How to Get to Tulum: The Easiest & Cheapest Ways

Discover how to get to Tululm from abroad or from Cancún or further afield within Mexico by plane, private transfer, shared shuttle, bus, train, rental car, and more.

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Getting to Tulum can feel confusing, especially if it’s your first time visiting the Riviera Maya. Between deciding whether to fly into Cancún or Tulum Airport, figuring out transfers, and weighing up buses, taxis, or Ubers, the logistics can quickly become overwhelming.

We’ve travelled all over Mexico, and eastern Mexico is one of the easiest places to get around with a whole host of transport links. Tulum’s on the well-trodden tourist path, so you’re not short of transportation options. But we found it really difficult to find credible information about the new Tulum Airport and how to get from it to the Pubelo (town) and Hotel Zone.

In this guide, we break down exactly how to get to Tulum from Cancún, Mexico City, other parts of Mexico, or even the US and Europe, plus which transportation methods are cheapest and easiest to use, so you can spend less time transiting and more time enjoying the cenotes, beaches, and Mayan ruins that make Tulum so popular.

How to get to Tulum

Tulum is a popular destination in the Riviera Maya and is easily accessible. Most travellers arrive via Cancún International Airport, one of the busiest in Latin America, but it has its own airport, too.

Once you land, getting to Tulum is straightforward, so you can be at your hotel or the beach relatively quickly. The main transportation methods for getting to Tulum – that we cover in this post – include:

Where is Tulum?

Tulum is located on the eastern side of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo. It sits roughly halfway down the coast, between Playa del Carmen and Akumal in the north and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in the south.

The town is split into two main areas: Tulum Pueblo (Downtown) and the Hotel Zone along the beach road. It’s important to note that the town itself and the Hotel Zone are actually a 20-minute drive apart.

Unlike the more built-up cities of Cancún or Playa del Carmen, Tulum’s location makes it a convenient base for many of the region’s best cenotes, lagoons, and nearby Mayan ruins.

Getting to Tulum Map

We’ve pinned the main transportation links in Tulum on the interactive map below.

How to get to Tulum by plane

With multiple international airports in the region, differing flight prices, and varying onward travel times, choosing the best route to Tulum can be tricky. While you can fly directly into Tulum, you might not want to. Many international visitors fly into other parts of Mexico before continuing on to Tulum, as it’s not a destination that’s always easy or affordable to directly access from abroad. The two main options are:

Airlines that fly into Tulum include: Aeroméxico, Air Canada, American Airlines, Avianca Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Mexicana Airlines, United Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Volaris, and WestJet, among a few others. Availability of flights can depend on the season, airline, and whether you prioritise cost, convenience, or total travel time.

Which airport do you fly into for Tulum?

Tulum now has its own international airport, which has changed how people arrive. The Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) opened to commercial flights in late 2023. It handles both domestic and limited international flights, mainly from the US and within Mexico.

Alternatively, you can fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN). Tulum Airport is much closer to the town than Cancún’s. The journey takes roughly 40–45 minutes, making it the most direct option when flights are available. However, Cancún Airport is larger, better connected, and often cheaper to fly into, but it’s around 2 hours from Tulum by road.

Playa del Carmen also has an airport, but it’s not commercially used by most travellers.

How to get to Tulum from the airport

From both Cancún and Tulum airports, onward travel is by road. Here are the best transportation methods.

By bus

To get to Tulum’s Downtown or Hotel Zone from Tulum Airport, you can take the ADO Bus. These are modern, air-conditioned coaches and the cheapest way to get to Tulum. There’s an ADO Terminal in the airport, and you’ll be dropped off at the Tulum Downtown ADO Terminal.

From here, you can transfer to a taxi to the Hotel Zone or your accommodation (we simply walked, as we stayed in the town). The journey takes around 45 minutes and costs around 200 pesos ($12 USD).

By shuttle

Private transfers are the fastest way to get to Tulum and are more comfortable, especially for groups or late arrivals. While shared shuttles are a good compromise between convenience and affordability.

Tulum airport transfers are great as a driver meets you directly in the arrivals hall, helps with your luggage, and takes you straight to your accommodation without any waiting around. This is especially handy if you’re landing late at night, travelling with kids, or just want a smooth start to your trip. If you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, it also means you don’t need to faff with any changes in the town.

Unfortunately, Tulum airport transfers are notoriously quite expensive, so you might prefer to take the bus. Prices vary depending on whether you book a shared or private transfer, but typically cost around $45-70 USD one way per person for a shared shuttle and $150-300 USD one way per private vehicle (with prices varying by provider and group size). My Tulum Transportation and Canada Transfers are two highly-rated and more affordable options.

By taxi

Taxis are available at Tulum Airport, but not the best option. Taxis aren’t metered and there’s no list of fixed prices. It’s hard to say how much a taxi from the airport to Tulum should cost, as everyone seems to be quoted a different price. It’s not unusual to be quoted as much as $100 USD for the journey to the Hotel Zone from the airport.

While Uber is said to technically work in Tulum, in reality, it doesn’t really. Your accommodation will likely be able to help you arrange a transfer or taxi from the airport, which could be cost-effective (or the quote could be super high).

By car

You can also rent a car in Tulum, which is great if you plan to explore the wider region at your own pace.

The airport has many major international rental companies, including Hertz, Avis, and Europcar. Just beware that sometimes car rental companies are accused of scams, like adding huge fees you weren’t expecting. Always check the reviews of the company before booking. We use DiscoverCars.com to find the best rates and have inclusive insurance.

It’s essential to book your car in advance, especially in peak season, as prices can fluctuate based on demand. Rental cars start at around $30-45 USD per day, depending on the season and vehicle type. If a price looks too good to be true, it usually is, and you may end up facing hidden fees such as mandatory insurance or extra taxes.

How to get to Tulum from within Mexico

If you’re coming from further afield, like Mexico City or Baja California Sur, the best option is just to take a domestic flight into Tulum or Cancún.

In the next section, we’re going to go into detail about how to get to Tulum overland from other destinations in Mexico. We’ll also expand more on getting to Tulum from Cancún, and we have a whole post on getting to Cancún in the first place. This is one of the most popular routes to Tulum.

How to get to Tulum from Cancún

From Cancún Airport, you can take the ADO Bus to the Downtown Cancún Bus Terminal, where you can change to a bus (or colectivo if you don’t have much luggage and are on a budget) to Tulum. This is what we did on our first visit, and it worked really well. The buses are easy to figure out and super affordable, as Cancún to Tulum is a popular route.

Alternatively, you could pre-book a shared shuttle or private transfer straight to Tulum from the airport, which is the hassle-free option. This is what we did in Cancún, where taxis can be confusing and have a reputation for ripping off travellers.

Another option is to take Tren Maya, a modern train route that connects towns along the coast and into the Yucatán Peninsula. We took it from Cancún to Bacalar (and passed Tulum on the way). It’s smooth, fast, and convenient – the only downside is it’s more expensive than the bus.

If you’re also flying out of Cancún, you could rent a car, as there are more options and the prices are more affordable than in Tulum.

No matter which airport you use, it’s worth arranging transport in advance during peak season.

By bus

ADO Buses run frequent services from cities like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Mérida, and Valladolid, with air-conditioned coaches and assigned seating. These long-distance buses are one of the easiest and most reliable ways to reach Tulum from elsewhere in Mexico.

Buses arrive at Tulum’s main ADO terminal in Downtown, which is centrally located. This is where most of the more affordable hotels and restaurants in Tulum are. It’s affordable, safe, and far more comfortable than many people expect. Tickets can be booked on the ADO website or in person at stations, though popular routes can sell out during high season.

By car

Driving gives you the most flexibility to explore, especially if you plan to visit cenotes, beaches, and Tulum Ruins independently. Roads in the Yucatán Peninsula are generally flat and well-maintained, with Highway 307 connecting coastal cities like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

Traffic can be heavy around Tulum itself, particularly in the Hotel Zone, and parking isn’t always straightforward. Speed bumps (topes) are frequent and not always well marked, so look out for these, too.

Rental cars are widely available in major cities and at airports, but insurance costs add up quickly.

By shuttle

Booking a shuttle is the easiest way to get to Tulum, especially if it’s your first time in Mexico. It’s also a great option if you’re travelling as a group or with luggage. Shared and private shuttles operate throughout the region, often door-to-door from Tulum hotels or transport hubs.

They’re more expensive than buses but remove the hassle of navigating terminals or arranging onward transport. Shared shuttles can involve waiting around for other passengers and multiple drop-offs, but it’s often worth it to save some money. Private transfers are faster but pricey – they generally work out more cost-effective if you’re travelling in a group.

By train

Tren Maya is super handy, connecting parts of the Yucatán Peninsula, including Tulum. We were among some of the first people to ride it and found it super quick and convenient. Tulum’s train station is easily connected to other stations at Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos in the north, and Bacalar and Chetumal (the gateway city to the Mexico-Belize border crossing) in the south.

Unlike the ADO bus terminals, stations are typically located outside town centres, meaning you’ll still need onward transport once you arrive. Taxis are generally organised to be available around the time the train arrives, and are super affordable. Otherwise, some stations like Cancún have shuttle bus connections for a few pesos.

By taxi

Taxis can be used for shorter inter-city trips, but they’re not cost-effective for long distances, and we wouldn’t recommend them for journeys to Tulum. Prices aren’t metered and must be negotiated in advance, which can lead to inflated fares. Taxis are more commonly used for getting around Tulum itself, especially between Downtown and the Hotel Zone.

By colectivo

Colectivos are shared minibuses that run fixed routes along main roads. They’re mainly used by locals and are the cheapest way to get to Tulum, but not practical if you have luggage. They operate frequently between Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, stopping anywhere along the highway. There’s no fixed timetable, and comfort is basic (often, we experienced cramped and sweaty vans), but they’re efficient.

Getting to Tulum FAQs

To help you plan a smooth trip, we’ve answered these frequently asked questions about getting to Tulum.

Does Tulum have an airport now?

Tulum now has a small international airport that opened recently, mainly serving a limited number of commercial flights and private jets. Regularly scheduled flights are still quite limited compared with Cancún, so many visitors still fly into Cancún instead before transiting to Tulum.

Is it better to fly into Cancún or Tulum Airport?

For most visitors, Cancún Airport is still the easier and cheaper option to fly into for Tulum due to the wide range of flights and international connections. This is how we got to Tulum from the UK on our first trip. If you’re looking for speed and convenience and don’t mind a 90-120-minute transfer south, Cancún works best.

Which airlines fly to Tulum, Mexico?

Tulum Airport is served by a few regional carriers and select charter flights, including low-cost Mexican airlines. International service is still limited, with occasional seasonal flights from the US and Central America. Most major international airlines don’t fly directly here yet, so connecting through Cancún is common. Airlines that fly into Tulum include Aeroméxico, Air Canada, Air Transat, American Airlines, Avianca Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Discover Airlines, Flexjet, JetBlue Airways, Mexicana Airlines, Sunwing Airlines, United Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Volaris, and WestJet.

How do you get to Tulum from the US?

Most US visitors fly into Cancún and then use ground transport to reach Tulum. You can fly directly into Tulum with a handful of airlines, which we listed above. You can check the airlines that serve the airport on the Tulum Airport website.

Which US cities have direct flights to Tulum?

Direct flights to Tulum itself are limited, but Cancún has direct service from dozens of US cities. Major hubs like Miami, Dallas, New York, Houston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta all fly to Cancún multiple times a day. Smaller airports may offer seasonal or low-cost carrier connections. Once you land in Cancún, it’s a straightforward transfer south to Tulum. Direct flights to Tulum Airport are mostly charters or regional services. Timing and pricing often make Cancún the preferred gateway.

Can you fly direct from the UK to Tulum?

Currently, there are no regular direct flights from the UK to Tulum Airport. Most UK travellers need to connect via Cancún. Flight duration to Cancún is roughly 10-11 hours from London, and the transfer south adds another 1.5-2 hours. Some packages offer private shuttles or small plane connections to Tulum Airport.

Are taxis in Tulum expensive?

Taxis in Tulum are more expensive than buses or colectivos for the same distances, and generally more expensive than in other parts of Mexico. Rates are often fixed rather than metered, so it’s worth confirming the fare before hopping in. Short trips within the town are reasonable, but airport or hotel-zone transfers can feel overpriced. Sharing a ride or using shuttles can bring the cost down.

How much is a taxi from Cancun to Tulum?

A private taxi or Uber from Cancún to Tulum usually costs around 1,500–2,500 MXN ($80-130 USD) depending on the operator and vehicle size. The ride takes roughly 1.5-2 hours. It’s the most convenient but also the most expensive option. Shared shuttles and the ADO bus are cheaper alternatives.

Should I book Tulum transport in advance?

Booking transport ahead is highly recommended, especially during peak season or for airport transfers. Pre-booking ensures a fixed price, reduces wait times, and guarantees a ride that meets your luggage or group needs. Last-minute options are often more expensive or unreliable – and some operators might be booked up completely.

Why is transportation from Tulum Airport so expensive?

The small scale of Tulum Airport means there’s limited competition, so operators can charge more for transfers. It’s become something of a “taxi mafia”. There’s also a higher percentage of private or small shuttle vehicles, which drives up per-person costs. Plus, taxis don’t use meters, and fixed-price taxis and shuttles are standard, so they can charge what they want. Peak-season demand also pushes prices higher.

Is it safe to take a taxi from Tulum Airport?

It’s generally safe to take a licensed taxi from Tulum Airport, but always verify the driver and price before starting the ride. Stick to official counters and avoid street touts. Most operators are professional and reliable, but scams have been reported with unofficial taxis. Pre-booking a shuttle or transfer is a good option for peace of mind, instead.

Read next:

A Responsible Traveller’s Guide to Tulum: Worth Visiting or a Tourist Trap?

25 Unique & Non-Touristy Things to Do in Tulum + 4 Activities to Avoid

How to Get Around Tulum: 12 Transportation Methods

Where to Stay in Tulum: Neighbourhoods & Top Hotels For Every Budget

15 Best Vegan & Veggie Restaurants in Downtown Tulum

A Complete Guide to Visiting Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

How to Visit Tulum Mayan Ruins: Worth it?

A Traveller’s Guide to Akumal Beach Town & Bay: 10 Things to Do + 5 to Avoid

The Truth About Swimming with Turtles in Akumal