One highway, two hours, five ways. Pick by budget, group size and how much you want to explore.
The options#
| Time | Best for | |
|---|---|---|
| ADO bus from the airport | ~2–2.5h | One or two people, value |
| ADO bus from downtown Cancún | ~2–2.5h | Staying downtown |
| Private shuttle | ~2h | Groups, families, late flights |
| Shared shuttle | ~2.5h with stops | Budget with luggage |
| Rental car | ~2h | Cenotes, Cobá, exploring |
| Colectivos via Playa | ~3h in two legs | The cheapest, light luggage |
| Tren Maya | Varies; station outside Tulum | Novelty; check schedules |
From the airport#
ADO direct to Tulum several times a day; buy online or at the terminal. Private shuttles meet you with a sign. Rental cars from the airport agencies; read the insurance terms carefully.
From downtown Cancún#
ADO from the bus station, or the colectivo vans from the stop near the bus station to Playa del Carmen, then another to Tulum. Cheap, frequent, local.
The Tren Maya#
Runs from the Cancún airport station to Tulum's station, which sits outside town; add a taxi. Timetables have been growing; compare the door-to-door time with the bus on the day.
Tulum is two places#
Tulum pueblo, the town on the highway: cheaper, restaurants, the bus station. Tulum playa, the beach road: the hotels, the prices, the photos. Ten minutes apart by taxi or bike. Cancún vs Tulum vs Playa, things to do in Tulum, is Tulum safe?, Tulum for couples, alternatives to Tulum.
Also#
Day trips from Cancún if Tulum is a day rather than a base; the 5-day itinerary; airport transfer guide for the Cancún end.
Arrive knowing someone#
Post your Tulum dates on Roavi Community before the bus: travellers arriving the same days appear together, and Local Friends in Tulum reply. Where locals hang out in Tulum is what they'll show you.
Heading to Tulum? Post your dates and arrive knowing someone.
Post your tripFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Cancún to Tulum?
About two hours by car or shuttle on Highway 307, two to two and a half by ADO bus, longer by colectivo with the change at Playa del Carmen. The airport is on the Tulum side of Cancún, so from there it's slightly quicker than from the hotel zone.Is there a bus from Cancún airport to Tulum?
Yes, ADO runs direct buses from the airport terminals to Tulum's bus station several times a day, air-conditioned, with luggage space, bookable online or at the terminal. The best value option for one or two people.Can I take the Tren Maya from Cancún to Tulum?
Yes, the Tren Maya runs from the Cancún airport station to Tulum's station, which is outside town and needs a taxi or shuttle to the beach or centre. Services and timetables have been expanding; check the current schedule and compare door-to-door time with the bus before relying on it.Should I rent a car for Tulum?
If you plan to visit cenotes, Cobá and beaches beyond the hotel strip, yes: Highway 307 is straight and easy, and a car makes Tulum far more flexible. If you'll stay at one hotel and the beach, a shuttle and taxis cost less. Beware fuel-station scams and never leave valuables in the car.