How To Get Around Tulum: 5 Best Ways
Are you visiting Tulum and wondering how to get around Tulum? You’ve found the perfect guide to do just that!
Tulum is a spacious beach town, far apart, so transportation is needed here. Regarding public transportation within Tulum, it doesn’t exist, colectivos count, but they aren’t efficient. I’ll get into that later.
The best way to get around Tulum is by bicycle or walking; at night, the best way is by taxi or scooter rental.
Below, I’ll cover the best ways to get around Tulum, a few must-know tips, and where to stay, which is very important when considering your transportation options. It’s best to familiarize yourself with the different areas in Tulum before booking your hotel.
Getting around Tulum is not easy, I’ll be honest with you. Despite Tulum being so famous, the roads aren’t developed, and decent infrastructure isn’t there throughout most streets.
Bicycle
Biking around Tulum is the most preferred mode of transportation. It’s fast and convenient, and Tulum isn’t a large town by any means, so you can get to most places quickly by bike.
Numerous bike rental shops are scattered throughout the town, so renting a bike in Tulum is easy and affordable. Some hotels and apartment rentals even offer free bicycles to use!
At night, biking isn’t much of an option. Most roads are well-lit in Tulum, and it’s a safety hazard. If you find yourself biking around in the late evening, please be careful and mindful of which roads in Tulum you use.
Whether you explore the town, visit the many cenotes, or head over to the beach, cycling is a great way to get to Tulum’s many attractions.
Tulum bike rental shops offer flexible rental options, with daily and weekly rentals.
Where to Rent a Bike in Tulum
There are many shops around town, but most bicycle rental shops in Tulum are off Highway 307 or along the main beach road. Sometimes, you’ll spot a few in Tulum Town as well.
Here’s a list of the most well-known bike rental shops in Tulum. Some rental shops also deliver bikes to your hotel, so that’s an option.
You should expect to pay around 150 Mexican pesos, $7-8 US per day for a bike rental.
Walking
Walking around often makes sense when walking within the different walkable areas. But walking from one area to the other will take 20 to 40+ minutes. While Tulum is a small town, areas are spread out.
Tulum Town is very walkable with its many bars, restaurants, and shops. If you’re staying in Tulum Town, walking around from restaurant to restaurant, grocery store, etc, is easy.
Aldea Zama is located next to Tulum Town, so you can walk to Tulum Town from there and back, but it’s not a short walk; it’s around 30 minutes.
The furthest distance is between the beach and Tulum Town, which is around a 90-minute walk, too far to walk.
Be careful when walking around Tulum because there aren’t sidewalks along most main roads, and be mindful of the traffic flow. Sometimes, you’re sharing the streets with cars.
Just know that Tulum’s three main areas are a decent distance from one another: Tulum Town, Aldea Zama, and Hotel Zone/Beach.
Can you walk from Tulum Town to the beach?
You can, it takes 60 to 90 minutes to walk from Tulum Town to the beach, it’s a long walk. It’s best to bike there, there are plenty of lock areas in Tulum North Beach.
Taxi
Taxis are the most popular transportation method for getting around Tulum day or night. Taxis are everywhere around town and it’s easy to find one.
Unfortunately taxis in Tulum don’t use a meter and you must negotiate a rate for your taxis. Taxi drivers in Tulum are Tulum notorious for overchargin tourists.
You should expect to pay around $500 pesos/$30 US from Tulum Town to the beach, I know, not cheap whatsoever. For shorter trips, expect to pay 200 to 300 pesos, which is around $11 to $18 US.
When you speak with a taxi driver, often you’ll be told higher prices, you must negotiate with the driver. Also, make sure to reconfirm the agreed upon price with your taxi driver before getting into the taxi.
If you spend the day at the beach and want to get back to Tulum Town, avoid leaving at dark, taxi drivers will suggest higher prices for a trip from the beach to Tulum Town, once it’s dark.
Taxi drivers are well aware how popular Tulum is and that the city lacks transportation options for tourists.
Taxi Tip: Sometimes you will get in a taxi and ask them to take you to a specific attraction or restaurant. They might suggest another place (only because they receive a commission for taking you there) – Do your own research for attractions in Tulum you’d like to visit!
Is Uber avaliable in Tulum?
Don’t use Uber in Tulum, it’s unsafe to use it here. I repeat, don’t use it, its not safe to do so.
Uber was recently legalized within this region of Mexico, and the app works. Still, taxi drivers and cartels have made Uber unsafe to use because of targeted attacks against Uber or any ride-sharing service.
There have been many reports, some unreported, of attacks against Uber drivers and sometimes passengers using the service. Why take the risk? Only use taxis in Tulum.
Rental Car or Scooter
There are many places to explore in Tulum and outside of Tulum. If you plan on making the most of your trip in Tulum and would love to explore lots of it, it’s best to rent a scooter or car.
Renting a car is a great idea if there’s a group of you, splitting cost you’ll save much more than taking taxi.
Day trips on your own time to places like Chichen Itza, Playa Del Carmen for the day, or various Tulum cenotes is possible when you’ve rented a scooter or car.
How to Rent a Car in Tulum
You can always rent a car in Tulum in person through one of the many rental companies.
But using an online rental car service like Discover Cars is best way. That way, you can book your vehicle in advance, read insightful ratings/reviews, and ask any questions you may have in advance.
Your average economy-sized vehicle in Tulum should cost around $45 US per day.
Make sure to purchase car insurance with your car rental. You never know what may happen, and Mexico’s laws are challenging to navigate. Despite having credit card insurance or travel insurance already, it’s best to have direct car insurance.
Something to know for those who rent a car, most restaurants and establishments in Tulum do offer free parking, but not all do, so you may have to pay for parking something. Make note of this.
If you make day trips outside Tulum, do not speed, drive carefully, and abide by traffic laws. On the main highways, there are police checkpoints sometimes, no big deal, stop and follow instructions.
Speaking of police, unfortunately, Tulum has some corrupt law enforcement, so it’s not uncommon for police to stop tourists for a bribe.
Renting a Scooter in Tulum
Another option is renting a scooter/moped instead of a car. This will allow you to visit Tulum attractions on your own time, and scooters are easier to find parking for.
You can rent a scooter with iBike Tulum, which costs around $35 US per day.
While renting a scooter is an option in Tulum, I recommend only renting one if you are experienced at driving a scooter.
The roads aren’t developed, so riding a scooter is very bumpy in Tulum. Tourists are biking everywhere in all directions, especially during the high season, and many haven’t ridden a bike in years, so you can imagine what the roads will be like at times.
Colectivo
Regarding the cheapest way how to get around Tulum, using a Colectivo is the way.
Colectivos is a shared taxi-style white van popular in Mexico and many countries. The idea may sound complex if you’ve never taken one, but it’s not complicated!
It’s also the most convenient/cheapest way to travel between towns along the Riviera Maya coast.
How do you catch a Colectivo in Tulum?
These are the two main collective routes in Tulum:
- The main 307 Highway between Tulum and Playa Del Carmen (Going North)
- Tulum and Felipe Carillo (Going South)
Colectivos don’t operate on set schedules or stops. You stand along the road, and if you hail one, they will stop if there’s room in the van.
As soon as you get into the van, tell the driver where you’re going so it’s clear to them where to stop.
Colectivos typically cost around $50-$100 pesos / $2-$5 US, depending on how far you travel.
Vans get full, and sometimes you can be seated in tight spacing, this is common nad be prepared for it.
I’ve used Colectivo’s in Tulum, but when traveling between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, I always use the ADO Bus instead.
ADO Bus is the best way to travel from city to city in Mexico. It’s cheap, comfortable and very convenient. ADO Bus is the largest travel bus company in the country.
You can get to Tulum from Playa Del Carmen, Cancun, and other places using the ADO Bus.
From Playa Del Carmen to Tulum or vice versa, it only costs around $8-$20 US, which is not bad!
The main ADO Bus Tulum terminal is in the Centro area. This is where most buses depart from and come to. The ADO Tulum Ruins Terminal is another ADO Terminal a bit North.
How To Get Around Tulum at Night
If you choose not to rent a car, the best way to get around Tulum at night is by taxi.
When getting around Tulum at night, you must take a few precautions. Always go out with friends, never alone, and if you do decide to go alone, make sure it’s in Tulum Town, and walking at night, stick to well-lit roads with other fellow travellers nearby.
Is it safe to walk in Tulum at Night?
Yes, depending on where you’re walking. If you’re walking around Tulum Town, you’ll be fine. The street is well-lit and lively in the evening, with many locals/tourists all around.
Walking in deserted areas at night or places with minimal people is unsafe in Tulum. Generally, it’s best to take a taxi at night when going and coming from places.
In general terms, Tulum is safe. But at night, precautions should be taken.
Where to Stay in Tulum
Tulum has three different areas, and all three areas are next to one another, with Tulum Town being first, Aldea Zama being in the middle, and the Hotel Zone being along the beach.
Choosing which area you’d prefer to stay in is essential so you’re closer to what you want to do at night!
Tulum Hotel Zone: For those who want to be close to the beach, the downside is other than beach clubs, fancy chic restaurants, and the beach, staying here means you’re the furthest from Tulum Town. Also, it’s the most costly area to stay in Tulum.
Aldea Zama: This is the most popular area in Tulum because it’s between Tulum Town and the beach. Staying in Aldea Zama means you’re conveniently between the beach and Tulum Town.
Tulum Town: Staying in Centro means you’re close to all the restaurants, bars, shops, hostels, and more. It’s very convenient, but you will be furthest from the beach among these three areas.
Tips for Getting Around Tulum
Suppose you want to do excursions in Tulum, such as guided tours, cenote visits, and more. It’s best to book a tour with transportation included, it’s convenient and worth it! Most tours offer transportation, but it’s best to double check when you’re booking your excursion.
Bring Cash: Always have cash on you in Tulum because the town operates on a cash society. Taxis don’t accept credit cards, and you must pay cash. Taxis and many businesses, including rental shops, will only accept cash.
Taxi Scams: This is one of the most common scams in Tulum. The best way to avoid taxi scams is to confirm the price and destination twice with the driver. A clear understanding will most likely avoid being scammed by them.
Take Photos of Rentals: It doesn’t matter if you’re renting a car, scooter, or bike. Take a few clear photos of the original condition of your rental. Rental companies sometimes will try to accuse you of minor damage and ask for extra payment – This scams is common in most countries.
Travel Insurance: Make sure you buy travel insurance before coming to Mexico. You never know what can happen, and hospital bills in Mexico can add up.
Don’t walk Alone at Night: Tulum is not safe to walk alone at night, especially not anywhere other than Tulum Town, theft and crime happens here from time to time.
Corrupt Cops: Unfortunately, there are corrupt cops in Tulum. Another reason you shouldn’t be alone at night. Cops sometimes randomly stop tourists walking on roads empty roads that are not well-lit and attempt to collect a bribe from you.
What’s the best way to get around Tulum?
The best way to get around Tulum is by bicycle, most places in Tulum aren’t too far by bicycle. But at night, the best way to get around Tulum is by taxi.
How much is a Taxi in Tulum?
It depends on your trip but from Tulum Town to the beach, expect to pay around 500 Mexican Pesos, which is $30 US.
For shorter trips, you can expect to pay around 200 – 300 Mexican Pesos, which is $11 to $18 US. Be prepared to negotiate with the taxi drivers in Tulum, they will offer you higher prices.
Is it easy to walk around Tulum?
Tulum Town is very walkable, you can walk to many restaurants, shops, nightclubs and hotels in the area easily.
However, the rest of Tulum is not walkable and places are usually to far to walk, from Tulum Town to the beach, it’s a around 60 to 90 minute walk.
Are there Ubers in Tulum?
No there aren’t ubers in Tulum, the cartels in Tulum hold a firm grip on the taxi operations in Tulum.
Uber was granted access in this region of Mexico but there have been incidents with cartels targeting Uber drivers and passengers. Don’t use Uber in Tulum.
Happy & Safe Travels
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