How to Get Around Tulum: Complete Transport Guide

Knowing well the options available when moving around in a new destination is essential to make the most of the time in each place.

It is not always easy to find information about transportation and the best ways to get around tourist destinations. Many times we decide to visit places that are out of the ordinary and represent a little more complexity. But that doesn’t stop people from knowing them.

That is why in this article we want to provide you with the necessary information about the different ways to move within the magical Tulum.

As we discuss in other articles on this blog, Tulum is spread across two very different zones: Tulum Pueblo (the town centre, with its taco stands, markets, and local life) and the Zona Hotelera (the coastal hotel strip along the Caribbean, about 3 km away). Getting between these two areas — and reaching the stunning cenotes scattered through the jungle — requires a bit of planning.

In order to make the most of your time in this Caribbean paradise, we recommend that you know well the options you have to move around.

As always, depending on the time and budget you have, you can choose the option that best suits you.

First of all, you will find the lowest budget option, which is to get around using local transport. Tulum does not have a formal public transportation network, but there are inexpensive and reliable options used by both locals and travellers.

Within local transport we can highlight the colectivos and shared taxis.

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Colectivos — the locals’ favourite

Colectivos are shared minivans that run along Highway 307, the main road connecting Tulum to Playa del Carmen (45 min north) and other towns along the Riviera Maya. They are incredibly affordable — a ride between Tulum and Playa del Carmen costs just a few pesos — and they depart as soon as they fill up, so you rarely wait long.

Within Tulum itself, there are also shared taxis that follow set routes through the Pueblo. These are slightly more expensive than colectivos but still far cheaper than a private taxi, and they let you experience the destination the way locals do.

These options are usually the cheapest and also allow a more authentic experience of the place since they are the preferred ones among local inhabitants.

However, because they follow specific routes, if you want to reach remote cenotes, Playa Ruinas (under the Mayan ruins), or quieter stretches of the beach road, you will likely need to combine this with another transport option.

You can also arrive in Tulum from Cancún or Playa del Carmen by ADO bus — a comfortable, air-conditioned coach service that drops you at the Tulum bus station right in the Pueblo. It’s the easiest budget-friendly option for arriving from the airport.

Taxis — flexible and plentiful

Another of the most frequent ways to get around Tulum are traditional taxis. With a taxi you can get anywhere you want — from Tulum Pueblo to the Zona Hotelera, out to Gran Cenote, or down to Playa Paraíso. You will find taxis are plentiful and you will rarely have to wait long for one.

Being a private service, the cost is higher, but you can always share it with travel companions and split the fare.

Also, if you are looking to make the transfer cheaper, you can combine a colectivo for the longer stretch and a short taxi ride for the final leg.

Taxis have some fixed rates but it is common for them to quote different prices for the same journey (depending on the time of day and the driver). We recommend asking your hotel or hostel staff for the normal fare to your destination and negotiating that price before you set off.

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Scooters and bicycles — the traveller’s favourite

Now, if you know how to ride and have a slightly higher budget, there are other options that involve vehicle rental.

Among the most popular, we highlight the rental of scooters. Renting a scooter is much cheaper than renting a car and is perfect for cruising between the different beaches, cenotes, and jungle roads around Tulum. You will see that it is one of the most popular options — scooters are a common sight on all the streets of this beautiful destination.

The advantage of having your own scooter is the freedom to venture onto unfamiliar jungle roads and reach cenotes or beach clubs that would otherwise be hard to access on public transport.

There are many scooter rental options. From dedicated rental agencies to hostels and guesthouses, you will find rental signs throughout Tulum Pueblo and along the Zona Hotelera. Prices are generally affordable for a full day’s riding.

Bicycles are also an excellent choice within Tulum Pueblo itself, which is compact and flat. Many hotels and hostels offer free or low-cost bike rental, and there are dedicated bike lanes along some streets. Cycling is a relaxing way to explore the Pueblo, reach local taco spots, and visit the morning market.

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Car rental — best for day trips

Finally, the most flexible option for longer journeys is car rental. While it is the least economical choice for getting around Tulum itself, a car truly comes into its own if you want to base yourself in Tulum and explore the wider region: the Cobá ruins (45 min away), Chichén Itzá (about 2.5 hours), the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve (just south of Tulum), or the magical lake town of Bacalar (around 3 hours south).

As at most tourist destinations, you can rent a car at Cancún International Airport before making the 130 km drive down to Tulum, or book through agencies in the Pueblo. Since it is not the most popular in-town option, we recommend researching online before your trip to find the best rate and availability.

Whether you choose local transport (colectivos or taxis), two wheels (scooter or bicycle), or your own set of four wheels (car rental), Tulum offers transport options for every budget and travel style — so that you don’t leave a single corner of this Caribbean dream destination unvisited.