About the ride from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
Playa del Carmen and Tulum are a dynamic duo. It's unusual to visit one without the other.
The phrase "same, same but different" applies perfectly to these two towns in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. They both offer unforgettable parties, luxury resorts, dreamy beaches, cenotes and a haven for tourists.
Tulum continues to grow in popularity year over year, gaining fame from its insane beach clubs and giant bamboo sculptures that are hard to avoid on social media.
And if the luxury party scene isn't your vibe, Tulum Pueblo (town) still maintains a more local vibe.
If you're ready to check out the next coastal town, there are three ways to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum: by bus, minivan and car.
You'll be glad to hear it's a very short journey, so you'll be back at the beach in no time. The trip only takes around one hour.
The bus is the cheapest way, with plenty of daily departures. And cars and minivans offer private rides for a premium.
Keep reading to find out which mode of transport is the best for you, and start planning your epic trip to Tulum in Mexico!
Incredible things to do in Tulum
You'll read this sentence a lot in travel blogs, but Tulum truly is a place that has something for everyone. If you're a bougie traveler looking to party and stay in resorts — it has you covered. More into nature? You'll love the cenotes and biosphere reserve not too far away.
Here are some of the best things to do in Tulum:
Explore Tulum's Mayan Ruins. One of the most iconic images of Tulum is of its fascinating ruins overlooking the unbelievably turquoise ocean below. You'd struggle to find a better backdrop! Spend a few hours wandering around the ruins, or hire a guide to bring this place to life.
Go cenote hopping. Cenotes are natural sinkholes that reveal the most magical underground pools of crystal-clear water. Popular cenotes include Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos and Cenote Calavera.
Pro tip: If you have a scuba diving qualification, take the opportunity to dive in one of the cenotes and get a different perspective.
Relax at the beach. Tulum is known for its pristine beaches with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. Spend a day lounging at Playa Paraíso or Playa Pescadores, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply soak up the sun.
Hire a bicycle. One of the top things to do in Tulum is to hire a bike. If you're staying in Tulum Pueblo, this can be a great way to get to the beach area and hop between them. Plus, using taxis can quickly add up!
Visit Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this biosphere reserve might be one of the most untouched and pristine places in Mexico. Spend the day exploring its diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, wetlands, and coral reefs.
Wildlife fanatics will be pleased. Keep an eye out for animals such as dolphins, manatees, and various bird species.
How to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
There are three ways to cover the 61 km (38 miles) between Playa del Carmen and Tulum: bus, minivan, and private car.
By bus
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. But don't worry, the low price does not mean you're compromising on comfort at all!
ADO, Mexico's largest bus company, serves this route, offering a few levels of comfort to choose from, including:
Conecta bus — A 15-seater small bus with standard seats, air conditioning and no toilet.
Economy bus — Standard seats and air conditioning, but no toilet on board.
First-class bus — Reclining seats, air conditioning, charging ports, and a toilet.
If you're stuck deciding between the classes, the First-class bus is slightly more enjoyable than the Conecta. Although considering the journey is only around one hour, the class you pick doesn't matter too much. Tickets start at $3 and increase with the level of comfort.
There are plenty of daily departures, meaning you can leave when you want. Buses depart from an array of locations, so make sure to pick the most convenient one for you.
The most common are:
ADO Terminal Turistica Playa Del Carmen
Xcaret Park
Playa del Carmen Alterna
ADO Primera Parada Terminal
Buses usually arrive at Terminal Autobuses Tulum ADO or Ado Bus Terminal Tulum Ruins.
Each passenger is allowed a 21 kg/46 lb bag and one piece of hand luggage.
By minivan
If there's a big group of you, consider hiring a private minivan and splitting the cost. It's more private and convenient. Private van prices start at $170 and can fit between seven and ten people. If you split the cost, there's not a huge difference between the minivan and the bus.
Plus, the journey time is the same, one hour, but it includes door-to-door service, so you don't have to think about a thing!
By car
The easiest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is to hire a private car.
Surprisingly, just like the minivan, it's not much more than the public transport options when you split it between the maximum number of passengers allowed (four). Prices for the car start around $65.
The cars are spacious and comfortable with air conditioning.
This can be a great option for families and small groups looking for door-to-door service and complete flexibility.
What to expect from the journey from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
You don't really need to change out of your beachwear for this journey. It's so short. Before you know it, you'll be back on another one of Mexico's spectacular beaches.
The transport is comfortable, and the drivers are friendly.
When is the best time to visit Tulum?
Chasing the sun and want the best chances of perfect weather?
Visit Tulum between November and April when the sun is shining in all its glory, and the temperatures are just right — around 24-29°C (75-84°F).
Obviously, you won't be the only one dreaming of idyllic weather, so expect Tulum to be busy. Prices of accommodation and activities will also be higher during peak tourist season.
Hurricane season occurs between June and November. If possible, try to avoid these months.
How many days should you spend in Tulum?
Some people are satisfied with 2-3 days in Tulum. They can relax on the beach, visit a few cenotes and soak up the vibe. If you're on a tight budget, you may not want to stay much longer. Tulum is not cheap!
Others adore the atmosphere of this beach town and stick around for a while. You'll easily find people who have been there for months.
With its luxury resorts, many use it as a destination to unwind and do nothing for a week or two.
Where to visit after Tulum?
Continue your adventures along Mexico's east coast and land upon the paradise town of Bacalar, home to the extraordinary Lagoon of Seven Colors.
This small lakeside town boasts a polar opposite vibe to Tulum, with far fewer tourists visiting it. Spend your time exploring the lake by boat, SUP or kayak. And make sure to spend time in Los Rapidos, a set of vibrant blue rapids you can float along.
It's easy to get from Tulum to Bacalar. The journey takes around two hours and can be done by bus, minivan or private car.
