Cancún to Tulum: The Ultimate Transportation Guide (2025 Update)

If you're planning your dream escape to the Mexican Caribbean, there's a good chance you'll be traveling between Cancún and Tulum—two of the most popular destinations in the Riviera Maya. Whether you're flying into Cancún International Airport and heading straight to Tulum or planning to explore both cities, choosing the right mode of transportation can make a big difference in your comfort, budget, and overall experience.

Let’s break down the main options: Tren Maya, ADO buses, colectivos, Uber, taxi, and private transfers. We’ll look at their comfort, convenience, and price, and give you a local's recommendation at the end.

🚆 Tren Maya

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Convenience: ★★☆☆☆

Price: ★★☆☆☆

Ticket prices (Cancún → Tulum, ~1h 36m, 2 stops):

· Turista Especial: 153 MXN

· Turista Local (for Mexican residents with ID): 102 MXN

· Turista Nacional: 244 MXN

· Turista Internacional: 325 MXN

· Premier Nacional: 391 MXN

· Premier Internacional: 520 MXN 

These fares reflect the varying levels of service and traveler categories. Even the cheapest options are more expensive than ADO buses or colectivos—but still more comfortable.

Bonus round-trip offer: There’s a small shuttle (“Sur”) connecting the station to town for 45 MXN each way , so add roughly 90 MXN if you're not within walking distance.

Note on convenience: Although the train ride itself is modern and pleasant, getting to and from the stations in Cancún and Tulum often requires extra transport (e.g., taxis or Ubers), which can eat up both time and budget.

The much-anticipated Tren Maya is finally running, offering a scenic ride through the Yucatán Peninsula. While the train is modern and air-conditioned, getting to and from the stations—especially in Cancún and Tulum—can be time-consuming and sometimes expensive.

If you're traveling with luggage, kids, or limited time, the extra transfers to the train stations might not be worth the hassle. And prices aren’t as budget-friendly as you'd expect—especially when factoring in taxis or Ubers to reach the station.

🚌 ADO Bus

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Convenience: ★★★★☆

Price: ★★★★☆

The ADO buses are one of the best all-around options. Clean, safe, air-conditioned, and with multiple departures daily from Cancún Airport and downtown to Tulum centro, this is a reliable and budget-friendly choice. It’s ideal for solo travelers or couples not in a rush.

Ticket prices range from $10 to $18 USD, depending on the time and class (regular or premium). You can book online, at terminals, or even via app.

🚐 Playa Express & Colectivos

Comfort: ★★☆☆☆

Convenience: ★★★☆☆

Price: ★★★★★

For the adventurous or budget-conscious traveler, colectivos (shared vans) and Playa Express offer the cheapest ride. But be prepared: there's no space for large luggage, no fixed schedule, and you might need to change vans in Playa del Carmen to get from Cancún to Tulum.

Price is unbeatable: around $5–6 USD total. But it's definitely a backpacker-style option.

🚕 Taxi

Comfort: ★★★☆☆

Convenience: ★★★★★

Price: ★☆☆☆☆

While taxis are always available and convenient, they’re notoriously expensive, especially in Tulum. A ride from Cancún to Tulum can cost $200 USD or more, and within Tulum, even short rides are often overcharged $50 USD or more. Plus, there’s little price regulation.

Use only when there’s no other option—or if you love negotiating under the Caribbean sun.

🚘 Uber

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Convenience: ★★★☆☆

Price: ★★★☆☆

Uber is available in Cancún, including rides from the airport (though airport pickups can be tricky). It’s usually cheaper than taxis and a bit more comfortable.

However, Uber does NOT operate in Tulum, and drivers from Cancún will likely refuse trips to Tulum to avoid problems with local taxi unions.

🚐 Private Transfers

Comfort: ★★★★★

Convenience: ★★★★★

Price: ★★★☆☆

Private transfer companies offer door-to-door service with comfortable, air-conditioned vans, often including water, Wi-Fi, and even bilingual drivers. Perfect for families, groups, or travelers who value ease and comfort.

Prices typically range from $80–$135 USD per vehicle. More expensive than a bus, but often worth it for peace of mind.

🚗 Rent a Car or Motorcycle

Another great option is to rent a car or scooter, especially if you plan to explore places like cenotes, ruins, or beach clubs outside the main towns.

· Car rentals: ~$40–90 USD/day

· Scooters or ATVs: ~$35–70 USD/day

· Enduro or Touring Motorcycle 80-160 USD/day

Just keep in mind: driving in Tulum means dealing with chaotic parking and occasional police checkpoints. Scooters are perfect for Tulum, while cars are better for longer excursions.

✅ Our Local Recommendation

After years of experience and hundreds of happy travelers, here’s what we suggest:

· Between Cancún and Tulum: Take an ADO bus if you're traveling light and want to save money, or book a private transfer if you want comfort, direct service, and no stress.

· Within Tulum: Rent a scooter or ATV to move around easily and affordably.

· Within Cancún: Use Uber whenever possible for fair pricing and comfort.

📧 Need Help Booking?

Looking for a private transfer from Cancún to Tulum? Or maybe you want to rent a scooter or ATV for your stay?

—we’ll help you get the best price and safest service, hassle-free.

🚐 Your smooth journey starts here.