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 kilometers (81 miles) 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 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 95 MXN (€4.20).

There used to be direct colectivo service between Cancun and Tulum. But the last time we checked (February 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 traveling like a local — and it’s budget-friendly. Fares may rise during peak season, but the total cost is still about 95 MXN (€4.20), payable directly to the driver.

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

Colectivos and van services from Cancun to Playa del Carmen depart from two stops around ADO Cancun Bus Station in the city centre.

Two companies are operating this route: Colectivos Foraneos and Playa Express. Each company has its own stop and departs every 15 minutes or when the vehicle reaches capacity.

Playa Express uses Mercedes vans for their services, which are larger and more comfortable than the classic colectivos.

The fare to Playa del Carmen is 45 MXN (€2) for regular colectivos. If you’re taking Playa Express, expect to pay a bit more at 55 MXN (€2.40). Rates can increase during peak tourist season between December and February.

Unfortunately, there’s no option to book online — you’ll need to pay the driver directly.

When you arrive in Playa del Carmen, get off at the last stop at the Colectivo station – Playa Del Carmen to Tulum. This is where you’ll also find the colectivos to Tulum.

Colectivo Foraenos is your only option for this trip and the ride costs around 50 MXN (€2.20). Prices can increase during peak tourist seasons.

The colectivo’s last stop 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.

Buses operating from Cancun to Tulum depart from ADO Cancun Bus Station along Calle Pino in the city centre. The terminal is easily accessible by foot or by a short taxi ride.

If you’re staying in Cancun hotel zone, you can save some money by taking the bus. Lines R-1 and R-2 make a stop at Avenida Tulum, right in front of the bus terminal. The fare is 13 MXN (€0.60), which you pay directly to the driver.

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 , and the trip takes about 2h 20m - 2h 50m.

When you travel with ADO or AU bus from Cancun to Tulum , the bus will arrive at ADO Tulum Bus Station in the town centre, and your accommodation might be 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 (€13.30).

ADO 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 .

All buses park at ADO Tulum Bus Station.

Shared minivans are a direct way to travel from Cancun to Tulum. Although still more expensive than the bus, this shared minivan may be a good option if you’re staying far from the bus terminals and want to save some money on taxis. You can book this service via BookAway.

Travel time varies depending on the number of passengers and additional stops on the way, but travel time from Cancun to Tulum is normally between 1 hour 40 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes.

Shared minivans are a great way to travel from Cancun International Airport straight to your hotel’s doorstep. They depart every hour until 14:00. You can book a Cancun airport shuttle on BookAway with fares from .

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 Hotel Zone start at for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 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 also hire a private transfer if you’re coming from Cancun Airport. Your driver will be waiting for you outside the arrivals gate to take you to your accommodation in Tulum.

A 10-seater minivan costs if you book via BookAway.

Taxis are also available 24 hours a day at Cancun International Airport and the average rate to get to Tulum is around 2,200 MXN (€98). You can buy your ticket at any taxi counter inside the arrivals hall.