How to Get from Tulum to Chichen Itza: All Options
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Tulum to Chichen Itza, Mexico? Most people take a day trip to the Mayan ruins. But you can easily get to Chichen Itza by bus, train, taxi, car, or private shuttle.
In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get from Tulum to Chichen Itza, including the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and how much a bus ticket or taxi will cost.
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Tulum to Chichen Itza Distance
The distance between Chichen Itza and Tulum is about 150 km, which is 2-4.5 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
Tulum to Chichen Itza Tour
If you don’t want to worry about how to get to the Mayan ruins from Tulum, 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.
Tulum 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 is no bus stop in the Tulum Hotel Zone. The buses depart from the bus station in the town center of Tulum, which you can reach by taxi for around 10-15 USD or Colectivo (shared minivan).
Tulum to Chichen Itza ADO Bus Schedule, Price
Travel time is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, depending on traffic, and the bus tickets start from 362 MXN (17.50 USD).
The bus departs twice a day at 9:37 AM and 3:07 PM from the ADO Terminal Autobuses Tulum to the ADO bus station. Once you arrive, it’s about a 20-minute walk or taxi to reach the entrance to Chichen Itza.
Tulum Airport to Chichen Itza by Train
You can also get to Chichen Itza by train, but the journey takes 4 hours and 20 minutes. The tourist class train ticket costs 1131 MXN (54 USD) for foreigners and 565.50 MXN (27 USD) for local tourists.
There is currently only one train a day from the airport to Chichen Itza at 5:55 PM. So, this option is not recommended unless you are staying around Chichen Itza and want to visit the Mayan ruins the next day. You can buy tickets at the train station or on this official site.
Once you arrive at the train station, you can easily reach Chichen Itza by taxi or shuttle bus.
Tulum to Chichen Itza by Car
The best way to get to Chichen Itza is by car. Once you arrive in Tulum, you can easily rent a car at the airport or town center 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 Tulum 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 Tulum 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 Tulum to Chichen Itza
Take the 180 highway from Tulum to the Mayan ruins. The roads are well-maintained, and there is no toll on this route. Driving time is usually 2-2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Good to know
There are no ATMs and few petrol stations between Tulum 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.
Tulum to Chichen Itza by Taxi
One of the easiest and fastest ways to get to Chichen Itza is by taxi. The journey takes 2-2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
A taxi cost from Tulum to Chichen Itza starts from 150 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!
Where to Stay near Chichen Itza
Most people take a day trip from Tulum. 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 Tulum
- Luxury: Casa Malca
- Mid-Range: Maka Hotel Boutique or Coco Tulum Zen Zone Hotel
- Budget: Hotel Casa Tortuga Tulum
We have a detailed post on the best areas and hotels in Tulum.
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 Tulum 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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