It’s super easy, fast and cheap to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. These two Riviera Maya hot spots are just 60 km (37 miles) apart, and there are loads of cenotes, ecological parks, subterranean rivers and hotels of all kinds between them.
Colectivo
The cheapest and fastest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is undoubtedly using the colectivos (minivans).
They leave from Calle 2 Norte and Avenida 20, which is right in the centre of Playa, very close to the fifth avenue. Once you’re at the intersection, it’s pretty easy to spot the minivans lined up. The first van in line is usually the one taking passengers.
Colectivos to Tulum. Calle 2 norte / Avenida 20.
The colectivos cost about $2 ($40 MXN), but it’s better to ask the locals for the current rate to avoid overcharging.
The journey takes 50 minutes and you can get off at any stop along the way.
Given its flexibility to stop at any time, this is an excellent option for transportation from Playa del Carmen to Xcaret and back.
The colectivos leave as soon as they’re full, which can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the season.
Although this is an economical way to get around, each unit is air-conditioned and relatively comfortable and safe.
By Bus
The bus is the most comfortable and easiest way to travel from Playa to Tulum, but it’s not the cheapest. Buses leave from the ADO Playa del Carmen terminal (Fifth Avenue and Juárez Avenue) and, less frequently, from the ADO Terminal Alterna (20th Avenue and 12th Street).
Tickets cost about $4 USD ($80 MXN) and the transfer takes one hour.
ADO Playa del Carmen (5ta av. and av Juárez)
The bus to Tulum stops at the entrance to the archaeological site of Tulum, which is located right at the start of Tulum town.
You can buy tickets in advance from the official ADO website, where you can also check current fares and daily schedules. Occasionally there are discounts for advance purchase.
A disadvantage of the bus is that it only stops at the archaeological ruins of Tulum, so if your destination is between Tulum and Playa, consider taking a colectivo.
In your own car
Due to the large number of attractions and activities between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, it can be a good idea to rent a car. And if you are traveling in a group, it can also be the most economical way.
It’s really easy to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum by car. Just get to the federal highway 307 (Cancun – Tulum) and head south-west.
Route Playa-Tulum.
Tulum Tour from Playa del Carmen
Another way to get to the archaeological site of Tulum is by booking an organized tour from one of the many travel agencies in Playa del Carmen.
These tours usually include a guide inside the archaeological site.
It’s one of the most comfortable options, but it’s not the cheapest. Another popular choice is a day tour that includes Tulum as well as the Coba archaeological site.
Between Tulum and Playa
Between Tulum and Playa are:
- Akumal and Puerto Aventuras.
- Tulum archaeological site.
- Xcaret park, Xplor, Xenses, Xel-ha, Dolphin Discovery.
- Cenotes: Dos ojos, Blue Cenote or Cenote Azul, Cristalino, Ponderosa, Chac Mool, Tajma Há.
To get to the archaeological ruins and Tulum town, you can take the bus or the colectivo, but for everything else, you’ll need to take the colectivo.
From Tulum to Playa del Carmen
To return from Tulum to Playa del Carmen you can get either the bus or the colectivo from downtown Tulum or from the entrance to the Tulum archaeological ruins.
