How to get to Chichen Itza from Cancun? Map and transportation options

We tell you how to get to the most famous archaeological site in the Maya world

You won’t miss out on one of the New Wonders of the Modern World

One of the most important archaeological sites is just a few hours from Quintana Roo and Yucatán. I’m talking about Chichén Itzá, one of the New Wonders of the Modern World. If you are passionate about traveling and history, visiting this place will be worth it, but how will you get there? We give you the best advice on how to get to Chichén Itzá!

We all know that Mexican culture is fascinating for its colors, food, music, dances, history, and archeological sites. Surely you have already heard about them many times and is no wonder that you wish to visit them. Just take note, journey is about to start!

How to get to Chichén Itzá from Cancun?  

Escape for a while from the sea and allow yourself to travel back in time through your imagination and know the greatness that Chichén Itzá hosts.

1. ADO

The ADO bus station has special transport that will take you directly to Chichén Itzá. The bus station is located in downtown Cancun, between Tulum Avenue and Uxmal Avenue.

There are different ticket prices for local, national, and international people. I recommend you search for the departure time a day before your trip, so you won’t get any surprises.

Something to remember is that ADO services only offer transportation, you’ll need to do the tour and take care of food all on your own.

2. Xcaret Expeditions tours

A very accessible and convenient way to get to Chichén Itzá is with the Xcaret Expeditions tours, which have roundtrip transportation. You must book in advance through the website or buy your ticket at any of the sales location scattered around the city. Departure points depend on the package you choose.

Xichén tours have the option of picking you up at your hotel or at a pickup point in downtown Cancun, on Bonampak Avenue, right in from La Pasteleteria restaurant.

Once everyone is on board, the bus heads to the transfer center, where you will change without extra cost to the bus that will take you to live a magnificent experience. During the tour, an expert Maya world guide will explain to you the history and fascinating facts of Chichén Itzá and the other places you will visit as cenotes and the town of Valladolid.

Upon arrival at the Maya city, you can experience a guided tour and free time to take photos.

3. Car

If you prefer to travel with an itinerary of your own, then getting in your car or renting one is the ideal way to get to Chichén Itzá. Just take into account that the distance from Cancun is approximately 187 km. I recommend you enjoy the car ride and drive with caution, and don’t forget to take cash to pay the tollbooths.

Taking advantage that you decide the path you take; I recommend you visit Valladolid and some cenotes in Yucatán. Live a complete experience of the Maya culture.

TRAVEL

Chichén Itzá is approximately 3 hours from Cancun. Plus, you might want to consider that Yucatán is in a different time zone, having an hour less than Cancun.

How to get to Chichén Itzá from Playa del Carmen?

Take a break from the party and nightlife because it’s time to visit Chichén Itzá, discover how wonderful it is!

1. ADO

There are two ADO bus stations in Playa del Carmen. The first is easy to find because it’s located on the famous 5th Avenue, while the other is on 20th Avenue, between streets 12 and 12 Bis. Both offer the transportation service to Chichén Itzá.

The ticket prices vary for locals, nationals, and foreigners, so remember to always take your official ID and cash.

2. Xcaret Expeditions tours

Xichén tours also depart from Playa del Carmen and have the following pickup points:

- La Bodeguita del Medio on 5th Avenue, street 34 Nte, Gonzalo Guerrero Avenue.

- Plaza Las Perlas on Constituyentes Avenues and Gonzalo Guerrero Avenue.

- In front of Marti Sports.

- Plaza Antigua on 10th Avenue, right before the Playacar entrance

A Maya world expert, aka a certified guide, will explain to you the history and fascinating facts of each castle and temple within Chichén Itzá.

Important: When booking the tour, you will be indicated where your pickup location is.

Read: Photos Cliche in Chichén Itzá

3. Car

Taking your car own car or renting one is the perfect option to travel to places nearby before or after arriving at Chichén Itzá. Just consider that the distance between Playa del Carmen and the archaeological zona is 155 km.

TRAVEL

If you arrive by bus, the estimated time of arrival is 4 hours. However, if you decide to leave on your own, the journey time can be reduced to approximately 2 hours.

How to get to Chichén Itzá from Tulum?

Have you already visited the famous Walled City? Perfect! Now you get to the next destination on the list and visit one of the New Wonders of the Modern World: Chichén Itzá.

1. ADO

The Tulum ADO station has a unique location, as it can be found downtown, close to almost everything. However, due to the fact that it’s a small station, its departure times are limited. If you are staying or living there, I recommend that you look for the schedules one day before so you can plan your trip well.

As I mentioned earlier, always take an ID and cash. Prices are different for locals, nationals, and foreigners.

2. Car

Going in your car is a good option, you’ll be able to create your own itinerary, depending on the activities you wish to do. Besides, it will save you some time during transportation. Carrying cash with you, because you’ll have to pay for the tollbooth on your way to Chichén Itzá and on the way back. A good advice is just to enjoy the road and the delicious climate of the Yucatán Peninsula. The distance between Tulum and Chichén Itzá is 126 km.

TRAVEL

If you go by bus, the estimated time of arrival is 3 hours, but if you decide to leave on your own, the duration is approximately 2 hours.

How to get to Chichén Itzá from Valladolid?

If you happen to be staying in Valladolid, you are very lucky. This nice town is one of the closest locations on the list to Chichén Itzá.

1. ADO

Although Valladolid is a small place, it also has an ADO bus station. You can find it between 46th and 39th streets, just take into consideration that there is only one departure time per day to Chichén Itzá. I recommend you check the schedules beforehand so you can plan and enjoy your trip without any inconvenience.

2. Taxi

Due to the fact that the town is so close to Chichén Itzá, you can arrive by taxi without the trip being crazy expensive. In downtown Valladolid you’ll find a taxi site where you’ll be able to get a ride, just remember to take cash in order to pay the driver.

3. Car

If you decide to make a road trip with family or friends, this option is very good. Fill your gas tank and get on the road. Just considerer that the distance between Valladolid and Chichén Itzá is 38 km.

TRAVEL

Being the closest point of all the ones mentioned before, getting to Chichén Itzá will be very fast. It will take less than an hour, approximately 31 minutes.

Now that you know how to get to Chichén Itzá, make sure you bring everything you need so you can enjoy the experience of this wonderful archaeological site. Get ready! Because everything you’ll see and learn will leave you impressed.