How Far Is Tulum From Cancun? (by Taxi, Bus, Transfer, & More)

Tulum is a unique destination for anyone looking for a relaxing beach vacation with a touch of ancient history and digital nomad vibes. The turquoise water and soft white sand provide the perfect backdrop for some much-needed rest and relaxation.

You might’ve been to Cancun before, but trust us when we say that Tulum is on a whole other level than the traditional Quintana Roo vacation.

But how far is Tulum from Cancun? and how do you get there?

In this FAQ guide, we dive into everything you need to know about getting to Tulum, including the exact distance and the best transportation options.

Get ready to be on your way to Tulum!

Where is Tulum?

Tulum is located on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, facing the Caribbean Sea. It’s part of the Quintana Roo state and is approximately 130 kilometres (about 81 miles) south of Cancún, one of the region’s major cities.

Tulum is renowned for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city, which offer a unique blend of historical and natural beauty. The area has also gained popularity for its pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife, making it a diverse destination that appeals to history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and those simply looking to unwind.

How Far is Tulum From Cancun Airport?

The distance from Cancun Airport to Tulum is 130.7km (81 miles).

Tulum is about a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Cancun Airport, and roughly 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen.

The drive is all along one road (the 307 Highway), so it is relatively easy to travel directly from Cancun Airport to Tulum.

You can see the distance on a map here:

Check out Our Tulum Digital Nomad Guide

How to Get to Tulum From Cancun

There are a few different ways to get to Tulum, which we’ll go into in detail below.

The easiest way is to fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN) and then take a bus, taxi, transfer, or rental car to Tulum.

By Bus

The best budget-friendly way is to take the direct ADO bus from Cancun airport to Tulum town, and then hail a local taxi to your accommodation.

You can find the ADO bus timetable here.

If there are no direct buses available from Cancun Airport to Tulum town, you can also take a bus direct to Playa Del Carmen and change to another bus there.

The buses from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen are much more frequent, so there is an easy option if the direct Cancun-Tulum timetable doesn’t fit with your flights.

By Taxi

Taking a taxi from Cancun airport to Tulum is the most convenient option, but it can also be expensive.

The cost will vary depending on the taxi driver, but expect to pay at least $100 USD for the approximately 1hr 45 min-long ride.

One better way to save money is to take a shared shuttle, which often have set prices and can be booked in advance.

It’s important to avoid unlicensed taxis, as they may charge inflated rates or even try to scam tourists. In general, always agree on the price before getting into any taxi and don’t be afraid to negotiate or shop around for better deals.

If you would prefer to book a taxi in advance, rather than risking an airport taxi, you can do so here.

How Much Is a Taxi From Cancun to Tulum?

The cost can vary hugely depending on the taxi driver and the time of year, but expect to pay around $100 USD for a direct drive from Cancun Airport to Tulum.

The best way is to book your taxi in advance.

By Transfer

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option than a taxi, you can also arrange for a transfer through a third-party company.

The cost for this will typically be around $30 per person, but keep in mind it may take longer as the driver may have multiple stops along the way.

Just make sure to confirm with your hotel or transfer provider beforehand so that everything is ready upon your arrival.

You can book your transfer from Cancun to Tulum for $30 here

Renting a Car

The most convenient and flexible option (in our opinion) is to rent a car and drive yourself to Tulum.

The drive is very straightforward as it’s only one road, and the journey will take you around 1 hour 45 minutes if you drive directly.

You can easily pick up your rental car from Cancun airport and be on your way to Tulum!

How Much is it to Rent A Car in Cancun Aiport?

The cost of renting a car from Cancun to Tulum can vary depending on what type of car you’re looking for, but you can expect to pay around $40-50 per day for a basic economy vehicle.

Of course, there are also other fees such as insurance and gas to factor in, but having your own transportation can come with plenty of benefits – particularly if you want to visit the other attractions around Tulum.

Not only can it save you from paying for pricey taxis or relying on public transportation, but it also gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and make spontaneous stops along the way.

Just make sure to do your research before booking, as rules and regulations for driving in Mexico may differ from what you’re used to at home. Happy travels!

Tulum Travel Guide FAQ

Before we get started with this mini-FAQ, you can see our Full Tulum FAQ Guide, including where it is located, how to get there, where to stay and all the things to do around Tulum.

Where is Tulum?

Tulum is located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

It’s about an hour and a half drive from Cancun, and 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen.

You can see where Tulum is on a map here:

Is Tulum Safe?

Tulum has become a hugely popular tourist destination for travelers looking for stunning beaches and beautiful Mayan ruins. But, as with any popular tourist destination, Tulum has some safety concerns.

The good news is that by using common sense and occasionally taking extra precautions, visitors can typically enjoy their time in Tulum without any issues.

It’s important to note the difference between the hotel zone and Tulum town. The hotel zone is generally well-patrolled by security and considered quite safe, while Tulum town can have higher crime rates.

As with traveling anywhere, it’s always wise to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone at night. Trust your gut if a situation feels unsafe, and remember that Tulum has police stations and hospitals available if you ever need assistance.

Overall, Tulum can be a safe destination as long as visitors take basic precautions.

How to Get Around Tulum?

Once you’re in Tulum, getting around is best done by foot or bicycle. Many hotels and resorts offer shuttle services to guests as well.

Taxis here can be pricey as the beach is roughly 30 30-minute drive away from the town (more in traffic), so you can expect to pay upwards of $30 for a one-way trip.

The actual fare can be a lot lower than this if you bargain though, so be sure to haggle when you can.

This is one reason that a lot of people choose to rent a car, enabling you to explore the surrounding area without relying on taxis.

What’s Near to Tulum? 

Tulum is right between the Caribbean Sea and the jungle, so there are plenty of activities nearby for both beach-goers and adventure-seekers.

If you’re looking for some beach time, head to Akumal or Soliman Bay for snorkelling or swimming with turtles.

For something more active, there are ruins to explore nearby such as Coba or the Ancient Wonder of Chichen Itza, which is about a 2-hour drive away.

There are also incredible cenotes (underground freshwater pools) dotted around the area if you fancy a swim in crystal clear waters. Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera are two you shouldn’t miss.

So, How Do You Get to Tulum?

We hope this article has helped you to find the best way from Cancun to Tulum.

There is always more than one option, depending on your budget and time available, and hopefully, we’ve shown you the best way that works for you!

If you have any questions about transport or activities in Tulum, feel free to ask below.

Happy travels!

READ MORE: Our Tulum Digital Nomad Guide