Closest Airport to Tulum

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Closest Airport to Tulum Mexico: Tulum Airport Guide

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Layers of waves Tulum, Mexico

Which is the Closest Airport to Tulum?

The closest airport to the beautiful town of Tulum is Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is approximately 80 miles (130 kilometers) away from Tulum Pueblo. It’s a 1 hour and 45-minute taxi or bus ride from Cancun International Airport to Tulum. Traffic can sometimes be pretty bad, so get ready to add 15-20 minutes to the commute.

Cozumel International Airport is actually closer on the map to Cancun International Airport. However, since Cozumel Airport is on an Island, getting to and from the Airport to Tulum requires you to take a ferry and taxi (bus), making the whole trip not just longer (around 3 hours at best) but also more exhausting. Also, Cozumel Airport has fewer international flights than Cancun, and the flights to and from Cozumel are usually more expensive.

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About Tulum

Where is Tulum?

Tulum is a popular tourist destination on the majestic Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in southeastern Mexico. The city is known for its great weather all year round, beautiful beaches, magnificent cenotes, luxury hotels, ancient Mayan ruins, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife.

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🇲🇽 Mexico Travel Resources We Use:

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Does Tulum have an airport?

Tulum does not currently have its own airport. However, plans have been revealed by the local authorities for the construction of a  Tulum Airport. However, unfortunately, it may still be some time until we actually see an airport in Tulum.

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Can you fly directly into Tulum?

Tulum airport guide: Cancun airport is the closest airport to Tulum

No, since there is no Tulum Airport at the moment. You need to fly into Cancun International Airport or another airport in the area, such as Cozumel Airport (CZM) and Playa del Carmen Airport (PCM).

Closest Airport to Tulum

What airport do you fly into for Tulum, Mexico?

Cancun International Airport (CUN), the busiest in Quintana Roo, is the most convenient hub to Tulum, Mexico at a distance of roughly 80 miles (130 kilometers). Cancun Airport is the busiest public airport in Quintana Roo (the Mexican State that Tulum, Cancun and Playa del Carmen are in), with travelers arriving daily from all over the world.

It shouldn’t take you more than two hours to get to and from Cancun Airport to Tulum by taxi, shuttle bus, or another form of transportation…traffic on the road from Cancun to Tulum can sometimes be crazy so add another 15-20 minutes to the journey to be sure. 

Play del Carmen Airport

How To Get From Cancun Airport To Tulum, Mexico?

There are actually more than a few ways to get from Cancún International Airport (CUN) to Tulum:

  1. Taxi: You can hire a private taxi from the airport that will take you directly to Tulum. This is by far the most convenient option, but it will also be the most expensive.
  2. Shuttle: Several companies offer shuttle services from Cancun International Airport to Tulum. These services are cost-effective as the shuttle is usually shared with other passengers and makes several stops along the way in the different hotels. 
  3. Bus: There is a public bus that runs from Cancun Airport to Tulum. The journey takes about 2 hours, and the bus makes several stops along the way. This is by far the most affordable option, but it is also the least convenient…especially if you are traveling far and just want to get to your hotel or resort to relax.
  4. Rent a car: Renting a car is also an option for those that want more flexibility. It will give you the freedom to explore this beautiful region at your own pace.  It is very important to follow the signs and rules. You also need to be aware of some car rental scams, and safety issues are comfortable with driving in a third-world country.
  5. Take an Uber: Unfortunately, this is not an option as Uber is NOT available in the Cancun area.

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Cancun beach Mexico

How Far is Tulum From Cozumel Airport?

Tulum is located on the mainland of Mexico, while on the other hand, Cozumel is an island located in the Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. As a result, the distance between Tulum and Cozumel Airport (CZM) might look small on the map, but the commute is significant. Cozumel Airport is about 110 miles (180 kilometers) east of Tulum.

To get from Tulum to Cozumel Airport, you would need to take a taxi to Playa del Carmen, a ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, and then a taxi to the airport. This whole journey is about 3 hours at best…vs. the less than 2 hours to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum. 

Is it Better to Fly into Cancun or Cozumel for Tulum?

It is generally more convenient and recommended to fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN) if you are planning to visit Tulum. With a taxi, shuttle, or bus within less than 2 hours, you’ll be soaking up the sun and enjoying a drink in this beautiful oceanfront destination! Traffic will most likely be a factor in your travel time, but it will just add maximum 10-20 minutes to the journey.

Playa del Carmen Airport : Cancun airport

Traveling to 🇲🇽 Mexico soon?

I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:

🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!

✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.

🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.

🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.

🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.

🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.

📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.

☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

Tulum does not have its own private airport. The closest Tulum airport is the Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) from Tulum.

The government has plans to create a New Tulum International airport that will serve around 4 million passengers every year. However, Tulum International airport is still just a project on paper and there are no updates on the government’s plan for a start date for the construction of the new international airport any time soon. The plan is for Tulum International Airport to serve both commercial flights and also function as a military airbase.

There are no Covid-19 travel restrictions in place for Mexico for now. It is important to stay informed about the situation and to follow the guidance of the local authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) when planning travel.

There are several ways to get to Tulum, depending on your location and preferred mode of transportation. 

Google Maps Tulum

These are some of the most convenient and common transportation options you have to get to Tulum:

By air: Flying is by far the best transportation option. The closest Tulum airport is the Cancún International Airport (CUN). From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or bus to get to Tulum. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on traffic.

By bus: There are several bus companies that operate regular services to Tulum from Mexico City and other big cities around the country. The journey takes about 10 to 12 hours from Mexico City.

By car: If you are driving from another city in Mexico just follow the federal highway that runs along the coast. 

By ferry: If you are coming from the Cozumel Island, you can take a ferry from Playa del Carmen to the mainland and then a txi or bus to Tulum. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes and there are several companies that operate regular services.

Tulum has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some options include:

  1. Hotels and Vacation Rentals: There are many hotels and vacation rentals available in Tulum, including apartments, villas, and houses, ranging from luxury high-end resorts to budget-friendly options. 
  2. Campgrounds: Tulum is home to several campgrounds that offer tent and also RV sites. They are a very good option for travelers who want to be close to nature, enjoy outdoor activities, and have an immersive experience.
  3. Hostels: There are several hostels in Tulum in the Pueblo. They are budget-friendly accommodations in shared dorms or private rooms. 

It is always a good idea to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season when the demand is higher. 

In general, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 USD (1,000 to 2,100 MXN pesos) for a one-way taxi ride from Cancun Airport to Tulum (small discount sometimes for a round trip). The cost of a taxi from Cancun to Tulum will depend on a variety of factors, including the distance traveled, the type of vehicle or taxi, and any additional services requested. You can also arrange for a private transfer or car rental if you prefer. Keep in mind that prices for private transfers and taxis can vary and it is always ALWAYS a good idea to confirm the cost of a taxi before beginning your journey.

It is difficult to compare the safety of two specific destinations without more context. Both Cancun and Tulum are popular tourist destinations in Mexico and have their own unique characteristics and ambiance. It is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your personal safety when traveling to any destination. That being said, it is always a good idea to research the specific area you will be visiting and to exercise caution when traveling to any location so you can stay safe.