Last checked: 25 October 2026 by Lia. Sources: INAH site information for Tulum; Parque del Jaguar fee as reported by Quintana Roo press (2025–2026); ADO timetables. Hero photo: Graeme Churchard from Bristol (51.473110 -2.625987), UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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Getting there
Tulum is the most popular day trip south from Cancun, and the ADO coach is the simplest way to do it on your own. Go early. The ruins are small, the sun is not, and you pay two fees: INAH and Parque del Jaguar.
| Option | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADO coach | About 2 hours 40 from downtown | From the downtown terminal and the airport |
| Car | About 2 hours | Highway 307 along the coast |
| Tour | Full day | Often combined with a cenote or Playa del Carmen |
| Tren Maya | Check timetable | Tulum station is outside town |
The Tulum ruins
The walled Maya site of Tulum stands on a cliff above the sea. It’s small, so an hour or two is enough.
| Entry, foreign visitors | 265 MXN (INAH) |
| Parque del Jaguar entry | About 100 MXN for foreigners, charged separately |
| Hours | 08:00 to 17:00; last entry 15:30 |
| Climbing | Not allowed |
The ruins are inside Parque del Jaguar, a national park created around the archaeological zone, so you pay both fees. Arrive at opening, before the heat and the tour groups.
Tulum beach and town
Below the ruins is a small beach; further south is the long hotel strip along the coast road. Tulum town (pueblo) sits inland on the highway, with cheaper restaurants and the ADO station.
Make a day of it
- Cenotes: Tulum’s cave cenotes are some of the best in the region. See cenotes near Cancun.
- Playa del Carmen: about halfway back to Cancun, with Quinta Avenida for dinner.
- A tour: see Tulum ruins tour.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Tulum from Cancun?
About 130 km, roughly two hours by car or about 2 hours 40 on the ADO coach from downtown.
How much does it cost to enter the Tulum ruins?
265 MXN for foreign visitors, plus the separate Parque del Jaguar fee.
Can I swim at the Tulum ruins?
There’s a small beach below the ruins. Access depends on conditions and park rules on the day.
Is Tulum worth a day trip from Cancun?
Yes, especially if you combine the ruins with a cenote or a stop in Playa del Carmen.
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