5 Best Ways to Get from Cancun Airport to Tulum

Are you planning a trip to Tulum and wondering how to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum?

Cancun International Airport is the main gateway to the Riviera Maya, with flights arriving from destinations all over the world.

Tulum sits about two hours south of Cancun Airport, making it a common next stop for travelers seeking beaches, cenotes, and jungle vibes.

To make the most of your trip, it’s worth checking the ideal season for visiting Tulum so you can pair your transportation plans with the best weather and events.

In this guide, I’ll cover the five best ways to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum, including travel times and approximate costs, so you can choose the option that fits your trip best.

If you’re budgeting your visit, it also helps to get an idea of the overall cost of traveling in Tulum so you know what to expect beyond transportation.

The drive is roughly 118 km (73 miles) and typically takes about two hours without traffic. And when it’s time to head home, you can use any of these same transportation options to return to Cancun International Airport from Tulum.

ADO Bus to Tulum

• Cost: $15 USD

• Travel Time: 2–3 hours

One of the best ways to travel from Cancun Airport to Tulum is by ADO Bus. For travelers on a budget, it’s also the cheapest option to reach Tulum.

ADO is one of Mexico’s largest and most reliable bus operators, offering comfortable coach buses that connect cities all across the country. They’re safe, efficient, and a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

It’s best to book your ticket in advance, but you can also purchase one upon arrival at the airport.

Once you land, head to the ADO ticket counter and check which terminal your bus departs from, Cancun Airport has three terminals: 2, 3, and 4. Arrive at your terminal at least 15 minutes before departure to avoid missing your bus.

Buses drop you off at the central ADO Bus Station in Tulum Town, which is the hub for hotels, taxis, and local transportation.

From there, you can walk to your accommodation if it’s nearby or grab a short taxi ride to your hotel or Airbnb.

Luggage Tip: Each passenger is allowed one carry‑on and a backpack. If you’re traveling with larger or extra luggage, you may need to pay a small fee or consider one of the other transport options below for more flexibility.

Private Airport Transfer to Tulum

• Cost: Starting around $69 per vehicle (up to 7 passengers)

• Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 30–45 minutes, traffic dependent 

With convenience and comfort in mind, booking a private transfer is often the most efficient way to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum.

One trusted provider is Cancun Airport Transfers, which specializes in private rides directly from the airport to your Tulum accommodations.

Their fleet includes standard vans, SUVs, and premium vehicles that handle all luggage without stress, perfect if you’re traveling with family or a group.

As expected, this isn’t the cheapest option, but when you’re splitting costs, it becomes competitive with public transportation. 

You’ll enjoy an English-speaking driver, tracked airport pickup based on your flight information, and a seamless drop-off directly at your hotel or rental. No surprises, no hassle, just a smooth start to your trip. 

It’s worth noting that if your flight gets delayed, they will wait; just make sure you send your flight arrival time after booking.

Mayan Train (Tren Maya)

• Cost: 450–720 MXN ($26–42 USD) for tourist or premier class

• Travel Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including the short airport shuttle)

The Tren Maya now offers a direct route from Cancun Airport to Tulum, making it one of the fastest and most scenic ways to reach the Riviera Maya.

Trains depart from the Cancun Airport station, with stops in Playa del Carmen, Tulum City Center, and Tulum Airport, giving travelers multiple options depending on where their hotel is located.

To get to the station, you’ll first take a free electric shuttle bus from airport Terminals 2, 3, or 4. Shuttles run every 15–20 minutes and take about 15 minutes to reach the station.

Typical departures are around 9:00 AM and 11:46 AM, with an occasional 3:33 PM service, usually two trains per day.

Ticket options:

• Tourist Class: 450 MXN ($26 USD)
• Premier Class: 720 MXN ($42 USD)

Tickets can be booked online via the official Tren Maya / E‑Ticket platform, and international travelers are charged the tourist or international fare.

A few things to know:

• There are typically two departures per day toward Tulum, often early and mid‑morning.

• Seats sell out quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

• Once you arrive in Tulum, taxis or hotel shuttles can take you to your final destination.

If you want a stress-free and time-saving alternative to the 2-hour highway drive, the Tren Maya is currently the best option.

Taxi from Cancun Airport to Tulum

• Cost: $120–140 USD per vehicle (up to 3 passengers)

• Travel Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Arriving at Cancun Airport, you’ll immediately notice taxi drivers, private agencies, and solicitors offering rides to Tulum.

While grabbing a taxi is easy, finding a reliable driver at a fair price is another story.

Taxi prices from Cancun Airport to Tulum are often inflated, and scams from unofficial solicitors remain common.

The official rate for taxis into Tulum Town starts around $70 USD, while trips to the Tulum Hotel Zone can reach $120–140 USD, depending on your drop‑off point.

After a long flight, the last thing you want is to negotiate rates or risk overpaying for a ride. This is why I recommend taxis as a last resort.

Pre‑booked private transfers or the ADO bus are usually safer, easier, and better value.

Renting a Car from Cancun Airport

• Cost: Varies by vehicle type and insurance ($30–$60 USD/day)

• Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Renting a car from Cancun Airport and driving to Tulum is the most flexible option for travelers who want to explore beyond the town itself.

Having a car makes it much easier to visit nearby destinations, like Akumal, Playa del Carmen, Valladolid, Chichen Itza, and even the Bacalar Lagoon.

If you’re traveling with friends, splitting the cost of a rental can be cheaper than relying on taxis in Tulum, which are notoriously expensive.

Keep in mind that the region’s main toll highway costs about $20 USD per trip, but it’s the fastest and safest way to reach Tulum.

Driving also gives you the freedom to explore local cenotes, beach clubs, and restaurants without waiting for taxis or transfers.

Just make sure you book with a reputable rental company and get full insurance coverage for peace of mind.

Getting from Cancun Airport to Tulum: Final Tips

Well, there you have it, those are all the best ways to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum.

Choose the transportation method that makes the most sense for your budget and travel style, and whenever possible, pre‑book your ride to avoid stress upon arrival.

Once you land in Tulum, keep in mind that getting around isn’t always simple. Check out my detailed guide on how to get around Tulum for helpful tips.

While Tulum now has its own airport, flights are still mostly limited to Mexico City and select U.S. hubs. For most travelers, flying into Cancun International Airport remains the easiest option.

Lastly, stay alert during your travels. Like many tourist hotspots, Tulum has its share of small scams and pushy vendors, so a bit of caution will go a long way in keeping your trip stress‑free.