Where Is Tulum Located? (READ THIS Before You Travel)

Tulum is a beautiful city located on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.

It’s a popular tourist destination for its stunning beaches and turquoise waters.

If you’re thinking about traveling to Tulum, here’s what you need to know about its location, how to get there, and what to expect when you’re there.

Where is Tulum – Location, Getting There, What’s Nearby, and What to Expect

Here’s everything you need to know about where Tulum is, and how to get there.

Where Is Tulum Located?

Tulum is located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.

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

Geographically, it’s located 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of Cancun and about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the nearest town, Puerto Morelos.

You can see where Tulum is on a map here:

How To Get To Tulum?

There are a few different ways to get to Tulum. You can fly into either Cancun International Airport (CUN) or Cozumel International Airport (CZM) and then take a bus, taxi, or rental car to Tulum.

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.

The most convenient option is to rent a car and drive yourself to Tulum. The drive is very straightforward (it’s one road) and will take you around 2 hours if you drive directly.

Check out our full guide on the best ways to get from Cancun to Tulum

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.

Where is Tulum Beach?

Tulum Beach is located about 20 minutes outside the town of Tulum town.

There are actually two popular beaches near Tulum, the ‘Hotel Zone’ or Zona Hotelera beach which has all the most popular hotels and nightlife, and the ‘public beach’ (our personal favorite).

Though not as popular as Zona Hotelera, the public beach, or Playa Paraiso, is a great alternative to the classic hotel beach in Tulum. There are so many amazing restaurants and hippy-chic beach clubs dotted all along, for a fraction of the price of the hotel zone!

You can see the two beaches on a map here:

What’s Near to Tulum? 

Tulum is situated 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 snorkeling 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.

Where to Stay in Tulum?

When looking for the perfect place to stay in Tulum, there are a few key things to consider.

The first is where you want to be located – do you prefer to be on the beach road or close to the main town center?

Staying closer to the main areas will give you access to more shops, restaurants, and nightlife while staying on the beach road means having easy access to all of the gorgeous beaches in Tulum.

Check out our Full Guide to Living in Tulum

Budget Accommodation in Tulum

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option close to the town center, then staying in Tulum town may be the best choice for you. This bustling hub is home to coffee shops and restaurants as well as vibrant street markets.

There are plenty of hostels and affordable Airbnbs available in town, making it an ideal location for travelers on a budget.

Mid-range Accommodation in Tulum

If, however, you are more interested in staying near the beach and want easy access to all the beautiful stretches of sand that Tulum has to offer, then opting for the nearby Aldea Zama might be your best bet.

Whether you’re looking for a jungle resort or something more laid-back like a self-catered apartment, there are plenty of options available in this charming neighborhood.

With its central location just minutes from one of Tulum’s top beaches, as well as the proximity to Tulum town, Aldea Zama is an ideal choice for those who want easy access to the best of both worlds.

Luxury Accommodation in Tulum

When it comes to luxury stays in Tulum, the beach road of Zona Hotelera is always a popular choice.

This road is home to some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in the area, with pristine white sand beaches and incredible views of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

These gorgeous hotels have everything you need, with amenities like beautiful pools, delicious restaurants, and well-equipped fitness centers.

They won’t come cheap though, with most hotels starting at around $500 a night.

What Can I Expect From Tulum? 

The town of Tulum has a laid-back vibe with plenty of beachfront bars and restaurants serving up fresh seafood.

The beaches here are some of the best in Mexico, so make sure to spend some time relaxing on the sand or swimming in the sea.

There’s also plenty of shopping if you want to pick up some souvenirs, as well as opportunities for activities like zip-lining, cave tubing, and exploring ancient ruins. 

Where is Tulum? (and Why Should You Visit?)

Tulum is a beautiful city located on the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It’s an incredible tourist destination known for its stunning Caribbean beaches and turquoise waters.

If you’re thinking about traveling to Tulum, this guide has hopefully given you all the information you need about its location, how to get there, and what to expect when you’re there.

Any questions about Tulum? Please ask in the comments below.

READ MORE: Tulum Digital Nomad Guide