Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is situated in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, approximately 150 kilometers northwest of Tulum.
This ancient Mayan city draws millions of visitors each year – known for its iconic pyramid as well as its astronomical significance and complex stone carvings, Chichén Itzá offers a compelling glimpse into the history and ingenuity of the Maya civilization.
As one of Mexico’s most popular tourist spots, it’s no surprise that traveling from Tulum to Chichén Itzá is pretty easy, and there are several transport options available. These range from organized tours to independent travel, and you’ll find a way to get to Chichén Itzá whatever your travel style and budget – but which one is best for you?
In this post, I’ll break down exactly how to get to Chichén Itzá from Tulum, what each option entails, and how to make the most of your trip.
Quick Overview of Options
- Guided Full Day Tour – An all-inclusive group day trip is a great option if you don’t want the stress of arranging transport yourself and want to learn as much as possible about the history of Chichén Itzá.
- Renting a Car – Great for anyone wanting to have full freedom on their day trip and take a more adventurous route.
- ADO Bus + Taxi/Colectivo – The cheapest option which is ideal for travelers who want to visit Chichén Itzá for the lowest price possible.
- Private Driver/Taxi – A door-to-door route is definitely the most comfortable and convenient way for this day trip.
Option 1: Guided Tour to Chichén Itzá from Tulum
Why I Recommend:
A Chichén Itzá day tour from Tulum is by far the most hassle-free and informative option. You'll travel in a comfortable air-conditioned van or bus, accompanied by a bilingual guide who explains the history, architecture, and mythology of Chichén Itzá. Expect a long day - tours generally last around 10–12 hours, and make stops at other attractions after the tour of the UNESCO site.
I personally visited Chichén Itzá on a day tour; although mine was from Cancun rather than Tulum, the experiences are fairly similar. I think it’s the best way to experience the historical site, mainly as our guide shared so many informative insights with us that we just wouldn’t have got if we visited independently.
Plus, one of my favorite things about small group tours is how much extra you learn by being able to ask questions - it makes for a much more engaging experience.
How to do it:
There are heaps of ways to book a guided tour to Chichén Itzá from Tulum - through local tour agencies, hotel concierges, or online platforms. Most tours include hotel pickup, transportation, entrance fees, a guided walk around Chichén Itzá, a buffet lunch, and stops at other attractions like Cenotes or Valladolid.
This tour on GetYourGuide looks pretty similar to the one I booked from Cancun. It includes a visit to two of the best Cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula, Suytan and Ikkil, as well as a stop in the colonial town of Valladolid. A buffet lunch and snack box are included, and you’ll have a guide on hand throughout the day to teach you about the region as a whole as well as the history of Chichén Itzá.
Tours generally range between $60–$120 USD per person, depending on group size, inclusions, and company reputation.
Choose this option if:
- You want a hassle-free day trip where everything is organised for you
- You appreciate historical context from a guide
- You’re tight on time and want to see each much as you can in one day
But keep in mind that:
- It’s a full day trip and runs on a fixed schedule, so there’s less flexibility than other options
- The attractions are very busy during high season and it’s harder to beat the crowds on an organised tour
- You’ll have less time to explore on your own
Option 2: Renting a Car
Why I Recommend:
Renting a car and setting off on a self-drive adventure to Chichén Itzá is a great option and gives you full control over your itinerary. You can plan your day trip according to your travel style and make your own stops at cenotes, and other attractions throughout your day, which makes for a great day trip.
Plus, I always find that driving when I’m traveling makes the trip feel just that bit more adventurous.
How To Do It:
There are a few local places to hire a car from in downtown Tulum, and the larger chain companies have rental desks in Tulum airport. I rented a car when I stayed in Tulum and used America Car Rental in Tulum Centro - the experience was faultless, with clear costs and great service.
Whatever company you use, make sure to check reviews online beforehand and thoroughly read all paperwork before signing to avoid unexpected costs, and I do recommend comparing rental costs across agencies with tools like DiscoverCars
You can expect to pay between $30–$135 USD per day, depending on the size of the car.
The drive from Tulum to Chichén Itzá takes around 2.5 hours via the 109 and 180 highways. Roads are in very good condition and well-marked, though tolls and occasional police checkpoints are common along the route. Gas costs around 22 MXN ($2 USD) for the day, and once you get to Chichén Itzá you’ll need to pay for parking - but it’s pretty cheap, costing 150 MXN ($8 USD) for the day.
There are some great places to stop during the drive to Chichén Itzá from Tulum. Some of the best are:
- Aktun Chen Cenote
- Punta Laguna
- Yal Ku Cenote and Laguna
- Valladolid
- Cenote Maya Park
Choose This Option If:
- You want total flexibility on timing and stops
- You’re travelling as a group or family and want good value
- You love having the chance to explore less touristy spots
But Keep in Mind that:
- A self-drive trip requires confidence driving in Mexico
- Costs can add up, making it a more expensive choice for solo travelers or pairs rather than groups
- This option means you won’t have a guide for Chichén Itzá, unless hired separately
Option 3: ADO Bus + Taxi/Colectivo
Why I Recommend:
This is the cheapest way to get from Tulum to Chichén Itzá, and it’s a great way to experience the bucket-list attraction without spending unnecessarily. Most of my trips are backpacking trips and as I like to travel for as long as possible, I have to be careful with my budget.
When I have the time (and energy!), I’ll always opt for the DIY option rather than an inclusive day trip - and this day trip is very easily done on public transport, so you don’t need to skip seeing Chichén Itzá if the other options aren’t within your budget.
How To Do It:
Tulum’s ADO bus station offers service to Valladolid, a town roughly 45 minutes from Chichén Itzá. You can buy tickets online, via the ADO app or website, or in person at the station. If you’re buying tickets in person, you’ll need to show a photo ID - so make sure to bring this with you. Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time, but you can expect to pay 100 - 250 MXN (around $5 - $14 USD).
Buses run the route from Tulum to Valladolid every two hours, starting at 7:50 AM, and the journey takes roughly an hour and a half. I love the ADO buses in Mexico; they’re easily the most comfortable and reliable in Latin America! You can expect air conditioning, reclining seats, and a high chance of the bus leaving and arriving on time - the journey is a breeze.
From Valladolid, take a local taxi or colectivo to Chichén Itzá. If you opt for a colectivo, the stop IS a few blocks away from the bus terminal where you’ll arrive, on Calle 39 - it’s on google maps and is easy to find.
There’s no fixed schedule for the colectivo’s, but you shouldn’t have to wait too long as theY RUN frequently, especially in the morning. The cost of a ticket is 40 MXN (around $2 USD) and can usually only be paid in cash.
The journey to Chichén Itzá from Valladolid takes around 40 minutes. If you’d rather take a taxi instead, you can opt to use a rideshare app (like Uber), which should cost you around 400 MXN ($25 USD).
Choose This Option If:
- You’re a solo traveler looking for the most economical choice
- You’re a budget-conscious backpacker and don’t want to spend unnecessarily
- You’re comfortable navigating public transport abroad
But Keep in Mind That:
- This option requires transfers and time management, and you’ll want to plan your return journey carefully so you aren’t stuck in Valladolid
- It might be trickier to beat the crowds - gates open at 8:00 AM and even if you catch the first bus, you likely won’t arrive until 10:00 AM
- This option is less relaxed and structured than choosing a day trip or private transfer
Option 4: Private Driver/Taxi
Why I Recommend:
This is the most comfortable and customizable option, especially if you don’t want to drive but still want flexibility. Most drivers are willing to stop at cenotes, Valladolid, or other attractions. Pickup is typically around 7:00 – 8:00 am, with return by early evening. Additionally, it offers great value if you’re traveling in a group or as a family, as it works out as cheaper than booking individual spots on a group trip.
Prices vary depending on where you book, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $145 - $280 USD for the day.
How To Book:
Many taxi drivers in Tulum offer full-day private trips to Chichén Itzá - if you travel by taxi during your time in Tulum, ask the driver if this is something they offer and they’ll usually have a list of prices available. Alternatively, you can arrange through your hotel in Tulum, or book online - websites like Viator, 12go, and GetYourGuide have private day trips listed.
Make sure to agree on a flat rate ahead of time, which should include wait time at the site and optional stops along the way.
Choose This Option If:
- You want a convenient and stress-free day
- You like to have flexible timing and be able to make optional stops
- You’re traveling in a family or small group
But Keep in Mind That:
- It’s the most expensive option, especially if you’re traveling solo
- This is usually just a transfer only, and won’t come with a guide
Overall Recommendation
If it’s your first time visiting, you’re travelling solo, or you don’t like to worry too much about planning and organisation. I recommend opting for a guided tour.
If you value independence and are comfortable driving, renting a car gives you the best experience overall.