How to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum

Tulum is the southernmost destination usually reached from Cancun Airport, and the ride is the longest in the Riviera Maya. That's why choosing how to get there matters, especially if you're traveling with kids, with luggage or after a long flight.

The options side by side

Times depend on traffic, time of day and which area of Tulum you're heading to.

Private transfer

After a flight, almost two hours on the road can feel long. With a private transfer your driver is already waiting, the vehicle is only for your group and you go straight there, with no stops or changes. The price is per vehicle and fixed when you book.

ADO bus

ADO buses run from the airport to Tulum. According to ADO, they leave every 1 to 2 hours and the ride takes about 3 hours. It's the cheapest alternative, but it runs on fixed schedules and drops you at the downtown Tulum station; if your hotel is on the beach or in another area, you'll need an extra taxi.

Tren Maya

The Tren Maya line runs from the Cancun Airport station to Tulum and Tulum Airport. Its stations are outside town and departures are few, so before counting on it, confirm the section is running that day and when the train leaves.

• Getting to the station: the Cancun Airport station is across the highway; buses run from Terminals 2, 3 and 4. Check the schedule and cost when you arrive.
• Luggage: you load and unload it yourself, with a limit on pieces and weight.
• Schedules: they change and departures are few; check them on the official Tren Maya website before planning around it.

Airport taxi

Arranged when you arrive, with no booking needed. On a long ride like this one, ask for the fare before you get in.

Rental car

If you'll be exploring cenotes and archaeological sites, a rental car may suit you. Factor in hotel parking, especially in the beach area.

Know which area of Tulum you're going to

Tulum has quite different areas, and it helps to know where you're staying:

• Downtown Tulum (town): around the main avenue, with restaurants and the bus station.
• Hotel zone or beach area: hotels along the coast, on a narrower road where traffic can be slow.
• Aldea Zama and La Veleta: residential areas between downtown and the beach, with many apartments and boutique hotels.

Always give the exact address when you book: some places have no visible sign from the street.

What about Tulum Airport?

Tulum also has its own international airport. If your flight lands there, the ride into town is shorter than from Cancun. Check which airport your flight arrives at before booking your transfer.

How long it takes depending on the time and area

The hour and a half is a reference to downtown Tulum in normal traffic. A few things make the ride longer:

• Hotel zone or beach area: add time for the coastal road, which is narrower and slow at busy hours.
• Afternoons and high-season weekends: Federal Highway 307 has more traffic, especially through Playa del Carmen.
• Long lines at immigration: your driver waits up to 60 minutes after your flight lands.

Since it's a long ride, keep water handy and use the restroom before leaving the terminal: the transfer goes straight to your hotel.

Traveling with kids or bulky luggage

When you book, tell us how many passengers are traveling, including children, and whether you're bringing a stroller, a surfboard or golf clubs. With that information we assign a vehicle with enough room for your whole group and its luggage, so there are no surprises when you arrive.

How your transfer works with My Local Shuttle

• Book online and get your confirmation right away.
• Your driver waits with a Transfer sign in the prepaid transportation area, for up to 60 minutes after your flight lands.
• We track your flight: if it's delayed, the pickup time is adjusted at no cost.
• Private transfer: only your group rides, with no stops, straight to your hotel.
• Free cancellation if you request it at least 24 hours in advance.
• 24/7 support on WhatsApp: +52 1 33 1605 2225.

Is Playa del Carmen part of your trip? Read the guide from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen and compare every option in private transfer, taxi or bus.