Tulum is about 120–130 km south of Cancún, and the trip takes 1¾–2½ hours. The cheapest direct option is the ADO bus from Cancún airport or downtown, at about 250–430 pesos (US$13–23). The fastest and most comfortable is a private transfer, for about US$90–160 per vehicle. The Tren Maya now also links Cancún airport with Tulum in about 1h45, for roughly 320–470 pesos (US$17–25) in tourist class. Driving yourself takes about 1¾–2 hours on Highway 307, which has no tolls.
Cancun to Tulum: quick comparison
| Option | Time | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADO bus | 2–2½ hours | About 250–430 MXN (US$13–23) per person | Budget travelers, light luggage |
| Tren Maya train | About 1h45, plus the transfer to Tulum town | About 320–470 MXN (US$17–25) tourist class; more in premier | Comfort at a bus-like price, if a departure fits |
| Shared shuttle | 2–3 hours | About US$30–55 per person | Solo travelers who want hotel drop-off |
| Private transfer | 1¾–2 hours | About US$90–160 per vehicle | Couples, families, late arrivals |
| Airport taxi | 1¾–2 hours | Often US$120–180 per vehicle | Arriving without a booking |
| Rental car | 1¾–2 hours | Rental plus fuel; no tolls on Highway 307 | Cenotes, ruins and beaches along the way |
👉 Compare Cancun to Tulum buses, shuttles and private transfers on Bookaway
What is the best way to travel from Cancun to Tulum?
It depends on where you start and how much luggage you have:
- Landing at Cancún airport, traveling light: take the ADO bus straight from the terminal. It is cheap, air-conditioned and drops you at the bus station in central Tulum.
- Landing with family or lots of bags: pre-book a private transfer to your hotel door. Split between three or four people, it costs little more than the bus.
- Staying in Cancún first: take ADO from the downtown terminal, which has the most departures.
- Planning cenotes, Akumal or the ruins on the way: rent a car.
How to get from Cancun airport to Tulum by ADO bus
ADO buses leave from Terminals 2, 3 and 4 at Cancún airport, not from Terminal 1. Buy the ticket at the ADO counter after customs, or online in advance. Direct buses to Tulum run roughly every 1–2 hours from about 10:00 to 21:30, take 2–2½ hours with a stop in Playa del Carmen, and cost about 250–430 pesos depending on the departure and how early you book (TT and More, July 2026).
Pay in pesos or by card; the dollar rate at the counter is poor. Each passenger can check one bag of up to 25 kg and bring two small carry-ons. The bus arrives at the ADO terminal in Tulum town, so if your hotel is in the beach zone you still need a 10–20 minute taxi.
From downtown Cancún, ADO buses to Tulum leave from the main bus terminal on Avenida Tulum, with more frequent departures than at the airport.
Can you take the Tren Maya from Cancun to Tulum?
Yes. The Tren Maya runs from Cancún Aeropuerto station to Tulum in about 1h45, with two stops on the way. In late April 2026 the separate fare for foreign visitors was scrapped and prices were cut, so tourist class now costs roughly 320–470 pesos (US$17–25) depending on the date, and premier class costs more. Fares change with demand, so booking early is cheapest (Tren Maya fares; Nomad Humans, August 2026).
The catch is frequency. Only a few trains a day run from the airport to Tulum; one published timetable lists departures at 9:00, 11:46 and 15:33. Shuttle buses link the airport terminals with the train station, which is not inside the terminals, and Tulum station is about 6 km outside town, where a station shuttle costs about 55 pesos. If your flight lands at a time that fits, the train is comfortable and good value. If not, the ADO bus is more flexible. Buy tickets on the official Tren Maya website or at the station.
How much does a shuttle from Cancun to Tulum cost?
A shared shuttle costs about US$30–55 per person and takes 2–3 hours, because it stops at several hotels. A private transfer costs about US$90–160 per vehicle for up to about 7–10 people and takes 1¾–2 hours door to door (Two Scots Abroad, October 2026). On Bookaway, private transfers start from about US$82.
Book transfers in advance and only use the companies authorized at the airport. Inside the terminals you will be approached by people selling transport and timeshares; walk past them to the official transport area or to your pre-booked driver outside.
How much is a taxi from Cancun to Tulum?
Official airport taxis often charge US$120–180 per vehicle to Tulum. Agree the price at the authorized booth inside arrivals before you get in. A pre-booked private transfer usually costs the same or less, so a taxi only makes sense if you arrive without a booking.
How much is an Uber from Cancun to Tulum?
Don’t plan on Uber for this trip. Pickups at Cancún airport are restricted and unreliable, and drivers often refuse long trips to Tulum. Ride-hailing is also limited in Tulum itself. Use ADO, the train or a pre-booked transfer instead.
Driving from Cancun to Tulum
The route is simple: Highway 307 south along the coast, about 120 km from the airport and 130 km from downtown Cancún. It has no tolls and takes 1¾–2 hours. Expect speed bumps (topes) through towns, a few police checkpoints and heavy traffic around Playa del Carmen. A car pays off if you want to stop at cenotes, Akumal, Xel-Há or the ruins, but parking in Tulum’s beach zone is limited and often paid.
Can you take a colectivo to Tulum?
Not directly from Cancún airport. Colectivos are shared white vans that run along Highway 307 from Playa del Carmen (see Cancun to Playa del Carmen) to Tulum for roughly 40–100 pesos, paid in cash to the driver, and take about an hour. The cheapest DIY route is ADO from the airport to Playa del Carmen, then a colectivo to Tulum, but with luggage the direct ADO bus is easier.
Is it cheaper to fly to Tulum or Cancun?
Usually Cancún. Tulum’s international airport opened in December 2023, about 30 km south of town, but Cancún has many more airlines and routes, so fares are typically lower. Compare the total, though: flying into Tulum saves the 2-hour transfer, which is worth about US$25–160 depending on how you travel.
Can you do a day trip from Cancun to Tulum?
Yes. Take an early ADO bus or drive, visit the clifftop Maya ruins when they open, swim at the beach below or a nearby cenote, and return in the late afternoon. Organized day tours often combine Tulum with cenotes or Cobá. If you also want to see Chichén Itzá, see Cancun to Chichen Itza. Go early: the ruins get hot and crowded by late morning.
How do you get from Tulum to Cancun?
The same options in reverse. ADO buses leave the Tulum terminal for Cancún airport and downtown throughout the day. For a flight, take a bus that reaches the airport at least 3 hours before an international departure, because traffic around Playa del Carmen can be slow. Private transfers pick you up at your hotel; book them a day ahead.
Where to stay in Tulum
Tulum town (Tulum Pueblo) is cheaper and close to the ADO terminal, with restaurants and easy bike or taxi access to the beach. The beach zone has boutique hotels on the sand but much higher prices and limited transport. For a first visit on a budget, the town or the Aldea Zamá area between the town and the beach is a good compromise. Still deciding where to base yourself? See Cancun vs Tulum. For overall trip costs, see how much a trip to Mexico costs.
👉 Compare hotels in Tulum on Booking.com
More guides are in our Mexico travel section.
FAQ
How long does it take to get from Cancun to Tulum?
About 1¾–2 hours by car or private transfer, 2–2½ hours by ADO bus, and about 1h45 by Tren Maya plus the transfer from Tulum station.
How far is Tulum from Cancun airport?
About 120 km (75 miles) along Highway 307.
What is the cheapest way from Cancun to Tulum?
The ADO bus, from about 250 pesos. ADO to Playa del Carmen plus a colectivo can be slightly cheaper but is slower.
Is it safe to travel from Cancun to Tulum?
Yes, the route is heavily used by tourists. Use ADO, the train or authorized transfer companies, avoid unofficial drivers at the airport, and avoid driving after dark if you are not used to Mexican roads.
Do I need pesos for the trip?
Cards work for ADO, the train and most transfers. Carry some pesos for colectivos, taxis in Tulum, tips and small purchases.
Prices and schedules checked on November 10, 2026.
