How to Get from Cancun to Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is the second most important archaeological site in Mexico. Its proximity to the Riviera Maya, its location on the Yucatan Peninsula, and its closeness to the magical town of Valladolid, along with the numerous cenotes surrounding it, make this a must-visit destination.
If you’re planning to come here and want to know your transportation options from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and even from the city of Merida, keep reading this post because we’ll tell you all about it.

How to Get to Chichen Itza from Cancun

Chichen Itza is undoubtedly one of the most visited sites in the Mexican Caribbean. Getting here takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on your starting point.
From Cancun, getting to Chichen Itza is more flexible than from other parts of the Riviera Maya. Cancun is located 300 km from Chichen Itza, and the approximate travel time is 2 hours and 30 minutes. This time may vary depending on the mode of transport you choose. The options are: Private transfer, ADO bus, car rental, shared shuttles, and tours.

Private Transfer

The best option to reach Chichen Itza is a private transfer. It’s a personalized service that picks you up from your location and takes you directly to the entrance of Chichen Itza. It’s fast, safe, simple, and convenient.

Tours

Another excellent option is to book a tour. These typically include a trip that lasts about 1 hour and not only allow you to visit Chichen Itza, but also some cenotes and the magical town of Valladolid.

Shared Shuttles

Using shared shuttles is not highly recommended. They are small vehicles that get fully packed, and you’ll need to find their departure point and schedules, which can be inconvenient. However, it is the most economical option to get there.

How to Get to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen

From Playa del Carmen, a private transfer to Chichen Itza is not the best choice, as most private transportation services are based in Cancun. This means the fare you’ll pay will include the cost of the Cancun to Playa del Carmen route.
The best options are the shared ADO bus and tours. The ADO has three departure times: 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, and 10:30 AM, with a return trip at 4:30 PM. If you opt for a tour, operators will provide you with the costs, times, and departure point.

How to Get to Chichen Itza from Merida

Merida is located 118 km from the Chichen Itza ruins, so it’s quite close. The cheapest option is a semi-private bus, costing 150.00 MXN per person. The fastest option is a private taxi, which costs 1500.00 MXN. You can also choose a tour or the ADO buses, which are more affordable on this side of the Yucatan Peninsula.

How to Get to Chichen Itza from Valladolid

From Valladolid, getting to Chichen Itza is very easy, as it’s only 41 km away. From the ADO terminal, you can take public transport services. These are small vans with a capacity for up to 12 people, which leave approximately every half hour as they fill up. The average cost is between 50.00 MXN and 70.00 MXN.

Conclusion

From Merida, you’ll find the most economical transport service to Chichen Itza, while from Cancun, there are five different ways to get there. From Playa del Carmen, the options are a bit more limited. Depending on where you are, you’ll spend more or less, but it’s worth visiting Chichen Itza. If you want to visit this site through a tour with included transportation and a guide, You can quote with us on our website and travel comfortably and safely.