Getting around Tulum is a topic that comes up with my friends and fellow travellers all the time and honestly, I get why. 

Downtown Tulum and the beach zone are a few miles apart, taxis are notoriously overpriced, Uber is kind of a gray area, and everyone seems to have a horror story to share. So in this little blog post on transportation in Tulum I’d like to clear some things up.

I’ve been to Tulum a few times now and have tried pretty much every option: biking through the jungle roads, hopping into colectivos, and yes, dealing with the infamous taxi situation. Each comes with its own pros and cons, so here’s my honest take on the best ways to move around Tulum and what I’d actually recommend depending on your trip style.

How to Get Around in Tulum Mexico – My Experience

Let me start with my own experience so you get a feel for what it’s really like to get around Tulum. I’ve been a few times now, and honestly, I’ve handled transportation a little differently on each trip.

My absolute favorite way to get around has been by bicycle. It gave me total freedom to go wherever I wanted without relying on colectivos (the local minibuses) or taxis. Yes, it’s not always the most convenient and cycling under the blazing sun definitely left me sweaty a few times. The ride between Tulum town and Tulum beach usually took me around 15–20 minutes. Still, it was hands-down the cheapest and most flexible option, and I kind of loved the independence it gave me.

I also got the hang of using colectivos. These are little white minivans that act as the local public transport. They’re very budget-friendly and run pretty much all day. Admittedly, they’re not the most comfortable option (don’t expect AC or touristy vibes), but if you’re traveling light and don’t mind squeezing in with locals, it works.

Now for the worst part: taxis in Tulum. Honestly, I will never take one again. They overcharge tourists ridiculously, and I had a terrible experience paying more than $50 USD for a ride that lasted maybe 12 minutes. Absolute joke. It’s one of the few things about Tulum that really frustrates me, and it’s worth planning around so you don’t get caught in the same trap.

Is there Uber in Tulum And What is the Taxi Mafia in Tulum

Let me clear up two of the biggest questions I always get about Tulum: Is there Uber? And what’s going on with the taxis?

From my experience, taxis in Tulum (and Cancun too) are a nightmare. They’re controlled by a powerful union, people even call it the taxi mafia, which basically creates a monopoly. The result is prices that make no sense. 

I’ve seen round trips from Tulum Downtown to the beach quoted at close to $100 USD. I once paid over $50 USD for a 12-minute ride, and that was the last time I ever got in a Tulum taxi.

As for Uber, the app technically works in Tulum, but don’t get your hopes up. I tried opening it multiple times, and not once did a car show up. It’s clear the taxi mafia doesn’t let Uber drivers actually operate here.

So here’s how I personally handle it: for airport transfers, I always prebook a shuttle or private driver (Viator and hotel-arranged transfers both worked great for me). Once I’m in Tulum, I stick to bicycles or colectivos. It’s not always the most glamorous, but at least I don’t end up with a crazy taxi bill.

Tulum Beach vs. Tulum Downtown

One thing that can be a little confusing for first-timers is that Tulum is basically split into two totally separate areas, connected by a 2.5-mile road: downtown (also called Tulum Pueblo) and the beach/hotel zone.

The very first time I came here, I stayed downtown thinking I’d be right on the sand only to realize I had to bike 15–20 minutes in the heat just to see the ocean. You live and learn!

Here’s how I’d sum them up:

• Tulum Downtown (Pueblo): Loads of local charm with street food stalls, affordable boutique hotels, budget hostels, and fun bars. Definitely more authentic and much easier on the wallet.
  
• Tulum Beach (Hotel Zone): Stunning beachfront resorts, stylish boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and those iconic beach clubs you’ve probably seen all over Instagram.

Transportation is a big deal here because most visitors (myself included) want the best of both worlds, grabbing tacos in town one night, lounging at a beach club the next. That back-and-forth is exactly why taxis get away with charging so much.

Personally, after staying in both, I’d choose the beach zone again. It’s pricey, but I love waking up right on the sand, and there are plenty of good restaurants and bars by the beach itself. If you’re downtown, you’ll almost certainly want to make trips to the beach, so that’s when transport in Tulum becomes a bit of a headache.

Tip: Check out my guide on Where to Stay in Tulum for the best areas and hotels in Tulum

How to Get Around in Tulum Mexico

1. Rent a Bicycle

My go-to way of getting around Tulum has always been on two wheels. I’ll admit, it’s not the most convenient option (especially under the midday sun), but it does balance out all the tacos I eat daily. Win-win.

Pretty much every time I’ve been in Tulum, I’ve rented a bike at some point. It just saves me the headache of haggling with taxi drivers, and it’s way more affordable. Rentals usually cost around $8–10 USD per day, and if you take one for several days or a week, the price often drops even further.

Riding around is actually a lot of fun, I’ve biked between downtown and the beach plenty of times (it usually takes me 15–20 minutes one way), and I’ve even pedaled out to nearby cenotes. Yes, you’ll sweat, but it’s doable if you don’t mind putting in a little effort.

A few rental shops I’ve had good experiences with (where the bikes are in decent condition) include:

Click Here: Ola Bike Tulum

Click Here: Mexigo Rentals Tulum

2. Take a Collectivo

Colectivos are basically the local version of public transport in Tulum (and all over Mexico). They’re small white minivans you’ll see zipping around town, running set routes between downtown and the beach.

I’ll admit, at first I was a little intimidated to use them, my Spanish isn’t the best and I wasn’t sure how it worked. But once I gave it a try, I realized how simple it actually was, and I ended up using colectivos quite a bit to get back and forth between downtown and the hotel zone.

The routine was always the same: I’d hop in, tell the driver “Playa Tulum” or “Zona Hotelera,” and off we went. There’s no air conditioning, and comfort isn’t exactly the selling point here, but for about 20 pesos (less than a dollar) it’s by far the cheapest way to move around.

I also noticed that colectivos aren’t really popular with tourists, probably because they don’t run from obvious bus stops. In downtown, for example, you’ll need to know that they usually pick up riders near Parque Rotario. Once you figure that out though, it’s an easy and very budget-friendly way to get around.

3. Rent a Car in Tulum

Renting a car in Tulum is something I’d only recommend depending on your plans. I’ve done it before and honestly had a great experience, but it really came down to where I was staying and what I wanted to do.

At the time, I was in Aldea Zama (a residential neighborhood in Tulum with gated security) and had a holiday home there. That meant I could safely park my car outside without stressing, and I used it to run errands like going to the supermarket and also for bigger day trips to cenotes, Chichén Itzá, Playa del Carmen, and even Valladolid. For that type of family-style vacation, a rental car was perfect, and I’d definitely recommend it. (Pro tip: I usually find the best deals through Kayak.)

On the other hand, if you’re staying in the Hotel Zone and just want the car for getting around Tulum itself, between downtown and the beach, I’d say skip it. Parking is limited and expensive, traffic can get chaotic, and it’s more of a headache than a help.

So my advice: yes to a rental car if you have a holiday home or plan on doing day trips around the Riviera Maya. But just for getting around within Tulum? Not worth it.

4. Walking in Tulum

Walking in Tulum isn’t actually that bad at least from my experience. I usually end up walking a lot when I’m there, though it really depends on where I’m staying.

Downtown Tulum is super walkable, with plenty of little streets to explore, hidden restaurants to stumble upon, and shops to browse. Whenever I stayed downtown, I’d happily get around on foot since everything I needed was close by.

In the Hotel Zone, though, it’s a different story. The area is basically one long stretch of road along the beach, beautiful, yes, but also really long. Walking here doesn’t get you very far, and that’s where having a bicycle comes in handy.

How to Get to Tulum (From Cancun or Playa del Carmen)

Since there are now several ways to actually get to Tulum, I figured I’d quickly break down the main ones:

• Fly into Tulum: Yes, Tulum now has its own international airport. Most flights currently come in from U.S. cities like Houston or Atlanta, but it’s worth checking if flying straight into Tulum works for you.
  
• Take an ADO Bus: ADO buses run frequently from Cancún International Airport to downtown Tulum. I’ve taken them many times, they’re comfortable, air-conditioned, and really easy to navigate.
  
• Book a Private Shuttle: Probably my personal favorite option. It’s pricier than the bus, but by far the most convenient, you’re picked up right at the airport and dropped off directly at your hotel without any extra hassle.
  

FAQs About Getting Around in Tulum

Is Uber available in Tulum?

Nope. Uber has tried to launch in Tulum a few times, but with the current taxi situation (aka the “taxi mafia”), it’s just not happening. I honestly don’t see Uber becoming a thing in Tulum anytime soon.

Is Tulum safe to walk around?

Downtown is generally fine during the day, and the Hotel Zone feels safe as well, but I wouldn’t recommend walking around late at night, especially in downtown. That’s the moment when I’d swap the bicycle for a ride.

Are there taxis in Tulum?

Yes, taxis are everywhere. But here’s the catch: they’re wildly overpriced. This is why I usually avoid them whenever possible.

Is Tulum worth visiting?

Absolutely. Tulum has gorgeous beach hotels, stylish restaurants, fun beach clubs, and plenty of adventures nearby if you want to explore more of Mexico.

How to get around in Tulum without a car?

I love riding my push bike around Tulum but colectivos are a great alternative as well.

Final Thoughts on How to Get Around Tulum

I’ll be honest: I try to avoid taxis in Tulum like the plague. The monopoly they have means prices are outrageous, think close to $100 USD for a round trip between downtown and the beach during high season. In Mexico! That’s insane.

Instead, I stick with bicycles or colectivos, which are not only cheaper but also give you more of the local experience. Of course, I know it gets tricky at night, and sometimes a taxi ends up being the only option.

I hope this guide didn’t scare you off but instead gave you a realistic picture of what to expect. My biggest tip? Get ready to cycle, because honestly, biking around Tulum is half the fun.

Check Out My Other Tulum Travel Guides

Is Tulum Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

How to Get Around in Tulum: My Taxi & Bicycle Guide

Where to Stay in Tulum Mexico: The Top Areas & Hotels

Best Time to Visit Tulum: How to Avoid the Seaweed

How to Get to Tulum Mexico: Cancun Airport to Tulum

Cafes in Tulum: The Best 7 Cafes Tulum