How to get from Tulum to Merida
About traveling from Tulum to Merida
Tulum and Merida offer two different sides of Yucatan Mexico. One’s all soft sand, jungle-wrapped ruins, and cenotes that shimmer like liquid glass. The other? A colonial city bursting with bold colors, real-deal Yucatecan cuisine, and a cultural heartbeat that’s impossible to miss.
If you’re heading from Tulum to Merida, the trip isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s a chance to see some of Mexico’s most memorable spots in between, think ancient cities, pastel towns, and the kind of cenotes that make you want to stay forever.
Let’s break down how to get there, what to see, and how to make the most of your journey
How to get from Tulum to Merida
If you’re traveling from Tulum to Merida, you have several travel options. For travelers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Tulum to Merida. The fastest way to travel from Tulum to Merida is by car, therefore a car is of course the best way to travel from Tulum to Merida since it’s so convenient.
Tulum to Merida by bus
If you’re traveling light and don’t mind a longer ride, ADO runs regular buses from Tulum to Merida. They’re clean, reliable, and the cheapest option. Budget-friendly, but bring snacks and patience.
Schedule: First bus around 2:40 AM, last at 9:30 PM
Frequency: Every 2 hours
Duration: Around 4 hours
Price: ~€16
Distance: About 264 km
Operator: ADO
Tickets can be bought at the station, but booking ahead saves you a headache.
Tulum to Merida private car transfer
If comfort, speed, and flexibility matter, a private car transfer with Daytrip is hands-down the best way to go. You’ll be picked up right at your accommodation in Tulum, your luggage is taken care of, and the route is entirely yours to shape with optional sightseeing stops.
Want to stop at Chichen Itza? Go for it. Need a dip in a cenote on the way? No problem.
Duration: About 3 hours and 10 minutes
Distance: 259 km
Price: From €52 per seat
Experience: Fully private, fully personalized
Why travel by car? Because the in-between is where the magic happens
The easiest, most flexible way to travel from Tulum to Merida is by car. and honestly, it’s not even close. With a private transfer, you can stop at places like:
Coba — climb the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan
Valladolid — sip a cold drink in a sleepy plaza lined with rainbow-colored buildings
Ek Balam — quieter than Chichen Itza but equally impressive
Chichen Itza — the icon, for good reason
Cenote Yokdzonot — swim in a jungle sinkhole that feels like a secret
Izamal — a town so yellow, it feels like it was dipped in sunlight
Instead of just passing through, you’ll actually experience the Yucatan. And yes, you can still make it to Merida in time to catch the sunset from a rooftop bar.
Whether you take the bus or book a private car, the trip from Tulum to Merida brings you through the very heart of the Yucatan Peninsula. But if you're the kind of traveler who likes to slow down, take the scenic route, and maybe stop for tacos in a town with no tourists, then the car option wins every time.
Going the other direction? Check our guide on How to get from Merida to Tulum
