The airport closest to Tulum used to be Cancun Airport, but Tulum has now opened its very own airport! Read more about this new airport and other nearby airports below.
What about Tulum International Airport?
Tulum International Airport opened its doors in December, 2023. Its strategic location, in close proximity to the town of Tulum, will offer travelers a convenient gateway to the area’s stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and cultural attractions.
How far is Tulum from other international airports
If traveling into Tulum International Airport doesn’t work for you, you could consider the following alternatives:
Cancun International Airport (CUN) is located approximately 80 miles (131 kilometers) from Tulum. The journey from Cancun to Tulum takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.
Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is located on the island of Cozumel, which is approximately 45 minutes by ferry from Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen is located approximately 42 miles (68 kilometers) from Tulum, which takes about 45 minutes by car.
Merida International Airport (MID) is located approximately 162 miles (260 kilometers) from Tulum. The journey from Merida to Tulum takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes by car.
How to get to Tulum from Cancun Airport?
There are various transportation options from Cancun Airport to Tulum, including:
Taxi: A taxi ride from Cancun airport to Tulum will cost approximately 80 USD (~1,500 Mexican pesos). Uber is available too.
Bus: There are ADO buses departing from Cancun airport to Tulum every 30 minutes. The cost of a bus ticket is around 10 USD (~200 pesos).
Private transfer: A more comfortable option is a private transfer from Cancun airport to Tulum, which costs about 150 USD (~2,500 pesos).
Of course, you can also rent your own car in the Riviera Maya. If you do, read here all our tips for driving from Cancun to Tulum.
How to get to Tulum from Cozumel Airport?
When traveling from Cozumel Airport to Tulum, the most common route is by taking a taxi or transport service from the airport to the ferry terminal that will bring you to Playa Del Carmen. Getting from Cozumel Airport to the ferry terminal will cost around $12 to $15 (210 to 265 pesos). The 45-minute ferry ride to Playa del Carmen will cost around $10 to $12 per person (170 to 210 pesos).
Once you arrive in Playa del Carmen, you can opt for a bus, private transfer, or taxi to get to Tulum, which usually takes an additional 1 to 1.5 hours and costs anywhere between $8 to $40 per person (135 to 700 pesos), depending on your choice of transportation.
It’s important to note that for most travelers, flying directly to Cozumel Airport only makes sense if your primary destination is Cozumel itself, since the journey to Tulum involves multiple transfers and can be time-consuming.
How to get to Tulum from Merida Airport?
When traveling from Merida Airport to Tulum, the journey also typically involves multiple transportation options. The total travel time can vary but generally takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours by road, covering a distance of approximately 320 kilometers.
The most common way to get from the airport to the bus station in Merida is through a taxi or shuttle service, which costs between $10 to $25 (170 to 435 pesos). From there, you can board an ADO bus to Tulum, which takes 3 to 4 hours and costs approximately $25 to $35 per person (435 to 610 pesos).
Merida is a charming city and offers rich cultural experiences and historical sites. But it’s quite far from Tulum. So unless you want to visit Merida too, it will save money and time if you fly to Tulum Airport or Cancun Airport.
Quick tips for flying into Tulum, Mexico
- Book your flights well in advance if you are traveling during peak season (especially end of december / start of january).
- Be sure to bring your passport and other travel documents.
- If you are taking a bus from the airport, purchase your ticket in advance online or at the ADO ticket counter (but not from people approaching you).
- If you are taking a private transfer from the airport, be sure to book your transfer in advance.
So what airport do you fly into for Tulum?
The new International Airport of Tulum is the fastest way to get to Tulum. Depending on where you’re traveling from and whether you can fly straight into Tulum International Airport, flying into Cancun Airport is the next best option.