How to Get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
Reviewed by Jean Nájera, Transportation Industry Expert
Need Playa del Carmen → Tulum? See the reverse guide.From Tulum to Playa del Carmen, the bus is cheap and easy: from US$5 to US$9 per person and about 1 hour, from the ADO terminal in Tulum town to Quinta Avenida.
Colectivos are cheaper still, and a private transfer from US$125 picks you up at your hotel.
The detail everyone misses: fares vary between platforms. Bookaway lists ADO buses from US$5, while GuateGo lists them at US$9, so compare before you book.
At a glance
- Distance: about 64 km, roughly 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cheapest: ADO bus from US$5, or a colectivo paid in cash
- Shared minivan: from US$9, with morning departures
- Best for groups: private transfer, from US$125 for up to 7 people
- Avoid: taxis without agreeing the fare first
Tulum to Playa del Carmen transport options
Compare fares and travel times, then select an option for pickup and booking details.
| Transport | Estimated fare | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| ADO busSeveral departures a day | Estimated fareUS$5 to US$9per person | Travel timeAbout 50m to 1h 15m |
| Shared minivanBookable morning departures | Estimated fareFrom US$9per person | Travel timeAbout 1h |
| ColectivoLeaves when full | Estimated fareCash fareper person | Travel timeAbout 1h |
| Private transferHotel to hotel | Estimated fareFrom US$125per vehicle (1 to 7 people) | Travel timeAbout 50m |
| Rental carSelf-drive | Estimated fareVaries by rentalplus fuel | Travel timeAbout 50m |
Fares and travel times are estimates. Confirm current prices, pickup details, and departures before booking.
More routes from Tulum
1. ADO bus, the one I’d book
ADO buses run from the terminal in Tulum town to the ADO terminal on Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen.
GuateGo lists six departures, from 8:10 to 19:35, for US$9, taking about 1 hour 10 minutes. Bookaway lists ADO Aeropuerto buses from US$5, about 50 minutes.
My verdict: the best balance of price, comfort and reliability.
Want the cheapest seat?
2. Shared minivan, a bookable alternative
Bookaway lists Holbox Shuttle Extreme minivans at 7:30 and 8:00 for US$9 per person, taking about 1 hour.
My verdict: a good option for an early start with a confirmed seat.
3. Colectivo, the cheapest
Colectivos are shared vans that run along Highway 307 and leave when full. You cannot book them, and you pay in cash.
They run often during the day, but space for big bags is limited.
My verdict: great with a small bag, less so with a big suitcase.
4. Private transfer, for groups
A driver picks you up at your hotel and takes you to your hotel in Playa del Carmen in about 50 minutes.
GuateGo lists private transfers from US$125 for up to 7 people, and up to US$229 for 16.
My verdict: worth it for families and groups with luggage.
Traveling as a group?
5. Rental car, if you are touring
The drive on Highway 307 takes about 50 minutes. With a car, you can stop at cenotes and beaches on the way.
To compare prices, see rental cars in Tulum.
My verdict: the most flexible way to explore the Riviera Maya.
Arriving in Playa del Carmen
The ADO terminal on Quinta Avenida is in the center of town, a few blocks from the beach and the Cozumel ferry pier.
If you haven’t booked a place yet, see hotels in Playa del Carmen. Staying near Quinta Avenida keeps everything walkable.
Practical notes
The ADO terminal is in Tulum town, on Avenida Tulum. From the beach hotels, allow 15 to 20 minutes by taxi.
Bring small bills. Colectivos and taxis are paid in cash.
Heading back to Tulum? See our Playa del Carmen to Tulum guide.
Tours from Playa del Carmen
Cozumel day trips, cenote tours and the Xcaret and Xel-Há parks are the classics.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the bus from Tulum to Playa del Carmen?
From US$5 on Bookaway, or US$9 on GuateGo.
How long does it take to get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen?
About 50 minutes by car and 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes by bus.
Where does the bus leave from in Tulum?
From the ADO terminal on Avenida Tulum, in Tulum town.
Where does the bus arrive in Playa del Carmen?
At the ADO terminal on Quinta Avenida, in the center of town.
Are there colectivos from Tulum to Playa del Carmen?
Yes. They leave when full, run often during the day and are paid in cash.
How much is a private transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen?
From US$125 per vehicle for up to 7 people.
Can I drive from Tulum to Playa del Carmen?
Yes, it is about 50 minutes on Highway 307.
Can I go on to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen?
Yes, the Ultramar ferry to Cozumel leaves from the pier near the ADO terminal.
Planning more of your Mexico trip?
Prices last verified: November 2026. Sources: ADO and private transfer fares from GuateGo’s live listings; buses and minivans from Bookaway; local details from travel guides.
- About the Author
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Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo, an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
