As locals that frequently travel in and out of Tulum, we understand that a smooth journey from Cancun to Tulum is an important part of a pleasant trip. And we’re here to help you navigate this leg of your journey with ease.

Why use a cab from Cancun Airport to Tulum?

The benefit of a taxi from Cancun Airport to Tulum is that it’s convenient and fast. That said, it’s also one of the most expensive options and dealing with pushy taxi drivers can sometimes be bothersome. The cars might also be low quality, old and/or dirty.

What does a taxi from Cancun to Tulum cost?

The cost of your taxi ride from Cancun to Tulum can vary depending on the time of day (evenings/night are more expensive) and the season (most expensive in December and January). On average, you can expect to pay:

180 USD (3000 pesos) to Tulum Pueblo (one-way).
200 USD (3400 pesos) to the hotel zone in Tulum (one-way).

Expect to pay an even higher fare if you don’t negotiate a price before your ride.

Are taxi services in the Riviera Maya safe?

Taxis are generally considered safe in the Riviera Maya part of Mexico. However, there have been cases of taxi drivers physically assaulting individuals they believe to be Uber drivers, which clearly shows that some are willing to use violence. Personally, we have never felt unsafe in a taxi. That said, I could imagine a female solo traveler might feel more secure in an ADO bus or a private airport shuttle.

Booking Your Taxi

You can easily book a taxi from Cancun to Tulum upon your arrival at the airport. There are taxi counters where you can arrange your ride. Even at the counter they can be quite pushy in our experience. You should also expect to haggle a bit (using the prices mentioned above as a general guideline).

The duration of the ride

Driving from Cancun to Tulum takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Can you Uber from Cancun to Tulum?

Yes, you can Uber from Cancun to Tulum (although there is no Uber in Tulum itself). The cost is comparable to taking a taxi. It’s worth noting that, at times, Uber drivers in this area occasionally face safety concerns as they can become the target of taxi drivers that are not happy with the competition.

Alternatives to taking a taxi

You can take the bus, a shared shuttle (called ‘colectivo‘), a private shuttle or rent a car. There are also a few more luxurious transportation options from Cancun to Tulum, like a helicopter transfer or private limo.

If you want to see all the options, we also wrote this article on getting from Cancun to Tulum.

Conclusion

Taxis are a decent option for getting from Cancun to Tulum. They are pretty expensive and the service level might not be what you are accustomed to. On the other hand it gives you flexibility, its pretty fast and fairly comfortable (although some taxis are really old cheap cars, if you care about comfort you might want to check the car before you agree to get in).

If you have any questions or need more tips, don’t hesitate to ask — we’re here to help you make the most of your Tulum visit!