4+ Ways To Get From Cancun Airport To Tulum (Expat Advice)

We have talked about visiting Lake Chapala in Mexico or going to Rocky Point, but what about visiting Tulum?

Tulum is one of the more picturesque parts of Mexico and is a common tourist destination these days. For those who are going to be arriving at Cancun Airport, you are going to be wondering about getting to Tulum safely.

We have done this route and understand what it encompasses.

For those who are interested, we are going to break down what is required for those who are going from the Cancun Airport to Tulum.

The drive between Cancun Airport and Tulum is going to be approximately 80 miles or so. It tends to take around a couple of hours to complete the trip.

Ways To Get From Cancun Airport To Tulum

Taxi

A lot of visitors are going to take this option because it’s common when visiting a new country.

You are simply going to look for a taxi.

Taking a taxi from Cancun Airport to Tulum is a common option and it is viable for those who are willing to spend a bit more than they would in a bus or private shuttle.

You are going to end up paying around 2000 pesos, which is around USD 106. As you can tell, this is going to be a higher amount than the ADO bus or the private shuttle.

If you are willing to pay the bill then this is going to be quick to find and it doesn’t matter what time of the day it is. You are going to find a taxi that is willing to take you to Tulum.

Now, before telling you how much, I need to mention that ‘regular’ taxis are not allowed inside Cancun airport. By regular, I mean the typical city taxis that you just flag down and hop on for a ride.

If you are going to be doing this, we would recommend having cash on hand. This is the only way you are going to be able to take the taxi from the Cancun Airport to Tulum. You can take funds out at the ATM inside the airport.

Take The ADO Bus

The ADO bus is a private bus provider that offers a comprehensive solution for those visiting this part of Mexico.

You have access to a wide array of bus routes and they are going to take you to different parts of South Mexico. This is going to include Tulum from the Cancun Airport.

For the most part, the ADO bus to Tulum was a joyful experience and we did enjoy it.

A lot of people like taking this option because it’s quick, affordable, and you are not going to have to do a lot of thinking along the way. This simplifies the process and ensures you get to your destination on time.

What are you going to get with the ADO bus ride?

You are going to find the bus seats to be cozy, the climate-controlled interior will be comfortable, and it’s going to offer access to a bathroom too. This is ideal for those who are looking to keep things as simple as possible between the two locations.

We recommend reaching out to the bus company beforehand.

They are going to share key information including the timings for when the bus will go to Tulum. You should be able to take the bus straight from the airport.

When we went, the bus route started at around 11 AM and then continued late into the night. The bus times were spread out during the day.

How much is it going to cost to take the ADO bus from the Cancun Airport to Tulum?

It’s going to come out to be around 262 pesos. This is just under USD 14.

Of course, you will also have to focus on how you are going to get to your destination within Tulum when you arrive using the ADO bus. The bus itself is going to drop you at a set location, which is going to be Tulum Centro. This is where the bus station is.

At this point, you are going to have to take a taxi to your final destination.

Airport Shuttle

What if you are someone who doesn’t want to take the ADO bus to Tulum from the Cancun Airport?

Is there another viable option?

Yes, you can go with a private car or a shuttle that is going to take you to Tulum. This is going to have a trained driver who will be driving the private vehicle and is going to get you to your destination affordably.

We like this because you tend to get better hours compared to the ADO bus and you are going to find it to be far more effective in dropping you to where you want to go in Tulum. It is an affordable option as you are going to split the costs with others in the private vehicle.

How much is the private shuttle going to cost?

It’s going to come out to be around 600 pesos, which is around USD 32. This can vary depending on the type of private shuttle you are taking as there are a few options from the Cancun Airport. You should look to have this set up beforehand.

Rent A Vehicle

Yes, this is always an option for those who love driving.

There are car rental services at the Cancun Airport. You are welcome to book a vehicle beforehand and make sure it is ready to go when you arrive.

This is a great option as you can take the scenic route as you drive to Tulum from the Cancun Airport. It can be a lot of fun doing this and we do enjoy the overall experience whenever we have done this in the past.

Final Thoughts

These are the best ways to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum safely.

Whether you are renting a car or taking the ADO bus to Tulum, the experience is going to be a great one. We believe all of these are good options and it simply comes down to your budget.

Set the budget and shop around beforehand.