Wondering which airport is closest to Tulum? We cover how to get to Tulum with this insider’s guide.
Planning a trip to the gorgeous shores of Tulum and looking for the best way to get there? Here you’ll find all the information you need about airports, transfers and travel times.
You probably have a couple of questions on your mind like, “does Tulum have an airport?” and if not “what airport do you fly into for Tulum, Mexico?”.
To answer both of these questions – no, Tulum does not have an airport. But don’t stress – the closest airport to Tulum, Mexico is Cancun International Airport, and from there it’s a short drive or transfer to Tulum.
With so many unmissable things to do in Tulum, it’s worthwhile to maximize your time in this coastal paradise. This means choosing the best option to get you from either Cancun (the closest airport to Tulum) or Cozumel (another airport near Tulum, Mexico) to the gorgeous Tulum.
How Far is Tulum From Cancun Airport?
It’s approximately 73 miles from Cancun airport to Tulum. This can take anywhere from 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic and time of travel.
If you are visiting during peak season (November – April) you can expect more traffic coming into Tulum and therefore a slightly longer travel time.
How To Get From Cancun Airport To Tulum
There are a number of ways that you can get from Cancun to Tulum, other than hiring a car. These include either a bus, car transfer or minibus (private or shared).
Book a Private Transfer
If convenience is important for you and your budget isn’t too tight, a private transfer may be the best option for you. Your private driver will take you directly from the airport to your hotel and you won’t have to worry about enough space for your bags.
If you are traveling with a group, this is also a great option as you can split the cost of a minibus as opposed to paying per person.
You can also book a round trip, which includes your trip back from Tulum to Cancun airport. Here are some great transport options:
Hop in a Shared Shuttle or Minibus
Another option is to book a seat on a shared minibus shuttle. This is especially convenient if you are traveling solo or with one other person. The shuttle or minibus will usually drop you at a central spot in Tulum and you can either walk or take a taxi to your hotel (Tulum is a very small area, so you’ll see it’s not hard to get around).
This Tulum, Mexico airport shuttle is one of the best and has a variety of options to suit your needs.
Take the ABO Bus
The ABO Bus service is the most budget-friendly way to travel from Cancun airport to Tulum. About five buses leave from the T2, T3, and T4 terminals at the airport on a daily basis. To plan accordingly, check out the schedules.
How Far is Tulum From Cozumel Airport & How Do You Get There?
Getting from Cozumel is slightly more complicated as it is actually an island. It’s about 50 miles (82 km) from the airport to Tulum but with the travel logistics involved it can take anywhere from 1 hour 45 minutes to 3 hours to get there.
It’s difficult to get a direct transfer from Cozumel airport to Tulum as you’ll first need to get a ferry to Playa del Carmen. If you are wondering “what airport is near Tulum, Mexico that makes for an uncomplicated trip?” this may not be your best option.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tulum Airport Transport
What Airport Gets You to Tulum?
There are two airports that you can fly into to get to Tulum. These are Cancun International Airport and Cozumel International Airport.
Is it Better to Fly into Cancun or Cozumel for Tulum?
If you only have a short amount of time in Tulum and need to make the most of it, then Cancun is the better choice of airport. This is because it’s less than 2 hours away from Tulum whereas Cozumel is nearly 3 hours away and a slightly more complicated trip.
There are also more frequent transfers from Cancun. All of this means you’ll have more time to check out the best cenotes in Tulum after you’ve checked into one of the best resorts in the area.
Is There a Private Airport in Tulum Mexico?
Many people wonder “does Tulum, Mexico have an airport for private jets to land?”
Unfortunately, there is no private airport and all passengers wanting to travel to Tulum need to land in Cancun or Cozumel. However, Mexico’s president has announced that Tulum will be getting its own luxury airport, set to open in 2023.
Can You Just Hail a Taxi Once You’ve Landed in Cancun?
No, regular taxis (as in the yellow taxis you usually hail on the street) are not allowed inside Tulum airport. The taxis you’ll find inside are private companies that pay a fee to operate within the airport. For this reason, it’s best to organize your transport beforehand to avoid paying last-minute high fees.