Thinking about visiting Chichen Itza from Tulum? Great idea! Chichen Itza is not just any set of ruins – it’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You’ll see why it’s so famous when you get there. Everyone should see Chichen Itza when they’re in the Yucatan Peninsula.
As someone deeply familiar with the region and its wonders, I can assure you that your trip to Chichen Itza from Tulum will be a highlight of your Yucatan adventure.
Thanks to the site’s popularity, attracting thousands daily, you have a variety of travel options to get from Tulum to Chichen Itza.
Whether you prefer a guided tour that provides in-depth historical insights, a comfortable bus ride to enjoy the scenic route or even a private transfer for a more exclusive experience, there’s something for every traveler.
| METHOD | COST | |
|---|---|---|
| TOUR | $40-400 | BOOK IT HERE |
| PRIVATE TRANSFER | $555 (for up to 8 people) | BOOK IT HERE |
| ADO BUS | $24 | BOOK IT HERE |
| RENTAL CAR | $25-50 | BOOK IT HERE |
Before we check them out in detail, you should know that the distance from Tulum to Chichen Itza is 185 kilometers (115 miles) and it takes a little over 2 hours to get there if you’re driving.
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JOIN A CHICHEN ITZA TOUR FROM TULUM
The first and most popular option to visit the ruins is taking a tour. You’ll get round-trip transportation and explore the site with an expert, enabling you to learn about the Mayan people and the stories behind the main pyramid. You’ll also get to swim in the nearby cenotes or visit the colonial town of Valladolid.
| Length: | 7-12 hours |
| Price: | 40-400 USD |
| Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
I’ve written a whole post about the best Chichen Itza tours from Tulum to help you choose. However, if you’re short on time, these are the very best ones.
▶️ The most comprehensive one is the Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Tour. It’s a full-day tour that takes you to explore Chichen Itza with a certified guide, vital for really understanding the history and traditions of the Mayan civilization.
Later you’ll be taken to Ik Kil cenote for a swim and enjoy a Mexican buffet lunch. End the tour strolling around the nearby city of Valladolid. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Riviera Maya is included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Check out this Skip the Line Chichen Itza Private Tour, Sacred Cenote & Lunch to go with your group. Your guide will answer all your questions as you roam around the archaeological site, and then you’ll get to cool off in an ancient cenote nearby. Lunch is included, as well as a trip to Valladolid. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Pros and Cons of Tours
✅ Everything will be arranged for you, from roundtrip transportation to a guided tour of the ruins, and visits to nearby attractions such as cenotes and Valladolid. Lunch and the entrance fee to the archaeological park are also included, so you don’t need to worry about anything.
❌ You’ll have to follow a fixed schedule, spending as much or as little on each attraction as your guide determines.
❌ It’s a more expensive option to visit the Mayan ruins than arranging tickets and transportation on your own.
BOOK A PRIVATE TRANSFER TO CHICHEN ITZA
Another great transportation option is booking a private transfer to Chichen Itza, and enjoying the comfort of having a driver at your disposal.
You’ll be picked up at your hotel in the Riviera Maya at the time you choose, although I recommend starting the journey first thing in the morning, as you’ll have about 2 hours to get to Chichen Itza and you should arrive early to beat the crowds.
I have personally used this company for transfers multiple times on my trips to Mexico, and definitely recommend it. They’re very punctual, the vehicles are comfortable and spotless, and the drivers are not only really friendly but excellent professionals, making me feel very safe on every journey.
During the drive, you’ll learn interesting facts about Chichen Itza, Mayan history, and traditions, and enjoy complimentary beer and water. Upon arrival, choose to explore Chichen Itza at your own pace, or hire an on-site tour guide.
After your visit, what to do next is up to you. You can visit the nearby cenotes or head to Valladolid, a charming colonial city you shouldn’t miss if you have the chance. I suggest enjoying lunch at one of the local establishments before you decide to head back!
Since you’re the one in charge, you’re free to choose your next stop and the time you want to spend at the archaeological site, with no one rushing you or planning the day for you; it’s fantastic if you want the freedom but prefer not to drive yourself! ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Pros and Cons of Private Transfer
✅ This is the best way to get from Tulum to Chichen Itza. It gives you ultimate freedom to choose your schedule, itinerary, and everything in between. It’s also the fastest transportation method since you’ll be taken straight from your accommodation to the ruins.
✅ The vehicles are modern, air-conditioned, and insured, guaranteeing a comfortable ride with a professional and bilingual driver, who’ll be able to give you tips and interesting information about the region and the ruins.
❌ It doesn’t include entrance fees and lunch like the tours do, and it’s a more expensive option than taking the bus.
Read what the reviews say:
“Gabriel Hernandez did a fabulous job. Clean, beautiful car, great driving. Thank you!!”
Amie Hussey – Check out other reviews
TAKE THE ADO BUS TO CHICHEN ITZA
If you’re traveling on a budget, the best option is taking the ADO bus from Tulum to Chichen Itza. ADO uses are usually comfortable and modern, and the company serves a great number of routes throughout Mexico, including a direct journey from Tulum to Chichen Itza.
| Length: | 2.5 hours |
| Price: | 24 USD |
| Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
▶️ You should take the one that departs at around 9.10 AM from Tulum to ensure you have enough time to visit the ruins.
The bus ride will take around 2.5 hours and the ticket costs around $24 at the time of writing. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
To make the return journey, the last bus departs at 4.10 PM. As you can see, there’s not a wide bus schedule from Tulum to Chichen Itza or the other way around, so be mindful of your time!
▶️ A good alternative if you want to enjoy more time in the area is taking the ADO bus to Valladolid, and from there taking a colectivo (shared van) that will get you to Chichen Itza in about an hour.
I recommend staying the night in Valladolid, so you can take your time visiting the ruins but also stroll around this gorgeous city, and even get to visit some of the Valladolid cenotes.
If you visit Chichen Itza on your own, remember to get your tickets in advance so you don’t have to queue at the site! ➥ GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Pros and Cons of the ADO Bus
✅ It’s the cheapest means of transportation, making the trip very affordable to those traveling on a tight budget.
❌ The ADO Bus does not offer hotel pick-up, so you’ll have to make your way to the bus station in Tulum Town to take it. If you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, you’ll have to take a taxi to get there.
❌ The journey takes 30 minutes longer than all other transfers and the ride is not as comfortable as going in your own vehicle.
RENT A CAR IN TULUM AND DRIVE TO CHICHEN ITZA
| Length: | 2 hours |
| Price: | 25-50 USD |
| Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
If you’d rather drive, take the QROO 109 road towards the Coba Ruins, and when you see the sign of Chemaz, turn left and take the 180 Highway. Soon enough you’ll pass by Valladolid; keep going until you reach Chichen Itza.
Renting a car is a great idea if you plan to visit the area around Valladolid. You can enjoy a cenote visit or head to Las Coloradas pink lakes!
▶️ If you’re renting a car, I recommend using Discover Cars to compare prices and book your car online; this way, you’ll be sure to avoid scams. ➥ COMPARE PRICES HERE
Discover Cars is a car rental booking service offering a great selection of rental options from various car rental agencies, which makes it easier to find a vehicle that suits your needs and budget.
I particularly like the cancellation policy they have. With Discover Cars, you can usually cancel your booking for free up to 48 hours before the pickup time – this is a more generous cancellation policy than other platforms. It’s always important, nonetheless, to read the specific terms and conditions of your rental agreement for exact details, as policies may vary based on the rental company and the rate you choose.
Pros and Cons of a Rental Car
✅ You’ll get to make all the calls: your departure time, what stops to make along the way, how long to roam around the ruins, and what other locations to visit after Chichen Itza. You’ll have the freedom to explore the region and return to Tulum whenever you’re ready.
❌ You’ll have to pay toll fees on the 180D Highway.
❌ You’ll have to pay for parking fees at Chichen Itza unless you decide to park for free on the side of the road. I advise you against it, though, as the road is very narrow and you could risk having other cars touching and potentially damaging your vehicle.
Tips for Renting a Car in Tulum (and Mexico)
Sadly, some car rental companies try to scam tourists, especially in Cancun and Cancun Airport, but you can get scammers all around the Yucatan Peninsula. If you decide to rent your car once you’re there, be on the lookout to avoid potential scams.
▶️ Among the most common tourist scams is the request that you buy insurance with them; they’ll even say that is mandatory. However, you’re under no obligation to buy insurance from them.
As long as you have your own travel insurance or credit card travel insurance, you’re already covered. If they insist on the subject, it may be better to go to another rental company.
▶️ Also, make sure you take pictures of your vehicle as soon as you get it, before using it, because they may want to charge you for damages if they find even the tiniest of scratches when you return it.
If you have proof that the scratches were already there when you received the car, you’ll avoid a lot of stress and arguing (and quite a handful of dollars!).
