Transportation

Tulum is about 90 minutes from Cancun. Tulum is about 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen. Both are easy to reach via taxi, Colectivo or bus.  If you are looking to relax on the beach for a week, you won’t need a car. You can catch a taxi on main street, or rent a bicycle or scooter to get to some of the area’s attractions. If, however, you prefer a more active vacation and want to be on the move, you will appreciate the convenience of having a rental car, which you can get very cheap when you arrive in Mexico at the Cancun airport. Have a map on hand to calculate distances and know exactly where the interesting places are. (there should be a few maps in the kitchen, first drawer.)

  • Bikes (Bicicleta)
    • Bikes are a great way to get around Tulum as Tulum is mostly flat and a bike allows you to take it all in.  Bike rentals are available in town and at the beach.
    • There is a bike path that goes into town/pueblo. Before you get to Highway 307 (main street that runs down middle of Tulum), you can turn right onto one of the side streets. The north beach road is much quieter.
  • Boats/Ferries (Barco/Transbordadore)
    • Ferries to and from Playa Del Carmen leave frequently throughout the day and evening until they stop for the night.
  • Car Rental (Alquiler de Coches)
    • Renting a car is an inexpensive way to get around the Yucatan.  Renting from the airport in Cancun is the best option but there are many other options.  
  • Community Vans (El Colectivo)
    • Vans called “Colectivos’, are quite cheap and easy to catch at their numerous official stops in either Cancun, Playa del Carmen, straight on through to Tulum (Highway 307).  Smaller van sized buses called colectivos handle more local routes and you can take them around Tulum for as little as $3.00/52 pesos.   
  • Taxis
    • Taxis are an easy way to get round Tulum and to visit tourist sites around Tulum.  A ride to the beach from our house is usually about $5-$10 depending on the size of the group.  A taxi to the airport from Tulum should cost between $60-$100, depending on the size of your party.
    • If you are thinking about getting around by taxi, be sure to establish a rate for the day or the ride with your driver before you begin your trip.
  • Scooter Rental (Alquiler de Motos)
    • Scooters are a fun way to get around Tulum.  They can be rented in Tulum or near the beach for $30-$40 a day.