Transportation: Getting from Cancun Airport to Tulum

For visitors to Tulum, navigating a maze of transportation options from Cancun Airport to Tulum (approximately a 2 hour car trip) can be dizzying in complexity and eye-popping prices. We've boiled down the best options from budget-simple to comfortable and even luxury. Once you're at your AirBnb or hotel, we've shared the best options to get around town too and avoid the all-to prevalent taxi scams. Check out our Tulum website for insider recommendations from real locals.

Top FAQs for Tulum Transportation:  Cancun Airport -> Tulum and Getting Around Tulum

How do I get from Cancun Airport to Tulum?

While we do not provide any transportation services - we do have recommendations on your best options from Cancun airport to Tulum / Tulum's Aldea Zama.  Airport transportation can be expensive - the base price is $300 USD round-trip from Cancun airport to Tulum. 

Our top 3 recommendations are below, we understand the cost can be high for this trip.  Some people also choose to rent a car if they are comfortable driving - as prices can be very low also - depending on the insurance purchased.  

Options today:

The journey from Cancun airport to Tulum is approximately 2 hours depending on traffic levels, with no stops.  

Option A:  Premium - airport shuttle van with a base price of $300 round trip or $150 each way, plus tips / gratuity.  Total time with no stops estimated at approximately 2 hours.

Option B:  Budget:  You can take a bus (many have a transfer in Playa del Carmen) and then - after the bus lets you off at the Tulum downtown bus station, take a taxi from the Tulum bus station to the condominium apartment. 

The primary / only bus company is the ADO bus --the buses are comfortable and generally clean, above the level in the United States. The bus cost is around $13 USD to downtown Tulum and a taxi is (negotiated / they do have a laminated  price card) approximately $15-$20 USD to the condominium apartment.  For budget travelers, this is the top recommended option for Tulum locals and long-term residents.  You can find the ticket counter in the hall after you complete customs, if you can't find it, just ask anyone and they will help direct you.  You will likely need to transfer buses in Playa del Carmen downtown and the total time is anticipated to be 3-3.5 hours depending on traffic levels (see ADO bus schedule).  ADO has a great app in the app stores that you can use to book your ticket.  

Option C:  Private car or van service (depends on number of people, etc.) - We have a recommended car / van service which is approximately $100 USD each way ($200 USD round-trip) from Cancun airport to the condominium.  This is for up to four people based on current pricing.  We recommend this option be considered based on the speed and service level.  Please contact us if you would like this service contact information.  

How do I get around Tulum?  Is it safe to ride bicycles or walk at night?  

For your visit to Tulum, there are a variety of transportation options from Aldea Zama or La Veleta and to / from the beach and Tulum Downtown Centro.  Each one has a set of pro's and con's that we've provided here to give you the best possible experience.  These of course vary by your budget and comfort level with scooters / motorcycle safety and speed.

Safety:  Tulum is a jungle area that has been developed and has very few street lights.  Outside of the busy downtown area and beach club / beach nightclub area - streets are very dark at night.  We do not recommend walking or bicycling alone at night in Tulum for safety reasons, unless you are very comfortable with this - or in a group of people.  

Bicycle

Bicycle rentals are a great way to get around at low cost and get a healthy workout. It's the most economical choice but most visitors and long term residents end up moving away from this over time due to night safety; carrying grocery bags; speed; and staying fresh for restaurants / nightclubs etc.   Average bike rentals in Tulum are  around $10 per day and widely available when you arrive, a popular large vendor is Ola Bike prices here.  Bike condition and quality can vary widely, these are often bikes that have been rented and ridden extensively.  Make sure to lock your bike carefully and ideally within a beach club or near a restaurant / apartment as bike thefts are not uncommon.  

Moto-Scooter

Between a bike and a car, this is the best hybrid option and widely available.  The design is similar to a Vespa and very easy to ride / learn to ride.    High season (Winter) rental cost is around $30 per day with the potential for weekly or monthly discounts.  Check the Facebook group "Tulum Expats" for people offering "direct" scooter rentals.  Keep in mind that a scooter is far less safe than a car.  Accidents are common and serious injury is possible.  A scooter goes up to 50+ mph and helmets are required by law.  When possible on Ave Coba to the beach, we recommend leaving space for cars to easily pass to reduce your risk.  Also, you need to follow all traffic laws and be aware that the police set up screen "filters" often on busy tourist roads to check for drugs, unlicensed scooters or no drivers license (USA is okay), and drunk driving.  

Recommended scooter contacts:  

Arturo +52 984 268 7986 rough estimate approximately $8000 pesos/month.  

Abel +52 984 134 7489

7 day rental contact: 3500mxn rental+500mxn delivery+3000mxn deposit  https://scooterclubcancun.comEmail: info@scooterclubcancun.com  Monthly:  12000mxn rental+3000mxn deposit

ATV / Quad:  A 4 wheel off-road quad is becoming quickly very popular.  Rates range $60-$100/day:  WhatsApp contact in Tulum:  +52 984 806 9798.  In general, the seasonal cost is double a scooter and much easier to learn to ride.