Taxi in Tulum is notoriously expensive. While you can find taxis on many streets, they usually charge premium prices, especially if you want to travel outside of Tulum.
While taxis around Tulum usually cost a few hundred pesos for a round trip, you will pay more if you go to cenotes, Mayan ruins or other destinations in Riviera Maya like Akumal, Playa Del Carmen or Cancun.
I’ve taken a taxi in Tulum several times, and while it’s never been my preferred way of getting around, I decided to share some of my tips with you on how to avoid a rip off if you want to take a taxi in Tulum.
My take on taxis in Tulum
Taxis in Tulum are plentiful and can be found on many streets, especially in popular areas like Hotel Zone or downtown Tulum. I’ve taken taxis in Tulum several times, and although I’ve never been ripped off, it was by far the most expensive way to get around, and visit surrounding cenotes.
Don’t expect to get a bargain if you want to take a taxi in Tulum, especially if you are in a hurry. Most of the time, taxis already have their set prices, and unless you can speak Spanish, and can haggle a little bit, you aren’t likely to get a great deal.
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GOOD TO KNOW: If you are negotiating a price with your driver, act uninterested. If they see you aren’t in a hurry to get anywhere, and aren’t willing to get the first taxi that comes along, they are more likely to give you a better deal.
How do tourists get around in Tulum?
Most tourists get around Tulum by bicycle or scooter. Taxis are also an option, but they are much more expensive and they will usually cost more money than a bike or scooter rental, especially if you need to get around on a daily basis.
Tips for taking a taxi in Tulum
If you need to take a taxi, check some of tips below:
1. Learn some Spanish
If you plan to take a taxi in Tulum or anywhere else in Mexico, you should learn at least a couple of words in Spanish. Although some taxi drivers in Tulum speak English, it’s usually not a norm, and you will need to speak some basic Spanish to communicate during your ride.
2. Always negotiate
Although haggling in Mexico isn’t a norm, you can haggle with your taxi driver to see if you can get a better rate on you ride.
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3. Don’t start off withe the lowest price
When you haggle, always come up with a medium price that’s kind of in the middle. This way, you can negotiate lower rates, and have more flexibility. If you start off with an extremely low rate, taxi driver not only will not accept it, but you will also not have any room for haggling.
4. Carry cash
Taxis in Tulum operate on cash. It’s highly unlikely that a taxi driver in Tulum will have a credit card terminal, so you should exchange some money in local ATM’s before getting into a taxi. I always exchange money in Santander and Banco Azteca, because they have the lowest commission at about 34 Pesos per transaction.
5. Make sure a taxi is licensed
Before taking a ride, make sure your taxi is licensed. Official taxis in Tulum are white with red letters, but if you have any doubts, ask your driver for an official license.
6. Be respectful
Always be respectful to a taxi driver, and show common courtesy during your ride to ensure a positive experience for both parties.
7. Always keep someone posted
No matter where you are going, always keep someone posted about your plans. If you are taking a taxi, send your friends or your parents a text message with your travel itinerary, so there’s at least one person who knows where you are.
Alternatives to taxis in Tulum
I always say that taxi should be your last resort when trying to get around. Unless you run out of options, you should try other alternatives that are much cheaper and offer a better value than taxi.
1. Scooter
A scooter is the best way to get around Tulum. You don’t need to rely on expensive tours and taxis, and can quickly zip around town and get from downtown Tulum to the beach and visit popular neighborhoods like Aldea Zama and La Veleta.
Many shops around Tulum like Vespacito and Tulum Scooter Rental offer rentals for a day. The availability and prices fluctuate depending on the time of the year. The busy winter season in Tulum sees the highest rates, and some places might have limited inventory due to high demand.
How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Tulum for the day?
It costs between 400-500 Pesos per day to rent a scooter in Tulum. Prices also range depending on the season and a specific shop, with winter being the most expensive time to rent a scooter in Tulum.
If you are thinking about renting a scooter, you can often contact local shops via WhatsApp to ask about their rates.
2. Bicycle
A bicycle is the most popular way to get around Tulum. Renting a bike in Tulum is a perfect way to get around the area inexpensively and reduce your carbon footprint. Renting a bicycle in Tulum is cheaper than a scooter and is perfect if you are traveling on a budget.
You can rent a bike in many shops in Tulum like Ola Bike Tulum or Mexigo Bike Rentals.
Check one of my favorite bike tours in Tulum. It’s a perfect way to explore Tulum and visit some of the nearby cenotes in the Mayan jungle.
How to get around safely in Tulum?
To get around Tulum safely, you can rent a bike or scooter. Keep in mind that you will be sharing the road with cars, which means you should be extra careful, always wear your helmet and follow posted signs and speed limits.
✅ FIND THE BEST BREAKFAST IN TULUM
3. ATV
Renting ATVs in Tulum is the best way to navigate the bumpy roads along the beach and get off the beaten path in Tulum.
The Rivera Maya region boasts a stunning jungle dotted with cenotes, and gorgeous beaches – and you couldn’t find a better place for riding ATV’s in Mexico. Whether you already decided to rent an ATV during your stay in Tulum, or just starting to explore your options, this article is for you.
If you want to rent an ATV in Tulum, but aren’t quite sure, take an ATV tour with a guided tour that’s perfect if you have never taken an ATV ride.
4. Walking
Walking is the best way to get around Tulum if you are on a budget, but it’s also the slowest way. If you need get around Tulum quickly, and don’t want to rely on expensive taxis, rent a bicycle or scooter.
If you are staying in downtown Tulum or one of the neighborhoods like Aldea Zama or La Veleta, you will spend a lot of time trying to get to the beach, and paying for taxi every day will quickly add up, which is why you should rent a bike or scooter.
5. Car
Renting a car in Tulum is a perfect alternative to taxis, and sometimes, a price of a car rental could be cheaper than a taxi, depending on where you go. For example, a taxi ride from Tulum to Cancun airport is about 2,000 Pesos one way, which is much higher than a price of a daily car rental.
Additionally, renting a car is great if you wnat to take day trips from Tulum to other places in Riviera Maya like Playa Del Carmen, Chichen Itza, or Bacalar. Having your own vehicle will give you the most flexibility and you will not have to rely on bus schedules.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Tulum?
It will cost you anywhere between $40-60 USD per day to rent a car in Tulum, and covers a daily fee and a mandatory car insurance.
Keep in mind that your daily rate also includes local taxes, state taxes and any fees that go into your rate. If something looks unclear, be sure to ask about these extra fees before signing the paperwork.
PRO TIP: Watch out for companies advertising super low car rental fees like $10-15 USD per day. Typically, this rate is a catch designed “to get you” that hides exorbitant fees and high insurance cost.
What do I need to rent a car in Tulum?
Renting a car in Mexico is a straightforward process, and it’s no different in Tulum. You will need to provide a standard set of documents and also fill out some paperwork when you arrive at the office.
Here’s what you will need:
✅ A passport
A car rental company in Cabo San Lucas will ask you for your passport and they will also take copies of your documents for their record.
✅ A driver’s license
You will also need to provide a valid driver’s license that should be in the Roman alphabet. If you are traveling to Mexico from countries that don’t use that alphabet, you will need an international driver’s license.
Can you drive in Tulum with US license?
A valid U.S. driver’s license allows you to drive in Mexico, including Tulum and the rest of Yucatan. Make sure that your driver’s license is valid for the next six months, so you don’t have any issues when renting a car in Tulum.
✅ Credit or debit card
You will need a credit or debit card to pay for a car rental. Cash is also accepted but it’s not the most common form of payment. A car rental company will charge you for a car rental plus put a hold on your credit card that normally ranges between a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. When you return your car rental with no damages, the hold on your credit card will be removed.
I recommend having a credit card, as the debit card doesn’t always work.
✅ Mexico car insurance
Car rental insurance is mandatory in Mexico, and you will be asked to choose from basic, medium and full coverage when filling out your paperwork.
I always recommend full coverage, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience driving in Mexico, which requires some adjustment. A full insurance covers you in the event of accidents, and total car loss. It also provides roadside assistance and covers any damages to a car that could happen while you are on the road.
Where to rent a car in Tulum:
The key to getting a good price on a car rental in Tulum is booking it early. You can browse thousands of available car rentals on DiscoverCars, my favorite platform for renting cars in Mexico and Central America including countries like Costa Rica and Guatemala.
Type in your travel dates, specify the type of vehicle that you are looking for, and the platform will do all the work for you showing you all the available options.
How to find the best car rentals
Check DiscoverCars, an online platform where you can browse through hundreds of car rentals. DiscoverCars allows you to find the right cars at affordable prices and avoid overpaying money when you don’t have to.
📍CHECK RATES ON CAR RENTALS IN TULUM AHEAD OF YOUR TRIP
How much is a taxi from airport to Tulum?
A taxi from Cancun Airport to Tulum usually costs around 2,000 Pesos (over $100 USD). This is the fastest but also most expensive way to get from the airport to Tulum.
Unless you are in a hurry and can’t use any other options, I don’t recommend taking a taxi to Tulum from the airport, simply because many taxi drivers charge very high prices, especially if you don’t speak Spanish, and can’t negotiate the rate.
Taxis in Cancun airport are notoriously expensive. If you decide to get one on the spot after landing in Cancun airport, you are likely to pay the highest price.
If you need to get to Tulum from Cancun airport, take ADO bus or book a private shuttle from Cancun to Tulum.
A shuttle from Cancun to Tulum
A shuttle is a small van that transports up to 8-10 people. They pick up travelers at the airport and drive them to Tulum. These shuttles are faster than regular buses, so expect to be in Tulum in about 1,5 hours.
Paid shuttles are great for travelers who are looking to save money, but don’t want to go through the hassle of catching a regular bus.
Why you should consider a shuttle from Cancun Airport
- You don’t have to negotiate the price. It’s already set and you don’t need to worry about getting ripped off.
- An English-speaking driver will prick you up at the airport and walk with you to the car. It’s a great option if your Spanish skills are limited, and you don’t feel dealing with all the logistics.
- Private transportation is also the quickest option if you want to save a few hours and want to get your hotel as quickly as possible without having to deal with the public transportation.
- If time is short and you want to get the most out of your time, private transportation IS the best option.
How much should a taxi cost in Tulum?
A taxi in Tulum costs anywhere from 100 Pesos and up. Be prepared to spend about 200 Pesos on a round trip to cenotes and 300-400 Pesos if you are going to Tulum ruins and back to your hotel.
How much is a taxi from Tulum Hotel Zone to ADO?
A taxi from Tulum Hotel Zone to ADO bus stattion costs around 500 Pesos and up. The price also depends on where exactly you are in the Hotel Zone, as it costs more to travel from hotels that are further down the coast.
Can you get taxis in Tulum?
You can find taxis on many streets in Tulum, but your best chance of finding a taxi quickly is along the highway that goes through downtown Tulum. Here you can find plenty of taxis that are usually parked on the side of the street. You can also flag down a taxi, if you see one that’s empty.
Do taxis in Tulum have meters?
While some taxis in Tulum have meters, I always negotiated a price upfront with the driver, and was able to avoid the meter prices, which are usually pretty high. If you notice a meter in taxi, always ask if it’s possible to negotiate a price upfront with the driver.
Taxi in Tulum: FAQ’s
Do I need to tip taxi drivers in Tulum?
You usually don’t need to tip taxi drivers in Mexico, however you can leave a small gratuity if you feel like you have received exceptional service.
Is Uber allowed in Tulum?
As of 2023 Uber is not allowed in Tulum.
Do Tulum taxis take USD?
Most taxis in Tulum accept US dollars, but when you pay in US dollars and not in Pesos, you are more likely to pay tourist prices, which is higher than normal. Always exchange US dollars for Pesos before getting in a taxi.
Is it hard to get a taxi in Tulum?
Getting a taxi in Tulum is very easy. You can find plenty of taxis in downtown Tulum, in Tulum Hotel Zone and near the main beach. The availability of taxis in Tulum usually depends on the time of the day.
Why doesn’t Tulum have Uber?
Uber doesn’t have Tulum, because local taxi companies have put up a fight against it.
How much is a taxi from Cun Airport to Tulum?
A taxi from cancun Airport to Tulum usually costs around 2,000 Pesos (100 USD) and up.
Is it safe to take taxi in Tulum?
Taking a taxi in Tulum is usually safe, however, you should always make sure that you are using a licensed taxi. If ever in doubt, ask your taxi driver to show their official badge and a license. If you don’t feel safe about getting a taxi or feel like something isn’t right, it’s best to look for other options.
Do taxis in Tulum take credit card?
Tulum taxis mostly operate on cash. Credit cards are not commonly accepted, which is why you should exchange some Pesos before getting a taxi.
How to get a taxi in Tulum?
To get a taxi in Tulum, simply find one and ask a driver about the price. Taxis are usually lined up along the side of the road in downtown Tulum and in Tulum Hotel Zone.
Cheapest taxi in Tulum
You can find the cheapest taxi in Tulum during the low season in Tulum which is from May through September when there are very tourists. You can score great deals on taxis and many other types of transportation in Tulum during this time, as most businesses are willing to give you some discount.
Final word on taking taxi in Tulum:
Taking taxi in Tulum I the most expensive option, and I don’t recommend it, unless you need to get around quickly or the weather is bad and you don’t ride bicycle or scooter. When taking a taxi in Tulum, always negotiate the price upfront, show respect to your taxi driver and be a good passenger.
Where to stay in Tulum:
- Luxury: Bardo and Una Vida – these two sister properties are some of the most beautiful hotels just outside of downtown Tulum that feel like a slice of paradise surrounded by the jungle and located away from all the noise. Free parking and airport shuttle upon request.
- Mid-budget: Maka Boutique Hotel – One of the best boutique hotels in Tulum, Maka has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, and a rooftop bar. It’s located right in the heart of town and boasts quick access to cenotes and restaurants.
- Budget: Kaab Tulum – A popular budget hotel in Tulum Pueblo, Kaab has a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a garden. It has a pool family rooms and a nice spacious terrace.
- Hostel: Botanica – One of the best hostels in Tulum with private and shared rooms, a common kitchen, and bathrooms. This property is in the middle of downtown, close to restaurants, and stores, and within a quick bike ride to Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera.