How to Get Around Tulum

April 28, 2025

Tulum town itself is small and great to explore on foot; but if you’re looking to explore beyond that, you’ll need to consider various options. Here’s our guide on how to get around Tulum.

Hugging the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum has become a revered travel destination worldwide. While it’s a small town, there is so much to explore surrounding it; which begs the question: what is the best way to get around Tulum? Is hiring a car worthwhile? Are taxis reasonably priced? Or should I just rent a bike?

I moved to Mexico in 2021 and lived in the nearby Playa del Carmen for 2 years. We also bought an investment property in Tulum and have gotten to know the beach town really well. In this guide, I will share with you some popular transport means and practical saving tips to help you find your way around Tulum. I hope you find our guide useful!

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Getting Around Tulum

Getting Around Tulum

Tulum Town vs Beach

First, you should know that Tulum is split into two main areas: Tulum Beach and Tulum Pueblo (town); and it takes around 10 minutes to get from one area to the other. There are two main roads that link the beach and town – Avenida Coba and Avenida Kukulcan – both of which you can easily navigate on bicycle or car.

Tulum Beach is gorgeous and relatively quiet, lined with beautiful beachfront hotels and high-end boutiques; but it has become very expensive over the years. Restaurants and hotels on the beach are overpriced and there are less options here than in town. If you stay in this area, you’ll need to have transport to get to the pueblo.

Tulum Pueblo, on the other hand, has largely remained local with taquerias and artisan shops lining the main avenue and there are many more options for budget-conscious travelers. You’ll be able to walk everywhere if you stay in this area, but still need to rent a bike or catch a colectivo to get to the beach.

Getting Around Tulum on Foot

If you’re staying in Tulum Pueblo, you can easily explore on foot, as it’s a small, compact area. The main action is centered around Avenida Tulum, a 10-block stretch lined with wide sidewalks, vibrant restaurants, shops selling trinkets, and tour operators.

You can also walk if you choose to stay in neighborhoods like La Veleta and Aldea Zama. There are plenty of taco stalls, nice restaurants, grocery stores, gyms and craft shops in these areas.

However, the walk to the nearest beach from Tulum Pueblo is around 1.8 miles (3 km). It’s a long trek under the blazing sun. Take the paved path along Avenida Cobá that leads to the beach road. Start your walk early in the morning and carry a bottle of water to keep hydrated. The beach road itself isn’t much better, as it lacks sidewalks and forces you to walk on the edge of the road with motorists whooshing by.

Getting Around Tulum by Bicycle

Tulum is big on bikes, and they’re cheap to hire in town or from your resort. It’s the best way to move around if you’re staying on the beach, as the dusty beach road often gets clogged with traffic.

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Within the town itself, a dedicated bike lane runs along the main road (federal highway). Even though there are no bike lanes on the back streets, drivers are accustomed to sharing the road with cyclists. The ride between downtown and the beach is straightforward, with both Avenida Cobá and Avenida Kukulkan being smooth and paved roads.

Many hotels in Tulum offer bike rentals, with daily rates starting around 150 MXN (US$7), and discounts for longer-term rentals. The best bike rental shop in Tulum is Ola Bike Tulum located in the Pueblo along the road to the beach. If you prefer to go with a guide, join this bike tour that will lead you through tranquil Mayan jungle trails and cool off with swims in two or three stunning cenotes.

Getting Around Tulum by Colectivos

Colectivos are the cheapest way to get around Tulum. These shared white minivans, retrofitted with route names stenciled below the windshield, are a common mode of transport for locals. They tend to get crowded but they’re cheap and frequent, running either end of the town all day.

Colectivos charge only 15 MXN (less than a dollar) for rides around town. They operate key routes like “Ruínas,” which goes toward the northern beaches and the famous Tulum ruins; and “Felipe Carrillo Puerto,” which heads to Kaan Luum Lagoon, Muyil ruins and Coba.

In town, you’ll typically find colectivos on Avenida Tulum. You can flag one down by standing at the roadside. If there’s space, the driver will stop; if not, another colectivo will be along shortly. When you reach your destination, just shout “bajan!” (Pronounced ba-han) to let the driver know you’ve arrived.

If you’re unsure where to stop, simply tell the driver where you want to get off when you get in, they know the town very well. Carry some change because some drivers claim to have no change.

Getting Around Tulum by Taxi

Taxis are easily available in Tulum, but they operate a bit differently than you might be used to. Tulum taxis don’t usually have meters; they run on fixed or negotiated fares. So, make sure to confirm the price before hopping in to avoid overpaying. Sadly, Uber is not available in Tulum.

Fares for popular routes are widely known—expect to pay around 100 MXN (US$5) for a short ride within Tulum Pueblo. Taxis charge around 200 MXN (US$10) to the ruins and between 300 MXN (US$15) for trips between town and the beach, depending on the starting point. Taxi rates tend to rise late at night and during the high season (December to February).

Most taxis in the region operate on a cash-only basis. Mexican pesos are preferred, though USD is often accepted. If you pay with USD you will typically get a very unfavorable rate. Also, don’t expect taxi drivers to always carry enough change. Taxis are easy to hail in Tulum Pueblo, particularly around the central plaza and bus terminal. Also, beach road hotspots like Punta Piedra and Playa las Palmas are also common gathering points for cabs. If you’re a first-timer in Tulum, ask your concierge or hotel receptionist to call you one—they always have their contacts.

Getting Around Tulum by Taxi - getting around in Tulum

Renting a Car to Get Around Tulum

If you’re planning to explore the cenotes and Mayan ruins surrounding Tulum, renting a car makes sense because it offers flexibility. You won’t need to navigate the public transport, plus it’s much faster to get to places with your own set of wheels. It’s relatively easy to drive in Tulum and the area surrounding it.

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However, if you are not going to explore beyond Tulum, I don’t recommend hiring a car. The beach road can get congested sometimes, with limited and pricey parking (200-300 MXN per day). I was stuck in traffic once for over 2 hours on that road. If you plan on going in and out of this area frequently, a rental car may be more of a hassle than a help.

Car rentals in Tulum are relatively affordable; the average price ranges from 600-800 MXN (US$30-40) per day, including insurance and taxes. I always use DiscoverCars.com for car rentals worldwide, as they’ve consistently given me the cheaper rates and best services.

Search for car rentals in Tulum!

How to Rent a Car in Tulum

To rent a car in Tulum, you must be at least 21 years old and drivers below 25 may incur some additional charges. Always check with your rental company to see any age requirements or additional fees before making your booking. Here are the other requirements you must have;

Passport & Copy

Car rentals in Tulum require you to provide a passport or other official identification like a state-issued ID. Your passport should be valid at the time of entry and during the period of your stay in Mexico. There are always random checks along the roads, especially the busy months. Leave your original passport in a hotel safety box, just in case.

How to Rent a Car in Tulum - transportation in tulum mexico

Valid Driver’s License or International Driving Permit

Before you get behind a steering wheel, make sure you have a valid driver’s license or an International Driving Permit. When traffic officers stop you, this is often the first document they request to see. Most rental companies also ask that you present one before renting a car. You must have held a valid license for at least two years. Some rentals require a minimum of five years.

Renting a Car to Get Around Tulum - transportation in tulum mexico

Auto Insurance

If you’re planning to drive in Tulum, having car insurance is mandatory. Failing to have this coverage could lead to serious consequences like potential jail time, especially after an accident. I highly recommend getting travel insurance as well as it covers personal loss, theft, and medical on top of damages that may incur on your vehicle.

Here’s what to look for when choosing a policy:

1. Liability Insurance (Mandatory)

Mexican law requires third-party liability insurance, which covers damages or injuries you cause to others.
The minimum liability coverage required varies by state, but many travelers opt for at least $300,000 USD in coverage to ensure adequate protection.
Some states have higher liability requirements, so it’s essential to verify before you go.

2. Full Coverage (Recommended)

While liability insurance is mandatory, full coverage is highly recommended for extra peace of mind.
Full coverage typically includes:
- Collision & Comprehensive Coverage: Covers damage to your vehicle from accidents, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if another driver causes damage but has no insurance.
- Legal Assistance & Bail Bonds: Helpful in case of accidents, as Mexican law may require drivers to prove financial responsibility or face legal issues.
- Medical Expenses Coverage: Ensures coverage for hospital or medical bills if anyone in your vehicle is injured.

Security Deposit

Most car rental companies require that you put down a security deposit before renting a car. This is typically a hold placed on your credit card and the amount varies depending on the car type chosen. The hold is released once the rental period expires. Debit cards and cash are generally not accepted for this transaction.

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FAQs: Getting Around Tulum

Is there Uber in Tulum?

Sadly, Uber does not work in Tulum. None of the ridesharing apps work here. Taxi drivers aren’t always honest, so make sure you know what the fair price to pay is and negotiate with your driver when you get in. It’s best to get a reliable taxi driver’s contact through your hotel or Airbnb.

Are there Buses in Tulum?

Yes, there are buses in Tulum. However, they mainly cover routes to and from nearby towns like Cancún, Valladolid, Chiquilá, Playa del Carmen, and other points in the Yucatan Peninsula.

ADO is the region’s main bus company and covers most of the routes around Riviera Maya. The main ADO Bus Terminal Tulum is located on Avenida Tulum. You’ll find it next to a Circle K convenience store.

What is the Best Transportation Option from Tulum Airport?

Taxis are readily available, and numerous car rental agencies operate at the airport. For budget-conscious travelers, the ADO bus is an affordable and reliable way to reach Tulum Town. The bus makes up to 14 departures daily, making it easy to fit into your schedule. Book your tickets here.

However, if you’re a first-timer in Tulum, we recommend you organize a private transfer through your hotel. Most hotels offer this option, just inform them 24 years before your flight in. Or you can book a transfer from Tulum Airport starting from US$60.

Can I Pay for a Taxi in Tulum with a Credit Card?

Most taxi drivers only take cash. Even if a driver does accept cards, you’ll likely incur a surcharge. To avoid any inconvenience or unexpected fees, always carry cash in Mexican pesos when taking a taxi in Tulum.

Is there a Train in Tulum?

While Tulum doesn’t have a local train system for getting around town, it is now connected to Mexico’s broader rail network through the Tren Maya. This railway project spans around 932 miles, linking five southeastern states—Campeche, Yucatán, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Chiapas. The Tren Maya has a station in Tulum, and it’s located near the Tulum Airport.

Do Bicycle Rentals in Tulum Offer Insurance?

Some bicycle rentals in Tulum offer a “PLI’s Responsibility” package, which includes theft and total loss protection, a collision damage waiver, medical insurance, and even roadside assistance for flat tires. However, this insurance is strictly for vespas and scooters, not bicycles. I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance. These days, it is particularly important to have travel insurance. Read my travel insurance guide.

Tulum

Tulum

How to Get Around Tulum