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How to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
ADO buses and shared colectivo vans cover the 65 km along Highway 307 in about 1 hour. Driving takes about the same, and the Tren Maya also stops at both towns, although its stations are outside the centres.
Best option: Bus. ADO buses are frequent, comfortable and stop in central Tulum.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus ADO buses from Playa del Carmen bus stations to Tulum's centre | about 1 h | roughly every 30–60 minutes | about MXN 100–250 | Air-conditioned with luggage hold. |
| bus Colectivos (shared vans) from Calle 2 near 20 Avenida in Playa del Carmen along Highway 307 | about 1 h | every 10–20 minutes, leave when full | about MXN 60–100 | Cheapest; can drop you at the Tulum ruins or beach road turn-offs. |
| train Tren Maya from Playa del Carmen station to Tulum station | about 40–50 min on board | a few departures a day | about MXN 200–400 | Both stations are outside town, so add a taxi at each end. Check current timetables. |
| car Federal Highway 307 south | about 1 h (about 65 km) | fuel only, no tolls | Watch for speed bumps (topes) and police checkpoints. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Visit the Tulum ruins early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds.
- Have small peso notes for colectivos.
- Taxis in Tulum are expensive; agree the fare before getting in.
- Akumal and several cenotes lie along the way and are easy colectivo stops.
Common questions
Is there a train from Playa del Carmen to Tulum?
Yes, the Tren Maya stops at both, but the stations are on the outskirts, so you need a taxi at each end. With only a few departures a day, the bus or colectivo is often simpler and faster door to door. Check current Tren Maya timetables if you want to try it.
What is the cheapest way?
The colectivo vans along Highway 307 are cheapest, at about MXN 60–100. They leave from central Playa del Carmen when full, roughly every 10–20 minutes, and can drop you anywhere on the highway, including the Tulum ruins entrance. ADO buses cost a little more but are more comfortable and have space for luggage.
Can I do Tulum as a day trip?
Yes. The trip takes about an hour each way, so you can see the clifftop ruins in the morning, spend the afternoon at the beach or a cenote and return in the evening. Colectivos run until the evening, and ADO buses run later; check the last departure before you go.
Do I need to book the bus ahead?
Usually not. Colectivos cannot be booked and leave when full. ADO tickets can be bought at the station on the day, though booking online a day ahead guarantees a seat on busy holiday weekends and around Christmas and Easter. The Tren Maya can be booked online in advance.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.