A beautiful view from within central Tulum-mobile

How to get from
Cancun to Tulum

Cancun to Tulum Trip Overview

Distance125 km (78.1 miles)
Price range$14-$359
Ride Duration Range1h 30m-3h 30m
Earliest Departure05:00
Latest Departure23:00

Save some money and enjoy the scenic drive down the coast from Cancun to Tulum by taking a colectivo or bus. You can also go in a private vehicle and take in the 130 km coastline drive, but it will hit you in the wallet a lot more. The weather in Tulum is best between February and May, but if you wish to avoid spring break crowds, don't go during February or March. The summer and fall season offers ideal weather, too, but more rain and tropical threats tend to pop up during the day. There’s plenty to do in Tulum, from visiting the exotic beaches and beautiful lagoons to enjoying the upscaled nightlife. Bring your camera if you wish to take pictures of some of the jungles and caves that Tulum is notorious for having.

Travel Schedule Options from Cancun to Tulum



























































































Taking a bus from Cancun to Tulum

Fastest bus: 2h 20m

Cheapest bus: $14

The fastest: 2h 20m

The cheapest: $14

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

Reclining Seats

WC

A/C

TV

The fastest: 1h 30m

The cheapest: $15

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Reclining Seats

English Speaking Staff

Wifi

Charger

Food

The fastest: 1h 40m

The cheapest: $142

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

English Speaking Staff

A/C

Food

Wifi

A beautiful view from within central Tulum

About the ride from Cancun to Tulum

 

Fancy heading south along the Yucatan Peninsula's Caribbean highway? This is one of Mexico's most famous tourist trails and an ideal option if you're looking to explore. From ancient Mayan ruins to beautiful white sand beaches, right here's where your quest begins.

It's only a 125 kilometer (77 miles) distance from Cancun to Tulum, and you can get there in less than two hours. This is good news for day-trippers or anyone looking to spend more time on the beach and less time cooped up in air-conditioned transport.

It’s a tried and tested route, so don’t expect to feel like some kind of pioneer. Best advice is to pack your swimmers, towel and shades because this ride is all about cruise control, maybe with a few magnificent Mayan ruins thrown in for good measure.

The only ways to travel from Cancun to Tulum are by bus, car or minivan. There are a zillion departures per day, so if one mode of transport is full, you can jump on another. Due to the close proximity of both towns, day trips are very popular – it's a fun day out!

With bus prices starting at US$11, buses are the way to go for budget travelers.

Minivans give you more comfort when compared to a tourist bus. However, they’re also more expensive, with seat prices starting from US$27 per passenger. Minivans are air-conditioned, Wifi accessible and also include an English-speaking driver.

Booking a private SUV or car is the best way to travel from Cancun to Tulum as a family. You get your own driver, and the ride will be super comfortable. SUVs can take a maximum of six passengers, whereas other cars only take a maximum of two. Nice for honeymooners.

Prices start at US$106 for the whole car, US$164 for an SUV. This actually works out quite well if you're in a small group of five people traveling together. All vehicles are air-conditioned and will make stops for bathroom breaks if needed.

 

What to see when traveling from Cancun to Tulum

The drive from Cancun to Tulum is very scenic, with plenty of opportunities to gaze wistfully out at the warm blue hues of the Caribbean. Although the driving time is under two hours, you can still expect to see plenty of sun, sea and soft white sand along the way.

You'll also get to see lots of the smaller seaside towns and villages that decorate Mexico's northeast coast. Puerto Morelos and Puerto Aventuras are just a few communities to keep an eye out for and maybe mark on your map for future travels.

Much of Mexico's Caribbean coast is dotted with marinas and safe havens for superyachts. The views are endless.

 

How to get from Cancun to Tulum

 

Taking a bus from Cancun to Tulum 

For budget travelers, the best mode of transport from Cancun to Tulum is a bus. Shuttle buses are run by two service providers:  Ado and Autobuses Unidos, and there are approximately 13 departures every day. Most buses can make the trip in under two hours. 

There are two types of buses making this route: Standard and Economy. 

Economy seat prices start from US$11, and all buses have air-conditioning and reclining seats. 

Standard buses have washrooms, and prices start at US$22. However, it’s not far to travel, so bathroom breaks aren't usually needed.

All the buses are clean, comfortable and sociable. There's just enough time to watch the Caribbean pass by your window and maybe listen to some sunshine tunes along the way.

The Cancun to Tulum bus is always full of fellow travelers. Although many passengers will be day-trippers, there might still be a few wise backpackers itching to tell you all about their travels.

 

Taking a minivan from Cancun to Tulum

Minivans are also a really good option if you’re traveling with a small group of friends or family or taking a day trip from Cancun to Tulum. 

Alternatively, if you’re traveling on your own or as a couple, you can book a seat on a minibus and share the ride. Prices per person range from US$27 to US$33. Minivan departures are frequent, so you won't have to wait as you do with the bus schedule.

Minivans are modern, air-conditioned and super stylish. Although more expensive than a bus ride, you’ll have much more privacy and flexibility. Plus, hotel pick-ups are the norm. And you get your own driver and a really comfortable ride. 

You might even get the same driver for the return leg of the journey – don’t forget to buy them a souvenir!

 

Taking a private car from Cancun to Tulum 

Private cars are the best way to travel if you're looking for privacy, style and speed. It's a great ride for families or for small groups of friends. Cars, and SUVs in particular, can easily accommodate anything from two to six passengers.

However, it can be a fairly expensive transport option, especially if there are only two of you. You're looking at anything from US$106 to hire a car and US$164 for an SUV. Those prices make better sense if you're a group, so you can split the cost amongst everyone traveling.  

There isn't currently a direct ferry from Cancun to Tulum; however, watch this space to see if there is in the future – you never know!

If you're going on a day trip and don't want to wait around for the bus schedule, take a car. 

Companies Operating from Cancun to Tulum

Average time

2h

Average price

$188 - $202

(18)

Average time

2h

Average price

$94 - $113

(212)

Average time

2h 20m - 2h 50m

Average price

$14 - $29

(1768)

Popular stations and stops in Cancun and Tulum

Departure stations in Cancun

Pizza Hut - Av. Uxmal

Cancun Airport

Cancun Airport (CUN) - Terminal 2

Cancun Airport (CUN)

Cancun - Any hotel

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Arrival stations in Tulum

Venus Ote. 540

LiveTulum

Tulum - Any hotel in Zona Hotelera Tulum

Tulum - Any hotel

Tulum - Any hotel in Hotel Zone 1

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