How to Get from Cancun to Chichen Itza: Best Ways
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza, Mexico? Most people take a day trip to the Mayan ruins. But there are many other ways to get to Chichen Itza, such as by plane, private transfer, bus, train, or car.
In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza, such as the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and how much a bus ticket or taxi will cost.
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Cancun to Chichen Itza Distance
The distance between Chichen Itza and Cancun is about 200 km, which is 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.
Scroll down for more information about which transport is the best for you, how long the journey takes, and how much a taxi or train ticket will cost.
Recommended post → Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza
Cancun to Chichen Itza by Flight
One of the best ways to get to Chichen Itza is by plane. A private flight starts from 1,850 USD for 2 people and takes just 50 minutes. Although this is the most expensive option to get to Chichen Itza, it is a unique experience during your trip to Mexico.
The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, round-trip transportation, airport tax, soft drinks on board, a guide, entrance fees to Chichen Itza and Cenote Ik Kil, and a buffet lunch with 2 non-alcoholic drinks.
Book your airplane tour with Fly Tours Cancun and enjoy the breathtaking view.
Cancun to Chichen Itza Tour
If you don’t want to worry about how to get to the Mayan ruins from Cancun, book a group or private tour that includes transport.
Book your best Chichen Itza tours via Viator or GetYourGuide.
The tour price includes roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, a certified bilingual tour guide, a Mexican buffet lunch, tequila tasting, and the entry fee to Cenote Chichikan.
Alternatively, book this top-rated private tour, which includes a visit to Chichen Itza, Cenote Oxman, and Valladolid.
Cancun to Chichen Itza by ADO Bus
The cheapest way to get to Chichen Itza is by bus. ADO is the largest and most popular bus company in Mexico. The Mexican ADO buses are safe, air-conditioned, comfortable, and cheap.
There are no direct buses from Cancun Airport to Chichen Itza. As there is no Uber at the airport, you will need to take another ADO bus or taxi into the city and then transfer to the direct bus to Chichen Itza.
The A/C buses run all day from the airport to Cancun ADO Bus Station every 30-45 minutes from 00:50 to 23:40. The travel time is approximately 45 minutes. The bus ticket costs 140 MXN (7 USD) per person.
Cancun to Chichen Itza ADO Bus Schedule, Price
The travel time is approximately 3 hours, depending on traffic, and the bus tickets start from 414 MXN (20 USD).
The bus departs once a day at 8:45 AM from the ADO Terminal Autobuses Cancun to the ADO bus station. Once you arrive, it’s about a 20-minute walk or taxi to reach the entrance to Chichen Itza.
Cancun Airport to Chichen Itza by Train
The fastest way to get to Chichen Itza is by train. Travel time is just 2 hours. The tourist class train ticket costs 669.50 MXN (33 USD) for foreigners and 335 MXN (16.50 USD) for local tourists.
The train station (Estación Tren Maya-Cancún) is located near Cancun Airport and can be reached in about 5-10 minutes by shuttle.
Good to know
There is a free shuttle service from Cancun Airport to the Maya train station.
There are only 4 trains a day to Chichen Itza, so we recommend booking your ticket in advance. You can buy tickets for the Maya Train on this official site.
Once you arrive at the train station, you can easily reach Chichen Itza by taxi or shuttle bus.
Cancun to Chichen Itza by Car
The best way to get to Chichen Itza is by car. Once you arrive at Cancun International Airport (airport code CUN), you can easily rent a car at the airport or pick up your pre-booked car.
Car rental will cost around 30-40 USD daily for a standard car with full coverage. Book your car in advance to get the best price!
Is it Safe to Drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza?
Yes, driving is generally safe in most tourist areas of Mexico, such as the Riviera Maya and Quintana Roo. The roads from Cancun to the Mayan Ruins are well-maintained. We did our 2-week Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary by rental car and enjoyed exploring the sights at our own pace.
Are you thinking of renting a car? Be sure to read our guide to renting a car in Mexico and driving in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Driving from Cancun to Chichen Itza + toll cost
The 180D highway connecting Cancun and Chichen Itza is a toll road costing 508 MXN (24,50 USD). They don’t accept credit cards or dollars, so make sure you bring enough Mexican pesos! Driving time is usually 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Good to know
There are no ATMs and few petrol stations between Cancun and the highway.
If you arrive by car, there are plenty of parking spaces around Chichen Itza, and parking costs 80 MXN (4 USD) for the day.
To learn more about the mysterious Chichen Itza, hire a guide or join a guided walking tour.
Cancun to Chichen Itza by Taxi, Private Transfer
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to get to Chichen Itza is by taxi. The journey takes 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic.
A taxi cost from Cancun Airport to Chichen Itza starts from 245 USD, depending on the number of passengers, time of day, etc. If you are not traveling alone, the price is affordable.
Before you get in the taxi, be sure to agree on a price with the driver. The taxi drivers do not accept card payments, so you should bring local money!
Alternatively, you can book a private transfer from the airport to Chichen Itza for up to 10 people for 302 USD.
Where to Stay near Chichen Itza
Most people take a day trip from Cancun. But for the best experience, stay in Valladolid, the perfect base for visiting the Mayan Ruins. Here are our accommodation recommendations.
Best hotels in Valladolid
- Luxury: Oriundo Luxury Nature Villas
- Mid-Range: Hotel Waye or Meson del Marques
- Budget: Hotel Casa Bamboo
Best hotels in Cancun
- Luxury: Oleo Cancun Playa or Grand Fiesta Americana
- Mid-Range: Bed and Breakfast Pecarí
- Budget: Suites Malecon Cancun
We have a detailed post on the best areas and hotels in Cancun.
Photo credit: Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun
More Travel Guides about Mexico
- Ultimate Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary
- Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza
- Best Tulum Instagram Spots
- 7 Best Things to Do in Bacalar
- How to spend 3 days in Valladolid
- Best Areas and Hotels in Tulum
We hope our post on how to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza will help you plan your next trip to Mexico. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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