About the ride from Tulum to Cancun
Well-preserved Mayan temples, gorgeous white sand beaches and more marquesitas than you'll be able to eat – welcome to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Road trip, anyone?
The distance from Tulum to Cancun is 125 kilometers (77 miles). That's pretty close and takes just a couple of hours by road. There are several ways you can travel overland, including a bus, car or minivan. There’s an insane amount of departures every day, so you are really spoiled for choice.
The two Mexican bus companies operating in the area are Ado and Autobuses Unidos. They're well established and well-known for good quality transportation. The tourist bus schedule runs throughout the day, with around 18 departures. Buses are contemporary, clean and well equipped.
Since it’s a short journey, the Tulum to Cancun bus is a good way to get out and see more of Mexico.
Buses are either Economy or Standard.
All are air-conditioned and have reclining seats. Standard buses have bathrooms, but Economy buses don't. You will, however, have stops for comfort breaks along the way.
Tickets start at US$11 for Economy buses and around US$21 for Standard buses.
Minivans are more private and less noisy than tourist buses unless you count the driver's taste in local radio stations. Minivans are also more expensive, with prices starting from US$27 per person. However, they’re all air-conditioned, and some have Wifi availability. Drivers and staff speak English.
Organizing a private car to tackle the relatively short Tulum to Cancun distance is a good choice for families. Drivers are friendly, and the ride is air-conditioned and comfortable. Plus, you get to stop along the way for photo ops and bathroom breaks.
It costs just over US$106 to hire a car and driver. This is actually a pretty good price if you're traveling as a family of four.
SUVs are a bit more expensive. You’re looking at whole vehicle prices starting from US$164. They take a maximum of six passengers, so they also work well for small groups.
What to see when traveling from Tulum to Cancun
The bus from Tulum to Cancun is very scenic. You'll find lots of chances to stare out over the super blue swells of the Caribbean juxtaposed against the soft white sand. Driving time is less than two hours, and you should set your sights on the sun, sea and sand, all the way.
Dotted along this stretch of the Yucatan Peninsula are also lots of small seaside resorts and fancy high-rise hotels. The little roadside villages and towns give you a real insight into how local people work side-by-side with thousands of sun-seeking tourists and holidaymakers.
Make sure to keep note of any particular roadside resorts and towns that you pass by on your way. You never know when you might get a chance to come this way in the future. Bring a guidebook and read up about the local history and things to do in the area.
How to get from Tulum to Cancun
Taking a bus from Tulum to Cancun
The Tulum to Cancun bus schedule is very busy, with 18 departures per day. You can’t go wrong with either company, Ado or Autobuses Unidos.
Even though Economy buses don’t have bathrooms, they might stop at a service station if the passengers get desperate! It’s only 2-hours, so hopefully, you can hold it!
Because it is such a short trip, plenty of people go on a Cancun day trip while staying in Tulum. If you do, there’s ample time to explore and catch some views over the Caribbean before heading back.
Taking a minivan from Tulum to Cancun
Taking a minivan is a very popular option with families and friends traveling in small groups. Drivers speak English, minivans are air-conditioned, and seats are very comfortable. Also, minivan shuttle schedules are far more frequent than buses.
It's quite a stylish ride, too, which is reflected in the price (US$27-33 per person). In addition, you’ll find a lot more privacy and peace in a minivan than on a tourist bus.
Also, if you take a minivan, you avoid the busy tourist bus schedule from Tulum to Cancun, which sometimes involves queuing up in the baking heat of Mexico.
Taking a private car from Tulum to Cancun
Day trips to Cancun are good fun, and the quickest way to travel is by car.
If you're really looking to travel in style, then hire a private car or SUV and drive. Prices for an entire car start from as little as US$106, which is not bad when divided by four paying passengers.
SUVs are very spacious and can comfortably accommodate up to six people and start around US$164.
Booking a private car is another good way to avoid waiting for the bus from Tulum to Cancun – and you get to know your driver, what's not to like?
