How To Get To Chichen Itza – Nearby Cities
You’re visiting Mexico and would like to know how to get to Chichen Itza from where you’re staying. Well, you came to the right place. I’ve got the answers for you here.
Whether you’re staying in Cancun, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Cozumel, or any other popular city within the Quintana Roo or Yucatan region.
General Chichen Itza Information
The Chichen Itza ancient site is the most famous attraction in all of Mexico and is also considered one of the seven world wonders on Earth.
And for reference, the actual famous pyramid’s name is El Castillo.
With over 2.7 million tourists visiting this ancient archeological site every year, it’s by far the most famous Mayan attraction in Mexico.
Measuring 4 square miles, the Chichen Itza site was an ancient Mayan City dating back 3000 years ago that was once home to approximately 30,000 – 50,000 people.
It was the largest of all Mayan cities within the civilization. It was like the Mayan city center, a central meeting point.; trade, religious gatherings, and many other things happened here.
Whether you’d like to visit Chichen Itza because you’re fascinated by history and the Mayan Civilization that once existed in this region, or you’re coming because a photo post on social media of Chichen Itza is you’re only motive.
Here’s how to get to Chichen Itza from the most popular nearby cities.
Depending on what city you’re coming from, you can scroll down in the article and find the city and take a look at the multiple ways how to get to Chichen Itza.
The long-awaited train still needs to be finished, but the Mayan Train will soon be the best and easiest way to get to Chichen Itza when the project is completed.
How to Get to Chichen Itza from Cancun
There are a few different ways how to get to Chichen Itza from Cancun. It’s wise to plan accordingly to the type of accommodation most makes sense for you.
Here are the different ways how to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza.
By Car Rental from Cancun
What better way to get to Chichen Itza than to drive yourself there? Getting there by car is a great idea, driving there will save time.
You can rent a car and drive there from Cancun, which will take approximately 2.5 hours with the toll route. If you don’t take the toll route, it will take longer. This, of course, can vary due to traffic. Leaving early in the morning is a wise choice; you can skip the large crowds at Chichen Itza that way.
Car Costs:
- Around 45 – 65 USD for a car rental with insurance
- 30 – 50 USD for a full tank (depending on car type and gas prices)
- Toll Fees – 380 Pesos Each Way / 21 US (without tolls, it will take you much longer without toll highway)
By Tour from Cancun
Because Cancun is a popular destination to visit for vacation, countless tours are operating to Chichen Itza from Cancun. These tours include transportation, of course, and sometimes lunch as well!
If you’re okay with sharing transportation with others and having a set schedule by your tour guides. Taking a tour from Cancun is a great idea.
Each tour varies. Some go straight to Chichen Itza, some take you to the cenotes close by, and others even take you to the small town close to Chichen Itza, Valladolid. I recommend you attend this Chichen Itza tour from Cancun. It’s the highest-rated!
Some tours include the price for your ticket to get inside the Chichen Itza site, and other tours don’t. But not a problem if they don’t. A ticket to get in is 35 US.
By ADO Bus from Cancun
Another great way to get to Chichen Itza from Cancun is by taking the ADO bus there. If you want to go to Chichen Itza alone or with a partner, this is the cheapest way to get to Chichen Itza.
The bus leaves from Centro, Cancun, also known as the city center/downtown station. And then takes you to Chichen Itza. It takes 3-5 hours, depending on when you take the bus. The earlier, the better.
A ride on an ADO bus to Chichen Itza will cost you around 32 US (each way). Book Your Ticket Here.
By Mayan Train from Cancun (as of Dec 2023)
The Mayan Train will soon become the most popular method to get around the Yucatan and Quintana Roo regions.
As of December 2023, you can take the Mayan train from Cancun International Airport to Chichen Itza. Costs for a ticket are currently unknown, and I will update this article when prices are posted.
How Far is Chichen Itza from Cancun
Chichen Itza is 197 Km and 2 hours, and 40 minutes from the city center of Cancun.
This, of course, depends on traffic and which route you’re taking there if driving. Also, the method of transportation, an example of this is that the bus will take longer than private transportation.
How to Get to Chichen Itza from Tulum
There are a few different ways you how to get to Chichen Itza from Tulum. It’s a good idea to plan accordingly for the type of accommodation that most makes sense for you.
Here are the different ways how to get from Tulum to Chichen Itza.
By Car Rental from Tulum
A great way to get to Chichen Itza from Tulum is renting a car and driving yourself there, and it’s just over a 2-hour drive from Tulum. You will save a lot of time this way.
The main highway you will use from Tulum to Chichen Itza is less crowded than the highway from Cancun to Chichen Itza. So the drive to Chichen Itza from Tulum is much smoother, and there aren’t any toll charges.
Many places are far from one another in Tulum, so renting a car while you’re staying in Tulum is a great idea. And if you have a car rental, you can spend some of your evening in Valladolid and leave whenever you’d like back to Tulum!
By Tour from Tulum
Like Cancun, Tulum has several tours going to Chichen Itza daily. These tours include transportation, of course, and sometimes lunch as well!
If you’re okay with sharing transportation with others and having a set schedule by your tour guides. Taking a tour from Tulum is a great idea.
Each tour varies. Some go straight to Chichen Itza, some take you to the cenotes close by, and others even take you to the small town close to Chichen Itza, Valladolid.
I recommend this tour to Chichen Itza; it comes with a tour of Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Cenotes, and a tequila tasting!
Some tours include the price for your ticket to get inside the Chichen Itza site, and other tours don’t. But not a problem if they don’t. A ticket to get in is 35 US.
By ADO Bus from Tulum
You can take the bus to Chichen Itza from Tulum. All you need to do is go to the ADO city center (centro) station, and the bus will take you to Chichen Itza.
The ADO bus takes around 2 to 3 hours to get there, depending on what time you take the bus. And you will be making a transfer after you get to Valladolid to get to Chichen Itza.
A ride on an ADO bus to Chichen Itza will cost you around 23 US (each way). Book Your Ticket Here.
By Mayan Train from Tulum (as of Dec 2023)
The Mayan Train will soon become the most popular method to get around the Yucatan and Quintana Roo regions.
As of December 2023, you can take the Mayan train from Tulum Airport to Chichen Itza. Costs for a ticket are currently unknown, and I will update this article when prices are posted.
How Far is Chichen Itza from Tulum
Chichen Itza is 149 Km and 2 hours from the city center of Tulum.
This, of course, depends on traffic as well as the method of transportation.
How to Get Chichen Itza from Playa Del Carmen
There are a few different ways you on how to get to Chichen Itza from Playa Del Carmen. It’s a good idea to plan accordingly to the type of accommodation most makes sense for you.
Here are the different ways to get to Chichen Itza from Playa Del Carmen.
By Car Rental from Playa Del Carmen
If you stay in Playa Del Carmen, you won’t need a car rental.
But if you insist on driving to Chichen Itza from Playa Del Carmen, you can always rent a car and go there yourself. You will save a lot of time this way.
From Playa Del Carmen, it’s 2 hours and a half to Chichen Itza. Also, there will be Toll fees for driving there.
Car Costs:
- Around 45 – 65 USD for a car rental with insurance
- 30 – 50 USD for a full tank (depending on car type and gas prices)
- Toll Fees – 380 Pesos Each Way / 21 US (without tolls, it will take you much longer without toll highway)
By Tour from Playa Del Carmen
Because Playa Del Carmen is a popular beach town destination, several tours operate from here to Chichen Itza daily.
If you’re okay with sharing transportation with others and having a set schedule by your tour guides. Taking a tour from Playa Del Carmen is a great idea!
Each tour varies. Some go straight to Chichen Itza, some take you to the cenotes close by, and others even take you to the small town close to Chichen Itza, Valladolid.
I recommend this all-inclusive tour from Playa Del Carmen; they take you to Chichen Itza, Cenote Saamal, and Valladolid.
By ADO Bus from Playa Del Carmen
To take the ADO bus to Chichen Itza from Playa Del Carmen, go to the ADO central station in the city center.
The ADO bus takes around 4 to 6 hours to get there, depending on what time you take the bus. And you will be making a transfer after you get to Valladolid to get to Chichen Itza.
A ride on an ADO bus to Chichen Itza will cost you around 43 US (each way). Book Your Ticket Here.
By Mayan Train from Playa Del Carmen (as of Dec 2023)
The Mayan Train will soon become the most popular method to get around the Yucatan and Quintana Roo regions.
As of December 2023, you can take the Mayan train from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza. Costs for a ticket are currently unknown, and I will update this article when prices are posted.
How Far is Chichen Itza from Playa Del Carmen
Chichen Itza is 182 Km / 2 hours and a half from the city center of Playa Del Carmen.
This, of course, depends on traffic as well as the method of transportation.
How to Get to Chichen Itza from Cozumel
If you’re staying on the beautiful island of Cozumel and would like to go to Chichen Itza.
Firstly, take the ferry to Playa Del Carmen and then use any of the methods ABOVE to get to Chichen Itza from Playa Del Carmen.
How to Get to Chichen Itza from Valladolid
Valladolid is close to Chichen Itza, the nearest big city to the historical site. But to be clear, Chichen Itza is not in Valladolid.
You still need to make your way there. Here are the different ways how to get from Valladolid to Chichen Itza.
By Car Rental from Valladolid
If you’ve rented a car and you’re coming from Valladolid, it’s only a 45-minute drive to get here, and there are no toll routes.
I recommend that many staying in other cities come, spend the night in Valladolid, and go from Valladolid to visit Chichen Itza.
By Tour from Valladolid
Despite Valladolid being close to Chichen Itza, many tours still operate from there.
The advantage of tours from Valladolid versus other cities such as Cancun and Tulum is that you’re so close to Chichen Itza from Valladolid.
Tours from Valladolid offer many other great nearby places to see on your Chichen Itza tour, other than Chichen Itza, such as the Yellow City, Izamal, and many different cenotes.
I recommend this tour from Valladolid. They take you to Chichen Itza, Izamal, and Cenote Yokdzonot.
By ADO Bus from Valladolid
To take the ADO bus from Valladolid to Chichen Itza, go to the ADO centro station.
The ADO bus takes around 40 minutes to get there.
A ride on an ADO bus to Chichen Itza will cost you around 11 US (each way). Book Your Ticket Here.
By Mayan Train from Valladolid (as of Dec 2023)
The Mayan Train will soon become the most popular method to get around the Yucatan and Quintana Roo regions.
As of December 2023, you can take the Mayan train from Valladolid to Chichen Itza. Costs for a ticket are currently unknown, and I will update this article when prices are posted.
How Far is Chichen Itza from Valladolid
Chichen Itza is 57 Km and 50 minutes from the city center of Valladolid.
This, of course, depends on traffic as well as the method of transportation.
How to Get to Chichen Itza from Merida
Famous for being the capital of the Yucatan, Merida is a beautiful city and a must-visit in the region.
Merida is only under 2 hours away from Chichen Itza, which is okay compared to other cities!
Here are the different ways how to get from Merida to Chichen Itza.
By Car Rental from Merida
Merida is a very walkable city, so if you stay here, there is a good chance you have decided not to rent a car.
But if you’re renting a car to go to Chichen Itza, it’s under 2 hours to get there, and you don’t have to pay for a toll route.
By Tour from Merida
The tours from Merida to Chichen Itza are great because some tours include visiting a cenote and the famous Yellow City, Izamal.
This Chichen Itza tour from Merida includes visiting Izamal and dinner at a traditional Mayan home, and a chance to check out their private cenote!
By ADO Bus from Merida
You must go to the ADO Centro TAME station to take the ADO bus from Merida to Chichen Itza.
The ADO bus takes around 2 hours to get there. Could you ensure you take the Fastest route when purchasing your ticket?
Otherwise, you will take the route to Valladolid first, then to Chichen Itza, which will take 4 hours instead of 2 hours.
ADO bus to Chichen Itza will cost you around 11 to 35 US (each way). Book Your Ticket Here.
By Mayan Train from Merida (as of Dec 2023)
The Mayan Train will soon become the most popular method to get around the Yucatan and Quintana Roo regions.
As of December 2023, you can take the Mayan train from Merida to Chichen Itza. Costs for a ticket are currently unknown, and I will update this article when prices are posted.
How Far is Chichen Itza from Merida
Chichen Itza is 121 Km and 2 hours from the city center of Merida.
This, of course, depends on traffic as well as the method of transportation.
Things To Do in Chichen Itza
Here is a list of things to do close to Chichen Itza that you should put on your list!
After all, the best cenotes in Mexico are here around Chichen Itza and Valladolid.
Of course, visiting these places won’t be possible if you’re on a tour, unless the tour includes the cenote or place you want to see!
- Visit Cenote Suytun
- IK Kil Cenote
- Cenote Zaci
- Eat local food in Valladolid.
- Casa de los Vendaos (museum)
- Visit Izamal (the Yellow City, only possible if you’re staying overnight in Valladolid)
Spend a Night or two in Valladolid – My Recommendation
No matter which city you’re coming from to visit Chichen Itza, I highly recommend you get a hotel for a night or two in Valladolid.
I did this when visiting Chichen Itza, which made things more enjoyable. We didn’t have to rush our visit.
That way, you get to see a new city in Mexico, and you don’t have to rush to explore Chichen Itza and the beautiful cenotes nearby!
Also, if you’re staying overnight in Valladolid, it will make it possible for you to visit Izamal (the yellow city), located just under 2 Hours away from Valladolid.
The closest city to Chichen Itza is Valladolid, a small city with plenty to do.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit Chichen Itza?
Prices, of course, change over the years. At this time, tickets to Chichen Itza cost $35 US.
Chichen Itza Hours of Operation
Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Is Chichen Itza Worth Visit?
Chichen Itza is one of the seven world wonders. A trip to the Yucatan and Quintana Roo regions of Mexico is only complete with a visit to Chichen Itza!
Seeing a place that has been there for thousands of years is fascinating, knowing years back, this was the city center of the Mayan Civilization.
Enjoy your trip to the world-famous Chichen Itza!
Subscribe to Travel Hiatus!
Receive updates on my latest posts, insider travel tips & the best destination guides to your inbox!
[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]
Happy & Safe Travels
Planning Checklist
- Find the best Hotels/Resorts
- Book a Vacation Home Rental
- Book a fun Tour in the Place you’re visiting
- Find the best Hostels
- Find/Buy the Cheapest Flights
- Get Travel Insurance when traveling
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links shared in this article might be affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, we will earn a small commission for any sales generated through this article and/or this website.
We recommend products/services we’ve either used or researched thoroughly – Thank you for supporting me so we can continue to share helpful travel content!
