The distance between Cancun Airport and Tulum is approximately 73 miles (118 km), making it a one to two-hour drive, usually depending on whether you travel by car or bus.
What is the best way to travel from Cancun Airport to Tulum?
Typically, the best way to travel from Cancun Airport to Tulum is by private car transfer. This is because driving via a private car like Daytrip ensures a comfortable, quick, and stress-free journey filled with side adventures and easy conversations.
Where should you stay when visiting Tulum?
Where you stay when visiting Tulum will depend on your preferences and budget. However, some recommended vacation stays include Tulum Inn, La Valise Tulum, Alea Tulum, Azulik, Hotel Calaluna, and the Orchid House Tulum.
Are there any must-see attractions or landmarks between Cancun Airport and Tulum?
When traveling between Cancun Airport and Tulum, there are a few must-see attractions and landmarks. Some of the top spots include El Rey Ruins, Jardin Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin, Cenote Chaak Tun, Chikin Ha, Two Eyes Cenote, and Coba. Daytrip's private car service makes it easy to visit these, or anywhere else youтАЩd like along the way.
Is Tulum safe to travel to from Cancun Airport?
Like any holiday location, Tulum has its fair share of spots to avoid. However, most travelers only need to fear sunburns, mosquito bites, hangovers, and hurricanes. But you should still be wary of drug dealers and petty criminals who make their living off stealing from travelers.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Cancun Airport to Tulum?
The ADO bus is the cheapest way to travel from Cancun Airport to Tulum. However, although the bus is cheap, it might not be the most comfortable or accommodating, especially if you want to stop and sightsee along the way. A better alternative is a shared shuttle, which is still affordable, but more comfortable and less crowded.
Traveling from Cancun Airport to Tulum can be tricky, so most globetrotters travel between these two locations via shuttle bus or private car transfer. However, a journey fraught with adventure can be quickly eclipsed by poor transportation. Public bus services are unfortunately known for delays and late departures in Mexico and can sell out, which makes Daytrip's private car trips and shared shuttle options all the more appealing.
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For comfort, convenience, and reliability, choose a private car service like Daytrip when traveling from Cancun Airport to Tulum. Unlike taxis and rental cars, Daytrip's private cars are always on time and will transport you from the airport to Tulum. Regardless of whether you take a shared shuttle or private car, Daytrip drivers will handle your luggage so you don't have to. And unlike many taxi drivers, they speak English so you can get some local tips and tricks to remember during your Tulum adventure before being dropped off in Tulum.
However, before deciding you want to go directly from Cancun Airport to Tulum, you should note that the airport itself and the route between these two locations deserve exploration.
Take a look at the many souvenir shops within the airport. If you're not planning on staying in Cancun and intend to travel directly to Tulum, visiting the souvenir shops is a great way to get a few gifts for friends and family back home. You can also visit numerous restaurants if you need a bite to eat after a tiring flight. Of course, if you're riding in a private car with Daytrip, your driver would be happy to bring you to their favorite local spot to eat along the way.
After you've seen all you want from the Cancun Airport, you can prepare yourself for a few exciting stops along your way to Tulum. If you've booked a private car with Daytrip, you'll have the flexibility to choose as many stops as you want. You won't miss out on any of the landmarks or attractions you're eager to see between Cancun airport and Tulum. If you're unsure where to stop, we recommend the El Rey Ruins, Cenote Chaak Tun, and Coba тАУ three equally thrilling natural wonders worthy of your visit.
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About Tulum
Tulum is one of the places many people traveling from Cancun Airport to Tulum wish they could never leave. Despite being such a small town, Tulum has much to offer savvy travelers interested in historical and cultural landmarks and attractions.
Tulum can be found on the southern end of Mexico's famous Riviera Maya. This small town began as a humble Mayan trading outpost but became one of the region's most important cities in the 13th and 14th centuries. Unfortunately, despite seeing bountiful prosperity for centuries, Tulum was abandoned in the 16th century, about 70 years after the arrival of the Spanish.
From the 16th century through to the 1960s, Tulum remained sparsely inhabited, with fewer than 100 residents calling the town home. Fortunately, the Mexican Government stepped in and created Cancun as a phenomenally exciting tourist destination during the 1970s, leading to the revival of Tulum.
Yet, as is the case with most popular tourist destinations, people wanted more тАУ specifically, a more authentic Mexican travel experience. This led travelers to cross the distance from Cancun to Tulum in search of a Mexican paradise. And who couldn't call Tulum that, with its beautiful beaches, lush jungle landscape, and intriguing and thought-provoking Mayan ruins?
With thousands of visitors continuing to visit Tulum each year, it's unsurprising that the town has grown and flourished into an eco-luxury destination that remains affordable for globetrotters and their families.
Developers have turned Tulum into a city boasting swanky restaurants, bars, luxury hotels, and shops. Travelers can look forward to mainstays like the Papaya Playa Project, which defines the 'Glamping' experience, with beautifully well-crafted thatch-roof bungalows overlooking crystalline beaches, sparkling private pools, luxury spas, and organic dining.
But Tulum is more than the sum of its creature comforts. This Mexican town strikes the perfect balance, with visitors having countless opportunities to explore what this region is best known for тАУ its natural and historical landmarks and attractions. When visiting, it would be remiss of you to forget about exploring Tulum's beaches.
The beaches in Tulum are unlike any others found throughout the world, so dipping your toes into the gently frothing water is a delight unlike any other. Some of the most popular Tulum beaches worth visiting include Playa Akumal, Playa Paraiso, Papaya Playa, and Playa Ruinas. These white sand beaches are the perfect relaxation location. You can sip a deliciously smooth cocktail while watching the sun rise or set and reflect on how great life is at that moment.
Yet, don't despair if beaches aren't that awe-inspiring in your mind's eye, as another popular attraction is likely to sweep you off your feet and excite your daredevil nature. This attraction is a series of attractions in Yucatan, Tulum, and they are known as cenotes. Cenotes are beautiful and often swimmable water-filled sinkholes.
In ancient times, the Mayans held cenotes sacred, with many believing them unfathomable gateways into the underworld. It's not difficult to see why, considering many of the cenotes found in Tulum are connected to hundreds of miles of underground caverns. If you're interested in a little exploration and want to frolic in a few cenotes during your visit, the best to check out include Temple of Doom, Tortuga, Vacaha, Maya Blue, Naharon, Grand Cenote, Abejas, Nohoch Kiin, Calavera, and Zacil-Haare.
After a long day filled with seemingly endless pleasurable swimming, you'll likely work up quite the appetite and thirst. Luckily, Tulum is brimming with several delicious eateries and enticing cocktail bars where you can grab a bite to eat and a cocktail for each hand. While visiting, we recommend trying some of the local cuisine like Cochinita pibil, a traditional Yucatec Mayan dish where pork is marinated in citrus juice, seasoned with annatto seed, and wrapped in banana leaf before being slow-roasted.
Of course, before you leave, you need to visit the Tulum archaeological site. This archeological site is one of the most well-preserved coastal Maya sites, with centuries-old temples and castles that you can explore that overlook the beach!
From Cancun Airport to Tulum: Travel tips
When traveling from Cancun Airport to Tulum, there are a few important travel trips you need to keep in mind to ensure your journey is what you expect it to be. Have a look below to learn a few of our best travel tips that will help ensure your Tulum visit is a memorable experience.
Visit during the low season
Everyone wants to visit Tulum when it's gloriously sunny. Unfortunately, that might prove to be a bad decision, considering this small town quickly fills with hundreds (if not thousands) of travelers eager to explore the beaches, nightlife, cenotes, and ruins.
So, to avoid hordes of crowds and to benefit from lower hotel and attraction rates, it's better to avoid visiting Tulum and the attractions along the way to this town during December, February to April, rather than the summer high season. Instead, plan to visit Tulum and the sights along the way in late spring or, if you don't mind risking some rain, from late August to early December.
Don't use dollars; use pesos
When traveling from Cancun Airport to Tulum, using pesos and not dollars is important. Although many businesses in Tulum and along the route to it accept US dollars alongside Mexican pesos, it's more bang for your buck to exchange your US dollars for pesos at the airport.
This is because, often, if you pay in US dollars, you're subject to a huge premium for the same product or service because of the exchange rates. So opting to use pesos to pay for goods and services means you receive a better exchange rate and aren't subject to what some would call 'daylight robbery.'
We recommend waiting until you land in Cancun before withdrawing pesos from your account at a bank ATM. Try to avoid ATMs that aren't found in banks, as you might be scammed because of a common practice in Mexico known as ATM "skimming" - or just bad exchange rates.
Protect yourself with travel insurance
No matter how much you plan, there is always the chance disaster will strike. Although that's the last thing you want to hear when planning your trip to Tulum, it's better to be safe than sorry. That's why you need to ensure you have travel insurance.
All the good hospitals in Tulum are private, which means you'll need to pay to use the facilities in the event of an emergency. Should you have travel insurance, your insurance will cover the costs. If you don't, the hospital won't let you leave until after you've settled your account. So, ensure you have travel insurance for peace of mind during your drive between Cancun Airport and Tulum.
Travel via private car transfer service
It can be tempting to choose one of the cheaper travel options, but we recommend against it. Not only could you end up paying more than you should, but there is always the safety risk, especially when traveling with family.
Fortunately, private car services like Daytrip exist. If you choose to travel via Daytrip from Cancun Airport to Tulum, you can rest assured that you'll get to Tulum safely and comfortably without paying an arm and a leg.
Daytrip drivers are friendly and fluent in English. They can share local tips and tricks, and they'll be able to accommodate pre-booked sightseeing requests. With Daytrip, you won't miss out on any local attractions you're eager to visit when traveling between these two locations, which cannot be said for other modes of transportation.
Ultimately, with Daytrip, you can appreciate your journey to Tulum as much as you'll enjoy the city itself upon arrival. So don't hesitate to chat with your driver and make any requests known.
How to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum
With Tulum being one of the most beautiful places on earth, it's unsurprising that so many people want a piece of the Tulum pie. If you're one of them but not quite sure how to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum, look below for our top transportation options. There's a travel option that meets every traveler's needs, budget, and preferences.
From Cancun Airport to Tulum by rental car
Considering how expensive it is, it's not ideal and shouldn't be your first choice, but you can rent a car when you arrive at the Cancun Airport. If you rent a car, you can stop along the way and take in your travel list of sights, but you should note that renting a car comes with numerous complications.
For example, you won't know the roads or the best way to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum. This can lead to you becoming lost, which you want to avoid at all costs. Additionally, traveling via rental car can be exhausting, and you likely don't want to be exhausted when there's so much to see and do in this beautifully ancient, culturally significant town.
Renting a small car can set you back about $20 daily with insurance, but this often comes with a mileage limit, and you'll need to pay for gas. There also might be a deposit involved.
From Cancun Airport to Tulum by bus
Those on a strict budget should consider traveling from Cancun Airport to Tulum via bus. The ADO bus leaves from the Cancun Airport and travels to Cancun daily, with buses leaving from 10:55 am until 9:45 pm. Typically, ADO buses are comfortable and air-conditioned.
Alternatively, you can take one of the smaller buses to Playa del Carmen and transfer from here to Tulum if the ADO bus times don't suit your schedule. Both trips will take around two hours.
You should also expect to pay roughly $13.50 per bus ticket, and there might be delays that could slow you down. You also won't be able to stop and take in any of the spectacular sights along the way, so keep this in mind.
From Cancun Airport to Tulum by shared shuttle
Solo travelers and those wanting to save on airport transportation should consider a shuttle bus when traveling to Tulum. A shuttle bus is a shared mode of transportation that is more expensive than the regular bus but cheaper than a private car transfer.
The shared Daytrip shuttle bus that drives travelers from Cancun Airport to Tulum is comfortable, air-conditioned, and on time. However, it's important to note that prices differ, and the trip can take two to three hours or longer because, unlike with a private car, the shuttle will stop in numerous places along the way to drop off passengers.
From Cancun Airport to Tulum by Daytrip private car service
If you don't want to bother with the hassle of driving yourself to Tulum from Cancun airport or don't feel like being in a vehicle with anyone besides the people you know and your driver, you should book a private car with Daytrip. Our private car service will drive you from Cancun Airport to Tulum inexpensively.
Daytrip offers door-to-door pick-up and drop-off services, luggage handling, and friendly drivers fluent in English who can help you get acquainted with the area before you arrive in Tulum. When you travel with Daytrip, you can look forward to a comfortable, safe, fast, and efficient drive. You can even make sightseeing stops along the way if you book with Daytrip in advance - a treat you won't get with any other transportation option.
Things to do when you get to Tulum
Tulum is an ancient Mayan town just waiting for you to explore its spectacular beaches, crumbling ruins, and delicious food. But where should you begin your worldly sightseeing? Below, we've detailed a few of the best things to do when you get to Tulum.
Explore TulumтАЩs Mayan Origins
Chichen Itza is the crown jewel of MexicoтАЩs archeological wonders, and Tulum has its own slice of Mayan heritage. Known by the Mayans as Zama, тАШthe Place of the Dawning SunтАЩ, Tulum was founded as a humble trading post but grew to become one of the empireтАЩs most important settlements in the 13th and 14th centuries. Walk among Mayan temples and ancient walls and stand at the foot of the mighty castle, all with a view of the sparkling Caribbean Sea. This beachside piece of history is undoubtedly the highlight of Tulum!
Hit the beach
Tulum's famous beaches don't need much of an introduction. Soak up the sun as you stroll the powdery white sands past idyllic bungalows and swaying palm trees, before taking a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. It's important to stay hydrated when you're out in the sun, so make regular visits to one of the beach bars for a fruity cocktail.
Chill out around town
Just inland from the coast lies Tulum's laid-back beach town. Gorge yourself at one of the many bars and restaurants on some of the most delicious, fresh-focused food in Mexico. Be sure to try regional specialties like Cochinita Pibil, or just "Pibil". This culinary icon of the Yucatan is a meticulously prepared roasted pork that will keep you coming back for more.
Mayan Ruins of Coba (Zona Arqueol├│gica de Cob├б)
If you didn't stop to visit Coba on your ride from Cancun Airport to Tulum, don't leave it off your to-do list. The Mayan Ruins of Coba are one of the most important Mesoamerican historical settlements and lie within the heart of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
When walking amongst the ruins, you'll see evidence of the estimated 50,000 people who used to call it home during its peak between AD 500 and AD 900. You'll also get to see the impressive complex Maya system of roadways that runs through the ruins. In addition, although the jungle site is still being excavated, you'll get to witness the already-discovered stone causeways and engraved and sculpted monuments.
Cenotes Sac Actun
The Cenotes Sac Actun is abundantly filled with crystal clear water and lined with striking limestone stalactites. This cenote has the world's largest known underwater cave system, and if you're feeling brave enough, you can swim and snorkel.
It has some of the most colorful fish known to man, and you might even glimpse animal fossils. It's also one of the least crowded cenotes in Tulum, making it even more impressive and worth visiting.
Hiking enthusiasts will rejoice when they learn they can spend a day hiking through Punta Laguna Nature Reserve and its lush jungle landscape. This nature reserve in Tulum is filled with beautiful plants, cute animals, pretty flowers, and howler monkeys!
It's also home to more than 600 spider species, so if you get queasy or frightened when you see one, it might not be the best attraction to visit. It's also worth noting that you should take a guided hike through this nature reserve, considering there are many predatory animals like crocodiles and pumas.
Laguna de Kaan Luum
Laguna de Kaan Luum is one of Tulum's best-kept secrets. This magnificent lagoon is less than ten miles downtown and is home to an underground spring that imbues the lagoon's water with a spectacular array of colors.
Those who visit this little-known lagoon can paddleboard or swim in its waters. If you've never paddle boarded, this lagoon is the perfect place to learn since it offers a tour with equipment hire and lunch (tacos) included. It's unique, it's fun, and it's a must for water enthusiasts.
Burrito Amor
Even if you've eaten hundreds of burritos during your lifetime, you'll have never eaten one quite like the burritos sold at Burrito Amor in Tulum. These burritos are a once-in-a-lifetime taste experience for your tastebuds. But what makes them so delicious?
Well, the burritos sold by Burrito Amor are creatively wrapped in banana leaves and served to customers. Besides burritos, this restaurant serves some of the tastiest local cuisine, and it won't break the bank, with most meals costing about $5.25, cheaper than many other local eateries in Tulum.
Playa Delfines is popular with local surfers and is located right in the heart of CancunтАЩs Hotel Zone. ┬аSurf like the dolphins┬а
Jardin Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin
One of the largest nature reserves in Mexico, this lush patch of jungle is home to the last troop of spider monkeys on the coast.┬аThe Jungle Troop┬а
Cenote Chaak Tun
Sunlight and trees pour into a small hole in the heart of this stunning underground cenote ornamented by beautiful cave formations.┬аLight in the Dark┬а
Chikin Ha
Three beautiful cenotes allow visitors to swim in and under the lush tropical forest, and partake in a Mayan ritual.┬аTres Treats┬а
Two Eyes Cenote
These pools of impossibly clear water are the gateway to one of the worldтАЩs longest underwater cave systems.┬аA Diver's Delight┬а
Coba
The largest network of Mayan highways radiates out from the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan located in the heart of this ancient city.┬аThe High Road┬а
