If you are planning to visit one of the most popular destinations in the Riviera Maya, you’re probably asking yourself: How to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum?
Located a few kilometers south of Cancun (120 km), Tulum is a bohemian paradise in the Caribbean Sea, and famous for its white sand beaches, Mayan Ruins in front of the sea, ecological hotels, and hidden cenotes. Getting there may be as comfortable and cheap as you choose.
Here we explain to you all the transportation available to get to Tulum from the Cancun Airport.
Tulum, Riviera Maya
It is one of the top 3 destinations of Riviera Maya and is still growing. It has hotels built with local eco-friendly materials, beautiful beaches, and excellent entertainment places. In the middle square, there are sculptures reminding the ancestors’ culture. Calendars, pieces, and artifacts. They are all worthy of detailed appreciation since each piece has a relevant meaning.
Transportation from Cancun Airport to Tulum
What is the best Cancun Airport Transportation to Tulum? In the following table, you’ll find a resume of information about the transportation options for getting to Tulum, your destination located in the Riviera Maya:
| Option | Travel Time | Cost Estimate | Comfort | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private transportation | – 1.5–2 h | $160 USD | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families, groups, couples |
| Shared shuttle | – 2.5 h | $150 USD | ⭐⭐⭐ | Budget travelers |
| ADO Bus | – 2.5–3 h | $22.26 USD | ⭐⭐ | Solo backpackers |
| Car rental | – 2 h | $13 – $46 USD per day | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Adventurous, flexible plans |
| Luxury transportation | – 1.5–2 h | $300 USD | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | VIP Travelers |
| Mayan Train | – 2–3h | $25 – 42 USD | ⭐⭐⭐ | Cultural routes |
1.- Private Transportation, a comfortable option
Booking a private transportation service from the Cancun Airport to Tulum is the easiest, safest, and efficient way to begin your vacation. In addition, thanks to its system method of reservation, the transportation will be ready when you arrive at the airport, therefore, you only leave it when your flight lands.
If you are thinking of reserving private transportation, you should know the services include:
- Door-to-door service.
- Air-conditioned vehicles.
- Non-stop, direct transportation to your accommodation.
- Ideal for families, groups, or travelers with a lot of luggage.
By booking a private transfer, you will prevent a lot of walking, carrying luggage, and will be able to get a nap on the way to your accommodation. The only thing would be to head to the meeting point once off the flight and find the rep, who is holding a sign with the logo.
2.- Cancun Airport to Tulum with ADO buses
Public transportation is a cheaper transportation option to get to Tulum. Fortunately, ADO buses are at the Cancun Airport to head directly to Tulum. However, when you choose this transfer, and take it, you should keep in mind to take another transportation to reach your accommodation because they only arrive at terminal ADO buses.
It’s cheaper, of course! But taking ADO buses doesn’t guarantee arriving directly. For example, their route are a few complex:
- Taking the ADO bus at Cancun Airport.
- The bus will go to the Playa del Carmen van station.
- It will continue its path to Tulum.
Now you can book your ADO tickets directly on their website to have your bus ready. Just keep in mind that there are different departure schedules.
3.- Shared Shuttle at Cancun Airport
When it comes to saving some money, shared shuttles are also a nice option, like ADO buses. However, it’s an intermediate transportation between the ADO bus and private transportation. Using shared transportation, you’ll share the van with other travelers, and it may make many stops at different hotels before arriving at yours.
However, it’s perfect if you want to save money without too much hassle.
4.- Car Rental to get to Tulum from the Cancun Airport
You will have to drive a relatively long way, from Cancun Airport to your destination in Tulum, but it may be really useful if you plan to drive around every day of your vacation.
In addition, it’s ideal if you’re planning to move to other parts of the city, for example, visit nearby cenotes, Tulum Mayan Ruins, hidden beaches, or discover other hotspots in the Riviera Maya.
5.- Luxury Transportation, VIP service to get to Tulum
When someone travels to another destination or country, they feel that they deserve the best and exclusive service. This option offers VIP and first-class service with modern vehicles like SUVs being perfect for special travels or to make you from the first minute.
6.- Mayan Train
Mayan Train is a recent transportation option at the Cancun Airport with which you can travel to different hotspots on the Yucatan Peninsula. Like ADO, Mayan Train has different schedules to board the train and also makes stops at stations before arriving in Tulum.
In addition, something you need to know is that to take the Mayan Train, you need extra transportation to get to the station, so it’s close to the Cancun Airport, but is not exactly at the airport.
Conclusion: What is the best way to get to Tulum from the Cancun Airport?
The best way to get to Tulum from the Cancun Airport will depend on your budget, time, and comfort level you want. Whatever your choice, the important thing is that you arrive with energy to enjoy all that Tulum has to offer: beaches, culture, food, and much more.