Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
All Daytrip bookings are one way. If you need a return trip on a different date, simply book this as a separate one-way trip. For a same-day excursion, please request a custom trip. If you plan to stay more than a couple hours, we still recommend booking two one way trips so you're not paying a driver for waiting.
For Daytrip’s private service, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24-hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15-minutes before departure. While you can cancel your booking for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, changes requested under 36 hours are subject to driver availability, especially in the high season.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on screen. It's a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
Embarking on a scenic car trip from Cancún to Tulum opens the door to an array of experiences. Whether you hire a private driver, or take a shared shuttle, as you journey on wheels you’ll be able to focus more on the “where to” and less on the “how far” – as your local driver handles navigating your trip.
Did you know that up to 13% of the population of Mexico speaks English? Daytrip has tapped into this pool of people to make sure 100% of our drivers speak English and can give you the rundown on local culture. After all, being led by a local beats being taught by a tourist.
You’ll have the chance to travel, learn, and sightsee simultaneously and comfortably. Rides are easy to book. Customer support is 24/7. You’ll be picked up at your door and dropped off at your next location. Skip past public transportation options, like the airport bus & city bus.
Mexico is filled with hidden gems and historical charm. And the cross-country drive is overloaded with picturesque landscapes as you travel along the Caribbean Sea. Are you ready to see what’s along the way?
About Tulum
On the southern end of Mexico’s famous Riviera Maya, Tulum was founded as a humble Mayan trading outpost, but developed into an important city in the 13th and 14th centuries. After the arrival of the Spanish, Tulum managed to survive for around 70 years before being completely abandoned in the 16th century.
In modern times, Tulum had all but disappeared - there were under 100 residents in 1960. It was the Mexican government’s creation of Cancun as a tourist destination in the 1970s that revitalized Tulum. As Cancun grew in popularity, visitors started venturing further south in search of a “real” Mexican paradise. And who wouldn’t call lush jungle, perfect beaches, and a Mayan ruin paradise.
But from beach-bums and hippies, Tulum has evolved into an eco-luxury destination for globe trotters. The luxury hotels and swank restaurants and bars try to balance the natural beauty with its status as a premier destination. Mainstays like Papaya Playa Project define the “glamping” experience, with thatch-roofed bungalows overlooking the beach, private pools, luxury spas, and organic dining.
In Tulum you’ll find the perfect balance of natural beauty and creature comforts. Tulum has some of the best beaches in Mexico, and some of the most popular beaches in Tulum are Playa Paraiso, Playa Ruinas, Playa Akumal, and Papaya Playa. The white sand and sparkling waters remain as beautiful as ever, but now you can enjoy them with a cocktail at one of the beach bars. A cocktail on the beach definitely beats no cocktail on the beach!
Another popular attraction in the Yucatan are cenotes (water-filled sinkholes), and many are located near Tulum. The Mayans held the cenotes sacred, believing them gateways to the underworld - and it’s easy to see why, with some being connected to hundreds of miles of underground caverns. You can spend your days bouncing between the beach and swimming in enchanting caverns like Maya Blue, Naharon, Temple of Doom, Tortuga, Vacaha, Grand Cenote, Abejas, Nohoch Kiin, Calavera, and Zacil-Haare.
Tulum is filled with fantastic bars and restaurants where you can treat yourself after a day of enjoying its natural wonders. Sip carefully crafted cocktails and fill up on fresh seafood and local specialties like Cochinita pibil, a traditional Yucatec Mayan dish where pork is marinated in citrus juice, seasoned with annatto seed, and wrapped in banana leaf before being slow-roasted. The best traditional places will still cook it in a píib, a sort of underground oven!
But what sets Tulum apart from any beach destination in the world is the Tulum archaeological site. Not only is it one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites, letting you explore centuries-old temples and castles, but it overlooks the beach! So you get amazing views of ruins and the ocean at every turn. And when you’re down in the sand, you get a one-of-a-kind backdrop of ancient ruins!
From Cancun to Tulum: Travel tips
Before the driving “aventura” begins, let’s talk about travel tips.
What’s the occasion for traveling from Cancún to Tulum?
Wedding? Honeymoon? Scuba diving? Business trip? Leisure? Other? Tulum gets over 2 million visits each year, and every traveler has different expectations.
Coming in at a distance of about 81 miles (130 km), expect approximately an hour and a half or two hours of drive time.
Landing in Mexico
If you’re coming in straight from the airport, be mindful that Cancún Airport is the second-busiest airport in Mexico and operates more than 500 flights a day. According to their website, they were the 10th busiest airport in 2021 on the list of top 10 busiest airports internationally.
This means you may want to avoid human traffic by packing lighter, traveling according to/against peak season, and sitting a little closer to the front of the plane to make a speedy exit.
Talk to your driver
Your mobile expedition gives you just enough time to watch a movie, view a couple of episodes, or fulfill your curiosities by conversing with your driver. Think ahead about what you’d like to learn about life in the Yucatán Peninsula and jot your questions down at home.
Stop along the way
As you soak up the tropical vibes and swap stories, you’ll have a bunch of sites to capture with your eyes & cameras. You can dive right into the natural beauty of the Yucatan by visiting the lush Jardin Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin, or taking a dip in the world-famous Two Eyes Cenote. And if you’re interested in history, there’s the Mayan archeological site of Coba - once one of the empire’s most important cities. Daytrip makes it easy to visit these sites and more!
How to get from Cancun to Tulum
Buckle up and learn how to get from Cancun to Tulum.
Cancun to Tulum by car
Driving from Cancun to Tulum by car is a great option if you want to be in complete control of your trip, especially if you plan on doing some sightseeing. The basic route is pretty straightforward:
Get on Av. J Rojo Gómez Kabah/Av. Rodrigo Gómez and continue onto Blvd. Luis Donaldo Colosio
Use any lane to turn slightly right onto Carr. Tulum - Cancún/México 307 and follow it for about 36.5 miles (58.7 km)
Follow signs and continue to stay on 50 Avenida Nte./Cancun - Chetumal/Carr. Tulum - Cancún/México 307 until you arrive in Tulum in about 41 miles (66 km)
One important thing to keep in mind is that the trip from Cancun to Tulum is extremely popular, so during the high season, expect traffic and delays. Driving in heavy traffic in a foreign country can be very stressful if you’re not used to it.
Cancun to Tulum by bus
Traveling from Cancun to Tulum by bus is a great option if you’re on a budget. Several bus companies operate from Cancun to Tulum, so on average, you’ll be able to find something every 15 minutes. Buses depart from Terminal de Autobuses ADO Cancún and arrive at Terminal de Autobuses ADO Tulum. Services depart every 15 minutes and operate every day. The journey takes between 2-3 hours depending on which bus you take. Unfortunately, the low cost comes at a price: buses are often very crowded, and can sell out.
Cancun to Tulum with Daytrip
Hiring one of Daytrip’s private drivers is the best way to get from Cancun to Tulum if you care about comfort, convenience, and service. Taking 1 hour and 40 minutes, this is also the fastest way to get from Cancun to Tulum. Your English-speaking driver will meet you in Cancun and take care of loading your luggage into your private car and drop you off at your accommodation in Tulum. Along the way, they’ll be happy to talk with you about local culture and things to do. Best of all, you can start your Yucatan adventures right away by adding sightseeing stops at beautiful cenotes, Mayan ruins, or lush nature reserves.
Cancun to Tulum by shared shuttle
A shared shuttle with a day trip from Cancun to Tulum offers the perfect balance of affordability and comfort. You meet your driver in downtown Cancun (or can request pick-up at your accommodation) and will be brought to downtown Tulum. Daytrip’s shared shuttles only carry 7 people max, so you can still talk with your driver to get their local insights, plus, you can connect with like-minded travelers. It’s always nice to make friends on holiday!
Things to do when you get to Tulum
Tulum is a tropical paradise just waiting to be explored. Treat yourself to illustrious cuisine, worldly wonders, ancient history, and natural delights as you enjoy all the best things to do when you get to Tulum.
Hit the beach
The Tulum beachfront doesn't need much of an introduction - it's probably why you're visiting! Lined with idyllic bungalows and swaying palm trees, stroll the powdery-soft white sands, soak up the sun, and refresh in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. And, of course, remember to stay hydrated by stopping by one of the beach bars for a fruity cocktail.
Chill out around town
Just inland lies Tulum's laid back beach town. Unwind at one of the many bars and restaurants. Gorge yourself on some of the tastiest, fresh-focused food Mexico has to offer. Be sure to try Cochinita Pibil, or just "Pibil", one of the local delicacies. This culinary gem of the Yucatan is a seemingly simple roasted pork, but it’s meticulously prepared to create a unique, tender dish that will keep you coming back for more.
Dive into the Yucatan cenotes
The cuisine is not the only distinctive experience in Tulum, that you’ll want to dive right into. The Yucatan Peninsula is famous for its sprawling network of underground caves and cenotes. These seemingly magical pools are naturally formed and one of the most remarkable can be found just a stone’s throw from Tulum - The Two Eyes Cenote. Part of a larger cave system, this natural phenomenon is filled with stunning blue water connected by a subterranean passageway. Using the stairs and platforms makes getting in for a dip easy, and local providers offer snorkeling tours, which can be booked through them directly.
Explore Tulum’s Mayan origins
If you’re visiting Tulum, then you’re probably aware of Chichen Itza, the crown jewel of Mexico’s archeological wonders. The ancient Mayans left a significant legacy behind for us to marvel at, and the Tulum Ruins are part of that legacy. Known by the Mayans as Zama, ‘the Place of the Dawning Sun’, what was once a simple trading post for other nearby cities grew to become one of the empire’s powerhouses in the 13th and 14th centuries. Step into Mayan temples, walk along ancient walls, and stand at the foot of the mighty castle, all with a view of the sparkling Caribbean Sea. This beachside piece of history is undoubtedly the highlight of Tulum!
关于从 Cancun 到 Tulum 旅行的问答
The best time to visit Tulum is in the winter, spring, or early summer. December through April is peak season, with another spike in July and August. March sees a huge influx of people coming for Spring Break, but time your visit for May and you'll find fewer people, cheaper rates, and still-perfect weather.
Hurricane season in Tulum is from June through November. Hurricane season is also called rainy season because even when there aren't hurricanes, there is increased rainfall.
A private car with Daytrip is the best way to get from Cancun to Tulum if you want a comfortable, convenient, and enriching trip. It's also the fastest way to travel. If you're on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to get from Cancun to Tulum, while a shared shuttle balances the benefits of both.
The Tulum Ruins claim the title of the most visited archaeological site in Tulum. Comprising structures like the Castillo, Temple of the Frescoes, and Temple of the Descending God, these ruins offer historical richness.
Tulum, originally named Zama, translating to "sunrise" in Mayan, later adopted its current name, meaning "wall," referencing the fortifications surrounding the city. Tulum stood as one of the last Mayan cities inhabited post-Spanish conquest.
Tulum boasts the world's longest underwater cave system, a haven for divers and snorkelers. Known as Sac Actun, meaning "white cave" in Mayan, it spans an impressive 215 miles, formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, creating cenotes. These sinkholes, connected by underground passages, unveil archaeological and geological wonders, including ancient Mayan artifacts, fossils, and stalactites.
沿途参观这些景点
Playa Delfines
Playa Delfines is popular with local surfers and is located right in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Surf like the dolphins
Jardin Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin
One of the largest nature reserves in Mexico, this lush patch of jungle is home to the last troop of spider monkeys on the coast. The Jungle Troop
Cenote Chaak Tun
Sunlight and trees pour into a small hole in the heart of this stunning underground cenote ornamented by beautiful cave formations. Light in the Dark
Chikin Ha
Three beautiful cenotes allow visitors to swim in and under the lush tropical forest, and partake in a Mayan ritual. Tres Treats
Two Eyes Cenote
These pools of impossibly clear water are the gateway to one of the world’s longest underwater cave systems. A Diver's Delight
Coba
The largest network of Mayan highways radiates out from the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan located in the heart of this ancient city. The High Road
“Great and safe service! I would highly recommend booking with them from cancun to tulum. We felt safe and the communication was on point! We still tipped well after and both drivers were grateful. One let us stop to use the restroom and grab food and the other offered perrier water. Thanks!”
“I cannot recommend Daytrip enough for your transfer from Cancun airport to your specific Tulum location! With day trip, you can also make custom stops and special excursions along the way! First of all, our driver Ricardo was the absolute best! He WAS EARLY to the airport, called me to let me know where he would be waiting and what he was wearing so I would be able to find him better (even sent a picture of himself so we would feel more comfortable). We also had a scheduled stop and needed to make changes to it and he worked so hard to accommodate us. AND THEN, he was so kind and easy to talk to; spoke PERFECT English but was willing to help me practice my (bad) Spanish! Would highly recommend to anyone coming to this area!”
“This was the first time I used this service and it was easy to use, seamless, a nice car and helpful driver. Transferred from a hotel in Tulum, Mexico to Cancun.”
“Exceptional service. Comfortable, safe for a female traveling alone. Reasonably priced. It was my first time in Cancun, Mexico. My Spanish was limited, nice to have someone speak english and give you direction at the sites
I booked them twice on my trip, with tours on the way to my destination.”
