How To Get From Cancun To Tulum

Tulum in Mexico has white sandy beaches, trendy jungle-enclosed cocktail bars, and stylish restaurants. It’s also the site of an ancient walled city with a clifftop watchtower and pyramid-shaped temples. And don’t forget the underwater limestone cenotes and caverns waiting to be explored.
Interested? See how to get from Cancun to Tulum here…

Your First Stop – Cancun

Many major airlines will take you from the USA, Canada, and Europe to Cancun International Airport. This is the gateway to the Riviera Maya. And the closest airport to Playa del Carmen. Over 30 million passengers a year use this airport making it the second busiest in the whole of Mexico.

Transportation from the Airport

How far is Tulum from Cancun airport? It takes just one and a half hours to make this journey. And you can choose from several options on how to get from Cancun airport to Tulum:

Private Transfer Taxis

How to get to Tulum from Cancun is easy if you use a private transfer taxi. You’ll have a set price and this includes taxes and fees. The price you pay is for the entire vehicle and not per person. Your luggage will be loaded and you can go grocery shopping on the way if you wish! And you’ll be taken directly to your accommodation in Tulum.

How far is Tulum from Cancun? The distance in miles is approximately 77. Remember that a regular taxi from Cancun airport to Tulum can take up to an hour. And that’s why the price is so high. And each taxi has to have a special licence which is expensive too. Uber no longer operates in Cancun.

The Shuttle Service

The Cancun to Tulum shuttle is easy and hassle-free. You’ll be picked up at the exit doors. You can pre-book your reservation and a driver will be there for you. No waiting time or negotiations. And the driver will be bi-lingual.

Bear in mind if you book the Shared Grounds Transportation Shuttle it’ll make several stops on the way. And you won’t have any control over if you’re the first or last to be dropped off.

Driving to Tulum

You can drive from Cancun to Tulum as renting a car is another option. You’ll need to plan to do this before you go as there are many insurance covers offered. And some of them are mandatory. Make and take a copy of all of your paperwork so that it’s on hand if you have any issues.

Driving is a safe and affordable option, although you may not get the car of your choice. And you can also rent baby seats and child boosters. It’s a straightforward drive getting from Cancun to Tulum too. Highway 307 takes you straight into Tulum from Cancun airport.

The Bus Line

The bus from Cancun to Tulum leaves from the terminal located on the corner of avenidas Uxmal and Tulum. The times and costs regularly change and reservations can’t be booked in advance. However, you can buy your tickets at the airport and the buses leave about every half hour.

There’s no direct service to Tulum so you’ll need to change at Playa del Carmen. But the buses are large and comfortable with air-conditioning so travelling is pleasant if a little slow.

Go Diving in Tulum

When you arrive in Tulum scuba diving with Koox in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea is a truly amazing experience. Choose from adrenalin filled dives with whale and bull sharks. Or take a crocodile night tour. All prices include transportation costs, entrance fees, and equipment hire. All you need to do is have fun!