How to get from Tulum to Cancun

How to Get
Written By Mary Koontz
Aerial view of Cancun's Hotel Zone with luxury resorts lining a white sandy beach between the bright blue Caribbean Sea and the Nichupté Lagoon at sunset. A speedboat leaves a trail on the open water.

Discover Beautiful Riviera Maya

About traveling from Tulum to Cancun

Both Tulum and Cancun contain some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, the white sands and calming waves are the most enjoyable aspects of the Riviera Maya. Tulum is a quiet, but beautiful beach town where you can forget your troubles. While Cancun is one of the most popular resort towns in Mexico, there's always something to do.

If you decide to take a car transfer from Tulum to Cancun, you can also enjoy some exceptional sights, including the ancient Coba, the Two Eyes cenote, the Chikin Ha cenote, the Chaak Tun cenote, the Jardin Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barerra Marin, and the El Rey Ruins.

How to get from Tulum to Cancun

If you’re traveling from Tulum to Cancun, you have several travel options. For travelers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Tulum to Cancun. The fastest way to travel from Tulum to Cancun is by car, therefore a car is of course the best way to travel from Tulum to Cancun since it’s so convenient.

Tulum to Cancun by bus

To travel from Tulum to Cancun by bus, go to the Tulum bus station and buy a ticket to Cancun. While you can buy your ticket at the station, it’s best to purchase them in advance. At this time there are only two buses that run this route. Check the company’s website for any updates or additional times. The earliest bus is at 10:20 AM, and the last bus is at 9:50 PM, with about 2 buses running per day. The bus from Tulum to Cancun is run by ADO with bus tickets from Tulum to Cancun costing about €7 for the 2.5-hour trip. The distance from Santa Marta to Cartagena is about 130 kilometers.

All options offer direct service from Tulum to Cancun.

  • Time intervals: 2 buses per day

  • First/Last departure: 10:20 AM/9:50 PM

  • Avg. price: $8

  • Distance: ~130 km

  • Duration: ~2.5 hr

  • Operating companies: ADO

Tulum to Cancun shuttle

Daytrip offers shared shuttles from Tulum to Cancun several times a day for a convenient and affordable way to get from Tulum to Cancun. The shuttle stops for pick-ups at Tulum downtown, and the Hotel zone, with custom pick-up locations available. The earliest shuttle from Tulum to Cancun departs at 6:25 AM in the morning and the last shuttle is at 5:30 PM during the high season. Prices start at $16, and tickets can be booked in advance to guarantee a seat.

  • Price: From $17 per seat

  • Distance: 124 km

  • Duration: Door-to-door in 1 h 36 min

Tulum to Cancun car transfer

For speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from Tulum to Cancun. You will be picked up at your accommodation in Tulum, and the driver will take care of your luggage. You’ll then be able to enjoy door-to-door service to your accommodation in Cancun, and can even add sightseeing stops on the way!

  • Price: From $18 per seat

  • Distance: 124 km

  • Duration: Door-to-door in 1 h 40 min

Going the other direction? Check our guide on How to get from Cancun to Tulum

Mary Koontz

Mary is an American expat in Prague, which she has called home for the past 4 years. Her number one passion is traveling off the beaten path, followed closely by running, reading and knitting.


Previous

How to get from Cancun to Tulum

Next

How to get from Cali to Medellin