Chichen Itza stands out as not only one of the top attractions in Mexico but also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a title it truly deserves.
As someone who has extensively explored Mexico, including a six-month deep dive into its most hidden and celebrated spots, I can assure you that a visit to Chichen Itza is an absolute must.
This ancient site, with its majestic Mayan ruins, once served as the most populous city in the Yucatan Peninsula during pre-Columbian times. Its iconic structures like the Kukulkan Pyramid aren’t just photogenic; they tell a story of astronomical sophistication and cultural richness.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza. With a decade of experience in the travel industry, I’m here to provide you with practical tips and insights to make your trip memorable.
But let’s get started – how to get to Chichen Itza then? Well, you have a few options.
| METHOD | COST | |
|---|---|---|
| TOUR | $34-285 | BOOK IT HERE |
| PRIVATE TRANSFER | $555 for up to 8 people | BOOK IT HERE |
| ADO BUS | $36 per person one way | BOOK IT HERE |
| RENTAL CAR | $25-35 per day | BOOK IT HERE |
The distance from Cancun to Chichen Itza is 120 miles (193 kilometers) and it takes around 2.5 hours if you’re driving, so it’s the perfect destination for a day trip.
The closest airport to Chichen Itza is Merida in the state of Yucatan. Unless you’re only flying to the area for the ruins, though, you’ll likely be arriving at Cancun Airport in Quintana Roo. While Chichen Itza is not super close to Cancun, it’s still one of the best Mayan ruins near Cancun.
And worry not! There are plenty of transportation options to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza. Check them all out in detail and decide which is the best way to get there for you.
Table of Contents
JOIN A CHICHEN ITZA TOUR FROM CANCUN
Chichen Itza tours are extremely popular, and they’re one of the best ways to visit the archaeological site.
I have written an entire post about the best Chichen Itza tours from Cancun if that’s the way you decide to go. No time to read another post? No worries. Here below I have selected the most comprehensive and top-rated tours.
| Length: | 7 – 13 hours |
| Price: | 34 – 285 USD |
| Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
▶️ The Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Tour is a full-day tour (12 hours) that takes you to explore the ancient ruins with a certified guide. You’ll get to fully immerse in the site’s history and its importance for the Mayan people.
After you visit Chichen Itza, you’ll be taken to a beautiful cenote to swim and snorkel, and finish with a buffet meal and a stroll around the colonial city of Valladolid. Pickup and drop-off from your Cancun hotel are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ With the Chichen Itza Early Access, Cenote, Tequila & Traditional Lunch tour you’ll get to visit the ruins before they open to the public. This way, you’ll be escaping the crowds that can sometimes be overwhelming.
Benefit from the knowledge of your private archaeologist guide, and cool off in a refreshing cenote. Finally, enjoy a buffet lunch and tequila tasting. The tour lasts around 12 hours. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour takes your group of up to 15 around the archaeological site with a guide. Besides marveling at the impressive El Castillo, you get to know the history and the role they played in the Mayan city.
After the visit, you’ll get to cool off in a sacred cenote and enjoy an a la carte lunch in a local establishment. A tour around Valladolid, a colonial city near the ruins, is included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ A great alternative for visiting Chichen Itza from Cancun is using the Go City – Cancun pass. The pass is especially useful if you’re staying in Cancun for a few days, or want to visit more than a couple of attractions, as it allows you to save up to 45% in over 40 attractions.
But getting back on track, I brought this up because the Go City – Cancun Pass includes access to Chichen Itza with transportation from and to Cancun. ➥ GET YOUR GO CITY – CANCUN PASS HERE
Pros and Cons of the Tours
✅ Everything will be organized for you, so you don’t have to lift a finger! From transfers to entrance fees, lunch, and activities, your friendly guide will manage it all.
✅ If you’re traveling to Chichen Itza solo, it will give you a chance to meet other people and share the excursion with like-minded travelers.
❌ By booking a tour, you’ll lose independence and will have to follow a set schedule (unless you book a private tour that can be tailored to your interests and needs).
BOOK A PRIVATE TRANSFER TO CHICHEN ITZA
If joining a tour is not your thing but you don’t feel comfortable taking a public bus, you can book a private transfer for your Chichen Itza day trip from Cancun.
The company I recommend is the one I personally use for transfers in Mexico, so you know you’re in good hands. The drivers are friendly and bilingual, they drive very safely, and the vehicles are always spotless and comfortable. I don’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone traveling to the country.
Your personal driver will pick you up at your hotel, and also drop you off at the end of the day. You’ll choose the pickup time, but consider that the drive takes about 2.5 hours. In my experience, the best pickup time is around 7 AM to arrive at the site before the big crowds.
You’ll learn facts about Chichen Itza and the Mayan people on your way to the ruins, and sip on complimentary water or beer.
| Length: | 10 hours |
| Price: | 555 USD (up to 8 people) |
| Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
Once you arrive at Chichen Itza, you can explore the area at your own pace or hire a guide on-site. Since the driver is at your disposal for the day, after you visit the ruins you can go to the nearby cenote for a dip and lunch, or head to Valladolid before returning to Cancun.
If there’s anywhere else you’d like to visit in the area, just ask them to take you there. You’re the boss! ➥ CHECK IT OUT HERE
Pros and Cons of the Private Transfer
✅ It gives you ultimate freedom without you having to make any transportation plans. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning, and driven to all the attractions you feel like visiting, hassle-free.
✅ Your driver/guide is guaranteed to be bilingual, so you’ll get to ask them questions about Chichen Itza, ask for suggestions on what to do after, and get local insights on the area.
❌ It’s a more expensive option to make the journey, and it’s probably not the best one for solo travelers or those on a tight budget.
Read what the reviews say:
“Gabriel is great! Driving was great, vehicle was clean, and he was very friendly. Would recommend him again!”
Tracey Cardenas – Read more reviews
TAKE THE ADO BUS CANCUN TO CHICHEN ITZA
If you wonder how to get to Chichen Itza from Cancun without spending much money, the most affordable alternative is taking the ADO bus.
▶️ There is only one daily bus from Cancun to Chichen Itza, and it departs at 8.00 AM. It takes almost 4 hours to get to the archaeological site.
At the time of writing, the bus tickets cost $36. To get back to Cancun you’ll need to take the same bus, and the last departure is at 4.30 PM, so you should be mindful of your time. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ A good alternative to enjoy more time in the Chichen Itza ruins, and also to explore the city of Valladolid, is taking the ADO bus to Valladolid from Cancun, and then visiting Chichen Itza from there.
You can make that trip in a colectivo, a shared van that leaves from right next to the ADO bus station. The first one departs as early as 7 AM and the ride takes about an hour.
I highly recommend spending at least one night in Valladolid, so you can get a sense of how life was back in colonial times. It will also give you the chance to visit some landmarks in the city and go swimming in the beautiful cenotes near Valladolid.
If you’re planning your own day trip to Chichen Itza, it’s advisable that you get your tickets in advance, so all you need to do once you’re there is head to the entrance and get in, skipping the lines (that can be long, depending on the time you get there!) ➥ GET YOUR SKIP-THE-LINE TICKETS HERE
Pros and Cons of the ADO Bus
✅ It’s the most convenient way to travel between Cancun and Chichen Itza if you’re traveling on your own. It’s also the cheapest option for a single ticket.
❌ There’s only one bus, so you need to get your tickets in advance and also be very mindful of your time. If you miss it, you’ll have to either wait a whole day or choose one of the priciest options at the last minute.
❌ You’ll arrive in Chichen Itza at noon, which is the busiest time of day, and also the hottest. This is not ideal, especially if you have young children.
RENT A CAR IN CANCUN AND DRIVE TO CHICHEN ITZA
Of course, if you like to have your independence you can always rent a car and drive to the ruins. Driving from Cancun to Chichen Itza takes around 2.5 hours, and the roads are in really good condition, so it’s a fantastic choice if you’re up for the drive.
| Length: | 2.5 hours |
| Price: | 25-35 USD per day |
| Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
It’s also convenient if you’re traveling with your family or a group of friends that can split the gas and toll fees, and you’ll manage your own times and itinerary.
The 180D Highway that connects Chichen Itza to Cancun is a toll road, and it costs 450 MXN (almost 23 USD at the time of writing) each way.
Keep in mind that they only accept cash in Mexican Pesos, so make sure you have enough pesos to cover the fee. There are no ATMs between Cancun and the highway, and they won’t take any US dollars or credit cards.
I personally use Discover Cars to compare prices and have a wider range to choose from. This way I know I’m getting the best deal. ➥ COMPARE PRICES HERE
Discover Cars is a car rental booking service that offers a great number of rental options from various car rental agencies in Cancun, making it easier to find a car that suits your budget and needs.
I particularly like their cancelation policy. With Discover Cars, you can usually cancel your booking for free up to 48 hours before pickup time – a more generous cancelation policy than other platforms. However, it’s important to always read the specific terms and conditions of your rental agreement. Policies can vary based on the rental company and the rate you choose, so look for the exact details.
Pros and Cons of Renting a Car
✅ It’s super convenient if you want to explore the region and visit some other attractions near Chichen Itza such as the pink lakes of Las Coloradas. You’ll be in control of your time and itinerary, giving you much more freedom.
✅ It costs about the same as a one-way ticket on the ADO bus, so if you’re a family or a group, renting a car can end up being the cheapest option you have.
❌ You’ll have to pay for the tolls on the highway, both to reach Chichen Itza and to come back to Cancun. So make sure you have Mexican Pesos in cash on you.
Tips for Renting a Car in Cancun (and Mexico)
While having your own car gives you a lot of freedom, remember to be on the lookout for potential scams when you rent your car in Mexico.
Sadly, it’s quite frequent for visitors to fall into tourist traps designed to take money from you. That’s why I highly recommend booking your car rental beforehand.
▶️ One of the most prevalent ones from car rentals is that they ask you to purchase insurance, affirming that is compulsory. However, it is not.
If you have travel insurance or credit card travel insurance, you DO NOT NEED to buy the one they offer. If they get insistent on the subject, you can look for another rental company to avoid further inconveniences with them (but other rentals might cost more since you’d be renting last minute).
▶️ Another frequent scam, especially in the car rentals at Cancun Airport, is that they charge excessive fees for damages, even if they’re little scratches, that may have been already on the car when you rented it.
That’s why it’s important to take pictures of the vehicle before using it, so you can’t be asked to pay for damages you didn’t cause.
Scams of this sort occur at the airport when you’re rushing to catch your flight. With no time to argue, you could end up paying hundreds of dollars. So, if you rent your vehicle at the airport, arrive with plenty of time to avoid issues like this.
