Cancun to Tulum tickets

How to Travel from Cancun to Tulum

Cancun is known for its lively nightlife, all-inclusive hotels, and a large selection of activities. It is also home to the Cancun International Airport, making it a popular spot for travelers arriving in Mexico. 

However, only 1.5-2 hours away is the social media trendsetter of Tulum.

You may plan to spend a couple of nights in Cancun before heading to Tulum for a totally different type of vacation. 

While Tulum may have once been a sleepy beach town, idyllic sandy beaches never remain a secret for too long. Today, you can find stylish treehouse accommodations, beach parties, and a delicious selection of restaurants. 

You can take a bus, minivan, or car to travel between the two destinations, which are only one-and-a-half to two hours apart by car. 

The best things to do in Tulum 

This town, located on the Yucatán Peninsula, is home to some fantastic beaches as well as lush jungles. 

While you could spend every day soaking in the rays of sun on the white sandy beaches, there are plenty of activities if you feel like exploring. 

Below are some of the best things to do in and around Tulum:

• Head to the Gran Cenote: The area is home to several cenotes, which are natural sinkholes. One of the most popular is the Gran Cenote, just 5 km (3.1 miles) from the center of Tulum. Be sure to bring your snorkel so you can admire the clear water and marine life. There are even two swim-through caves to explore.    

• Visit the Tulum Mayan Ruins: This is a highlight for most people visiting. What makes these ruins so special is their spectacular location on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Get a guide to learn how important this ancient city was in its heyday.  

• Visit the Kaan Luum Lagoon: This is another cenote located 9 km (5.6 miles) from the center of Tulum. You can go swimming or paddleboarding in the incredible array of colors.

• Take a tour of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere: This large protected area is home to an array of plant and animal species. The majestic reserve stretches over 5,000 sq km (1,930.5 sq miles), so you could easily spend a whole day here. It’s best to go with a guide, as there are multiple trails and waterways to explore. 

• Day trip to swim with whale sharks: If you visit between May and September, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to swim with these gentle ocean giants. Many organizers will pick you up and drop you off in Tulum. Just be sure to bring some sort of underwater camera to capture the moment. 

Transportation options from Cancun to Tulum 

The first thing to understand about your trip from Cancun to Tulum is that Cancun is relatively spread out, which means the driving distances and, therefore, prices are slightly different. 

1. Cancun Airport to Tulum is 118 km (73 miles)

2. Downtown Cancun to Tulum is 131 km (81 miles)

3. Cancun Hotel Zone (Beach) is 137 km (85 miles) 

Option one: Bus 

Taking a bus from Cancun to Tulum is the most cost-effective travel option. The buses in Mexico are clean, reliable, and air-conditioned, and you can be assured that this is a safe way to transfer between the two locations. 

There are two types of buses: A first-class bus and an economy bus.  

First-Class bus

First-class buses are operated by ADO. There are two departure locations, one from Cancun Airport and the other from Cancun Downtown.  

Both locations have numerous departures per day, and the journey takes approximately two and a half hours. 

ADO buses have an onboard toilet, reclining seats, and, of course, air-conditioning. 

Economy Bus

This option is operated by AU (Autobuses Unidos), and the main difference is the comfort of the onboard seating.

Unlike the first-class buses, the seats will not recline as far.  

Option Two: Private minivan 

If you are visiting Tulum as a family or with a group of friends, a private minivan could be a great option. 

You will have the comfort of your own private minivan, meaning you can be picked up from the airport or your accommodation in Cancun. 

The driver will then drop you off at your chosen destination in Tulum. 

Private minivans can accommodate between six and ten people, depending on the operator and the size of the vehicle.  

Below is a list of the companies which you can choose to book through:

• Mexitours

• Wayak

• Jumbo Tours Mexico

• Best Line Cancun

• Ofir Tours

Option Three: Shared minivan 

A shared minivan is a great option for solo travelers or budget travelers. 

You will benefit from an air-conditioned vehicle, which will pick you up from your hotel in Cancun or the airport. They will then drop you off at your accommodation in Tulum. 

Typically, the minivans will hold a maximum of 12 people, so the only drawback is that you will have to pick up/drop off other travelers along the way, making your journey slightly longer. 

Expect the trip to take anywhere from two hours to three and a half hours. 

All companies operating minivan transfers will allow you to bring between 20-25 kg of luggage per passenger.

Below is a list of the companies which you can choose to book through: 

• Chiquila Holbox Extreme

• BD Experience Mexico

• Price Travel

• Shuttle Central 

• Best Line Cancun 

• Ofir Tours

• Jumbo Tours Mexico

• BD Experience Mexico 

• Wayak 

• Mexitours

• Triby Holbox 

Option Four: Private car 

This is the best option for those who prefer a private transfer. When booking, you can choose between a standard car, comfort car, or SUV. 

The main difference between the three categories is the size of the vehicle.

Below, find the companies operating private transfers:

• Standard Car - Valentina’s Tours and Transfers and Flex Shuttle 

• Comfort Car - Wayak

• SUV Car - Ofir Tours, BD Experience Mexico, and Shuttle Central

All transfers will allow you to bring between 20-25 kg of luggage per passenger, and for your comfort, there will be air-conditioning and English-speaking staff. 

Also, in most cases, you will be able to book door-to-door service, which is perfect for those traveling with young children or just wants the ease of it all.

Airports can be confusing, so if your transfer is picking you up from Cancun Airport, your driver will likely be holding up a sign with your name on it. 

The best time to travel to Tulum 

If you are looking for the ideal conditions to travel to Tulum, you should plan your trip between December and April. 

You’ll be pleased to know there is virtually no rain during these months. 

While it is the coolest time of the year, temperatures still average around 21-25°C (70-77°F). This means you will be able to enjoy long days at the beach, as well as days exploring the nearby attractions. 

If these months don’t work for you, just keep in mind that the hurricane season is between June and November, and October is the wettest month.