Mérida to Tulum by car
Driving from Mérida to Tulum means approximately a four-hour car trip that goes through the most direct route of Highway 180D and Highway 109. The roads are well-maintained, and toll roads (cuotas) are faster but come with a fee. You can take a free road as an alternative for more views but it would take longer to arrive at Tulum. You’ll be free to explore on the way, but renting a car comes with fuel costs, foreign traffic rules, and finding parking in Tulum.
Mérida to Tulum shuttle
Private companies offer shuttle services, which can be booked in advance. These shuttles provide door-to-door service and are a convenient option for groups or families. Shared shuttles are also available and are more economical than private shuttles. However, they will most likely have multiple stops along the way, which might take your time. Travel time is the same as driving yourself, around four hours, but it changes according to the number of stops.
Mérida to Tulum by bus
Three bus services operate between Mérida and Tulum: Autobuses Oriente, ADO, and Autobuses Mayab. While Mayab buses travel the distance between the two cities every hour a day, it takes the longest time to get to Tulum because of the route they take, which can be up to seven and a half hours.
Traveling with other services takes as much time as driving, but keep in mind that they offer no flexibility to get to know the route you are passing. Expect bus tickets to cost around $29.
Mérida to Tulum by plane
Since Tulum doesn’t have an international airport, you need to fly to Cancun if you’d like to integrate flying into your travel. You’d take one of the flights from Mérida to Cancun that lasts around an hour and 20 minutes. After your flight to Cancun, a bus or a car ride would take you to Tulum in one and a half hours.
Taking a flight and combining it with ground transportation is more expensive and less convenient since there are easier, direct overland travel options.
Mérida to Tulum by private car service
A door-to-door private car service like Daytrip is the simplest way to get from Mérida to Tulum because it’s more than just a direct car trip. Traveling with Daytrip looks like this: your local driver picks you up at your exact location, and you set off on a journey tailored just for you.
You add the stops you’d like to see when you are booking your trip, and when you’re on the way, your driver knows where to take you and waits for you while you’re busy exploring. Once you arrive at Tulum, you are not exhausted but satisfied and full of sights of new places. So why not try? Secure a seat for just $95.