Best Ways: How to Get from Valladolid to Chichen Itza
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Valladolid to Chichen Itza, Mexico? The small colonial town of Valladolid is the closest to the Mayan Ruins, so the best way to visit Chichen Itza is from there.
Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so don’t miss it on your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary.
Getting to Chichen Itza may seem difficult, but there are several ways to get there, depending on your time and budget. You can easily get to Chichen Itza by bus, taxi, car, or colectivo.
In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get from Valladolid 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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Valladolid to Chichen Itza Distance
The distance between Chichen Itza and Valladolid is about 40 km, which is 40-50 minutes, 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 bus ticket will cost.
Good to know
The nearest airport to Valladolid is Cancun International Airport (airport code CUN).
The distance between Cancun Airport and Valladolid is 161 km. We have a detailed post on how to get from Cancun to Valladolid with all the information you need.
Valladolid to Chichen Itza by Car
One of the best ways to get to Chichen Itza is by car. Most people rent a car in Cancun, but you can also rent in Merida, Tulum, and Valladolid.
We picked up our car at Cancun International Airport, then drove to Valladolid and visited the Mayan ruins the next day.
Car rental will cost around 30-40 USD daily for a basic car with full coverage. Book your car in advance to get the best price!
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 Valladolid to Chichen Itza
Driving time between Valladolid and Chichen Itza is usually 40-50 minutes. The roads are in good condition and easy to drive.
If you arrive by car, there are plenty of parking spaces around Chichen Itza, and parking costs 80 MXN (4 USD) for the day.
Recommended post → Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza
Valladolid to Chichen Itza Tour
Most people don’t visit the Mayan archeological site from Valladolid. The top-rated tours depart from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. These tours usually include a short visit to Valladolid. However, you can also join a group or private tour of the Mayan Ruins from Valladolid.
The tour price includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, a guide, lunch, bottled water, and an entrance fee to Chichen Itza.
Book your Chichen Itza and Cenotes tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.
But for the best experience, book this tour to visit Chichen Itza, Cenote Yokdzonot, and the Yellow City of Izamal.
Valladolid to Chichen Itza by Bus
One of the best ways 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.
The travel time is approximately 40-50 minutes, and the bus tickets start from 114 MXN (5,50 USD).
Valladolid to Chichen Itza Bus Schedule
Buses depart from Valladolid Bus Terminal to ADO Bus Station.
- 09:55-10:35
- 10:32-11:22
- 16:02:16:52
Once you arrive, it’s about a 20-minute walk or taxi to reach the entrance to Chichen Itza. If you want to take the bus back to Valladolid, the last bus leaves at 4 PM.
TIP
To learn more about the mysterious Chichen Itza, hire a guide or join a guided walking tour.
Valladolid to Chichen Itza by Taxi
One of the easiest and fastest ways to get to Chichen Itza is by taxi. The journey takes 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic.
A taxi cost from Valladolid to Chichen Itza starts from 600 MXN (29 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, book a private transfer, which includes a visit to Chichen Itza and 3 cenotes (Cenote Ik Kil, Cenote Oxman, and Cenote Xcajum).
Valladolid to Chichen Itza by Colectivo
The cheapest way to get to Chichen Itza is by Colectivo (shared minivan). The one-way trip costs around 40 MXN (2 USD) per person, and you can be the first to arrive in Chichen Itza when the doors open.
Colectivos usually run every 30 minutes between 7 AM and 4 PM.
Colectivos depart to Chichen Itza from the car park on Calle 39, between Calles 44 and 46, when full with enough people. Another disadvantage is that there is no official schedule.
TIP
An alternative way to get to Chichen Itza is to rent a scooter and drive yourself.
Where to Stay near Chichen Itza
Most people take a day trip to Chichen Itza from Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or Merida. But for the best experience, stay in Valladolid, a perfect base for visiting the Mayan Ruins. These are our accommodation recommendations.
Best hotels in Tulum
- Luxury: Casa Malca
- Mid-Range: Maka Hotel Boutique or Coco Tulum Zen Zone Hotel
- Budget: Hotel Casa Tortuga Tulum
Best hotels in Valladolid
- Luxury: Oriundo Luxury Nature Villas
- Mid-Range: Hotel Waye or Meson del Marques
- Budget: Hotel Casa Bamboo
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 Valladolid 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
RECOMMENDED POSTS
How to Visit the Yellow City of Izamal, Mexico
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza, Mexico (2025)
