How to get from tulum to cancun?
Traveling from Tulum to Cancun is a very popular trip in the Riviera Maya, a region that is home to some of Mexico's most beautiful tourist destinations. Whether to explore more of the Caribbean coast, return to the Cancun airport or continue the adventure in other parts of Quintana Roo, there are several options to make this trip.
In this Hertz Mexico article we share with you everything you need to know to get from Tulum to Cancun, with details about the distance and recommendations to make the most of this journey by car.
From Tulum to Cancun by car
The distance from Cancun to Tulum is approximately 130 kilometers. Traveling by car is one of the most comfortable and flexible ways to cover the distance that separates both destinations.
Route and estimated time
Route: From Tulum, you must take Federal Highway 307 north, which is the main road that runs along the Riviera Maya. This road is very safe, well signposted and offers some points of interest along the way, where you could make stops.
Estimated time: The drive from Tulum to Cancun takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. During the high tourist season (December to April), traffic may be heavier, which could lengthen the travel time.
Additional costs: Highway 307 does not have toll booths between Tulum and Cancun, so there are no extra costs to worry about in this regard.
Travel instructions
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Departure from Tulum: From downtown Tulum, take Highway 307 north. The road passes through several tourist areas, so follow the signs to Cancun.
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Pass through Playa del Carmen: Approximately halfway through the drive, you will pass through Playa del Carmen, an excellent opportunity to make a quick stop and stroll along Quinta Avenida to enjoy its stores and restaurants in the heart of Playa.
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Puerto Morelos: This small fishing village is another attractive option for a short stop, where you can have lunch and enjoy some fresh seafood in front of the sea before arriving in Cancun.
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Arrival in Cancun: Upon arrival in Cancun, you will find several signs that will guide you to the hotel zone, downtown or the airport, depending on your final destination.
Why is a rental car the best option?
Although there are other alternatives to make the trip from Tulum to Cancun, such as buses and private transportation services, renting a car is one of the most recommended options for several reasons.
Flexibility and convenience
By renting a car, you can control your own time and plan your trip at your own pace. The flexibility to decide when to leave, where to stop and how much time to spend at each location makes the trip much more enjoyable and personalized. This is especially useful if you have a flight to catch in Cancun or if you want to explore places like Playa del Carmen or the cenotes along the way.
Freedom to explore
Having a car at your disposal allows you to make stops at points of interest that you might otherwise overlook. During the drive from Tulum to Cancun, you will find numerous cenotes, nature reserves, beaches and small towns worth visiting. Some of the most recommended cenotes include Cenote Azul and Cenote Dos Ojos, both accessible from Highway 307.
Luggage convenience
If you are traveling with a lot of luggage or special items (such as scuba gear, surfboards or bicycles), having a car will save you the hassle of lugging your belongings on public transportation and allow you to store them safely and comfortably.
Accessibility to more destinations
The Riviera Maya is a vast destination and having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore beyond the traditional routes. If you have time, you can take the opportunity to visit other nearby destinations such as Akumal, famous for its turtle beaches, or the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a protected area of incredible biodiversity.
Cost and convenience
Compared to the cost of other private services or scheduled transfers, renting a car with Hertz Mexico in Tulum can be quite affordable, especially if you plan to use it for several days and if it is a family trip or group of friends splitting the cost.
How to rent a car in Tulum or Cancun?
There are different options for car rental in Tulum with Hertz Mexico and it is a very simple and fast process. Here are some tips:
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Book in advance: If you are traveling in high season, book in advance to ensure a good price and the availability of a vehicle category of your choice.
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Car types: Choose a car that suits your travel style. For couples or solo travelers, a compact car is sufficient, but if you are traveling with family or friends, consider an SUV or pickup truck.
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Documentation: Bring with you your driver's license, valid official identification document and credit card, essential requirements for the rental.
As we said, car rental with Hertz Mexico is an easy process and has great benefits.
On the site, enter the dates and the pick-up and drop-off location to see the available car options. Then select the car category that best suits your needs and add add add-ons such as extra driver, child seats or booster seats if needed.
Continue the process by filling in your personal details and carefully reviewing the terms and conditions.
Finally, make the online payment and, when you arrive at your destination, go to the selected Hertz Mexico office with your official ID, valid driver's license and credit card.
As you may have noticed, traveling from Tulum to Cancun is easy and fast by car. Whether you prefer a direct route or want to stop at different points of interest, traveling from Tulum to Cancun in a Hertz Mexico rental car is the most practical, flexible and convenient way.