As Tulum residents with extensive local experience, we understand the traffic dynamics and aim to provide you with the best insights.
Tulum’s traffic situation has seen some changes in recent years, which are influenced by the town’s growing popularity. Tulum, once a sleepy town, has now become a bustling destination. However, the traffic is notably different from major cities like Cancun or Playa del Carmen. While it’s relatively less congested, it does have very high peak moments, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
What is the traffic like in Riviera Maya?
Traffic between Tulum and Cancun
Between Tulum and Cancun, traffic can intensify during rush hours and peak tourist seasons. It’s also quite common to experience increased congestion due to accidents or police checkpoints along this route.
Learn more in our driving guide from Cancun and Tulum.
Traffic between the town and Tulum Beach
Getting to Tulum Beach (the Hotel Zone) from Tulum Pueblo (downtown) usually doesn’t pose many road issues. However, the road along the beach – where all the restaurants and beach clubs are – does often face congestion in the evening, especially during weekends and in the peak season from December to April.
How to deal with congestion in Tulum Mexico?
Traffic congestion primarily occurs along the beach in the Hotel Zone, especially in the evenings. To avoid the worst of it, consider returning by car before dinnertime. Another way to dodge traffic is by renting a bike or scooter, though keep safety in mind, especially at night. You can also hire a private driver who knows the best routes to avoid traffic. Lastly, our least favorite option is taking a taxi. It can be a hassle to find one in the hotel zone, and they may offer inconsistent service or charge extremely high fares if they think they can.