If you’re planning on driving from Cancun to Tulum (and you should—such a great way to start your adventure), it’s pretty straightforward. I landed at Cancun International Airport, grabbed a rental car, and hit the road for a drive that took about an hour and a half, mostly along Highway 307. The ride itself was smooth, but I learned a few things along the way that’ll make your drive a lot easier and less stressful.
And if you enjoy this article, you'll love my full Tulum solo itinerary, too!
Is it easy to drive from Cancun to Tulum?
Yes, absolutely! Getting to Tulum by car is easy once you know what to expect. The road is basically a straight shot and well-lit. And they drive on the same side of the road in Mexico that we do in the United States. Use your standard defensive driving practices and keep my tips in mind to make the trip smooth and stress-free.
Driving to Tulum made it simple and fast to get to different excursions like visiting Tulum Mayan Ruins and then Playa Ruinas, and hitting up my favorite Tulum restaurants. I honestly wouldn't want to do this trip without a car!
Is it safe to drive from Cancun to Tulum at night?
While you can drive to Tulum at any time of the day, it's best to plan your drive in the early morning or late afternoon. This helps you avoid the midday heat, and traffic congestion around Cancun’s hotel zone without having to drive in the dark. So consider this when booking flights!
With the timing of my flights, I got on the road to Tulum at sunset and headed back to Cancun before sunrise, which I don't recommend because of the darkness. Just after sunrise would be perfect for a peaceful start and less crowded roads. If you're planning to travel during peak tourist season (December to April), try to head out before 8 AM or after 4 PM to avoid heavy traffic.
Driving is one of the ways I maintain flexibility while traveling and save money on transportation so I can splurge on bucket list experiences. Here are my best tips for traveling solo on a budget!
What to Expect on the Road
As you make your way to Tulum, you’ll notice something pretty quickly: speed bumps. And not just any speed bumps—these are topes, which are everywhere. They’re the primary way to control traffic speed, and you’ll encounter them constantly throughout the drive. While the drive is generally uneventful, those topes can sneak up on you.
Here’s the thing: They aren’t always easy to spot. Some are blended into the road, and not all of them are marked by signs. You’ll have to stay alert, or you’ll risk damaging your car. Thankfully, other drivers will give you a heads-up with their brake lights. Just follow their lead and slow down!
Pro Travel Tip
Always map your route before you leave—and take a screenshot or download your route on Google Maps and make sure you have an offline version of the map in case you lose service. Do the same for the reverse. I had service in Mexico but this is a good practice whenever you plan to drive in another country.
Gas Stations and Fuel Tips
If you’re renting a car, you’ll need to stop at a gas station for a fill-up at some point. Here’s the scoop: Gas stations in Mexico are full-service, so don’t even think about getting out of your car. The attendant will confirm that the meter starts at zero before pumping the gas, and they might also clean your windshield and check your tires. Please tip if you feel inclined (a couple of bucks goes a long way!).
Note: Outside of major cities, gas stations are often cash-only, and some only accept pesos. Make sure you’ve got pesos on hand, just in case. The fuel options are Magna (regular), Premium (high octane), and diesel, and keep in mind that fuel is measured in liters. For my trip, I rented a small car and used just one tank of gas to get to Tulum, cruise around the city for a few days, and then drive back to Cancun.
Rental Car Experience
Now, onto the car rental experience. While I’m definitely renting a car again next time I’m in Mexico, I have to say—I'll be choosing a different agency. I booked with Dollar/Thrifty through rentalcars.com (since I had a great experience with them on vacation in Oahu), but this location was...different.
The service was incredibly slow, the staff was unhelpful, and the whole process felt like a bit of a scam. Honestly, I should’ve checked the reviews beforehand because it turned out to be one of the worst rental experiences I’ve ever had (and trust me, I’ve rented cars a lot). So, do your research and choose your rental company wisely!
Pro Travel Tip
Bring an aux cord: You’re going to want tunes for the drive, especially since the local radio stations may not always suit your vibe--especially if you only speak English. A solid playlist can really set the tone for your trip—plus, it’s always good to have options.
Check out rental car options at the Cancun Airport!
Car Rental Insurance
When renting a car in Mexico, it’s important to note that standard U.S. car insurance often does not cover you. To ensure you’re fully covered, you might need to purchase Mexican auto insurance, which is mandatory for foreigners.
You can typically get this insurance directly from the rental company, or you can purchase coverage through a third party before your trip. The insurance options usually include liability (which is required) and options for damage or theft coverage.
Read up on my favorite travel rewards credit card, which includes international rental car coverage!
What to Do if You Get Pulled Over
As with any travel, it’s important to stay prepared in case something unexpected happens on the road. Before making this drive, I was warned by other travelers about getting pulled over by the Mexican police--but that didn't happen. In case it does happen on your trip, keep these quick tips in mind:
Be Calm and Respectful: When stopped, stay calm, be polite, and speak respectfully. As with police officers anywhere, it’s important to maintain a friendly and cooperative demeanor.
Know Your Rights: The Mexican police can pull you over for any traffic violation. However, it’s your right to ask for the officer's identification if you feel uncertain. Also, ask for any ticket in writing if they issue one.
On Bribery: I always hear stories where officers demand that drivers settle fines immediately in cash, and I did keep money on me for this purpose but it's up to you what you want to do. If you want to stay above board, just state that you have no money and request an official receipt if you’re issued a fine. In either case, keep your cash hidden and in multiple places so you don't have to pull out all you have on you.
Check Your Rental Agreement: Before you leave the rental car agency, double-check the rules about what to do in case you get pulled over. Most reputable rental companies will provide instructions or phone numbers to call if necessary.
Remember, getting pulled over isn’t a common experience for most drivers on vacation, but it’s always better to be informed and prepared just in case.
Nearby Quintana Roo Destinations
Playa del Carmen to Tulum: The drive from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is only about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. This route is along the same highway (307), and you’ll encounter similar road conditions and speed bumps.
Cozumel to Tulum: If you’re coming from Cozumel, you’ll need to take the ferry to Playa del Carmen and then drive from there to Tulum. The total travel time from Cozumel (including the ferry ride) is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Puerto Morelos to Tulum: If you're staying in Puerto Morelos, you’re only about 45 minutes away from Tulum. The road conditions are similar, so you can expect a relatively smooth drive.
Cozumel is a vibe, by the way. Read my Cozumel travel guide to make the most of your trip!
Other Transportation Options
Tulum International Airport (TQO): Also called Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport is about 45 minutes away from Tulum, which cuts your drive time in half. From either TQO or CUN, you can rent a car or use the shuttle or private car service options outlined below. Here are your rental car options at the Tulum Airport.
Cancun to Tulum Shuttle Services: Shared or private shuttle services are a popular and easy option. They’ll pick you up at the airport and take you directly to your hotel in Tulum. Prices for shared shuttles range from $20-$30 USD per person, and private transfers typically cost $90-$120 USD for one to three people. Check out shuttle options from your Tulum hotel, too!
I've taken a group shuttle from Cancun to Playa before and it was fine. But I highly recommend this luxury airport transfer service I used in Cabo.
ADO Bus: ADO is a reliable bus service that runs between Cancun and Tulum. The buses are described as comfortable, air-conditioned, and affordable, with tickets starting around $10 USD. The downside is that the buses may not drop you directly at your hotel, so you might need additional transport from the bus station to your accommodation.
Check out ADO Bus options!
Private Car Services: If you prefer a more luxurious and personalized experience, you can hire a private driver for the journey. Services like this can be booked in advance, and prices typically range from $100-$150 USD for the trip from Cancun to Tulum, depending on the car and service.
Here's the private car service I took from Cancun to Isla Holbox!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Cancun to Tulum is about 120 kilometers or 70 miles. Your driving time from Cancun airport to Tulum will vary depending on traffic and weather but is typically around one and a half hours.
More Favorite Mexican Destinations
I hope this guide helps you feel more comfortable and confident about driving from Cancun Airport to Tulum on your own. I'm wishing you safe travels, and enjoy the ride! And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this post for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
