How to Take the Bus from Cancun to Tulum in 2025
Trying to figure out how to take the bus from Cancun to Tulum? You’ve come to the right guide!
As a travel blogger that has spent many years living in nearby Playa del Carmen, I’ve become an expert on all the bus routes and transportation options in the region.
If you’re not familiar with the area, getting from Cancun to Tulum can be a bit confusing. But with this comprehensive guide, you’ll have no trouble getting to your destination in Tulum.
In this post, I’ll explain exactly how to take the bus from Cancun to Tulum, including the best options, as well as the schedules, prices, and booking information.
So if you’re looking to get from the Cancun Airport to Tulum, or want to go from downtown Cancun to Tulum, I’ve got you covered!
Ready to find out how to take the Cancun to Tulum bus? Let’s get started!
Bus from Cancun Airport to Tulum
If you’re looking to get from the Cancun Airport to Tulum, these are the best options:
ADO Bus from Cancun Airport to Tulum
- ⏱ Duration: 2 hr 55 min
- 💲 Price: $430 pesos (~$21 USD)
- 🎟 How to Book: Airport Ticket Counter
The ADO bus is the best option for getting from the Cancun Airport to Tulum. This is a large charter-style bus that is very comfortable and affordable.
ADO Bus Cancun Airport to Tulum Schedule
The ADO bus to Tulum from Cancun Airport runs daily and has around 7 different departures from roughly 11AM-9PM.
These are the current departure times for the ADO bus from Cancun to Tulum:
- From Terminal 2: 12:00PM, 1:20PM, 2:40PM, 4:00PM, 6:00PM, 8:05PM, 9:25PM
- From Terminal 3: 11:40PM, 1:00PM, 2:20PM, 3:40PM, 5:40PM, 7:45PM, 9:05PM
- From Terminal 4: 11:50AM, 1:10PM, 2:30PM, 3:50PM, 5:50PM, 7:55PM, 9:15PM
ℹ️ Note: ADO bus departure times can change and these times may not always be 100% accurate. Always double check the ADO website for the most up-to-date information.
The Cancun airport bus to Tulum will go from terminal to terminal picking up passengers so you’ll likely have a bit of extra wait time before you actually depart.
ADO Bus Cancun Airport to Tulum Cost
The ADO bus is the cheapest option for getting from Cancun Airport to Tulum. To buy tickets, all you need to do is head to the red ADO ticket counter at the Cancun Airport after exiting baggage claim.
The attendant will likely speak English but if they don’t, you can just say “Uno para Tulum, por favor”.
The ADO bus from Cancun to Tulum costs around $430 pesos (~$21 USD). Cash and credit cards are accepted but I would recommend paying in cash if possible.
The only reason I say this is because I once paid with a credit card and they next day I had a bunch of fraudulent charges on my credit card. I can’t be certain but I suspect it was from my ADO purchase.
Also, while ADO tickets can also be purchased online in advance, I would recommend waiting and buying them directly at the airport ticket counter.
It can be extremely difficult to predict what time you’ll actually exit the airport after the long lines at Customs and Immigration.
So it’s best to just purchase your ADO tickets at the counter and then hop on the next departing bus.
On your ticket will be printed the parking slot number where your bus will arrive. Exit the airport and walk all the way to the back past all of the transportation people to the red ADO ticket stand.
Then look for the overhead slot numbers to see where you need to wait for your bus. When your bus pulls in, it will say “Tulum” on the screen reader on the front of the bus.
ADO Bus Cancun Airport to Tulum Duration
Buses from Cancun Airport to Tulum take approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes normally–however, you might run into some occasional traffic and construction delays.
But thankfully, the ADO bus is large, comfortable, and has air conditioning. Plus, there’s a restroom and TVs on board.
Once you arrive in Tulum, the ADO bus will drop you off directly at the ADO station in downtown Tulum (📍 Google Maps location). From there, you can take a taxi or walk to your final destination in Tulum.
The beach is about 3 miles from downtown Tulum, so if you’re staying at one of the Tulum hotels in the beachfront Hotel Zone, you’ll need to take a taxi.
Shared Airport Shuttle from Cancun Airport to Tulum
- ⏱ Duration: 2-3 hours
- 💲 Price: Starting at $93 USD
- 🎟 How to Book: Book online here →
Another popular option for getting from the Cancun Airport to Tulum is to take a shared airport shuttle.
This is a more expensive option than taking the ADO but has the added convenience of door-to-door service as it will drop you off at your hotel or vacation rental in Tulum.
A Cancun to Tulum shuttle is typically shared with around 8-10 other people and can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on how many people they are dropping off.
That’s the bad thing about a shared shuttle is that you might have multiple stops to make and it could end up taking much longer than the ADO bus. But if you’re not pressed for time, it’s a cheaper option.
Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum
- ⏱ Duration: 1 hr 40 min
- 💲 Price: Starting at $180 USD each way
- 🎟 How to Book: Book online here →
While not technically a bus, it’s important to mention another option for getting from the Cancun airport to Tulum because it’s the most convenient and easiest way to go.
A private airport transfer from Cancun to Tulum is the fastest and most direct way to get from the airport to Tulum.
It does cost quite a bit more but if you’re short on time or traveling with a large group, it’s definitely worth the extra expense.
Because, let’s face it, the beach and margaritas are waiting! And after a long flight, the last thing you want to do is wait around on public transportation buses or shared transfers.
I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation–I personally use this company for Cancun Airport transfers and have always had a great experience.
Bus From Downtown Cancun to Tulum
Alternatively, if you’re trying to get from downtown Cancun to Tulum, below are the best transport options.
The main transportation hub in downtown Cancun is the Cancun ADO bus station, so that’s where you’ll want to go to catch a bus.
ADO Bus
- ⏱ Duration: 2 hr 40 min
- 💲 Price: $258 pesos (~$13 USD)
- 🎟 How to Book: Book on Busbud here →
Similar to the ADO airport bus, the ADO also offers regular bus service from the Cancun ADO Station to Tulum.
The travel time is approximately 2 hours 40 minutes and some of the buses have a quick stop at the Playa del Carmen ADO station.
🗿 An ADO bus from Cancun to Tulum Ruins is also available. You can enter “Tulum zona arqueológica” as the destination to book this route.
Tickets for the Cancun to Tulum service can be booked on the ADO website, on Busbud, or directly at the ADO bus terminal.
The ADO website is only in Spanish and foreigners can sometimes have issues with credit cards on the ADO website, so I would recommend booking your tickets on Busbud.
The Busbud website is available in English and while there’s a small surcharge, it offers a lot more convenience for checking bus schedules and booking tickets.
The cost is around $258 pesos (~$13 USD) each way and the ADO bus Cancun to Tulum schedule has departures roughly every hour from 6AM-11PM.
The final destination is the ADO Station in Tulum. From there, you can walk or take a taxi to get around Tulum.
Playa Express + Colectivo
- ⏱ Duration: 2+ hours (multiple transfers)
- 💲 Price: $100 pesos (~$5 USD)
Another option is to take the Playa Express bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, and then transfer and take a colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.
The Playa Express is cheaper than the ADO and runs more frequently, but it only goes as far as Playa del Carmen.
From there, you’ll need to transfer and take a colectivo (shared van) to Tulum.
🧳 The Playa Express and colectivos don’t have much luggage storage so you pretty much can only take what can fit on your lap. If you’re carrying luggage, then the ADO is a better option.
Step 1: Playa Express from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
The Playa Express is a large Mercedes Sprinter-style van that departs from the ADO Station in downtown Cancun.
It doesn’t have a set schedule but leaves pretty frequently and just departs when full.
Once you arrive at the ADO Station in Cancun, you should see the white Playa Express buses lined up across from the main entrance.
The Playa Express costs around $50 pesos (~$2.50 USD each way) and the journey from Cancun to Playa del Carmen normally takes around 1 hour.
Once you get to Playa del Carmen, the Playa Express will drop you off at the Playa Express station, which is located near Avenida Juarez just on the other side of the main federal highway 307.
Step 2: Colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
From here, you’ll need to walk to the main Playa del Carmen colectivo station, which is located about 3 blocks away. Once there, you’ll want to get on a colectivo that is headed to Tulum.
These white vans are smaller than the Playa Express and usually say Tulum on the front or side. There’s a lot of staff around there too that can help you out if you need it.
Similar to the Playa Express, colectivos do not have a set schedule and just depart when full. They usually run from the early morning to around 11PM.
The journey from Playa del Carmen to Tulum takes about 1 hour and will drop you off near the ADO station in downtown Tulum.
If you’re headed to the ruins in Tulum or the beach, you can also get off the colectivo a bit sooner by telling the driver and they’ll let you off on the side of the highway.
You’ll pay upon exiting and the cost should be around $50 pesos (~$2.50 USD). Make sure to have small bills on hand as drivers don’t have much change.
From there, you can walk or take a taxi to your final destination in Tulum.
Colectivo + Colectivo
- ⏱ Duration: 2+ hours (multiple transfers)
- 💲 Price: $100 pesos (~$5 USD)
Another option is to take a colectivo from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, and then transfer and take a colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.
This process is almost identical to the process outlined above for taking the Playa Express.
The main difference is that colectivos are smaller, more crowded, and not as comfortable as the Playa Express.
But the plus side is that the final drop off point is at the same location as the colectivos to Tulum, so you won’t need to do much walking once you get there.
Step 1: Colectivo from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Cancun to Playa del Carmen colectivos depart from across the street from the ADO Station in Cancun downtown (📍 Google Maps location).
You should look for the white vans with the “Playa-Cancun” sign in the window.
Colectivos don’t have set schedules and just depart when full. They run daily from early in the morning to late at night.
The colectivo journey from Cancun to Playa del Carmen costs around $50 pesos (~$2.50 USD each way) and takes over 1 hour–depending on traffic.
The final destination is the main colectivo station in downtown Playa del Carmen and you’ll pay the driver upon exiting.
Step 2: Colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
Once you arrive in Playa del Carmen, you’ll be very close to where you need to go for the Tulum colectivos–it’s just right across the street.
The process is exactly the same as outlined above. You’ll need to get on a colectivo headed to Tulum.
The journey takes about 1 hour and the cost is around $50 pesos (~$2.50 USD). The final destination will be near the ADO station in downtown Tulum.
From there, you can walk or take a taxi to your final destination in Tulum.
How Far is Tulum From Cancun?
Tulum is located around 80 miles (130 km) south of Cancun and it should take you around 1.5-2 hours to get there depending on traffic, and what mode of transport you take.
The drive from Cancun to Tulum Mexico is a straight shot down the main highway 307, although you may face occasional traffic and road construction delays.
Additionally, there are a few traffic checkpoints along the way that are monitored by the local tourist police.
As long as you’re not doing anything illegal, you’ll just have to slow down and pass through these areas.
Is the ADO Bus From Cancun to Tulum Safe?
Yes, the ADO is very safe and one of the most popular ways to travel between Cancun and Tulum for both tourists and locals.
As in any travel destination, you’ll want to take proper safety precautions. Follow these safety tips when traveling on the Cancun bus to Tulum:
- Keep your valuables with you at all times: Always keep your valuables with you at your seat rather than in the luggage storage below the bus. The safest place for your valuables is in your lap or under the seat in front of you.
- Avoid using the overhead bins: Don’t use the overhead bins if possible as this can be a common safety scam. Thieves can walk down the center aisle and hold onto the upper bins for “stability”, while actually sliding items in the overhead bin along with them.
- Don’t keep valuables in your checked luggage: Again, don’t keep valuable items like laptops and cameras in your checked luggage in case somebody else takes it. I’ve never had any issues retrieving my checked luggage on the ADO but it can happen.
- Always be aware of your surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and what people are doing around you. It’s a long ride to Tulum but if you’re traveling alone, I would avoid sleeping just to be cautious.
- Pay in cash: As I mentioned, I would recommend paying for ADO bus tickets in cash if possible (you can pay in pesos or USD). The only reason I say this is because I once had fraudulent charges on my credit card the day after an ADO purchase so I suspect my card was compromised.
Is There Uber at Cancun Airport?
While your Uber app might work, using Uber from the Cancun Airport is still not recommended due to safety concerns.
Although Uber is more operational in Cancun compared to Playa del Carmen or the rest of the Riviera Maya, there have been ongoing tensions between taxi drivers and Uber drivers, with reports of confrontations and violence against both drivers and passengers.
Additionally, legislation surrounding rideshare services at Cancun Airport remains unclear, and Uber pickups are technically not authorized within the airport premises.
For a safer and more reliable option, consider taking the ADO bus, booking a shared airport shuttle, or arranging a private airport transfer to Tulum.
Tips for Taking the Bus from Cancun to Tulum
In addition to the safety tips outlined above, here are a few more tips for a safe and enjoyable ride on the bus to Tulum from Cancun:
- If you’re coming from the airport, book at the ADO counter: There can be extremely long lines at Customs and Immigration at the Cancun Airport so it can be extremely difficult to predict when you’ll actually be exiting the airport. Rather than booking your ADO ticket online in advance, I would recommend just purchasing your ticket at the ADO counter at the airport after exiting baggage claim. Then you can just hop on the next departing bus.
- Be prepared for a long ride: The bus ride from Cancun to Tulum takes almost 3 hours depending on traffic so be prepared for a long ride! Construction is pretty much inevitable so don’t be surprised if you get stuck in traffic.
- Bring snacks and entertainment: Make sure to bring snacks, water, and entertainment for the long ride. I usually bring my Kindle and my Apple Airpods so I can read or listen to music. Also, there aren’t always plugs on the ADO bus so it’s a good idea to bring a portable charger.
- Have cash for tips: If you’re storing any luggage below the bus, be sure to bring some extra cash to tip the luggage attendant. They’ll help you load and unload the luggage from the bus.
Bus From Cancun to Tulum: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about taking the bus to Tulum from Cancun:
Yes, you can take the ADO bus from Cancun to Tulum and it’s one of the most popular ways for both tourists and locals to travel between the two towns.
No, colectivos are not allowed at Cancun Airport, so you’ll need to take the ADO bus.
The cheapest way to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum is to take the ADO airport bus, which costs around $21 USD each way.
The bus ride from Cancun to Tulum normally takes 2 hours and 40 minutes, although it will usually take longer with traffic delays.
The ADO bus from Cancun Airport to Tulum costs around $430 pesos (~$21 USD). The ADO bus from downtown Cancun to Tulum costs around $258 pesos (~$13 USD).
ADO Airport buses from Cancun to Tulum run roughly every hour from 11AM-9PM. Additionally, ADO buses from downtown Cancun to Tulum run from 6AM-11PM.
The best way to get from Cancun to Tulum is to take the ADO bus. ADO buses from Cancun to Tulum are large, comfortable charter-style buses that can be taken from Cancun Airport or downtown Cancun.
It is customary to tip shuttle drivers around 10% of the total service price.
Conclusion: Bus From Cancun to Tulum Transportation Guide
I hope this guide on how to take the bus from Cancun to Tulum has been helpful!
Taking the ADO bus is the best way to get from Cancun to Tulum, as it’s direct, comfortable, and affordable for budget travelers.
The ADO bus can be taken from the Cancun Airport or downtown Cancun, and drops you off at the ADO Tulum bus station.
Other options for getting from Cancun to Tulum include taking a shared airport shuttle, booking a private airport transfer, or renting a car.
And for those coming from downtown Cancun, colectivos and the Playa Express are available, but you’ll need to make a transfer in Playa del Carmen.
Regardless of how you decide to travel, getting to Tulum from Cancun can be a long ride but will be worth it when you arrive to its beautiful beaches! Safe travels!
🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?
These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:
🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.
🚗 Rental Cars: I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited on most snorkeling tours, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
