How to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza (and back)

Why visit 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 650 MXN ($37.50) 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.

There are 5 ways to travel the 200 kilometre (124 miles) distance from Cancun to Chichen Itza. You can choose between the bus, private transport, Airplane tour, day trip and car rental. The journey takes 2 hours 15 minutes to 12 hours and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by car rental with tickets starting at 250 MXN ($14.50).

The only company operating buses between Cancun and Chichen Itza is ADO, the largest bus company not just in the Yucatan Peninsula but all of Mexico.

ADO is a popular choice thanks to its comfortable, air-conditioned buses with reclining seats and onboard restrooms.

Tickets cost 490 MXN ($28.50), and there’s only one departure per day at 08:45.

Departure and arrival stations

Buses from Cancun to Chichen Itza depart from ADO Centro Bus Station within the city centre. 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.

You’ll arrive at the Mayan ruins after around 2 hours 15 minutes. The bus will drop you off at the Chichen Itza Bus Station. From there, it’s just a short walk to buy your entry tickets.

You’ll need about four hours to explore Chichen Itza. This gives you plenty of time to catch the only bus back to Cancun. Just head to the same bus stop by the parking lot where you were dropped off in the morning.

The bus departs at 16:00, so be sure to arrive at least 20 minutes early. Just like the outbound journey, tickets cost 415 MXN ($24).

You can rent a car and drive to Chichen Itza for as low as 250 MXN ($14.50).

Hiring a car is a great option, especially if you’re travelling with others since you can split the cost. It also gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and even stop at nearby cenotes like Ik Kil, 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 in this part of the Yucatán Peninsula are well-paved, safe and have clear signs directing you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll take Highway 180, which has two options: a free local road and a toll road. The local road is much slower, so we recommend taking the toll road (180D) to save 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

If you take the toll road to Chichen Itza, you’ll need to pay two toll fees: 410 MXN ($23.50) and 100 MXN ($5.80), for a total of 510 MXN ($29.50).

As for the parking fee, expect to pay around 80 MXN ($4.60), which is valid for the whole day.

Joining a guided tour is a great way to learn more about the ancient Mayan Civilization. Chichen Itza tours are easy to find in Cancun, with plenty of options to suit different budgets and travel styles.

Depending on the package you choose, day trips to Chichen Itza usually include some or all of the following:

• Roundtrip transfers
• A visit to the Mayan ruins
• Buffet lunch
• A side trip to a nearby cenote
• Tequila tasting

Each tour offers something different, so it’s worth checking what’s included before booking. We also recommend securing your spot a few days in advance, as tours from Cancun to Chichen Itza tend to sell out quickly.

There are plenty of local agencies offering Chichen Itza tours in Cancun, but for a trusted operator with great reviews, we recommend booking through GetYourGuide. Rates start from 1,270 MXN ($74) for a basic full-day tour that includes a visit to Chichen Itza, a nearby cenote and Valladolid, plus a buffet lunch.

Keep in mind that most day trip rates don’t include the entrance ticket to Chichen Itza, which costs around 645 MXN ($37.50). But you can usually pay your tour operator in advance to skip the ticket line at the entrance.

A private transfer from Cancun to Chichen Itza is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours, and you’ll be dropped off right at your destination — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Uber is available on this route from Cancun to Chichen Itza and is usually the most budget-friendly option, with prices starting at 2,500 MXN ($145) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 625 MXN ($36.50) each.

If you prefer booking in advance, BookAway is a great choice. They’re very reliable but come with a higher price tag, starting at 5,200 MXN ($300).

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

Taking a flight is by far the most scenic way to travel from Cancun to Chichen Itza. You’ll get breathtaking aerial views of the Yucatán Peninsula — from the bustling amusement parks of Cancun to the lush Mayan jungle, and finally, the awe-inspiring ruins of Chichen Itza. It’s probably the most spectacular way to experience Mayan culture!

Airplane tour rates start from 32,000 MXN ($1,850) 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.