Summary
The seaside town of Tulum has a number of interesting Mayan ruins to visit, but if you aim to see something larger and more impressive, then a day trip from Tulum to Chichen Itza is an excellent choice.
Chichen Itza is a well-known tourist destination in Mexico and was once one of the Mayans’ largest and most significant cities. This archaeological marvel dates back to 600 AD, with the monumental pyramid at the center being particularly awe-inspiring!
You can travel from Tulum to Chichen Itza by joining a tour, driving yourself in a rental car, or taking the ADO public bus. This travel guide will elaborate on how to utilize each of these transportation options along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Overall, visiting this wonder of the world from any tourist towns in the Yucatan peninsula is straightforward, and it is also quite budget-friendly, so it should undoubtedly be on your Mexico itinerary!
Where To Stay In Tulum
Where is Chichen Itza?
Chichen Itza is situated in the heart of the Mexican state of Yucatan.
The distance from Tulum to Chichen Itza is approximately 150 kilometers (90 miles), making it reachable in a little over 2 hours of driving.
How To Get From Tulum To Chichen Itza
• Join A Group Tour
One of the most economical and practical methods of reaching Chichen Itza is by joining a group tour with fellow travelers. You can arrange a tour online or coordinate it with your Tulum hotel upon arrival in Mexico.
Chichen Itza tours are highly sought after, with numerous companies offering daily excursions. Typically, you will be picked up from your hotel in the morning, transported by van or bus to Chichen Itza, and then given a guided tour of the site.
During our visit, we opted for a group tour and had an enjoyable experience. Frequently, these tours encompass additional sites in the Yucatan peninsula, including the Coba ruins, Valladolid, and a refreshing swim at one of the many cenotes in the area. Most tours also offer a buffet lunch along with hotel pickup/drop-off.
The only drawback of a group tour is the fixed itinerary, often granting you about an hour or less at each site. While we would have appreciated more time for photos, this duration is typically sufficient for most visitors.
Additionally, in such an arrangement, you will share the experience with various other travelers; however, since Chichen Itza tends to be crowded anyway, this can be a wonderful opportunity to meet new people. There are also small group tours that provide a more intimate experience.
• Opt For A Private Tour
If you prefer to explore Chichen Itza without the larger crowds, private and small group tours from Tulum to Chichen Itza are available daily.
This option tends to be pricier than group tours, but it may be a fantastic choice if your budget allows. With this arrangement, you will have a private driver as well as a multilingual tour guide to transport you and provide in-depth commentary on the archaeological sites.
Many private tours also cover buffet lunch and hotel pickup/drop-off from Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Cancun, or other locales in the Riviera Maya.
• Rent A Car & Drive Yourself
Renting a car and driving yourself can be another effective way to reach Chichen Itza from Tulum, and it is a relatively straightforward process.
This option affords you the most flexibility in planning your itinerary, making it economically viable if traveling with friends or family by sharing costs.
The drive from Tulum to Chichen Itza (or the reverse) spans just over 2 hours with a distance of approximately 150 kilometers (90 miles).
The roads are well-maintained, primarily using Highway 180 which currently has no tolls. For navigation, you can use this map, although be mindful that you will arrive at the parking area just before reaching the ruins.
You might also want to stop at noteworthy locations along the route, like the charming 16th century city of Valladolid and nearby cenotes.
Ensure you reserve your rental car through a reliable company and take photos of the entire vehicle to guard against any possible damage claims.
It’s important to remember that, regardless of your travel method, entrance tickets are required to visit Chichen Itza. Therefore, you should consider booking your Chichen Itza entrance tickets online ahead of time, allowing you to skip the queue upon arrival and maximizing your exploration of the ruins.
• Take The ADO Public Bus
For budget-conscious travelers, the ADO bus offers one of the most affordable ways to travel from Tulum to Chichen Itza, with daily departures around 9:37 AM and a return trip at 4:00 PM.
This option is ideal for solo travelers on a budget, even though it may require a little extra planning compared to a tour. A short taxi ride or Uber will get you to the Tulum bus station.
The journey from Tulum to Chichen Itza (or vice versa) takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, costing approximately 300 pesos ($15 USD) for a one-way ticket. Tickets can be purchased online at the ADO Bus website or at the bus station in Mexico.
ADO buses are typically clean, air-conditioned, and equipped with bathrooms, but theft can occur on buses and at terminals, so remain vigilant about your belongings. It is advisable to arrive early at the bus station because the check-in process can be lengthy on busy days.
Like with other travel methods, entrance tickets are necessary, even when going by bus. Pre-purchasing your Chichen Itza entrance tickets online is wise, enabling you to bypass the line upon arrival and devote more time to the wonders of the ruins.
Tulum To Chichen Itza FAQ
- What is Chichen Itza?
From 600 AD to 1200 AD, Chichen Itza was one of the largest and most significant cities for the Mayan civilization. The highlight of this archaeological park is the grand pyramid known as the Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo). While climbing is no longer permitted, it remains a spectacular wonder of the world!
- Is Chichen Itza worth visiting?
Absolutely! Chichen Itza is considered a must-see. This wonder of the ancient world features a stunning main pyramid and was clearly the highlight of our trip to Mexico.
- What is the distance from Tulum to Chichen Itza?
The road distance from Tulum to Chichen Itza is roughly 150 kilometers (90 miles).
- How hard is it to visit Chichen Itza from Tulum?
Visiting Chichen Itza from Tulum is straightforward, regardless of whether you choose to drive, take a bus, or join a tour.
- Can you fly to Chichen Itza?
No, there is no airport at Chichen Itza. The nearest airport is Cancun International Airport (CUN), located in nearby Cancun. You can search for international flights to Mexico on Skyscanner.
- Is it safe to drive from Tulum to Chichen Itza?
Yes, it is generally considered safe to drive from Tulum to Chichen Itza. The road conditions are excellent, and the Yucatan Peninsula is ranked as the safest state in Mexico. Many tourists travel this route daily without issues.
- What are the best things to see on the way from Tulum to Chichen Itza?
Numerous attractions are available along the route to Chichen Itza! The 16th-century city of Valladolid is a notable stop, and you can also explore the many beautiful cenotes nearby. Some tours to Chichen Itza often incorporate these destinations as well. For instance, our tour included a visit to Cenote Saamal, where you can swim and capture lovely photos.
- What is the best Chichen Itza tour?
You may want to consider this highly rated Chichen Itza Tulum full day group tour, with pickup options from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Riviera Maya. We had a fantastic experience with this tour company!
- How can I go from Cancun or Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza?
Traveling from Playa Del Carmen or Cancun to Chichen Itza provides similar options as those from Tulum. You can book a tour to Chichen Itza, rent a car for a self-drive experience, or use the ADO public bus service.
- How many people visit Chichen Itza?
Chichen Itza experienced 2.6 million visitors in 2017, with daily attendance numbers peaking at around 18,000. Thus, it is indeed a prominent tourist attraction; however, the considerable space surrounding the ruins helps reduce the feeling of overcrowding. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to arrive early in the morning and try to evade weekends and holidays. For fewer tourists, consider visiting the less-traveled Mayan ruins at Tikal in Guatemala!
- What is the entrance fee for Chichen Itza?
As of this writing, the entrance fee for Chichen Itza is 538 Mexican pesos (~$26 USD) for adults, and entry is free for children under 13. Usually, tour/package prices do not include the entrance fee, which one must pay independently. You should be able to use your credit card, but carrying sufficient cash is advisable in case the machines are nonoperational. Also, be aware that there is a parking fee of 80 pesos (~$4 USD) if you choose to drive yourself to Chichen Itza.
In conclusion, booking your Chichen Itza entrance tickets online in advance is wise, allowing you to bypass the lines and explore more of the ruins when you arrive. Happy travels!
