Tulum is a coastal town located in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Tulum has become a very popular destination in the last couple of years.
Tulum’s charm lies in its combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage. However, due to its popularity, it’s important to plan your visit, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability of accomodations, activities and a smooth travel experience.
Tulum is known for the following things :
- Beaches : The white sandy beaches and the crystal-clear waters attract tourists from all over the world. The beaches in Tulum a relatively uncrowded which makes it a very peaceful and laid-back destination compared to other beach destinations that can get very crowded. Bear in mind, that as Tulum increases in popularity, the beaches are likely to become more crowded.
- Mayan Ruins : The Tulum ruins are well-preserved Mayan ruins. These relics of the past overlook the Caribbean sea.
- Cenotes : Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with beautiful clear freshwater. Tulum and the surrounding areas around Tulum have several cenotes that are just waiting be explored.
- Attractions : Tulum is located in proximity to a few attractions you can find in the Riviera Maya such as Akumal, Xcaret Park and Xel-Há.
Most people arrive in Tulum by the Cancún International Airport (CUN). The Cancún International Airport is Tulum’s nearest major airport.
You can also reach Tulum from other airports, although Cancún International Airport (CUN) is the most commonly used due to its proximity.
Alternative airports to Cancún International Airport (CUN) are :
- Cozumel International Airport (CZM) : If during your stay in Mexico you’re planning to visit the island of Cozumel as well, you could fly into Cozumel International Airport and then take a ferry to Playa del Carmen. From Playa del Carmen, you can then take a bus, shuttle, or taxi to Tulum, which is about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive.
- Merida International Airport (MID) : If during your stay in the Yucantan Peninsula, you’re planning to explore around the region of Merida city, you could fly into Merida International Airport and then make your way to Tulum. Keep in mind that the drive from Merida to Tulum takes around 3 to 4 hours.
From the Cancún International Airport there are several ways you can reach Tulum :
- Bus
- Colectivo
- Renting a car
- Taxi and private transport
The road to Tulum is pretty straightforward and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the traffic and the chosen means of transport.
1. Bus
Taking a bus from Cancún to Tulum is an affordable option. ADO buses can be taken directly from the Cancún International Airport to Tulum downtown at the ADO bus stop.
However, the ADO bus will not stop at any hotels and that is not convenient if you’re staying in a resort that’s along the way.
The official airport website currently stats that a one way ticket from T2 to Tulum is 18.80 USD and will take approximately 3h5min.
NB : As prices and travel times are subject to change since this article has been written please check your chosen route and mean of transport before your departure.
2. Colectivo
Colectivo’s are white mini vans that are very common in the Yucatan. These shared vans or minivans operate along specific routes. Colectivo’s are really easy to take and are a great way to get around. They are a popular choice among both locals and tourists due to their affordability and convenience.
However, colectivo’s don’t have a schedule and you aren’t guaranteed that there will be space onboard. If a colectivo is full it will not stop, and you’ll have to wait for the next (usually a couple of minutes up to 20 minutes). Colectivo’s are a little slower than other means of transport, as they make multiple stops along the way.
To my knowledge there aren’t any colectivo’s that leave directly from Cancún International Airport. In order to get to Tulum, you’ll have to first go to Playa Del Carmen, and catch your colectivo from there. Colectivo’s are very cheap and that’s a reason why this option might be appealing.
Keep in mind that while colectivos are a budget-friendly option, this transport might not offer the same level of comfort as private transportation options. If you’re looking to save money and you’re open to a shared ride experience, colectivos can be a good choice.
However, space is limited on a colectivo and if you have a lot of luggage this is not an option that I would recommend.
3. Rental Car
If you’re planning on exploring the area on your own and not through organized tours, then renting a car makes sense. Renting a car will offer you more flexibility to explore around.
While rental prices depend on the type of car and the rental agency you can expect to pay around $50 to $100 USD per day for a basic car.
The travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
NB : As prices and travel times are subject to change since this article has been written please check your chosen route and mean of transport before your departure.
4. Taxi and private transport
Taxis and private transfers provide direct transportation from the airport to your destination in Tulum.
Prices for private transfers can vary but usually start from $80 to $150 USD or more, depending on the vehicle and company. The travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
This is overall the most convenient option, if you’re not on a budget, i’d definetly recommend a private transport. Last time we we’re in Tulum we used canada transfers and they we’re really great!
NB : As prices and travel times are subject to change since this article has been written please check your chosen route and mean of transport before your departure.
In conclusion, remember that prices can fluctuate based on factors like the season, demand, and specific providers. It’s a good idea to research and compare options before your trip to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.
