Best Cancun to Tulum Shuttle: How to Get to Tulum in 2024

Best Cancun to Tulum Shuttle

My answer to How do I get from Cancun to Tulum? is always “book this private shuttle with Cancun Airport Transportation.” (You can book here.)

They offer everything from private shuttles and luxury private shuttles, to the ultra-lux limousine service (with limo cars and limo SUVs available) and even these wheelchair accessible vans.

You’ll even save some money 🤑 by booking the round trip service — then all that’s left is to kick back and relax, because your Tulum to Cancun Airport shuttle is handled!

Best Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Reviews

I always recommend Cancun Airport Transportation Services, which has an impressive 4.5 out of 5 Star rating and 5,400+ reviews on TripAdvisor. It is the highest-rated and best private transfer Cancun to Tulum service available.

❓ Where is the pick-up & Drop-off?

The private shuttle is very convenient because it offers door-to-door service.

You’ll be picked up curbside at airport arrivals Cancun, taken to your hotel in Tulum. When it’s time to leave Tulum, you’ll be picked up at your hotel and dropped off at airport departures Cancun.

⏳ How long is the shuttle from Cancun to Tulum?

About 2 hours — In normal traffic, you can expect to be at your Tulum resort within 1.5-2 hours of the time you leave the Cancun International Airport.

🏆 Cancun Airport Transportation Reviews

Cars are super nice. Driving was great. Totally worth it. Flawless pickup and drop off. (Kory R.)

For the price, this company can’t be beat! …I will be using this company for all hotel transports in that area moving forward. (Dustin J.)

We will use again. Great vehicle. Great driver. Would recommend this service. Just exit the airport doors and look for someone holding a sign. (Sean C.)

Awesome guys, easy to reschedule if you need to. (Zslot)

How much is the Cancun to Tulum private shuttle?

In our post-2020 world, a private service makes more sense than ever.

Nowadays, many travelers want to avoid being in a shared shuttle or public bus with 5-30 other passengers, so a private service gives you peace of mind, and convenience.

As always, convenience comes with a price — but it’s not as steep as you might think. For 1-8 passengers, it’s $310 round trip (if you book round-trip with the discount), and $160 one way.

This is the total price you’d be splitting between all people, so for couples and groups, a private shuttle from Cancun to Tulum really is the way to go.

If you are traveling in a couple or small group, it’s actually one of the most economical options.

Whether you’re in a group, a couple, or just want private transport from Cancun to Tulum for health and safety, keep reading — as you’ll soon discover six reasons why the private shuttle is your best option.

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle: Why It’s the Best Way to Get to Tulum from Cancun

Still unsure if the private shuttle is for you? Below, you’ll find six reasons why we always recommend them to Tulum visitors.

The #1 reason is time, and if you only have a few days on your Tulum itinerary, the private shuttle is absolutely the way to go.

1. Fastest way to get from Cancun to Tulum

As time is always the most precious commodity while on vacation — and no one seems to have enough of it — you may want to spend a bit more money, as long as you’re saving a good chunk of time. With the private shuttle Cancun service, you will!

Shared shuttles will often make stops at the other three terminals in Cancun Airport to pick up other passengers. They then do drop-offs all along the route to Tulum, in places like Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen.

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

2. Bilingual drivers

With a Cancun Airport Transportation private shuttle, you’re guaranteed an English-speaking driver from Cancun to Tulum.

For those who aren’t confident in their Spanish, having a bilingual guide who will guide you through the airport is a nice perk — especially after a long day of traveling.

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

3. Door to Door Service

With the private shuttle, your driver will meet you with a greeter sign in the Arrivals area in the Cancun Airport. They will walk you and your luggage outside to the car or SUV, and drive you straight to your Tulum accommodation.

Keep in mind that if you take a shared shuttle or the bus, you’ll then have to use a taxi service to get to your Tulum hotel. Depending on where you’re staying, plan for $100-300 MXN pesos ($5-15 USD).

🚫 Note: There’s no Uber in Tulum or Cancun, and there’s no Lyft in Tulum or Cancun either.

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

4. Leave on your schedule

When it’s your private shuttle, you set the departure time because everything revolves around your schedule. 😁 Yes, please!

Imagine getting to Cancun Airport after your flight, going through the Customs line, getting your luggage, and then having to wait another two hours to even get on the bus to Tulum — which will take another two hours to drive to Tulum 🤬 Yeah, no.

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

5. It doesn’t matter if your flight’s late

If your flight arrives late, or if you have any issues clearing Customs, or if there’s any delay or issues with your luggage (we’ve all been there), your private shuttle will still be available for you

With a shared shuttle, you’d have to be rebooked, and with the bus, you’d have to buy a new ticket.

⚠️ Note: While Cancun Airport Transportation does include flight monitoring, you’ll also want to let them know if your flight’s delayed. You can call 1-855-577-9836 toll free, call +52-1-998-980 3458 from Cancun, or send a message via Whatsapp to +52-1-980-3458.

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

6. Nice Cars, SUVs, Vans & Limos

Cancun Airport Transportation guarantees you’re in a new, insured and comfortable vehicle that has air conditioning.

While many shared shuttles from Cancun to Tulum do have AC, it’s not always a guarantee. On a two-hours drive in the tropics after your long flight, it’s never a good start to your trip when you end up in one of the non-air condoned Tulum Cancun Airport shuttles!

💎 Luxury Tulum Shuttle

Want a luxury car service for Tulum? You have options to book SUV transportation in a Yukon, Suburban or Expedition (or a similar large SUV from another car company).

💎 Cancun to Tulum Limo

Looking for Cancun limo service to Tulum? You can also book a limo from Cancun to Tulum with Cancun Airport Transportation, the company recommended throughout this article.

Need a large SUV limo? They have those too, and you can book yours here.

♿️ Accessible Tulum Shuttle

Cancun Airport Transportation has vans with a wheelchair ramp that can accommodate 1-2 wheelchairs, and up to three additional passengers.

Book your Cancun to Tulum private transport

Cancun Airport to Tulum Shuttle: FAQ & Travel Guide

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

Though there’s an airport for Tulum, many still choose to fly to Cancun, then head to Tulum because the Cancun Airport offers more direct flights.

Cancun isn’t a huge city, but it isn’t small either, so here’s what you can expect when traveling to Tulum from different areas in Cancun Mexico:

• Cancun Airport to Tulum Distance: The distance is 73 miles (118 km), and about 1.5 hours of drive time. 
• Downtown Cancun to Tulum Distance: The distance is 81 miles (131 km), which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• Cancun Hotel Zone to Tulum Distance: The distance from the Zona Hotelera on Cancun Beach to Tulum is 85 miles (137 km), and about 2 hours of drive time. 

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

Distance-wise, the Tulum Airport to Downtown Tulum is about 25 miles (40 km). The drive takes about a 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. To get to Tulum Beach from Tulum Airport, it takes a bit longer.

This state-of-the art airport has unique features like a regular terminal for all travelers, and luxury terminal for visitors arriving by private plane.

Though the Tulum Airport is now open, you used to have to use Cancun International Airport (code: CUN), and some travelers still fly into Cancun Airport if it makes more sense for them. ▶︎ Book your flights to Cancun here.

🚁 Cancun to Tulum helicopter

There is a Cancun to Tulum helicopter transfer service, but it’s pretty steep at $2,250 USD one way for four people.

The flight is short, at just 50 minutes, and you do get some nice views along the Caribbean Sea.

Keep in mind there are also luggage weight restrictions, so isn’t the most practical Cancun Tulum route for many travelers. If you’d like to book a helicopter tour, there’s Cancun Helicopter.

⚠️ Note: I have never used this company, but I wanted to list them so readers know all their Cancun to Tulum travel options.

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

The anchorage system of the wheelchair to the van can carry passengers safely, either in the comfort of your own chair or if you prefer, our experienced staff will help you move to one of the seats of the van.

The well-cared-for Accessible Transportation Vehicles can take one person in a wheelchair, plus five companions. Upon request, you can book a van that accommodates two people in wheelchairs, and up to three companions.

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

For those doing solo travel in Mexico, backpacking or visiting Tulum on a budget, the shared shuttle is more economical than the private shuttle. It does take 1-1.5 hours longer than the private shuttle, so keep that in mind.

The shared airport shuttle from Cancun to Tulum carries up to 12 passengers. Most shuttles from larger companies, like Happy Shuttle Tulum and eTransfers Tulum, will be a Nissan Urvan, Toyota Hiace, or a similar style van.

With all seats full, the Cancun to Tulum shuttle time trip can be up to four hours, though it’s usually closer to 2.5 or 3 hours. In the private shuttle, it’s just 1.5 hours.

Prefer the private shuttle from Cancun Airport to Tulum after all?

While it does cost about $135 USD more at $210 for round-trip tickets, it’s also a lot more convenient to book the shuttle service from Cancun to Tulum.

🤔 Tulum Private Shuttle vs Shared Shuttle: Which is better?

With the shared shuttle, you’ll have to pick up passengers in all four airport terminals. You’ll also make several off-highway stops along the way to other popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Playa Maroma Beach and more.

⚠️ Note: If you’re arriving on the weekend or during the busy season in Tulum (December to March), expect a full shuttle.

Unless you’re a solo traveler, or on a very strict budget, this private shuttle is the best option. Not only do you get door to door service in less than half the time, it’s also often cheaper because you’re splitting it with a group.

For up to three passengers, the private shuttle is $310 round trip — so $155 when split by two, and just $103 split three ways. The shared shuttle is about $75 round trip per person, so private is usually the best way to go for cost and convenience.

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

🤔 Can I take Uber from Cancun to Tulum?

While there is Uber in Cancun, you can’t get Uber at Cancun Airport — as it is illegal for Uber drivers to enter the Cancun Airport. To get an Uber, you have to fully exit the airport, then call Uber from the main street.

There is no Uber in Tulum, so you can’t take an Uber from Tulum to Cancun Airport. You can take a taxi from Tulum to Cancun Airport, and they will drop you off curbside in the Cancun Airport departures area.

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

However, there are plenty of cabs in Tulum, so don’t worry! Once in Tulum, you can get around by taxi, renting a bike, renting a moped, or driving your rental car.

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

🚕 How expensive is a taxi from Cancun to Tulum?

The short answer is A LOT! It can be up to $200+ USD one way, depending on your luck — or your un-luck. The going rate is closer to $125-150 one way, but that’s only if the taxi driver doesn’t up-charge you with a “tourist tax.”

In truth, a Cancun to Tulum taxi is your worst option. You should only even consider this in an emergency when you have no other options. Here’s two reasons why:

Once you walk outside of the airport, and even as you’re approaching the exit, you’ll start to be approached by the Cancun Airport taxi services.

Depending on how they judge your appearance (ie. how well you’re dressed, if you look like it’s your first time in Mexico, etc.), they’ll quote you that price. For this reason, you may get a price of up to $125 USD one-way, which is more than booking this private transfer.

However, if it’s nighttime or they don’t think you know any better, it’s just the price they will quote you. They are hoping you don’t know better — But now you do!

My advice? Save yourself the hassle and haggle and book this Cancun to Tulum private shuttle now. With this, at least you know the Cancun to Tulum shuttle cost up-front, and won’t receive any pricey surprises in Cancun.

They will meet you right outside the Cancun Airport, walk you and your luggage to the van, SUV or limo, pack your stuff up, and drive you straight to your Tulum accommodation. All you have to do is kick back, relax and enjoy the ride!

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

However, you really can’t go wrong anywhere in Tulum, as it’s such a small town.

At only about five miles from one end to the other, Tulum basically consists of these three Tulum neighborhoods: Downtown Tulum (AKA Tulum Town or Tulum Pueblo), Aldea Zama and Tulum Beach.

Below, you’ll find info on each — or you can use the guides below to book your hotel in Tulum.

• 23 Best Resorts in Tulum Mexico
• 10 Best All Inclusive Resorts in Tulum
• Tulum Beach House Rentals: 10 Best Beachfront Tulum Villas
• Tulum Glamping: 11 Boho Glampsites & Tulum Treehouse Hotels
• 11 Best Cheap Hotels in Tulum Mexico

🏝️ Tulum Beach

Instagram worthy Tulum Beach is the Tulum you’ve seen in IG photos, YouTube videos and viral TikToks. This area is also known as the Tulum Hotel Zone, as it’s where you find all the best Tulum hotels.

Here, you’ll find all the beautiful beach resorts and all-inclusive resorts (like Dreams Tulum Resort), large-scale art installations, high end restaurants, cool bars, all the best Tulum photo spots and more.

It’s also the most expensive part of Tulum — though you can find some relatively inexpensive hotels on Tulum Beach, like Casa Ganesh by Ahau Collection and Coco Tulum.

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

Aside from hurricanes, drinking too much (don’t forget your anti-hangover meds), sunburns and petty theft, Tulum is safe. In fact, all of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is considered safe for visitors.

Though Tulum is mostly safe, you still have to follow general travel safety measures. These are the basic and bare minimum precautions you’d want to follow when traveling anywhere.

The general travel safety measures would include avoiding places and people that seem unsafe, watching your alcohol intake, never taking drinks from strangers, not buying drugs, and staying aware of your surroundings and belongings.

Do these, and you’ll have a great Tulum vacation.

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

Now, that’s not to say Tulum budget travel is impossible — only that it requires a solid plan.

In this case, the cheapest transportation from Cancun Airport to Tulum is the ADO bus from Cancun to Tulum. You can also follow these other Tulum budget tips to save some money here and there while traveling to Tulum Mexico.

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

If you’re looking to lay on a beautiful Mexican Caribbean beach, sip cocktails, take photos, see the best Mayan Ruins in Mexico, swim in the cenotes and go snorkeling, then Tulum is for you because there are so many amazing things to do in Tulum.

Like all places, the key to enjoying Tulum is managing your expectations of it — Think Instagram vs. Reality.

If you’re aware the photos you’ve seen online are heavily edited, cropped and filtered, then you’re already well on your way to managing Tulum expectations.

Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Service

Cancun is ideal for travelers who just want to relax, swim, eat and drink. In fact, Cancun has some of the best all inclusive resorts in Mexico where you can do just that.

While there are also all inclusive Tulum Resorts, Tulum wins in the culture department and the cool department. In general, there are more things to do in Tulum, as most Cancun travelers just stay at their resorts.

Though possibly on its way to becoming over-crowded, Tulum still has a lot to offer. There’s the Tulum Ruins right on the beach, Tulum cenotes (natural jungle pools) to swim in, great Tulum day trips, and the overall bohemian vibe.

Cancun, however, is more established, with a more solid tourism infrastructure. Still, they are both two of the best Mexico resort towns, and you can’t go wrong with either choice.

Final Thoughts: Cancun to Tulum Shuttle

While there’s no Tulum Airport (yet), Cancun has one of the biggest airports in Mexico, with direct flights from around the world — so you’ll have no issues getting to Cancun. Once you’re there, you’ll need to make your way to Tulum, located 1.5-2 hours south.

When factoring in convenience and price, booking private transportation in advance is the best way to get from Cancun to Tulum. For solo travelers and Tulum budget travel, this Tulum shared shuttle will save you some money, but definitely add some time to the trip.