Getting there

How to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum

Tulum is about 1 hour 30 minutes south of Cancun Airport by private transfer, along Federal Highway 307. It's the longest ride in the Riviera Maya: with kids, luggage or after a long flight, a private transfer straight to your hotel is the most comfortable choice.

Equipo editorial My Local Shuttle3 min read
Tulum Mayan ruins on a clifftop above the turquoise Caribbean Sea
On this page
  1. The options side by side
  2. Private transfer
  3. ADO bus
  4. Airport taxi
  5. Rental car
  6. Know which area of Tulum you're going to
  7. What about Tulum Airport?
  8. How your transfer works with My Local Shuttle

Tulum is the southernmost destination usually reached from Cancun Airport, and the ride is the longest in the Riviera Maya. That's why choosing how to get there matters, especially if you're traveling with kids, with luggage or after a long flight.

The options side by side

Option Approximate time Drops you at Best for
Private transfer 1 hour 30 minutes Your hotel door Families, groups, late arrivals
ADO bus Longer: add waiting time and the ride from the station Tulum bus station Solo travelers with light luggage
Airport taxi Similar to private Your hotel Anyone who didn't book ahead
Rental car Similar to private Wherever you choose Anyone planning to explore the area

Times depend on traffic, time of day and which area of Tulum you're heading to.

Private transfer

After a flight, almost two hours on the road can feel long. With a private transfer your driver is already waiting, the vehicle is only for your group and you go straight there, with no stops or changes. The price is per vehicle and fixed when you book.

ADO bus

ADO buses run from the airport to Tulum. It's the cheapest alternative, but it runs on fixed schedules and drops you at the downtown Tulum station; if your hotel is on the beach or in another area, you'll need an extra taxi.

Airport taxi

Arranged when you arrive, with no booking needed. On a long ride like this one, ask for the fare before you get in.

Rental car

If you'll be exploring cenotes and archaeological sites, a rental car may suit you. Factor in hotel parking, especially in the beach area.

Know which area of Tulum you're going to

Tulum has quite different areas, and it helps to know where you're staying:

  • Downtown Tulum (town): around the main avenue, with restaurants and the bus station.
  • Hotel zone or beach area: hotels along the coast, on a narrower road where traffic can be slow.
  • Aldea Zama and La Veleta: residential areas between downtown and the beach, with many apartments and boutique hotels.

Always give the exact address when you book: some places have no visible sign from the street.

What about Tulum Airport?

Tulum also has its own international airport. If your flight lands there, the ride into town is shorter than from Cancun. Check which airport your flight arrives at before booking your transfer.

How your transfer works with My Local Shuttle

  • Book online and get your confirmation right away.
  • Your driver waits with a Transfer sign in the prepaid transportation area, for up to 60 minutes after your flight lands.
  • We track your flight: if it's delayed, the pickup time is adjusted at no cost.
  • Private transfer: only your group rides, with no stops, straight to your hotel.
  • Free cancellation if you request it at least 24 hours in advance.
  • 24/7 support on WhatsApp: +52 1 33 1605 2225.

Is Playa del Carmen part of your trip? Read the guide from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen and compare every option in private transfer, taxi or bus.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the ride from Cancun Airport to Tulum?
About 1 hour 30 minutes by private transfer, depending on traffic and the area of Tulum you're going to.
What if my flight to Cancun is delayed?
We track your flight in real time and the driver adjusts the pickup time at no extra cost.
How much luggage can I bring?
One standard suitcase and one carry-on per passenger. Extra or oversized luggage must be mentioned when you book.

Editorial team

Equipo editorial My Local Shuttle

My Local Shuttle operations and customer care team in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.