The travel time from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is about 1h 10m, although the fastest bus will take 50m, on average. You can get a great combo tour of Tulum and Xel-Ha at 15% off. What's there to do? Choosing the ADO station nearest to where youre staying means less walking or a cheaper taxi ride upon your arrival in Playa del Carmen. If you are traveling on a budget and dont want to take a colectivo, the cheapest transportation between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, we recommend taking the ADO bus. For this reason, booking a private shuttle in advance is beneficial. Luckily for you, Ive put together several posts on the subject to help and help you plan better. We would be getting there via public transport/tour so would not have access to a car to explore a wider area. I prefer Playa del Carmen because the town is close to the beach however Tulum has its own special vibe and the beach is much much more beautiful. As mentioned above, Chichen Itza offers a more holistic view and history of the ancient Maya. He had a great sense of humour as well and was pleased that my retired Prof of Actuarial Science, brother-in law confirmed his thoughts and observations about Mayan mathematics. Colectivos are the most popular way for locals and in-the-know tourists to travel from Tulum to Playa. If you havent already visited Chichen Itza, youre better off waiting until you arrive in Tulum. Staff were friendly and helpful, but luggage handling could be improved. Our Mayan guide was extremely nice and had some great computer renderings based on some recent UNESCO archeological findings. From May through November, is low season because its more humid, and there is more chance of rain, but at the same time you can get great deals from hotels and airlines and there are fewer people around. However, shortly after the Spaniards began their occupation of Mexico, the ancient Mayas who once called this majestic site their home abandoned it. It can also be the most cumbersome, given that rideshare apps dont currently operate there (see my guide on safety in Quintana Roo for more details). Check prices: Bookaway and 12go. Report inappropriate content. Be sure to understand how the taxi driver will charge you before getting in the vehicle. In fact, when the Spanish first arrived there in 1518 they considered Tulum to be as large as Sevilla. Its impossible to miss the colectivos; theyre white with blue writing and have both Tulum and Playa del Carmen written on them. But if youre staying further outside Playa del Carmens tourist center towards Avenida Constituyentes, Playa del Carmen Alterna will be your closest bus station. Has anything changed since I published this article? The parks are full-day experiences. A colectivo parked in Tulum.. Colectivos are the most popular way for locals and in-the-know tourists to travel from Tulum to Playa. To get to the ruins yourself you can either take public transportation for 50 pesos = $2-3 USD per person or go by car and pay 120 pesos = $6 USD for parking. If youre having trouble finding it, look for McDonalds. Colectivos are minivan that run between Playa del Carmen and Tulum from 5 am to 10 pm (on Sundays until 7 pm). Price $75 USD for adults | $59 USD for children Yes you can walk around Tulum although the only interesting road is the main one that runs across downtown (Tulum pueblo) where you can find shops, cafes and restaurants. Sorry about that. Ive included taxis on this list in the spirit of showing you all available options for traveling from Tulum to Playa del Carmen. Here are some approximate walking times between Tulum's most popular areas: Downtown Tulum to the Tulum Ruins: 4.5 km / ~1-hour walk Its also worth noting that Tulums beaches are longer and, in some areas, quieter, than in Playa del Carmen. I do not represent World Nomads. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Colectivos take even longer than the ADO, given that they stop along Highway 307, picking up passengers along the way. I know that safety in Mexico is a buzzword in the news right now. Travel Tip: ADO buses depart Tulum directly to the Cancun airport and vice versa. Also, be aware that you likely wont be able to pay by credit card. We are looking for nice sun-beds, good food and drinks. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. A car rental is one of the most convenient ways to travel from Tulum to Playa del Carmen for people who love having control over their schedule. Travel tip: Since youll be traveling with luggage, check with your tour provider to ensure theres enough room in the van to accommodate your bags. Just be sure to check with your hotel about whether they have a parking lot before you head to Playa del Carmen from Tulum. To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, as early as possible. One of our awesome Travel Specialists will contact you shortly, with some information . The scenic train will run on a loop around the Yucatan Peninsula, connecting the tourist cities of Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and numerous other lesser-known destinations. Option 5: Rent a Car. We use Rentalcars.com to book a rental car in advance as they compare all major rental car companies and usually offer the best prices. The lowest tickets for this trip cost as little as $4. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Your email address will not be published. There are many full-day Tulum tours from Playa del Carmen, which are a great way to sightsee before arriving at your Tulum accommodation. But before you go, make a stop in town and get a bite to eat. The number of buses from Tulum to Playa del Carmen can differ depending on the day of the week. Yes, it's possible to take a day trip from Tulum to Playa del Carmen! Check our guide for the best options to travel from Tulum to Playa del Carmen. Given the number of locals and tourists that travel between Playa and Tulum, you usually dont have to wait long for a departureit can be as little as a couple of minutes while everyone in line boards. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. A colectivo is the main mode of public transportation for locals in Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Another item to watch out for when booking your bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is where you want to get off in Tulum. Principal, depending on whom you ask, leads you right to the ferry dock and the pedestrian-only 5th Avenue, running perpendicular to the beach. I will be here. Travelers had mixed experiences with ADO buses in the Riviera Maya. Nevertheless, during peak travel times, one passenger often has to sit backward by the sliding door. 888-537-9797 or contact us via email at custmoercare@playadelcarmen.com. Accessibility Note: If youre a wheelchair user, check out our accessibility guides on Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Of course, there are also several other great archaeological sites to visit in the surrounding region. I am an Italian expatriate and a nomad adopted by Mexico. (except for July and August which is family vacation time). You can read my guide on Tulum vs Playa del Carmen to learn about common mistakes people make when choosing between these destinations. Although with never more than an estimated 1,600 inhabitants, the site remained occupied until shortly before the end of the 16th century. The ADO buses wont stop for you. Come back soon! You will love it. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. Travel Tip: Its possible to travel from the Cancun airport to Tulum with ADO. There are affiliate links within this article, which help me travel more often! Heading abroad? We are on a Royal Carribbean cruise and planning a day in Cozumel in which we will visit Tulum. Discount 15% F - Puerto Aventuras - Catalonia Riviera Maya, Puerto Aventuras - Catalonia Riviera Maya. Learn more Visit Tulum's ruins and go snorkeling with a local guide A boxed sandwich lunch and water is included If you enjoy a jungle and yoga-oriented environment with easy access to an archeological site, Tulum is better. This article may be sponsored or include a provided product or affiliate link. You also have the option of using carpooling services. Thank you. The city we know as Tulum was transformed by each new generation of inhabitants and their respective styles and influences. But which one is the best? February 8,2020, Hey Behta, thank you for letting me know. Also my wife has mobility problems so are possibly wheelchairs or something available? Book Online Save 15% Here. Is it safe to drive from Playa del Carmen to Tulum? Be sure to check with your tour provider whether entrance fees are included. Theres nowhere to change near the beach unless its on the beach. Package includes entrance fees but Coba tax and any bicycle or . Generally speaking consider that the high season in Tulum is from December through April ( after Easter) which is when you will find warm weather, clear sky, less humidity and less chance of rain, but also higher rates and bigger crowds. Hoy se report otro incidente de atropellamiento de especies en peligro de extincin. So, I recommend paying in pesos. See the below pictures. for more details. But for now, know that you need to be careful when booking your ticket, especially if youre traveling with a lot of luggage. The area encompassing both Playa del Carmen and Tulum is the Riviera Maya. ADO Alterna sits a few blocks back from the seemingly never-ending 5th Avenue. So you can also walk in and see if they have any interesting deals, some times they do. The driver of earlier bus leaving PDC was unhelpful when I asked if I could take earlier bus. Juarez or Av. Tulum is significantly more expensive than Playa del Carmen. from $127.31. Not only could it get you out of a pickle during your bus trip from Tulum to Playa del Carmen but it'll also be endearing to native speakers who will surely appreciate your effort. Just the ground might be sandy, rocky for open-toes sandals; and 2) As Ive not a bikini body and cannot just wear might suit under my clothes (tankini with skirt type gal), can we bring suits in a backpack and change somewhere to take in the beach? I do not represent World Nomads. I already visited Tulum last year and through the help of Oscar Cancun Shuttle service, I covered another tourist destination in Cancun. Shared Shuttle from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, Private Transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen. If you have read other articles in this blog you may have realized how much I love to drive around and now that i dont have my own car anymore I rent a car every now and then so that I can explore more. Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Tulum to Playa del Carmen. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel. So you can waive at him and he will stop to let you in. Entry is now MXN$80, bathrooms are closed at entry. Read below to see if I answer them. Renting a car for your time in Playa del Carmen is a waste of money and time finding a parking space in most cases. 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo. For seafood, be sure to visit El Camello, located on the southern outskirts of town. . US$100 is about 2000 pesos. Since youll be starting your trip in Tulum, you can wait until the next colectivo departure to snag a real seat. If you have concerns about safety, I recommend reading my guides on safety in Playa del Carmen and safety in Tulum, which I wrote from the perspective of statistics and my personal experience as a solo female traveler in these destinations. Without further ado, lets explore how to get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, starting with public transportation. Thanks! Let me repeat that: Never flag down a taxi off the street in Playa del Carmen. Reading too many bad stories about Tulum, just for your info. I would recommend both ideally as they are both very different. If you want a little bit of beach mixed in with the ruins Tulum is the way to go and the views are simply stunning. They also offer a full insurance which is sometimes more convenient than the one offered by the car rentals itself. Duration 1h Frequency Hourly Estimated price $75 - $1100 Schedules at ado.com.mx ADO Platino $150 - $1100 ADO GL $110 - $470 Bus from Cancun International Airport T2 to Tulum Ave. Its usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place. Visit a Tulum beach club 3. The bus is the best choice to get to Playa del Carmen without flying. Give me a call on Feb. 25, 2022 Leer en espaol The headlines out of Mexico have been jarring. The 2that we would recommend in addition to Tulum and Chichen Itza are the Coba ruins and Ek Balam. Whether it is cheap bus tickets or more luxurious buses going to Playa del Carmen from Tulum, we help you find what you're looking for based on how much of a budget you have. Cancun Characteristics Where to Stay in Cancun A Piece of Travel is a blog offering advice on self-guided travel for wheelchair users and solo female travelers. Back in their day, the Mayan ruins surely presented an imposing figure for seafaring visitors to the walled city. Hello AK, the tour offers picks ups from any hotel. Prosit! Much of the content Laura writes on A Piece of Travel includes details on solo female travel and. I spent over one year in Mexico, mostly in the Yucatan Peninsula, and have traveled between Tulum and Playa del Carmen many times. From Playa del Carmen the Tulum ruins are within an hours drive, whereas Chichen Itza is a 2.5-hour drive, but you get to explore and escape the major touristic areas for a day and see a glimpse of the real Mexico. There's no need to worry about self-drive, as transfers are included. The Mexican Magic Town is full of natural wonders and the Tulum ruins are just spectacular. In some cases, you may arrive in Tulum sooner than an ADO bus despite the trip duration taking longer simply due to how frequently the colectivos depart. Busbud can make your trip from Tulum to Playa del Carmen a breeze! How to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum Getting from Playa del Carmen to Tulum: the short answer Take a Colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Tulum Take the ADO Bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum (the second cheapest way but more comfortable) Nevertheless, a stop at Akumal Beach is an excellent halfway point for lunch and swimming with sea turtles. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Another great way to travel to Playa del Carmen is by minivan shuttle. If you havent been to Tulum, let me paint the picture: Tulums downtown is about a 10-minute drive from the Hotel Zone, home to Tulums beaches and many hotels and hostels. Bus service from Tulum to Playa del Carmen will be provided by the most trusted bus companies. This is Isabella, the author of this blog, and a cat lover. Here below the ADO addresses in Playa del Carmen: Playa del Carmen turstica: Calle Quinta Avenida Centro C.P. Flagging taxis off the street in Tulum comes with a higher risk of crime. But for now, know that even if you happen to see Uber or another rideshare service available, its not currently a safe option. There will be guides and sellers with souvenirs and maps in case you do decide to purchase something once you get there. Dont choose entrance-only and walk around willy-nilly. If you have questions about how to get to Playa del Carmen from Tulum, leave a comment and Ill be happy to help. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. These cookies do not store any personal information. Nevertheless, Highway 307 is the road travelers take to head down the Riviera Maya from Cancun to Bacalar. I would save paper and download a screenshot of the ruins on my phone A taxi from Playa del Carmen to Tulum costs around 600 pesos. It boasts many hotels, stores and restaurants. All ADO buses are equipped with Air conditioning, a luggage rack, TVs, reclinable seats, and a toilet. Your email address will not be published. $9 - $1100 3 alternative options Taxi 1h BERENICE BAKER. If you are traveling with a group of 6 people and over, you may want to consider renting a private shuttle service with a driver. Hey Michelle, definitely shorts, and either open or closed shoe is fine. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Tulum and drop you off at your accommodation in Playa del Carmen. A Taxi from Playa del Carmen to Tulum may charge easily 700 MXN (35USD). How to get to Tulum from Playa del Carmen, One of the many types of collectivos in Tulum, Try not to bring big luggage or suitcases on the colectivos, A private taxi is a good option if you want to make pit stops, Carry a bottle water with you for the journey, Make sure you ask the price before you get in any. ADO Coach Bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. Make sure you check with your taxi driver before confirming the service. . It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online. With several language and currency options available, Busbud seeks to cater to international bus travellers no matter where they are in the world. You are also not dependent on bus or shuttle schedules as you decide when you want to get picked up. If youre traveling with large pieces of luggage, youre better off taking the ADO bus. How much is a cab ride from Cancun to Tulum? How to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun, Mexico. Id also love to hear from you after your trip. Been twice and would go again. I also wrote a blog on what to do in Tulum for the day, you can find it herehttps://www.playadelcarmen.com/blog/1-day-guide-to-tulum, Your email address will not be published. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. A passionate traveler and photographer, in love with life and adventures, Isabella is the founder and editor of Letstraveltomexico where she shares her love for Mexico, a fascinating country that shes proud to call home. The station sits behind it. Playa del Carmen - Turistica $4 12:10PM 50m 1:00PM Tulum - Centro 2nd Cheapest Playa del Carmen - Turistica $4 3:40PM 50m 4:30PM Tulum - Centro Playa del Carmen - Turistica $4 They really are worth it because they are so knowledgeable and make the experiences a lot more memorable. How much is a shuttle from Cancun to Tulum? This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Since colectivo roofs are so low, you don't have to worry about standing in the aisle for your trip to Playa del Carmen. If there is one thing that works very well in Mexico is the transportation system. Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo / 13.07.2023 15:19:27. A Piece of Travel is a blog offering advice on self-guided travel for wheelchair users and solo female travelers. Save time by comparing all your bus travel options in one place. If you prefer to go on your own with no guide, the cost of entrance is just 80pesos = $3-4 USD. Copyright 2022 Universal Traveller by Tim Kroeger Media LLC, Transportation Options from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, 1. Tulum is an excellent destination for people seeking a nature-oriented vibe. Entrance is free to all archaeological sites on Sundays for Mexican citizens and foreign residents. How far is Tulum from Playa del Carmen? Los hoteles en el Centro de Playa del Carmen se han visto afectados econmicamente por los apagones que la CFE no ha sabido controlar. Book Online Save 15% Here. Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published. In fact both ADO busses and Colectivo will drop you off right in front of the Tulum Ruin main entrance and parking lot. This awe-inspiringcliffside Mayan Kingdom isyour chance to travel back in time! Buses were generally clean and comfortable, though delays of up to an hour were common. Street parking is common in Playa, and it can be quite the headache to find. Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past departures. Much of the content Laura writes on A Piece of Travel includes details on solo female travel and. Its incredible you HAVE to go see them!!! Get Your Guidehelps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. That said, since most tours departing Tulum are full-day trips, its important to check with your tour agency to ensure they can drop you off at your accommodation in Playa. The earliest departure from Tulum Calle Jupiter Nte. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Thanks , Hey Xen, you will be spoilt for choice! Tue, Jul 11 2023. Your email address will not be published. The temperatures are milder during those months, there isnt the threat of hurricanes, and its outside of seaweed season (which begins in May). We are staying in playacar, is there transportation available from there? Airport & Hotel Transfers. The cost to ride an ADO Bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum starts at USD 6 or about MXN 105, and can go all the way to USD 12. Do you have any suggestions for self guided tours? That is a difficult question. Departure from Playa del Carmen was smooth, but Tulum was chaotic and unclear. While most taxi drivers accept USD, they often give poor exchange rates. The best time to find and book cheap bus tickets is to book at least 90 days in advance. They are as follows: The buses to Tulum depart from both the Tourstica and Alterna ADO bus stations. Taxis are abundant along Highway 307 and in the Hotel Zone by the beach. According to archaeological findings at the Tulum Ruins, the site began to be inhabited as early as 564 A.D. Create your own real life musical score by curating a personalized bus travel playlist - the perfect accompaniment to your bus ride from Tulum to Playa del Carmen. As a result, like in other Mayan ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula, many of the buildings fuse different architectural styles depending on the epoch in which they were built or expanded upon. A walk along #QuintaAvenida means appreciating at every moment. They are both great place to spend your vacation. You can catch a colectivo to Tulum at the Chedraui parking lot (Chedraui is a grocery store). The average bus ticket from Playa del Carmen to Tulum costs around $5 for departures 90 days prior. Does the package (Tulum+snorkling) that you have mentioned in your blog offer pick ups/return from Cozumal port (Carnival)? Ready to don that Indiana Jones look and set out on your next adventure? The only problem with the Chichen Itza tour is that it is very long. On the other hand, Playa is a better place to visit for travelers who are on a budget or who want to party at clubs. Tulum is about the same distance again from Playa del Carmen, about sixty kilometers farther down the coast, so around 110km from Cancun Airport. Youll see the colectivos lined up along Highway 307 in downtown Tulum. But from the parking lot you can find local busses to take you to the ticke office and ruins. Because of how the roads are set up, youll save some travel time by traveling to Chichen Itza from Tulum rather than Playa del Carmen. 1h 5m $95 - $1100 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Playa del Carmen to Tulum by bus The bus journey time between Playa del Carmen and Tulum is around 1h and covers a distance of around 64 km. Ive done this many times with my own kids and its been great. Do you still have questions about how to get to Tulum from Playa? Home QUINTANA ROO How to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum: Info and Prices [2023]. So if you decide to get from Playa del Carment to Tulum it could make a great day trip. So my best advice is either split your stay between the two beach towns on the Riviera Maya or you can stay in Playa del Carmen and visit tulum on a day trip or vice versa. Buddy tip: The best time to book this trip is usually 90 days before departure. Colectivos, taxis, and private drivers will have no problem dropping you off by the ruins. RT @PDelCarmenMx: Peak #PlayaDelCarmen moment. The prices in Tulum also tend to be higher in January and February, during the peak tourist season. So, if you booked accommodation in downtown Playa, the Turstica station is likely your best arrival station. Hello there, we are planning to take a cruise to Cozumal and have a day to explore the near by areas. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Be sure to check with your accommodation in Tulum whether they have a parking lot or where they recommend you park your vehicle. Thanks for showing all your comments mmmmmuahhhhhh. That means if you arrive in Tulum by an ADO bus or a colectivo and youll be staying at or near the beach, youll need to take a taxi to your place. Playa del Carmen Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim and Mayan Village Visit. In spite of being a promising endeavor, the scenic train route has been marred by controversy from the very start, being subject to court-induced delays and . Are you interested in learning more about the people and history of the places you visit. It doesnt look like Tulum has as much climbing and stairs, etc.