Riviera Maya · Arrival guide 2026
Cancún airport to Tulum & Playa del Carmen
Every way down the coast — bus, train, van or taxi — with real 2026 prices, travel times and where to sleep when you land.
Four ways to get down the coast
ADO bus
Direct from both airport terminals. Cancún → Playa del Carmen ~$250 MXN / 1h15. Cancún → Tulum ~$340 MXN / 2h. Buy at the counter or in the ADO app.
Maya Train
Fastest option: Cancún → Tulum in under an hour. Stations sit outside the towns, so add a taxi or colectivo at the end.
Private transfer
Door-to-door, best for groups or late arrivals. Roughly $1,400–$2,200 MXN to Playa and $1,900–$2,800 MXN to Tulum, split between passengers.
Shared van
Cheaper than private, more comfortable than the bus. We can help you book one before you land — just message reception on WhatsApp.
Where to stay when you arrive
Playa del Carmen — 1 hour away
Closest to the airport, right next to Fifth Avenue and the beach. Maui Playa is a five-minute walk from the ADO terminal with a rooftop pool and 24h reception.
Hostels in Playa del CarmenTulum — 2 hours away
Jungle, cenotes and slow mornings. Maui Tulum sits in La Veleta with a pool, coworking and a free shuttle to the beach.
Hostels in TulumArrival questions, answered
What is the cheapest way to get from Cancún airport to Tulum?
The ADO bus is the cheapest reliable option: direct from Cancún airport to Tulum for around $340 MXN, taking about two hours. Buses leave from outside each terminal roughly every hour.
How long does it take to get from Cancún airport to Playa del Carmen?
About one hour by private transfer or taxi, and 1 hour 15 minutes on the ADO bus (around $250 MXN). The ADO terminal in Playa is a five-minute walk from Maui Hostel Playa del Carmen.
Can I take the Maya Train from Cancún to Tulum?
Yes. The Maya Train connects Cancún and Tulum in under an hour. You still need a taxi or colectivo from Tulum station into town, so budget an extra 20–30 minutes.
Are there hostels in Cancún airport area?
There is no hostel at the airport itself. Most backpackers skip Cancún city and head straight to Playa del Carmen (1 hour) or Tulum (2 hours), where hostels are cheaper, more social and closer to cenotes and beaches.
Should I stay in Cancún, Playa del Carmen or Tulum?
Cancún is best for nightlife and resorts. Playa del Carmen suits travellers who want beach, Fifth Avenue and easy day trips. Tulum suits jungle, cenotes, yoga and digital-nomad life. Many travellers do Playa first, then Tulum.
How do I travel between Playa del Carmen and Tulum?
Colectivos run all day from Calle 2 in Playa to Tulum (about $60 MXN, one hour). ADO buses are more comfortable for around $150 MXN. Maui guests can arrange transfers directly at reception.
Is it safe to arrive at Cancún airport at night?
Yes. ADO buses run late, and pre-booked shared vans meet you inside the terminal. Both Maui hostels have 24-hour reception, so late arrivals are no problem.