How to get from Cancun to Tulum

Why visit Tulum?

Cancun might be the most famous destination on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, but many people actually prefer to spend their time in the Riviera Maya in Tulum. Lying by the Caribbean coast, Tulum is becoming an ever-more popular beach destination in the Riviera Maya. It used to be overshadowed by bigger cities nearby like Playa del Carmen and Cancun. But as more people want to escape the bustle of these places, many are now heading to Tulum for a more laidback, bohemian vibe.

The town of Tulum was named after its stunning Mayan ruins perched on top of a cliff, overlooking the ocean below. But as beautiful as these ruins are, for us the best thing to do in Tulum is to go cenote-hopping! Some of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico can be found here.

There are 4 ways to travel the 130 kilometre (81 miles) distance from Cancun to Tulum. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, private transport and colectivo. The journey takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours 55 minutes and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by colectivo with tickets starting at 95 MXN ($5.30).

The bus is an affordable way to travel from Cancun to Tulum — that is, if you’re staying in the city centre of both cities.

Prices for a bus ticket start from as low as 280 MXN ($15.80). But if you’re coming from the Hotel Zone in Cancun and/or heading to the beach areas in Tulum, chances are you’ll have to pay extra for a taxi transfer. And taxis in both Cancun and Tulum are known for their expensive rates.

We break down their prices below.

Buses bound for Tulum depart from ADO Cancun Bus Station in downtown Cancun, with many hotels and hostels located close by or just a few blocks away.

If you are staying outside the city centre, or in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, you have 2 ways to reach Cancun Bus Station: a 15-minute taxi or a 30 to 45-minute bus.

Taxis are more convenient and can take you directly from your hotel to the bus station. Fares start from 200 MXN ($11.20) when coming from the Hotel Zone.

On a budget? Buses run frequently between the Hotel Zone and downtown Cancun. They’re a reliable choice, but a bit slower than a taxi. Take either R1 or R2, both pass in front of the bus terminal along Avenida Tulum. A ticket costs 13 MXN ($0.70).

ADO and AU are the bus companies operating on this route. ADO offers a more comfortable ride with better seats and onboard toilets, while AU is the cheaper option with simpler buses and no restrooms. Check out our Mexico transport guide for a full comparison of their bus types and amenities.

While ADO buses have slightly more legroom, the difference isn’t huge. It’s best to pick whichever option fits your schedule or budget.

Tickets cost around 280 MXN ($15.80), and the trip takes about 2h 25m - 2h 50m.

ADO also operates buses from Cancun International Airport to Tulum. You can buy your ticket at the ADO counter in the arrivals hall or book it online through BookAway for extra convenience. A bus ticket costs 460 MXN ($26).

All buses from Cancun Airport park at ADO Tulum Bus Station.

Buses arrive at ADO Tulum Bus Station in the town centre, and many accommodations are within walking distance. For those staying in the beach area, the best option is to take a taxi.

Taxis in Tulum are not metered so you need to agree on the rate before stepping in. A good average rate to the Tulum beach area is 300 MXN ($16.80).

There used to be a direct colectivo service between Cancun and Tulum. But the last time we checked (December 2025), only indirect colectivo trips are available. You’ll have to make a transfer at Playa del Carmen.

Switching colectivos adds an extra step, but it’s a great way to experience travelling like a local — and it’s budget-friendly. The total cost is about 95 MXN ($5.30), payable directly to the driver. Note that fares may rise during peak season.

If you’re up for the ride, keep reading for a step-by-step guide!

Two companies operate colectivos from Cancun to Tulum: Colectivo Foraneos and Playa Express. They each have their own terminal near ADO Cancun Bus Station in the city centre.

The fare to Playa del Carmen is 45 MXN ($2.50) for regular colectivos, which are what you can expect from Colectivo Foraneos. If you’re taking Playa Express, expect to pay a bit more at 55 MXN ($3.10) for their larger and more comfortable Mercedes vans.

Note that rates can increase during peak tourist season between December and February. There’s no option to book colectivos online — you must pay the driver directly.

Colectivos depart every 15 minutes or when the vehicle reaches full capacity.

Colectivos park at Playa del Carmen Colectivo Station. This is also where you’ll find the colectivos to Tulum.

Colectivo Foraneos is the sole operator for the Cancun to Tulum route. The ride costs around 50 MXN ($2.80). Also here, prices can go higher during peak tourist seasons.

The final stop for the colectivo is across the street from ADO Tulum Bus Station. Unlike buses, you can get off before the last stop if your accommodation is on the way or if you want to go to the archaeological ruins before entering Tulum town.

Shared minivans are a direct way to travel from Cancun to Tulum. You can get a ride for around 405 MXN ($22.50).

The good thing about minivans is that some companies offer door-to-door transfers. That means you won’t have to spend extra on taxis going to and from minivan terminals.

Travel time varies depending on the number of passengers and additional stops on the way, but it’s normally between 1 hour 40 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes.

You can book a shared minivan from Cancun to Tulum via BookAway.

Are you coming from Cancun International Airport? There are shared minivans here that can take you straight to your hotel’s doorstep in Tulum.

Rates start from 545 MXN ($30.50) when you book a shared minivan from Cancun Airport to Tulum on BookAway.

A private transfer from Cancun to Tulum is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Prices for private transfer from downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone start at 2,100 MXN ($120) for a 4-seater private transfer. Split it with your group, and it’s about 525 MXN ($29.50) each.

IMPORTANT: When booking your ride online, make sure that your car’s departure point is downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone, wherever you’re staying. Fares for private cars from Cancun Airport to Tulum are cheaper and may look tempting, but keep in mind that the airport is 20 minutes away from Cancun’s tourist area.

You can book a private transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum, with a driver waiting outside the arrivals hall. A 10-seater minivan on BookAway costs 1,670 MXN ($94).

Taxis are also available 24/7 at the airport. The average fare to Tulum is around 2,200 MXN ($125), and you can buy your ticket at any taxi counter inside the arrivals hall.