ByShelleyUpdated onTulum Travel Tips
LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT TULUM TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS?
You’re in the right place! As someone who’s lived in Mexico since 2018, I wrote this article to answer the question of how to get around in Tulum for you, so that you feel safe and confident, and have a nice vacation 🏝️
I’ve visited Tulum numerous times, and I’ve got Tulum transportation down to a science. I know how difficult it can be to research getting around in Tulum, so I’ve compiled this article with all the things you’ll need to know for your trip.
Whether you want to rent a car, bike or scooter, take taxis (some of which you can also hire as a guide), or you’re planning a budget trip with public transportation, getting around Tulum doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here are all the best transportation options for getting around Tulum this year.Ready to learn the best way to get around in Tulum Mexico? Let’s go!
How to Get Around in Tulum Mexico: Your 7 Best Transportation Options
1. Rent a Car
Renting a car in another country may be daunting, but it’s perfectly safe to rent a car in Tulum.
Car rentals give you the freedom to explore the city and they’re quite affordable. At the end of the day, it will likely be cheaper than paying for tours and taxis every day.
While downtown Tulum (or Tulum Centro) is certainly walkable, most travelers want to know how to get to Tulum beaches.
It comes as a surprise to many visitors that the walk down the beach road can take over an hour.
If you are wondering how to get to the beach in Tulum, unless you want a tiring walk to the beach and back, why not rent a car?
🚘 Renting a car allows you to spend more time relaxing or exploring and less time figuring out how to get from point A to point B.
🚘 How to Rent a Car in Tulum
Of all the times I’ve rented a car in Mexico, I always use and recommend renting your car in Tulum through Discover Cars.
They have the best deals, great insurance coverage options, and free cancellations up to 48 hours. This comes in handy if anything goes wrong before or during your trip.
You can choose to rent your car at the airport or in Tulum. There are plenty of rentals available in both locations.You can even rent your car at your Tulum hotel.
If you rent your car at the airport, simply drive the 1.5 hours to your accommodation. Or, you can take a taxi or the ADO bus to Tulum and pick up your rental car when you arrive.
Either way, I recommend reserving your rental car before you arrive, especially if you’re visiting during high season.
How to Get Around In Tulum
2. ADO Bus
Taking the ADO bus is a convenient and affordable way to get around Tulum and beyond.
Whether you’re arriving at the airport and need a transfer to Tulum, or planning to explore neighboring towns like Playa del Carmen or day trips to Valladolid, the ADO Playa del Carmen bus to Tulum is a great option.
Plus, unlike other forms of transportation, you get a carry-on and a checked bag included with your bus ticket.
Digital tickets are available online and at kiosks in the bus stations. You can expect to pay about $250-425 pesos ($15-$25 USD) to get from the airport to Tulum. The ride will take about two and a half hours.
Though there’s the ADO website, it’s much easier to book ADO tickets via the BusBud site, which is in English.
🚌 How do you catch a bus in Tulum?
Wondering, How do I get to Tulum by bus? To catch a bus in Tulum, you can purchase your tickets either online or at the kiosk at an ADO bus station.
Once you have your ticket, wait for your respective bus. Fortunately, the ADO buses are well-labeled, so don’t worry about getting on the wrong one!
How to Get Around In Tulum
3. Colectivo or Shared Vans
Colectivos are shared minivans that typically travel along the highways down the Yucatan.
They are the cheapest option for how to get around in Tulum without a car, costing as little as 20 pesos ($1-$2 USD) per ride.
💰 Colectivos don’t accept US dollars or foreign currency, so don’t forget to exchange some currency ahead of time.
While they are a great form of transportation on a budget, the vans are small and quickly fill up. If you have luggage, I recommend opting for a taxi, rental car, or bus instead.
The last thing to keep in mind is there’s no set schedule for colectivos in Tulum. You simply have to wait for them to show up, and hail them like a cab.
If there’s room, the driver will pull over and collect your payment for the ride.
🚐 How do you catch a Colectivo in Tulum?
These shared vans can be found along Highway 307, traveling through the main roads of the Yucatan.
Colectivos are easy to spot, particularly when you’re in the main center of Tulum or the hotel zone.
Just like a cab, you can hail a Colectivo as it passes by. If it’s full, they won’t stop, but don’t worry, another one will be around in 10-20 minutes.
Once you’ve boarded, let the driver know where you’re going and pay the fee. Usually it’s 20-40 pesos per person.
Make sure to oay attention to where you’re going, as you may need to remind the driver to stop when you arrive at your destination.
How to Get Around In Tulum
4. Rent a Scooter
Renting a scooter in downtown Tulum is a practical, efficient, and fun way to get around Tulum. Compared to a bike, 🛵 scooters are much faster and less physically demanding.
It also provides the freedom of not relying on public transportation while being a slightly more affordable alternative to a rental car.
The main streets can be crowded; a scooter is an easy way to access some of the busier areas of Tulum.
🛵 How to Rent a Scooter in Tulum
You’ll find numerous small rental shops in downtown Tulum to rent a scooter for your trip. Tulum scooter rentals will cost around How to rent a scooter in Tulum
Tulum scooter rentals average about $800-1,000 pesos ($40-50 USD) per day. Cash is usually required to rent a scooter, so bring along plenty of pesos to cover the rental charges.
How to Get Around In Tulum
5. Take a Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Tulum and are a convenient way to get around, especially if you aren’t interested in driving yourself.
However, if you read any how to get around in Tulum Reddit or Lonely Planet threads you’ll quickly learn that ⚠️ taxis are the most expensive transportation option.
The best way to travel via taxi is to find a recommended, reliable driver and have a preexisting idea of what you should be paying to get to and from your destinations.
Remember to let your driver know where you’re going and agree on a price before you get into the taxi.
If you’re wondering how to get a taxi in Tulum, simply head outside and hail one as you would anywhere. Taxis will congregate downtown, in the hotel zone, near the beach, and at the airport.
If you’ll be in a more remote area, find a taxi driver you like and keep in touch with them. This way, if you end up in an area with no taxis, you have someone to call to pick you up.
Is there Uber in Tulum?
No — there is no Uber in Tulum. In fact, there’s really no ride-sharing apps available in most of the Yucatan.
If you require a ride, you’ll have to stick to a traditional taxi or hire a private driver.Taxis are readily available throughout Tulum and are a safe mode of transportation during your trip.
How to Get Around In Tulum
6. Rent a Bike
Renting a bike is the perfect eco-friendly and healthy option if you’re wondering how to get around Tulum without a car. There are plenty of well-maintained bike lanes that go downtown.
Biking makes it easy to get around on your own without worrying about traffic and parking.
While biking is one of the more fun ways to get around, Tulum gets super hot, especially on sunny afternoons. For the hotter days, you might want to opt for a car, taxi, or scooter some afternoons.
🚲 How to Rent a Bike in Tulum
There are tons of bike rental shops in downtown Tulum. Simply bring your ID to a rental shop and purchase a rental for the week.
I prefer renting my bikes from La Tulumeña Boutique Hotel.
How to Get Around In Tulum
7. Walkingin Tulum
Is Tulum a walkable city?
Kind of — While Tulum is a walkable city to an extent, it can get extremely hot and humid in Tulum 🥵 which makes walking unpleasant.
If you’re sticking to the downtown areas, walking is a great option. If you want to go further, walking isn’t a great option.I also wouldn’t recommend walking around at night, especially alone.
Can you walk from Tulum town to the beach?
Yes (But do you really want to?) — While it is possible to walk from Tulum to the beach, it will take about an hour and a half to walk the four miles in extreme heat and humidity.
Plus, you’ll have another four-mile walk back when you’re done, or catch a cab.
Generally, I don’t suggest walking from Tulum Town to Tulum Beach. It’s better to opt for a bike ride, or take your rental car, or hail a taxi to get from Tulum Town to the beach.
How to Get Around In Tulum
Tips for Getting Around Tulum
How to Get Around Tulum at Night
Taxis operate at night — but keep in mind that the charges are typically higher during those hours. Don’t forget to agree on a price with the driver before getting into the car.
As a general precaution, I wouldn’t walk around Tulum alone at night, but I don’t generally do that regardless of the location.
Lastly, if you’re driving your own car at night it’s best to stick to the main highway that goes through Tulum.
How do you get around safely in Tulum?
Getting around Tulum safely simply requires a bit of preparation and planning. For example, don’t walk or drive Tulum’s secluded roads and beaches alone after dark.
And, it’s best to rent a car or take planned transportation to Tulum’s cenotes and ruins. Most roads to the popular cenotes are busy highways, so it’s safer to drive than try to walk.
Many people ask, Are taxis in Tulum safe at night? The answer is yes. For the majority of travelers, the taxi Tulum options are safe by day and night, and they’re a option for getting around after dark.
However, taxi prices increase in the evening hours. There is no Tulum taxi app so you just have to hail one on the street.
Tulum by bike is another great option for getting around safely, but it’s also another transportation method I wouldn’t suggest using after dark.
How to Get To Tulum Mexico
Getting to Tulum Mexico from Cancun Airport
How do you get to Tulum Mexico from the airport? To get to Tulum from the Cancun Airport – which is the closest airport near Tulum – you can travel via rental car, taxi, private shuttle, colectivo, or ADO bus.
The Cancun to Tulum distance is 131 km (81 miles) and will take just over two hours with no stops.
If you’re looking for one of the best ways to get to Tulum from the airport, I highly recommend a private shuttle. They’ll have someone waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.
This way, you don’t have to worry about the additional Riviera Maya to Tulum stops along the way after a long travel day. Even if your flight is delayed, they’ll still have someone available to pick you up.
The ADO bus is the most affordable option while a taxi will be the most expensive.
Because it’s such a long (and sometimes cramped) ride and you’ll have your luggage with you, Colectivos aren’t the most efficient way to get from the airport to Tulum.
How to Get Around In Tulum
How to Get to Tulum from Cozumel
Traveling to Tulum from Cozumel will take about two hours and requires a car and a ferry.
If you have a car in Cozumel, you can drive it to the cruise port, take the car ferry to Playa del Carmen, and then proceed to drive to Tulum.
To avoid the logistics of the ferry and driving, the easiest option is to book a tour that will take you to Tulum from Cozumel.
The logistics of driving and taking the car ferry can get complicated. And taxi the Playa del Carmen to Tulum is pricey. A private transfer or tour can make it a smoother journey.
Another option is to hire a taxi or head to the ADO bus station when you arrive at the Playa del Carmen ferry port.
How to Get Around in Tulum: FAQs
Now that you know how to travel around Tulum like a pro, here are some frequently asked questions about getting around Tulum.
What is the best way to get around Tulum Mexico?
The best way to get around Tulum Mexico town is to rent a car or a bike, but you can also walk around if you don’t mind the hot weather.
Renting a car gives you freedom and flexibility with your schedule along with the ability to explore the surrounding areas of Tulum.
A bike is a convenient option if you’re looking to stay within Tulum’s downtown or beach club areas. If you’re on a budget, you can instead opt to take Colectivos, or shared vans around Tulum.
How to Get Around In Tulum
How do you navigate around Tulum?
Biking or renting a car is the most convenient way to navigate around Tulum.
There are also colectivos, or shared vans, and ADO buses to take you farther distances. Where to walk in Tulum is generally limited to Tulum Town.
While walking is an option for exploring downtown Tulum, there are several places, such as the beach and the ruins, that are slightly too far to reach on foot.
Because of this, I recommend not relying on walking and having a second form of transportation.
How to Get Around In Tulum
How much does it cost to rent a car in Tulum?
Depending on the time of year and your choice of coverage, the cost of renting a car in Tulum will be about $30 USD per day.
I always recommend and personally use DiscoverCars with full coverage.
It’s important to remember that the cheapest car rental isn’t usually the best option. I wrote a detailed guide on renting a car in Tulum: Renting a Car in Tulum: What You Need to Know.
How to Get Around In Tulum
Is driving in Tulum easy?
Yes — Driving in Tulum is easy and pretty straightforward. The roads are well maintained and the town is not overwhelmingly large, though traffic can get pretty bad.
Also, you should avoid driving at night. If you do have to drive around after dark, stick to the main highways.
How to Get Around In Tulum
Is it safe to take a taxi in Tulum?
Yes — For the majority of travelers, it is safe to take a taxi in Tulum.
For extra security, you can talk to locals or friends for a taxi driver recommendation and keep their number on hand throughout your vacation.
The next most important tip to remember is to let the driver know where you’re going and agree on a price before you get into the car.
Taxi drivers can double for personal travel guides during your trip, so if you want that, try to negotiate a day rate.
How to Get Around In Tulum
Is it worth renting a scooter in Tulum?
It is absolutely worth renting a scooter in Tulum. Renting a scooter is an affordable and convenient way to get around.
On top of that, it’s fun and is a great way to cool off on a hot day!
How to Get Around In Tulum
Is Tulum worth visiting?
Absolutely — And when you do, this article serves as the perfect guide for everything you need to know about getting around Tulum, including the best way to get to Tulum.
How to Get Around In Tulum
Final Thoughts: How to Get Around in Tulum
We’ve reached the end of this Tulum transportation guide! I hope it cleared up any confusion you might have had, and answered all your 🤔 How to get around in Tulum Mexico? questions.
Whether you want to travel around Tulum and the Yucatan in convenience with your own car or you want to travel on a budget using local colectivos, there are plenty of easy ways to get around on your vacation.
Additional Tulum Tips & Blogs
Enjoyed this how to get around in Tulum article? Looking for more info on Tulum Mexico tips?
Check out these additional Tulum guides to know everything about traveling in Tulum:
- Renting a Car in Tulum: What You Need to Know
- Best Cancun to Tulum Shuttle: How to Get to Tulum
- Can You Drink the Water in Tulum Mexico
- Tulum Solo Travel: How to Safely Visit Tulum Mexico
- New Tulum Airport: The Ultimate Guide to TQO Airport
Tulum Travel Planning Guide
1. Should I buy Mexico travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
2. Can you drink the water in Tulum?
No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. (Read more)
3. Is it safe to rent a car in Tulum?
Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. (Read more)
4. Will my phone work in Tulum?
Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy this Telcel SIM Card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. (Read more)
5. What’s the best way to book my Tulum accommodations?
For Tulum hotels, Booking.com is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb.
6. What do I pack for Tulum?
Head to the Ultimate Tulum Packing List to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.
7. What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?
For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
8. Do I need a visa for Mexico?
Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa or passport stamp upon arrival.
