How to get to Tulum is one of the first questions visitors ask when planning their Caribbean getaway.
At Casa Nalum, we’ve welcomed countless guests who arrive via different routes to reach our beachfront paradise. Whether you prefer budget-friendly options or luxury transfers, getting to Tulum has never been easier with multiple airports and transport choices now available.
We’d like to guide you through the best ways to reach Tulum so you can start relaxing the moment you land.
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Top Options to Get to Tulum
Tulum now offers more arrival options than ever before. Here are the eight best ways to reach this tropical paradise:
1. Fly Direct to Tulum International Airport
The newest and most convenient option is flying directly into Tulum International Airport (Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport), which opened in late 2023. This game-changing addition means no more long drives from Cancun International Airport.
Convenience: Direct flights from major US cities
Price Level: Mid to high range
Location: 25 miles from Tulum Centro
Flight Times: Daily connections from NYC, LA, Miami, Houston
Airlines: Multiple carriers now service this route
Flying directly to Tulum International Airport cuts your travel time significantly. From Casa Nalum, the airport is just 45 minutes away, making arrivals and departures stress-free.
You can learn more about transportation options from Tulum Airport.
2. ADO Bus from Cancun Airport
The ADO bus remains the most budget-friendly way to get to Tulum from Cancun International Airport. These comfortable buses offer air conditioning, power outlets, and clean restrooms for the two-hour journey.
Ratings: 4.5/5 for comfort and reliability
Price Level: Budget-friendly at around $10 USD
Location: Direct service from Cancun Airport to Tulum Centro
Schedule: 8 daily trips from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Booking: Reserve online at ado.com.mx
The bus kiosk is easy to find at Cancun Airport. Book your ticket online or pay at the departure terminal. This option works great if you’re staying in Tulum Centro or don’t mind a short taxi ride to the hotel zone.
3. Private Shuttle Service
Private shuttles offer door-to-door service from either Cancun International Airport or Tulum Airport directly to your accommodation. This option provides comfort and convenience for families or groups.
Ratings: 4.8/5 for personalized service
Price Level: Mid-range ($70-100 USD)
Service Area: Both airports to any Tulum location
Availability: 24/7 pickup service
Booking: Advance reservation recommended
Private shuttles include meet-and-greet service, luggage assistance, and air-conditioned vehicles. Perfect for reaching Casa Nalum in Sian Ka’an comfortably.
4. Group Transfer Services
Group transfers combine the affordability of shared rides with the convenience of door-to-door service. You’ll share the vehicle with other travelers heading to similar destinations.
Price Level: Economy option ($30-50 USD per person)
Pickup: Designated meeting points at airports
Wait Time: Maximum 20 minutes for other passengers
Vehicle Type: Comfortable vans with AC
This option balances cost and convenience, making stops at multiple hotels along the Riviera Maya corridor.
5. Rental Car from Airport
Renting a car gives you complete freedom to explore Tulum and the Riviera Maya at your own pace. Both Cancun International Airport and Tulum Airport have car rental kiosks from major companies.
Flexibility: Explore cenotes, beaches, and Mayan ruins independently
Price Level: Variable ($25-60 USD per day)
Route: Highway 307 direct to Tulum
Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Cancun, 30 minutes from Tulum Airport
Companies: Hertz, Avis, Budget available
Book directly through company websites rather than third-party sites for better rates and customer service. Consider fuel costs and parking when budgeting.
6. Taxi Service
Taxis provide immediate availability without advance booking. While convenient, they’re typically the most expensive ground transportation option.
Price Level: Expensive ($60-100 USD from Cancun)
Availability: Taxi stands at both airports
Wait Time: Usually immediate
Booking: No reservation needed
Negotiate the fare before departing, as most taxis don’t use meters. Expect to pay around $100 USD from Cancun to Tulum.
7. Maya Express Train (Tren Maya)
The new Tren Maya connects Cancun to Tulum with a scenic train journey through the Yucatan Peninsula. This sustainable option offers a unique travel experience.
Experience: Scenic route through jungle landscapes
Price Level: Budget-friendly (around $5 USD)
Stations: Cancun Airport to Tulum station
Schedule: Multiple daily departures
Booking: Official Tren Maya website
While still establishing consistent schedules, the Maya Express provides an eco-friendly alternative to road transport.
8. Colectivo Van Service
Colectivo vans offer the most economical transport, but with multiple stops and longer travel times. These shared vans operate on set routes throughout the Riviera Maya.
Price Level: Most economical option
Routes: Regular service between major destinations
Frequency: Frequent departures throughout the day
Capacity: Shared with local passengers
Best for solo travelers on tight budgets who don’t mind longer journey times with multiple stops.
Tips and Tricks for Getting to Tulum
From our experience welcoming guests to Casa Nalum, here are insider tips for smooth arrivals:
Book Transportation Early: Reserve your transport 2-4 weeks in advance during peak season (December-April) when demand is highest.
Consider Your Luggage: Private transfers offer more space for beach gear, diving equipment, or extended-stay luggage compared to shared options.
Plan for Currency Exchange: Skip airport currency exchange kiosks with poor rates. Withdraw Mexican pesos from local ATMs for better exchange rates. Tulum Centro has the most reliable ATMs.
Download Offline Maps: Cell service can be spotty in Sian Ka’an. Download offline maps before traveling in case you need backup navigation.
Pack Essentials for the Journey: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and snacks for longer transport options. Stay hydrated during the tropical journey.
Allow Extra Time for Departures: Plan buffer time for your return journey, especially during busy travel periods when traffic can be unpredictable.
Getting to Casa Nalum in Sian Ka’an
Our beachfront villa location requires special consideration for transportation:
From Tulum Airport: 45-minute drive through scenic coastal roads
From Cancun Airport: 2-hour journey via Highway 307
Road Conditions: Paved highway to Tulum, then coastal road to Sian Ka’an
We recommend private transfers or rental cars for the most comfortable arrival experience.
Conclusion
Getting to Tulum has evolved dramatically with new flight options and improved ground transportation. Whether you choose the convenience of direct flights to Tulum International Airport, the budget-friendly ADO bus, or the flexibility of a rental car, your journey to paradise has never been easier.
Ready to start planning your Tulum adventure? Book your stay and let us help arrange your perfect arrival experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it better to fly to Tulum or Cancun?
Flying directly to Tulum International Airport saves significant travel time if available from your departure city. However, Cancun International Airport offers more flight options and often better prices, with reliable ground transport to Tulum.
How much is the ride from Cancun to Tulum?
Costs vary by transport method: ADO bus ($10 USD), group transfer ($30-50 USD), private shuttle ($70-100 USD), or taxi ($60-100 USD). Private transfers offer the best value for families and groups.
What’s the easiest way to get to Tulum?
For convenience, direct flights to Tulum Airport are followed by a short transfer. For budget travelers, the ADO bus from Cancun provides reliable, comfortable service at the lowest cost.
Do I need a special vehicle to reach Sian Ka’an?
While regular vehicles can reach most Tulum destinations, accessing remote areas like Sian Ka’an (where Casa Nalum is located) is easier with higher-clearance vehicles. We can arrange appropriate transportation for our guests.
Is Uber available at Tulum airports?
Uber service is limited at both airports. Pre-arranged transfers, official taxis, and rental cars are more reliable options for airport transportation in Tulum.
