Cancun to Tulum – Best Transportation Options for travelers this 2023

How to get from Cancun to Tulum?

 

If you are going to Tulum, you should know that there is no airport in Tulum, so you will have to get to Cancun International Airport (CUN), located 2 hours away from Tulum (118 KM).  In this post, you will find the different transportation options from Cancun airport to Tulum, which will offer you the convenience of traveling safely and comfortably.

One of the most comfortable and favorite travel options is to reserve a shuttle from Cancun to Tulum, which is very easy to book in advance.

 

What is the distance from Cancun to Tulum?

 

The distance between Cancun and Tulum will depend on your area. However, if you are in Cancun International Airport, the distance is approximately 73.5 miles (118 kilometers), and 1.5 to 2 hours traveling by car.

Below is a summary of distances from the main areas of Cancun to Tulum:

1. Cancun International Airport to Tulum Distance: 73.5 miles (118 kilometers) approximately 1.5 hours to 2 hours by car.
2. Cancun Downtown to Tulum Distance: 82.6 miles (133 kilometers), approximately 2 hours to 2.5 hours.
3. Cancun Hotel Zone to Tulum Distance: 85 miles (136 kilometers) 2 hours to 2.5 hours.

 

How to get from Cancun to Tulum?

Different transfer options from Cancun to Tulum Shuttle

 

Below, you will find the five different ways to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum. Each of them has its benefits and disadvantages, but in the end, you will decide which is the best option for your next trip to Tulum.

Note: We will show you some of the best options for each service to help your travel itinerary.

 

Option	Length of service	Price	Passengers
Private Shuttle	1.5 hours	$89 USD (One Way)	1-8 passengers
Rent a car	1.5 hours	$30 a 50 USD (per day)	1-5 passengers*
Shared Shuttle	2.5 hours	$25 a 50 USD (per passenger)	1-15 passengers*
Bus Service	2.5 - 4 hours	$16 USD (per passenger)	1-50 passengers*
Taxi Service	1.5 hours	$95 USD (Up to 3 passengers )	1-3 passengers

 

Notes:

1) When renting a car, the capacity of passengers will change according to the car's model; however, if you rent a full-size, the price will be higher. We recommend you to read our guide to rent a car at Cancun airport.

2) The time of the shared shuttle will vary according to the number of passengers because if the vehicle does not reach the minimum number of passengers, you will not be able to leave to Tulum at the time you want. However, many passengers use this service and usually go every 20 minutes.

3) Bus service (ADO) usually leaves every 30 minutes.

Below, you will learn more about each of the services mentioned above to determine which one will best suit your trip to Tulum.

 

Private transportation from Cancun to Tulum

This is one of the most requested services by tourists traveling in groups since it is the one that best suits their travel needs and it is the fastest when it comes to moving.

Below you will find the main companies that provide transportation from Cancun Aiport to Tulum:

 

eTransfers

Undoubtedly, this company has become the favorite option for travelers arriving in Cancun. With more than 10 years of experience, eTransfers has more than 5,000 positive reviews from travelers and a reputation of 4.8 ratings.

 

Cancun Airport Transportation

Cancun Airport Transportation is the most reliable and practical option for a shuttle from Cancun to Tulum, with years of experience and many travelers happy with their service.

Below is an estimate of how much you will have to pay when requesting transportation from Cancun to Tulum:

1. From 1-8 passengers, you will only have to pay $169 USD for a round trip, which is a cheaper option than with any other company providing Cancun to Tulum shuttle.

We share with you the website of one of the companies mentioned above:

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle at an excellent price.

If you are traveling with a group of friends or family, the service can be super economical.

 

Rent a car at Cancun International Airport and travel to Tulum

 

This is another good option to move from Cancun to Tulum, especially if you want to keep moving around Tulum and the Riviera Maya.

Arriving at Cancun airport, you will find a lot of car rental agencies in Cancun Airport, which offer many vehicles at different prices (depending on the customer's needs).

Renting a car in Cancun airport is undoubtedly the best way to rent a car since once you return to the airport to go back to your destination, you will need to go back to the terminal.

Some car rental companies offer transportation from their offices to the terminal where you are going, so you don't have to worry about getting to the Cancun airport. One of the companies that offer this option, which is considered a favorite among travelers, is City Car Rental.

Note: When renting a car in Cancun or any other destination, you will have to leave a security deposit, so it is essential to ask before renting the vehicle, as well as the number of days you will get your money back.

 

The best option for renting a car in Cancun or Tulum

Before renting a car for your trip to Tulum, you need to know that:

On many occasions, renting a car before arriving at the Cancun airport will be more economical and comfortable for your trip. That way, you will avoid wasting time when choosing the vehicle, so the cheapest and most economical option is to reserve a car well in advance.

Also, reserving your car before arriving in Cancun will cost you much cheaper than renting when you are already in the car rental area at the Cancun airport.

 As we mentioned before, City Car Rental is an excellent option to rent a car and move around Tulum, for example, if you want to rent a compact car for 7 days, you will have to pay: $254 USD (Approximately $4326 MXN) or also 42.5 USD per day, since the 7th day is free.

This price is undoubtedly an excellent option; besides, it already includes insurance, so you won't have any worries when moving around Tulum.

 

 

Do I need to get car insurance for my trip?

 

Yes, you need it! However, as we mentioned in the previous theme, many companies already include insurance in the final price, so you will not have any worries.

Suppose you want to rent a car at the airport. In that case, it is VERY IMPORTANT to ask if the price already includes car insurance, since, on many occasions when looking for car rental options in Cancun or Tulum, you will find a lot of car rentals globalizers that offer rentals at a low price. However, we do not recommend this method since they only give you the car rental price, and in the end, you will have to pay for additional insurance that can cost you from $15 - 20 USD per day.

Also, a few credit cards already include car insurance for their clients. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate and talk to your bank and ask if your card already offers this service to avoid your trip to Tulum.

It is essential to know that by renting a car for your trip to Tulum, you will have the facility to move around the city without any worries other than gasoline or parking fees since parking fees are mandatory in many attractions. However, it is not expensive; it is approximately $1 USD to $2 USD.

 

What documents do I need to rent a car in Mexico?

If you are a Mexican, the necessary documents are

• Official ID
• Valid driver's license
• Credit card.

If you are a foreigner, you will need

• Valid passport
• Valid driver's license
• Valid credit card.

*It is not necessary to have a PID (International Driving Licence).

 

Shared shuttle from Cancun airport to Tulum

 

Suppose you are traveling alone to Tulum or the Riviera Maya. In that case, the shared shuttle is one of the most economical and budget-friendly options since this alternative can cost you as low as $25 USD per person for a one-way trip.

This transportation is provided in an up to 12-passenger van, which departs once the unit reaches the minimum number of passengers.

If you choose this transportation option, it is essential to know that the van will leave until it reaches the minimum amount of passengers, so the total travel time from Cancun to Tulum can be up to 2.5 hours.

This option is not very practical if you want to get to Tulum as fast as possible since the vehicle will move through the 4 terminals of the airport, so you will have to wait until the end of the trip, and it will make several stops during the journey.

 

Bus from Cancun to Tulum

 

Bus from Cancun to Tulum is another excellent transportation option if you are traveling alone, since the trip can cost you from 16 USD per person, without a doubt it is the most economical that you can find in Cancun or Tulum.

This transportation alternative is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the tour of the Riviera Maya and have no problem with travel time during your transfer from Cancun airport to Tulum. However, the ADO Bus Cancun will make several stops, and the trip will take up to 4 hours, so if you want to get to Tulum fast, it is better to take any of the other transportation options we mentioned.

It is very important to know that the buses depart from the ADO Bus Station from Cancun to Tulum are by schedule, meaning that if you do not board the bus you requested, you will have to wait for the next one or take a bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Once you are in this other destination, you will have to take a second bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.

 

Taxi from Cancun Airport to Tulum

 

This option is one of the fastest that you can find at the Cancun airport. However, it is the most expensive and the most limited choice when moving from Cancun to Tulum.

The trip's price can vary a lot depending on the unit you board since there are prices that regulate the cost of the trip. However, on many occasions, cab drivers may charge you for more or less money depending on the moment you request information for the service.

We recommend this option only if you are in an emergency, since, due to its price and its limitation, it is the one we recommend the least at the time of moving around.

 

So, what is the best transportation option from Cancun to Tulum?

It all depends on the trip you make. If you want to get to Tulum and spend your vacation in an all-inclusive hotel, without a doubt, the best option is to book a private transportation service.

Next, we will share with you which are the popular providers of shuttle from Cancun to Tulum:

1. eTransfers
2. Cancun Airport Transportation
3. Cancun Transportation
4. Airport Hotel Shuttle Cancun
5. Transfers DV

On the other hand, if you want to go all over Tulum and the Riviera Maya, renting a car is your best alternative, so the best option is to rent a car in Tulum or Cancun is City Car Rental Tulum.

Finally, if you are traveling alone, we recommend traveling by bus (ADO) since it is a very economical option that will best suit your trip.

 

Shuttle from Cancun to Tulum FAQS

 

Is there Uber in Cancun or Tulum?

No, at the moment, this platform is not available to request a ride, so this option will not be available during your visit to Tulum.

 

Can I take a flight from Cancun to Tulum?

Tulum Airport doesn’t allow flights to Tulum. Therefore, this is not an option. There is a helicopter service from Cancun to Tulum (the price is high). However, if you want to get to Tulum exclusively and privately, this option could be interesting for your trip.

 

Is Tulum safe?

Yes, It is safe. If you want to stay in a hotel or visit the main tourist areas of Tulum or the Riviera Maya, you will not have any problem. However, we recommend informing yourself before traveling;  documenting yourself with the area's local news. We also recommend you find out the best time to travel to Tulum. You can learn more about this information by visiting the following post.

 

Is Tulum expensive?

Yes and no, everything will depend on the trip you want to take. As we mentioned before, there are different providers in the city, not only transportation but also: hotels, travel agencies, restaurants, local attractions, archaeological sites, night clubs.

Our recommendation for travelers is to investigate the best options and at the same time those that offer the best price.

 

This was a guide to knowing the best transportation option from Cancun to Tulum. We hope you find it helpful and enjoy your trip.