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Getting from Cancun Airport to Tulum

Cancun Airport in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is located 73 miles (118 km) from the popular beachside town of Tulum. Once you reach the airport, there are three transfer options to choose from to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum: a Cancun Airport taxi, a bus, or a private transfer. 

A Cancun Airport taxi is the quickest and most convenient option as they are available 24/7 and offer a door-to-door transfer. Your second option is to take a bus to your hotel or accommodation in Tulum, which is cheaper but slower, with a journey time of approximately 3 hours.

Lastly, you can opt for a Cancun Airport transfer with an English-speaking driver, a guaranteed on-time pickup, and a direct ride straight to the doorstep of your hotel.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Cancun at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Taxi €112 90min 24/7
ADO Bus €40 180min 11:40–20:05
Welcome Airport Transfer €124 90min 24/7

How to get from Cancun Αirport to Tulum by taxi

Taking a taxi is the most convenient transfer option from Cancun Αirport to Tulum. The total journey time will be between 1 hour and 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on traffic, and vehicles can seat up to four passengers.

Taxis at Cancun Airport must be booked in advance. If you haven’t booked before your flight, you must arrange your ride at one of the taxi kiosks in the arrivals terminal.

Prices are usually set based on the zone you are traveling to and it is recommended to negotiate. Although metered taxis have recently been introduced, most taxi companies don’t use them.

How much is a taxi from Cancun Airport to Tulum?

Although Cancun taxis predominantly charge a set-rate fee based on different zones, metered taxis were also introduced in 2024 on a trial basis. However, in most cases when catching a taxi from Cancun Airport to Tulum, the price will be fixed.

That said, a taxi costs approximately $125 (€112/MXN 2,425) for up to four passengers, which you are welcome to negotiate. Although some local taxi companies offer rides as cheap as $70 (€63/MXN 1,358) when pre-booked online.

If you’d prefer the peace of mind that comes with a fully inclusive fixed-rate fare, you can book your Cancun Airport to Tulum shuttle in advance with Welcome Pickups. A private transfer may even end up being cheaper than a taxi, and it’s more convenient. 

Cost

$125

Trip Duration

1 H 30 Min

*The journey can take up to 2 hours if there is heavy traffic.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Cancun Αirport.

Where do I find a taxi at Cancun International Airport?

At Cancun Airport, it’s common to book a taxi upon arrival at one of the official transport booths in the Arrivals Hall. After exiting Baggage Claim, you’ll walk through an area with various transportation kiosks where prices should be clearly displayed.

These taxis are pre-paid and regulated, ensuring a set fare to your destination. Just keep in mind that rates can fluctuate depending on various factors.

Cancun taxi drivers wear a white short-sleeved shirt with a light blue taxi emblem on the top left side. Once you choose a driver, they will walk you to your taxi, and you can begin your ride from Cancun to Tulum.

Convenience

Taxis and private transfers are the only transfer options that are available 24/7 at Cancun International Airport. They also offer direct and door-to-door transport to your hotel, allowing you to travel from Cancun Airport to Tulum quickly and seamlessly.

The downside of a taxi is having to wait for an available cab and fending off unregistered drivers offering rides, but this can be avoided by booking a private transfer. 

Editor’s Note

Taxis are the best option for anyone who hasn't booked a ride in advance.

Useful Tips

Always agree on the price of your journey before getting into the taxi.
If your driver helps you with your luggage, it is polite to leave a small tip. Nevertheless, tipping is not generally expected.
Regular Cancun taxis are white with a green stripe and the word "TAXI" on the front door.
Taxi drivers at Cancun Airport often give locals a better price than foreigners, so if you are able to ask for the price and give directions in Spanish, it will help a lot when it comes to lowering the journey cost.

Getting from Cancun Airport to Tulum by bus

A much cheaper alternative to a taxi is to take the bus. The ADO bus from Cancun Airport to Tulum runs directly to the ADO Bus Terminal in Tulum, with a journey time of around 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic.

Buses are large, comfortable coaches with plenty of storage space for luggage.

How much is the ADO bus from Cancun Airport to Tulum?

The Cancun Airport to Tulum bus costs $22 (€20/MXN 427) for a one-way ticket. You can purchase your ADO bus ticket in advance online, by card at the ticket booth inside the Arrivals Hall, or in cash at the ticket stand next to the bus stop.

Cost

$22

Trip Duration

3 H

Wait times for the ADO bus range from 1 hour and 20 minutes to 2 hours.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The ADO bus is usually available from 11:40 to 20:05 at Cancun Airport. We recommend checking the official website for updated timetables.

Where do I get the bus at Cancun Airport?

The ADO bus can be found outside Terminals 2, 3, and 4 at Cancun International Airport. Once you’ve passed Baggage Claim and Customs, simply head down the transport corridor through the exit doors, and then turn to your right. You will see the bright red ticket stand just in front of you, where the ADO bus picks up passengers.

You’ll be dropped off at the ADO Bus Station in Tulum on Avenue Tulum and will have to make your way to your hotel or accommodation from there.

Convenience

The ADO Cancun Airport to Tulum shuttle is a comfortable, air-conditioned transfer service, however, it only leaves a few times a day, meaning you may have a long wait if you arrive just after a bus has departed. Once you arrive at the bus station in Tulum, you will also need to take a taxi to your hotel, which can be fairly pricey if you’re staying in the Hotel Zone.

Editor’s Note

The bus is a decent option for those on a tight budget who don't have much luggage.

Useful Tips

The ADO is fully equipped with USB charging ports, air-conditioning, TVs, and plenty of luggage storage.
Purchase your tickets from the ticket booth inside the Arrivals Hall if you need to pay by card.
You can purchase your ADO tickets online in advance to save time at the airport.
The journey time from Terminal 2 is just 2 hours and 45 minutes.
If you're arriving early in the morning or late evening, your only transport option will be a taxi or pre-booked private transfer as there are no bus services.
You can use the same bus service for your return trip from Tulum to Cancun Airport.

How to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum by private transfer

When considering your Cancun transportation from the airport to Tulum, a private transfer is the most reliable and customizable choice. No need to worry about finding a taxi on arrival or keeping your group together, when you book a Cancun Airport transfer, you’ll be met by a local English-speaking driver and taken directly to the door of your hotel in comfort and style.

Welcome Pickups offers a guaranteed fixed fare rate and 24/7 customer support, plus your flight will be monitored in case there are any changes to your schedule.

Additionally, your driver will welcome you to Mexico by pointing out some of Cancun’s famous landmarks en route to your destination, while letting you in on some local secrets to help you get the most out of your beachside vacation.

How much is an airport transfer from Cancun to Tulum?

Forget unwanted surprises, when you opt for a private transfer, you can book and pay for your ride before traveling. No need to worry about the meter running or being overcharged because you can’t speak the language; instead, you’ll receive a fixed fare quote inclusive of all charges.

For a ride that can accommodate up to 3 passengers, you’ll pay $140 (€124/MXN 2,703) from Cancun Airport to Tulum. Otherwise, you can arrange a more spacious vehicle that can accommodate up to 7 passengers for $159 (€140/MXN 3,070). 

The booking process is simple and takes just 60 seconds; head to our website or download the app, enter your details and flight information, and then select a time that suits you best.

Cost

$140

Trip Duration

1 H 30 Min

*When booked in advance a vehicle will be waiting for you on arrival.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Cancun International Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

After collecting any luggage, enter the Arrivals Hall where you’ll find your friendly Welcome Pickups driver waiting, holding a sign with your name on it.

Since there isn’t an official taxi stand at Cancun Airport, you won’t need to go searching for a driver at a transport booth, instead, you’ll be taken directly to your pre-selected private vehicle so that your airport transfer can begin.

Convenience

When you book a private transfer, you’ll have the benefit of an upfront quote inclusive of all charges, so there’s no need to second-guess or negotiate the cost on the day. Rides can be booked in a matter of minutes, either online or through the app, which is ideal for those on business or on a tight schedule.

Editor’s Note

Private transfers are the easiest way to upgrade your travel plans for ultimate convenience at a good price.

Useful Tips

Private transfers are fully personalized and customizable, allowing you to make requests for a certain size and type of vehicle, as well as add-ons such as baby booster seats.
The day before you travel, you'll receive an email with your driver's details to ensure you recognize them on arrival.
Your driver won't expect a tip, but if you wish to leave a small token of your appreciation, you can do so with cash in person.
We suggest selecting a pickup time at least 40 minutes after your flight’s scheduled arrival time to ensure you have enough time to pass through Immigration and collect any luggage.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Cancun. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How far is Cancun Airport to Tulum?

The distance from Cancun Airport to Tulum is around 72 miles (118 km). A taxi ride will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you choose to take the bus, expect a journey time closer to 3 hours.

How do I get from Cancun Airport to Tulum?

There are three different modes of transport from Cancun Airport to Tulum: taxi, private transfer, or bus. A taxi or private transfer will take at least 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Tulum, while the more affordable ADO bus will take around 3 hours.

How long is the drive from Cancun Airport to Tulum?

Whether you decide to catch a taxi, hire a car, or pre-book a private transfer, the journey should take between 1 hour and 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on traffic.

How much does a taxi from Cancun Airport to Tulum cost?

Cancun Airport taxis offer fixed-rate fares to Tulum, however, it’s still possible to barter a lower price. For a ride with up to four passengers, you’ll pay around $125 (€112/MXN 2,425).

Is there a free shuttle at Cancun Airport?

Yes, there is a free shuttle bus available between Terminals 2, 3, and 4. Buses usually depart every 20 minutes from 07:00 to 22:00.

How often do buses run from Cancun to Tulum?

Wait times for the Cancun Airport to Tulum bus range from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.

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