[UPDATED '22] How To Get From Cancun To Tulum | Gecko Routes

The bus is an affordable way to travel from Cancun to Tulum — that is, if you’re staying in the city centre of both cities.

Prices for a bus ticket start from as low as 285 MXN ($15.80). But if you’re coming from the Hotel Zone in Cancun and/or heading to the beach areas in Tulum, chances are you’ll have to pay extra for a taxi transfer. And taxis in both Cancun and Tulum are known for their expensive rates.

We break down their prices below.

Buses bound for Tulum depart from ADO Cancun Bus Station in downtown Cancun, with many hotels and hostels located close by or just a few blocks away.

If you are staying outside the city centre, or in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, you have 2 ways to reach Cancun Bus Station: a 15-minute taxi or a 30 to 45-minute bus.

Taxis are more convenient and can take you directly from your hotel to the bus station. Fares start from 200 MXN ($11.10) when coming from the Hotel Zone.

On a budget? Buses run frequently between the Hotel Zone and downtown Cancun. They’re a reliable choice, but a bit slower than a taxi. Take either R1 or R2, both pass in front of the bus terminal along Avenida Tulum. A ticket costs 13 MXN ($0.70).

ADO and AU are the bus companies operating on this route. ADO offers a more comfortable ride with better seats and onboard toilets, while AU is the cheaper option with simpler buses and no restrooms. Check out our Mexico transport guide for a full comparison of their bus types and amenities.

While ADO buses have slightly more legroom, the difference isn’t huge. It’s best to pick whichever option fits your schedule or budget.

Tickets cost around 285 MXN ($15.80), and the trip takes about 2h 25m - 2h 50m.

Cancun ADO Bus StationStandardTulum ADO Terminal Autobuses 05:10 2h 40m 07:50 06:10 2h 40m 08:50 07:01 2h 40m 09:41 07:31 2h 50m 10:21 08:10 2h 40m 10:50 09:01 2h 50m 11:51 09:10 2h 40m 11:50 10:10 2h 40m 12:50 12:10 2h 40m 14:50 13:10 2h 40m 15:50 15:10 2h 45m 17:55 19:10 2h 40m 21:50 20:00 2h 45m 22:45 23:00 2h 40m 01:40 ADO285 MXN ($15.80)Get Your Tickets Cancun ADO Bus StationStandardTulum Ruins 07:01 2h 25m 09:26 07:31 2h 35m 10:06 09:01 2h 35m 11:36 ADO295 MXN ($16.40)Get Your Tickets Cancun ADO Bus StationStandardTulum ADO Terminal Autobuses 16:05 2h 40m 18:45 17:21 2h 40m 20:01 AU (Autobuses Unidos)310 MXN ($17.20)Get Your Tickets ADO CentroFirst ClassTerminal Autobuses Tulum ADO 05:10 2h 40m 07:50 07:01 2h 40m 09:41 07:31 2h 50m 10:21 08:10 2h 40m 10:50 09:01 2h 50m 11:51 09:10 2h 40m 11:50 10:10 2h 40m 12:50 12:10 2h 40m 14:50 13:10 2h 40m 15:50 15:10 2h 45m 17:55 19:10 2h 40m 21:50 20:00 2h 45m 22:45 23:00 2h 40m 01:40 ADO Primera315 MXN ($17.40)Get Your Tickets ADO CentroFirst ClassTerminal Autobuses Tulum ADO 06:10 2h 40m 08:50 ADO TLLD315 MXN ($17.40)Get Your Tickets ADO CentroFirst ClassAdo Bus Terminal Tulum Ruins 07:01 2h 25m 09:26 07:31 2h 35m 10:06 09:01 2h 35m 11:36 ADO Primera325 MXN ($18.20)Get Your Tickets ADO CentroEconomyTerminal Autobuses Tulum ADO 16:05 2h 40m 18:45 17:21 2h 40m 20:01 AU (Autobuses Unidos)335 MXN ($18.60)Get Your Tickets Show 2 more operator(s)

You can book your tickets online via BookAway or buy them directly from the bus station. When booking, pay attention to the departure and arrival points. Some buses depart from Cancun Airport and some will drop you off at Tulum’s archaeological site.

ADO also operates buses from Cancun International Airport to Tulum. You can buy your ticket at the ADO counter in the arrivals hall or book it online through BookAway for extra convenience. A bus ticket costs 465 MXN ($26).

All buses from Cancun Airport park at ADO Tulum Bus Station.

Cancún Airport Terminal 3StandardTulum ADO Terminal Autobuses 11:40 3h 5m 14:45 13:00 3h 5m 16:05 14:20 3h 5m 17:25 15:40 3h 5m 18:45 17:40 3h 5m 20:45 19:45 3h 5m 22:50 ADO Aeropuerto465 MXN ($26)Get Your Tickets Cancún Airport Terminal 4StandardTulum ADO Terminal Autobuses 11:50 2h 55m 14:45 13:10 2h 55m 16:05 14:30 2h 55m 17:25 15:50 2h 55m 18:45 17:50 2h 55m 20:45 19:55 2h 55m 22:50 ADO Aeropuerto465 MXN ($26)Get Your Tickets Cancún Airport Terminal 2StandardTulum ADO Terminal Autobuses 12:00 2h 45m 14:45 13:20 2h 45m 16:05 14:40 2h 45m 17:25 16:00 2h 45m 18:45 18:00 2h 45m 20:45 20:05 2h 45m 22:50 ADO Aeropuerto465 MXN ($26)Get Your Tickets ADO Conecta Aeropuerto, Cancun, QRFirst ClassTerminal Autobuses Tulum ADO 12:00 2h 45m 14:45 13:20 2h 45m 16:05 14:40 2h 45m 17:25 16:00 2h 45m 18:45 18:00 2h 45m 20:45 20:05 2h 45m 22:50 ADO520 MXN ($29)Get Your Tickets

Buses arrive at ADO Tulum Bus Station in the town centre, and many accommodations are within walking distance. For those staying in the beach area, the best option is to take a taxi.

Taxis in Tulum are not metered so you need to agree on the rate before stepping in. A good average rate to the Tulum beach area is 300 MXN ($16.70).