Tulum
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Private car transfer
from Cancun to Tulum

  • Door-to-door in 1 h 40 min
  • From ... per seat
  • Professional driver
  • Sanitized vehicles
Risk-free

Cancel 24 hours before departure for a full refund

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Cancun.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 1 h 40 min.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Tulum.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 124 km
  • 1 h 40 min

Visit these sights on the way

Overview: Car trip from Cancun to Tulum

Embarking on a scenic car trip from Cancún to Tulum opens the door to an array of experiences. Whether you hire a private driver, or take a shared shuttle, as you journey on wheels you’ll be able to focus more on the “where to” and less on the “how far” – as your local driver handles navigating your trip.

Did you know that up to 13% of the population of Mexico speaks English? Daytrip has tapped into this pool of people to make sure 100% of our drivers speak English and can give you the rundown on local culture. After all, being led by a local beats being taught by a tourist.

You’ll have the chance to travel, learn, and sightsee simultaneously and comfortably. Rides are easy to book. Customer support is 24/7. You’ll be picked up at your door and dropped off at your next location. Skip past public transportation options, like the airport bus & city bus.

Mexico is filled with hidden gems and historical charm. And the cross-country drive is overloaded with picturesque landscapes as you travel along the Caribbean Sea. Are you ready to see what’s along the way?

About Tulum

On the southern end of Mexico’s famous Riviera Maya, Tulum was founded as a humble Mayan trading outpost, but developed into an important city in the 13th and 14th centuries. After the arrival of the Spanish, Tulum managed to survive for around 70 years before being completely abandoned in the 16th century.

In modern times, Tulum had all but disappeared - there were under 100 residents in 1960. It was the Mexican government’s creation of Cancun as a tourist destination in the 1970s that revitalized Tulum. As Cancun grew in popularity, visitors started venturing further south in search of a “real” Mexican paradise. And who wouldn’t call lush jungle, perfect beaches, and a Mayan ruin paradise.

But from beach-bums and hippies, Tulum has evolved into an eco-luxury destination for globe trotters. The luxury hotels and swank restaurants and bars try to balance the natural beauty with its status as a premier destination. Mainstays like Papaya Playa Project define the “glamping” experience, with thatch-roofed bungalows overlooking the beach, private pools, luxury spas, and organic dining.

In Tulum you’ll find the perfect balance of natural beauty and creature comforts. Tulum has some of the best beaches in Mexico, and some of the most popular beaches in Tulum are Playa Paraiso, Playa Ruinas, Playa Akumal, and Papaya Playa. The white sand and sparkling waters remain as beautiful as ever, but now you can enjoy them with a cocktail at one of the beach bars. A cocktail on the beach definitely beats no cocktail on the beach!

Another popular attraction in the Yucatan are cenotes (water-filled sinkholes), and many are located near Tulum. The Mayans held the cenotes sacred, believing them gateways to the underworld - and it’s easy to see why, with some being connected to hundreds of miles of underground caverns. You can spend your days bouncing between the beach and swimming in enchanting caverns like Maya Blue, Naharon, Temple of Doom, Tortuga, Vacaha, Grand Cenote, Abejas, Nohoch Kiin, Calavera, and Zacil-Haare.

Tulum is filled with fantastic bars and restaurants where you can treat yourself after a day of enjoying its natural wonders. Sip carefully crafted cocktails and fill up on fresh seafood and local specialties like Cochinita pibil, a traditional Yucatec Mayan dish where pork is marinated in citrus juice, seasoned with annatto seed, and wrapped in banana leaf before being slow-roasted. The best traditional places will still cook it in a píib, a sort of underground oven!

But what sets Tulum apart from any beach destination in the world is the Tulum archaeological site. Not only is it one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites, letting you explore centuries-old temples and castles, but it overlooks the beach! So you get amazing views of ruins and the ocean at every turn. And when you’re down in the sand, you get a one-of-a-kind backdrop of ancient ruins!

From Cancun to Tulum: Travel tips

Before the driving “aventura” begins, let’s talk about travel tips.

What’s the occasion for traveling from Cancún to Tulum?

Wedding? Honeymoon? Scuba diving? Business trip? Leisure? Other? Tulum gets over 2 million visits each year, and every traveler has different expectations.

Coming in at a distance of about 81 miles (130 km), expect approximately an hour and a half or two hours of drive time.

Landing in Mexico

If you’re coming in straight from the airport, be mindful that Cancún Airport is the second-busiest airport in Mexico and operates more than 500 flights a day. According to their website, they were the 10th busiest airport in 2021 on the list of top 10 busiest airports internationally.

This means you may want to avoid human traffic by packing lighter, traveling according to/against peak season, and sitting a little closer to the front of the plane to make a speedy exit.

Talk to your driver

Your mobile expedition gives you just enough time to watch a movie, view a couple of episodes, or fulfill your curiosities by conversing with your driver. Think ahead about what you’d like to learn about life in the Yucatán Peninsula and jot your questions down at home.

Stop along the way

As you soak up the tropical vibes and swap stories, you’ll have a bunch of sites to capture with your eyes & cameras. You can dive right into the natural beauty of the Yucatan by visiting the lush Jardin Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin, or taking a dip in the world-famous Two Eyes Cenote. And if you’re interested in history, there’s the Mayan archeological site of Coba - once one of the empire’s most important cities. Daytrip makes it easy to visit these sites and more!

How to get from Cancun to Tulum

Buckle up and learn how to get from Cancun to Tulum.

Cancun to Tulum by car

Driving from Cancun to Tulum by car is a great option if you want to be in complete control of your trip, especially if you plan on doing some sightseeing. The basic route is pretty straightforward:

  • Get on Av. J Rojo Gómez Kabah/Av. Rodrigo Gómez and continue onto Blvd. Luis Donaldo Colosio
  • Use any lane to turn slightly right onto Carr. Tulum - Cancún/México 307 and follow it for about 36.5 miles (58.7 km)
  • Follow signs and continue to stay on 50 Avenida Nte./Cancun - Chetumal/Carr. Tulum - Cancún/México 307 until you arrive in Tulum in about 41 miles (66 km)

One important thing to keep in mind is that the trip from Cancun to Tulum is extremely popular, so during the high season, expect traffic and delays. Driving in heavy traffic in a foreign country can be very stressful if you’re not used to it.

Cancun to Tulum by bus

Traveling from Cancun to Tulum by bus is a great option if you’re on a budget. Several bus companies operate from Cancun to Tulum, so on average, you’ll be able to find something every 15 minutes. Buses depart from Terminal de Autobuses ADO Cancún and arrive at Terminal de Autobuses ADO Tulum. Services depart every 15 minutes and operate every day. The journey takes between 2-3 hours depending on which bus you take. Unfortunately, the low cost comes at a price: buses are often very crowded, and can sell out.

Cancun to Tulum with Daytrip

Hiring one of Daytrip’s private drivers is the best way to get from Cancun to Tulum if you care about comfort, convenience, and service. Taking 1 hour and 40 minutes, this is also the fastest way to get from Cancun to Tulum. Your English-speaking driver will meet you in Cancun and take care of loading your luggage into your private car and drop you off at your accommodation in Tulum. Along the way, they’ll be happy to talk with you about local culture and things to do. Best of all, you can start your Yucatan adventures right away by adding sightseeing stops at beautiful cenotes, Mayan ruins, or lush nature reserves.

Cancun to Tulum by shared shuttle

A shared shuttle with a day trip from Cancun to Tulum offers the perfect balance of affordability and comfort. You meet your driver in downtown Cancun (or can request pick-up at your accommodation) and will be brought to downtown Tulum. Daytrip’s shared shuttles only carry 7 people max, so you can still talk with your driver to get their local insights, plus, you can connect with like-minded travelers. It’s always nice to make friends on holiday!

Things to do when you get to Tulum

Tulum is a tropical paradise just waiting to be explored. Treat yourself to illustrious cuisine, worldly wonders, ancient history, and natural delights as you enjoy all the best things to do when you get to Tulum.

Hit the beach

The Tulum beachfront doesn't need much of an introduction - it's probably why you're visiting! Lined with idyllic bungalows and swaying palm trees, stroll the powdery-soft white sands, soak up the sun, and refresh in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. And, of course, remember to stay hydrated by stopping by one of the beach bars for a fruity cocktail.

Chill out around town

Just inland lies Tulum's laid back beach town. Unwind at one of the many bars and restaurants. Gorge yourself on some of the tastiest, fresh-focused food Mexico has to offer. Be sure to try Cochinita Pibil, or just "Pibil", one of the local delicacies. This culinary gem of the Yucatan is a seemingly simple roasted pork, but it’s meticulously prepared to create a unique, tender dish that will keep you coming back for more.

Dive into the Yucatan cenotes

The cuisine is not the only distinctive experience in Tulum, that you’ll want to dive right into. The Yucatan Peninsula is famous for its sprawling network of underground caves and cenotes. These seemingly magical pools are naturally formed and one of the most remarkable can be found just a stone’s throw from Tulum - The Two Eyes Cenote. Part of a larger cave system, this natural phenomenon is filled with stunning blue water connected by a subterranean passageway. Using the stairs and platforms makes getting in for a dip easy, and local providers offer snorkeling tours, which can be booked through them directly.

Explore Tulum’s Mayan origins

If you’re visiting Tulum, then you’re probably aware of Chichen Itza, the crown jewel of Mexico’s archeological wonders. The ancient Mayans left a significant legacy behind for us to marvel at, and the Tulum Ruins are part of that legacy. Known by the Mayans as Zama, ‘the Place of the Dawning Sun’, what was once a simple trading post for other nearby cities grew to become one of the empire’s powerhouses in the 13th and 14th centuries. Step into Mayan temples, walk along ancient walls, and stand at the foot of the mighty castle, all with a view of the sparkling Caribbean Sea. This beachside piece of history is undoubtedly the highlight of Tulum!

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Cancun to Tulum

The best time to visit Tulum is in the winter, spring, or early summer. December through April is peak season, with another spike in July and August. March sees a huge influx of people coming for Spring Break, but time your visit for May and you'll find fewer people, cheaper rates, and still-perfect weather.
Hurricane season in Tulum is from June through November. Hurricane season is also called rainy season because even when there aren't hurricanes, there is increased rainfall.
A private car with Daytrip is the best way to get from Cancun to Tulum if you want a comfortable, convenient, and enriching trip. It's also the fastest way to travel. If you're on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to get from Cancun to Tulum, while a shared shuttle balances the benefits of both.
Tulum, originally named Zama, translating to "sunrise" in Mayan, later adopted its current name, meaning "wall," referencing the fortifications surrounding the city. Tulum stood as one of the last Mayan cities inhabited post-Spanish conquest.
The Tulum Ruins claim the title of the most visited archaeological site in Tulum. Comprising structures like the Castillo, Temple of the Frescoes, and Temple of the Descending God, these ruins offer historical richness.
Tulum boasts the world's longest underwater cave system, a haven for divers and snorkelers. Known as Sac Actun, meaning "white cave" in Mayan, it spans an impressive 215 miles, formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, creating cenotes. These sinkholes, connected by underground passages, unveil archaeological and geological wonders, including ancient Mayan artifacts, fossils, and stalactites.

Why travelers love this route

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Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From ... per seatSelect

Best reviews

premium suv

Premium SUV

Comparable to aChevrolet Suburban
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-2
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • All standard sedan features
  • Premium SUV
  • Chauffeur-style service
  • Extra amenities
From ... per seatSelect

More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
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van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
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The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Cancun to Tulum
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.

  • Safety first!

    We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

Book today - it's risk free!

You can cancel your booking up to 24 hours before departure and get a full refund.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Cancun to Tulum

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

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