (12 hours) and car rental (2 hours 30 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 2 hours 15 minutes to 12 hours and the quickest way is by bus. The lowest priced tickets start from 450 MXN ($22) for the car rental.

It is possible to rent a car and drive to Chichen Itza for as low as 450 MXN ($22).

Hiring a car is a great option if you are travelling with more people as you can split the cost. It also gives you the freedom to stay for as long as you want and even visit some cenotes like the nearby Ik Kil, which was considered a sacred cenote in Mayan culture.

Keep in mind that there are always extra costs when renting a car – like insurance, toll fees, and parking dues.

The roads on this side of the Yucatan Peninsula are paved, safe and with clear signs to direct you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You are to take Highway 180 – there’s a local road and a toll road. The local 180 is, of course, free, but much slower. We think it’s well worth taking toll 180 instead to save on both time and stress.

To get the best rental rates you can compare prices on SkyScanner.

Check Car Rentals on Skyscanner

Extra costs when renting a car from Cancun to Chichen Itza

With the toll 180 going to Chichen Itza, you’ll have to pay two toll fees. The first one costs 380 MXN ($18.40) and the second 94 MXN ($4.50) for a total of 475 MXN ($23).

As for the parking fee, expect to pay around 35 MXN ($1.70), which is valid for the whole day.

Buses from Cancun to Chichen Itza depart from the ADO Bus Station located along Calle Pino, just within walking distance from many hotels in downtown Cancun. If you are coming from the hotel zone, you can get to the bus terminal by taxi or with the bus lines R-1, R-3 or R-38, which you can hail along Kukulkan Boulevard.

The company providing the service between Cancun and Chichen Itza is ADO, the largest bus company not just in the Yucatan Peninsula but the whole of Mexico. Buses come equipped with AC and reclining seats. Bus tickets cost 490 MXN ($24).

There’s only one departure every morning at 08:45 and you’ll reach the Mayan ruins around 11:00. The bus will drop you off at the parking lot next to the entrance to Chichen Itza. From here, you just have to walk to the entrance and buy your tickets.

Joining a guided tour is a convenient way to learn more about the ancient Mayan Civilization. Chichen Itza tours are plenty, and you’ll find a variety of choices in Cancun. Depending on the package you choose, day trips to Chichen Itza normally include all or some of the following:

• Roundtrip transfers
• A visit to the Mayan ruins
• Buffet lunch
• Side trip to the nearby cenote of Ik Kil
• Tequila tasting

Different tours have different offerings, so make sure you choose the best one for your travel style and budget. Also, we recommend you book some days in advance as organised tours from Cancun to Chichen Itza are often fully booked.

There are a number of local agencies offering Chichen Itza tours in Cancun. But for guaranteed trusted operators that offer an amazing full-day tour, we recommend booking one through GetYourGuide. Rates start from 630 MXN ($30) for a basic tour that will take you to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, as well as Ik Kil, and Valladolid. Buffet lunch is also included!

Keep in mind that day trip rates normally do not include the entrance ticket to the Mayan ruins, which costs 525 MXN ($25). But you can pay this through your operator so that you can skip the ticket line at the entrance.

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Cancun to Chichen Itza.

Rates start from 6,200 MXN ($300) for a 10-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about 625 MXN ($30) per person. Travel time is around 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours.

Private Transport options from Cancun to Chichen Itza (and back)

Taking a flight is definitely the most scenic way to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza. You’ll get a chance to see the Yucatan Peninsula in all its glory. It will be a great change of scenery from the amusement parks of Cancun, across the Mayan jungle, and finally the archaeological site of Chichen Itza. Probably the grandest display of Mayan culture you’ll ever see!

Rates for an airplane tour start from 25,000 MXN ($1,220) for two people. Quite expensive, yes. But it won’t be just a flight, it will be a full-day tour that includes the following:

• Roundtrip transfers between Cancun and Chichen Itza
• A visit to Chichen Itza
• Side trip to Ik Kil Cenote
• Buffet lunch

You can book your airplane tour with FlyToursCancun.

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