How to get from Playa del Carmen 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 65 kilometers (40 miles) from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. You can choose between the bus, minivan, private transport and colectivo. The journey takes 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 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 50 MXN ($2.60).

The bus is the best option if you’re travelling with luggage. Unlike colectivos, most buses allow one large piece of luggage plus one hand luggage. They also offer more legroom and travel straight from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.

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.

Bus ticket prices start from 83 MXN ($4.30).

Departure and arrival stations

When booking your ticket, pay attention to the departure and arrival points.

Buses leave from two terminals in Playa del Carmen:

• Turistica Terminal – The main bus station, located across from Parque Los Fundadores and close to many hotels.
• Alterna Terminal – Around 1 km from Turistica. If you book your seat from here, the bus will stop to pick you up.

The arrival point is at ADO Tulum Bus Station in the town centre. It is about 4 km away from Tulum ruins. Depending on where you’re staying, you may have to take a 20-minute taxi from the bus station.

Playa Del Carmen ADO Bus Station

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Tulum ADO Terminal Autobuses

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ADO

From 135 MXN ($6.80)

Compare prices

• 24/7 customer support

135 MXN ($6.80)

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Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

135 MXN ($6.80)

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1h 25m

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Check on BookAway

Colectivos are a great way to travel like a local from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. They’re the cheapest option and stop anywhere, allowing you to visit cenotes, archaeological ruins and beaches along the way.

Since colectivos are mostly used by locals, they don’t have space for luggage. That means they’re only a good option for day trips to Tulum or if you’re travelling light with just hand luggage.

The colectivo ride from Playa del Carmen to Tulum takes 1 hour 30 minutes and costs around 50 MXN ($2.60). Prices can go up during peak season (December to February). Colectivos run every 15 minutes or as soon as they’re full.

Departure and arrival stations

Colectivos depart from Colectivo Station – Playa del Carmen, 1.5 km from the tourist centre.

All colectivos park at ADO Tulum Bus Station. But, unlike buses, you can get off prior to the last stop if your accommodation is on the way or if you want to visit the Tulum ruins before entering the town.

Minivans and colectivos may look alike, but they’re not the same! If you’re in a hurry, go for a minivan — it follows a more direct route and gets you there faster. Colectivos, on the other hand, are the budget-friendly option, making frequent stops along short-distance routes, which can stretch out your travel time.

A minivan ride from Playa del Carmen to Tulum costs around 94 MXN ($4.80). The minivan journey takes about 1 hour 5 minutes, depending on traffic.

There is one company operating on this route: ADO Conecta.

If you want flexibility when travelling from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, you can take private transport. With this option, you can ask to be dropped off anywhere in Tulum — straight to the Mayan ruins or to one of Tulum’s beautiful beaches like Playa Paraiso.

Both Playa del Carmen and Tulum are in the Riviera Maya, so rates aren’t that expensive especially if you’re in a group. Prices for private transfer on BookAway start at 1,200 MXN ($62) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 300 MXN ($15.40) each.

You can also hail a taxi from the street, but we recommend getting one outside of 5th Avenue, where prices tend to be higher due to the tourist crowd.

Taxis in Playa del Carmen are not metered. Instead, fares are based on zone charts posted inside the taxi. To avoid getting overcharged, always check the rate and agree on a price before getting in!

Private Transport options from Playa del Carmen to Tulum