Your driver will meet you at your address in Tulum.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
Youâll travel in comfort for 1 hour.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Playa del Carmen.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
65 km1 hour
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
How much is a taxi from Tulum to Playa del Carmen?
Taxi fares from Tulum to Playa del Carmen should range from $40 to $60 USD. Prices change based on the time of year and the whims of the driver. You should definitely confirm the fare with the taxi driver before getting in the cab. Have cash in order to pay the driver, ideally in exact change. Or better yet, use a private car service where you can book in advance.
Is it better to stay in Tulum or Playa del Carmen?
Tulum offers a more relaxed and bohemian atmosphere with stunning beaches and eco-friendly accommodations, while Playa del Carmen is livelier with a wide range of dining, shopping, and nightlife options. Have a bit of both for the full Mexican holiday experience.
How far is Tulum from the Playa del Carmen bus?
Playa del Carmen is about 40 miles (65 km) from Tulum. Travel time by bus typically ranges from 1 to 1.5 hours. Buses leave several times per day and can accommodate a wide range of luggage needs. It is an ideal budget option for your vacation.
Is Playa del Carmen a safe travel destination?
Safety at Playa del Carmen is a top priority in order to protect the tourism economy. Youâll see a lot of security officers and police in busy areas, but donât let it replace your own vigilance over your belongings. If you keep your valuables close by, avoid going out alone at night, and donât participate in illegal activities, you should have a safe and pleasant stay at Playa.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries theyâre visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
Playa del Carmen is about 40 miles (65 km) north of Tulum along the Riviera Maya of Mexicoâs Yucatan peninsula. This region of Mexico was previously ruled by the Mayan Empire before Spanish colonization. The car trip from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is only about one hour. Itâs an easy shuttle bus ride, or the perfect time to have a private driver take you to the Mayan Coba ruins and sacred cenotes you wonât be able to see from the resorts.
Coba is an ancient Mayan city located in the state of Quintana Roo and a short distance from both Tulum and Playa. Its well-preserved pyramids are among the tallest Mayan structures in the region. The site is slightly more inland into the lush jungle than Tulum or Playa.
Cenotes are limestone caverns that formed from collapsing cave systems. These ancient natural wonders have a mysterious ambiance. They arenât too far from Playa and a day trip is the perfect way to see them.
About Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a coastal resort town located along the Caribbean Sea. It has grown rapidly from a small fishing village into a vibrant tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, bustling streets, and lively atmosphere. Your drive from Tulum to Playa runs along the stunning Riviera Maya. This region is important for ecotourism and the preservation of ancient Mayan culture.
Playa is not far from Coba, one of the main centers of agriculture, trade, and religious activity for the Mayan Empire. Playa was also an important launching point for Mayan canoes to reach Cozumel, where young Mayan women made pilgrimages to offer prayers to the fertility goddess.
15 million people visit Playa annually- including you- but it hasnât always been like this. The Yucatan peninsula had a small population with untouched jungles and the coast was dotted with remote fishing villages for hundreds of years. In the 1960s, Cancun, Playa, Tulum, and the surrounding areas were targets of an economic revitalization effort by the Mexican government to boost tourism. Resort towns were built up and it is now a major vacation hotspot for visitors from around the world.
Playa is larger than Tulum but not as large as Cancun. Accommodation options in Playa del Carmen span boutique hotels, local apartments, and budget hostels. You wonât find as many major hotel and restaurant chains as in Cancun, but it does have a more commercialized atmosphere than Tulum.
From Tulum to Playa del Carmen: Travel tips
Your quick day trip from Tulum to Playa will go off without a hitch if you remember these key travel tips!
Playa del Carmen often goes by a nickname
Playa del Carmen also goes by its nickname âPlaya,â so donât worry if someone tells you how to get to Playa instead of using its full name. Spanish speakers will also know that la playa means âthe beachâ in Spanish, so donât mix up the town with the beach either!
Stock up on Pesos Before Your Trip
Some businesses will accept USD, but you will get an extremely unfavorable exchange rate. Have local currency (Mexican pesos) on hand for any vendors that don't accept credit cards. When paying by credit or debit card, be sure to press âPay in Mexican Pesosâ when prompted by the card reader to get a slightly better exchange rate.
Some sunscreens are banned in Playa del Carmen
This region of Mexico only allows biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellants in order to protect its sensitive ecosystems. Most conventional sunscreens endanger coral reefs and other wildlife when it comes in contact with the water. The sunscreen sits on top of the water and chokes out the coral reefs, so only buy certified reef-safe products. If you are not sure if your products qualify, wait until you get to Mexico to buy them, since all local shops will have the compliant products.
How to get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
If you're looking at how to get from Tulum to Playa, the two town's popularity and proximity mean there's a robust transportation network available.
We break down your options below so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Tulum to Playa by bus
The public bus is the cheapest way to get from Tulum to Playa, with tickets costing around 100 MXP ($6). Buses depart from Terminal de Autobuses ADO Tulum about every 10 minutes and the travel time to Playa del Carmen is about an hour. Because theyâre so affordable, the buses get extremely crowded and can sell out during peak season.
Tulum to Playa by shuttle bus
Our shuttle buses hold 5-7 passengers and are a budget-conscious transportation option without compromising on safety. With regular departures from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, a shuttle bus offers a comfortable and hassle-free way to travel.
Shuttle buses have regular pick-up and drop-off points, but for an added fee we can do pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.
Tulum to Playa by private car with Daytrip
For a more customized experience, hire one of our private drivers. Enjoy seamless door-to-door convenience, ideal for busy families looking to make the most out of their vacation time. With a private driver, you have the flexibility to arrange the trip according to your schedule and tailor it to your specific interests. It is the better option for those who want all the freedom of renting a car without the hassle of having to drive on foreign roads or worry about rental returns.
Tailor your experience by adding tours to visit Mayan sites like Coba and the Cenotes.
Cenotes have a sacred place in Mayan religion as portals to the underworld and places of sacrifice to the gods. These beautiful natural wonders are underground caverns carved out by underground rivers and springs. Daytrip can get you right to the location of these tours, but note that you will have to book with the touring company separately.
Tulum to Playa by taxi
While you can take a taxi from Tulum to Playa, it's generally not advised. Taxis are known to prey on visitors, charging exorbitant fees for even short trips. You're also not guaranteed that your driver will speak English or help with your bags. Better to take a private car service like Daytrip where you book online in advance with upfront pricing. Every driver is vetted, so you always get stellar service - often for less than what a taxi would charge.
Things to do when you get to Playa del Carmen
Playa is slightly larger than Tulum, with a few more excursion-type activities to do besides beachcombing and sunbathing when you get there. Check out these fun activities and see if you need to make online reservations for the parks and outdoor activities before making your drive from Tulum to Playa del Carmen.
Cozumel is a short ferry ride away
Cozumel is more than just a beautiful Caribbean island. It was also of religious significance for young Mayan women who journeyed there during puberty to offer sacrifices and prayers to Ixchel, the fertility goddess. Cozumel is small, but over forty archaeological sites have uncovered details about the Mayan Empire and their rituals. It is a short ferry ride away from Playa.
Cozumel is also a UNESCO biosphere reserve, with over 1,000 marine species. Its coast forms part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the world's second-largest coral reef. Go diving and snorkeling to see this colorful hidden world yourself. Enjoy your time, but ensure you catch the final ferry back to the mainland!
Get up close and personal with nature
Thanks to the Sian Kaâan Biosphere Reserve, you can get a closer look at Mexicoâs diverse ecosystem of mangrove swamps, wetlands, and coral reefs. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a vast protected area with one section open for guided ecotourism. Its name means "the entrance to the sky" in Mayan, and youâll see how well the name fits!
Prepare for a full-day excursion led by a guide. Youâll walk through the lush jungle, witness the lasting legacy of the Mayan ruins of Muyil, and take a boat ride through the wetlands. It is a full-day excursion, so be sure you're equipped with water, comfortable attire, a swimsuit, and dry clothes.
Visit the ecoparks
Experience the untamed beauty of the Riviera Maya firsthand! Observe and interact with Central America's exotic and endangered wildlife at ecoparks like Xcaret and Xel-Ha. They provide an array of activities suitable for all ages, from swimming in natural cenotes to snorkeling among tropical fish. For the more adventurous, go zip-lining and do a cave tour in the jungle landscape.
When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen has a dry and rainy season, and they each have their pros and cons. Your ideal time to travel from Tulum to Playa del Carmen will depend on what youâd like to get out of your trip.
Playaâs Dry Season
Playa del Carmenâs most busy season is from November to April when the weather is reliably sunny and dry, with temperatures ranging from 75-85°F (24-29°C). This period is perfect for outdoor pursuits like beachcombing and snorkeling. However, prices may be more expensive and activities may be more crowded.
Playaâs Rainy Season
From May to October, Playa del Carmen enters its rainy season. The occasional showers are usually short-lived and followed by clear skies. This is the season to visit if you prefer surfing on larger waves or avoiding crowds.
Visit these sights on the way
Coba
The largest network of Mayan highways radiates out from the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan located in the heart of this ancient city. The High RoadÂ
Two Eyes Cenote
These pools of impossibly clear water are the gateway to one of the worldâs longest underwater cave systems. A Diver's DelightÂ
Aktun Chen
This eco-park offers one of the best cave walks in the world, a subterranean swimming hole, and jungle ziplines. Earth, Wind, and WaterÂ
Chikin Ha
Three beautiful cenotes allow visitors to swim in and under the lush tropical forest, and partake in a Mayan ritual. Tres TreatsÂ
Cenote Chaak Tun
Sunlight and trees pour into a small hole in the heart of this stunning underground cenote ornamented by beautiful cave formations. Light in the DarkÂ
âI used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.â
âWe were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, weâd especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.â
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Daydream20046758137
âWe absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. Itâs worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. Itâs 5 star rating is well deserved.â
âWe traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortableâ
âGonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.â
âWe were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.â
âUsed the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.â
âUsed Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.â
âWe did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.â
âWe used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.â
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Omar
Good to know
Children
If youâre traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isnât included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If youâre traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Donât worry if you donât know your exact address at the time of booking - youâll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select âReturnâ when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select âOne Wayâ or âReturnâ to change the type of trip you need. Itâs a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you donât see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
