Written by Andreas Keller, Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
01/08/2025
Camilo Laverde, Pexels
Tulum is served by the new Tulum International Airport (TQO) and is also accessible via the larger Cancun International Airport (CUN). Within Tulum, the main transportation hub is the ADO bus station located in the town center.
From Cancun International Airport (CUN) to Tulum:
Private Shuttle/Transfer:: A direct and comfortable option, typically taking 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. Costs start around $160-$180 USD one-way for a standard van (up to 3 passengers), with luxury SUV options at higher rates. Booking a round trip may offer savings.
ADO Bus:: A budget-friendly choice, direct buses to Tulum usually take about 2 hours and cost between $13-$22 USD (268-430 Mexican pesos). Tickets can be purchased online or at the airport.
Shared Shuttle:: A more economical option than private transfers, with prices around $37 USD per person one-way.
Tren Maya:: The train from Cancun Airport to Tulum takes approximately 1 hour 43 minutes. Tourist class tickets are about 467 Mexican pesos (~$27 USD), and Premier class is around 747.50 Mexican pesos (~$44 USD). A shuttle connects the airport terminal to the train station.
Car Rental:: Offers flexibility for exploring the region, with daily rates ranging from $22-$50 USD.
Taxi:: Available outside the airport, but fares are often higher than pre-booked transfers. Uber is not a reliable option from Cancun Airport.
From Tulum International Airport (TQO) to Tulum:
ADO Bus:: The most economical way, taking around 45 minutes and costing approximately $10-$11 USD (226 Mexican pesos). Daily departures are limited.
Private Shuttle:: Offers a personalized direct service. For 1-3 passengers, a minivan to Tulum Town costs about $65 USD one-way, while a full-size van for 8-10 passengers is around $129 USD.
Tren Maya:: The train from Tulum Airport reaches downtown Tulum in about 19 minutes.
Car Rental:: Provides freedom for onward exploration, with daily rates starting from $10-$27 USD.
Taxi:: Readily available, but it is advisable to confirm prices beforehand as fares can vary (e.g., $40-$100 USD depending on destination within Tulum).
Getting around Tulum:
Biking:: A popular and inexpensive method, especially with a dedicated bike path between downtown and the beach, and to the Tulum ruins. Rentals typically cost $6-10 USD per day.
Taxis:: Widely available but can be expensive, with minimum fares starting around $6 USD (100 pesos) for short distances and increasing at night.
Colectivos:: Shared vans offer a very affordable way to travel, costing roughly $0.80-$2.60 USD (15-45 pesos) for most routes along the main highway. They are primarily used by locals and may not be ideal with luggage.
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