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Getting to Chichén Itzá: from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum & Riviera Maya
Chichén Itzá ToursDirections
Contents
Getting to Chichén Itzá from Cancun
By road
- By bus: If you’re taking a bus to Chichén Itzá, you’ll find an ADO bus leaving from downtown Cancun at around 8:45am. It reaches Chichén Itzá between 11:30am and 11:50am.
- By car: If you’re traveling from Cancun by car, you can take the toll highway 180D westward. The drive is about 200km and will take you anywhere between 2 and 2.5 hours to reach, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that toll fees will apply ($385 MXN one-way.)
Getting to Chichén Itzá from Riviera Maya
By road
- By bus: Getting to Chichén Itzá from the Riviera Maya is easy with several ADO buses running throughout the day.
- By car: Just like the drive from Cancun, if you’re driving from Riviera Maya to Chichén Itzá, you can take the highway 180D westward. This route is about 195km and will take you anywhere between 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Chichén Itzá. If you’re driving, you will have to account for a toll of $385 MXN one-way.
Getting to Chichén Itzá from Playa del Carmen
By road
- By bus: If you're taking a bus from Playa del Carmen, you can choose an ADO bus to Valladolid, and then take a local shuttle to Chichén Itzá.
- By car: The distance to Chichén Itzá from Playa del Carmen by car is 185km, which will take you about 2.5 hours to cover. Keep in mind that you'll have to pay around $385 MXN in toll one-way. You'll also have to pay about $80-100 MXN for parking for the day once you reach the site.
Getting to Chichén Itzá from Tulum
By road
- By bus: There are no direct buses from Tulum to Chichén Itzá. However, you will find ADO buses that leave Tulum and arrive at Chichén Itzá via Valladolid. The entire journey, including transfers, will take you roughly 3-4 hours.
- By car: Traveling to Chichén Itzá by car from Tulum is the faster option, and will take you roughly 2 hours via toll highway 180D. Note that you will have to pay a toll of around $385 MXN one-way.
What is the best way to reach Chichén Itzá?
Guided tour with round-trip transfers: A guided tour to Chichén Itzá is the ideal way to explore this ancient Mayan site. These guided tours offer the convenience of round-trip transfers from a shared meeting point or your hotel in an AC coach.
This way, you won't have to worry about driving to Chichén Itzá and paying the toll and parking charges, or the transfers that come with taking an ADO bus to the site.
Recommended tours:
- From Cancun: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Lunch
- From Riviera Maya: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Lunch
- Chichén Itzá Sunrise Guided Tour
Frequently asked questions about getting to Chichén Itzá
What is the budget-friendly way to reach Chichén Itzá?
The cheapest way to get to Chichén Itzá is by taking an ADO bus from Cancun or Valladolid. The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, but the journey may take longer than other transport options.
Are there guided tours available for Chichén Itzá?
There are several guided Chichén Itzá tours that combine a host of other archeological sites or attractions. These guided tours offer round-trip transfers, buffet-style lunches, access to a sacred cenote, and in-depth insights from an English or Spanish-speaking guide.
Are there any trains available to Chichén Itzá?
There are currently no trains available to Chichén Itzá. Your best bet is to take an ADO bus, drive to the site, or opt for a guided tour.
What is the best time to visit Chichén Itzá to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings between 8 and 10am are the best times to visit Chichén Itzá to avoid crowds and beat the heat. Arriving early also gives you a better chance of finding a parking spot if you’re driving to the site. On the other hand, weekends tend to be busier, and Sundays are the busiest since Mexican citizens and residents get free access to the site.
How long does it take to explore Chichén Itzá?
Exploring all the attractions within Chciehn Itza could take you between 1 to 3 hours. However, if you’re opting for a guided tour that includes other attractions and lunch, you will have to allocate 8-12 hours for the entire tour.
Is Chichén Itzá wheelchair-accessible?
Some parts of the site, such as the entrance and the plaza around the El Castillo, are wheelchair accessible. However, the terrain in several parts can be rather uneven, making them difficult for wheelchair users to access.