With the recent opening of the Tulum Airport, the opportunity to discover nearby destinations has become more accessible than ever. But this is especially true for Coba, with only 73 kilometers separating this new terminal from the heart of the Mayan jungle, an inevitable question arises: How to get to Coba from Tulum?
In order to make your trip as wonderful as the destination itself, here are several transportation options, useful tips and everything you need to know for your arrival.
How to get to Coba from Tulum?
1. Where is the new Tulum Airport?
Before starting your adventure, the first thing you should know is where the “Felipe Carrillo Puerto” International Airport, or better known as Tulum Airport, is located.
Although thanks to its popular title you would expect it to be in Tulum, as its official name implies, it is located in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. A little less than 1 hour (30 km) from downtown Tulum, 2 hours and 50 minutes (157.6 km) from Cancun and 1 hour and 46 minutes (73.7 km) from Coba.
Additionally, with the connections that will be established with sections 5 and 6 of the Mayan Train, it is expected to play a great role as a central point for mobility in the entire region.
2. Transportation options; Your trip, your choice
Once you are at the airport, have picked up your luggage and are ready for the next stage, the real question is: How to get to Coba from here?
You can choose between private transportation services, buses or rental cars. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but that will depend on what you are looking for.
Car Rental
If you prefer the freedom to explore at your own pace, car rental is the best option for you. In fact, many visitors arrive at this destination in their rental cars by taking Highway 109 from Tulum. Just as shown on the map below.
And although this new airport has only been open for a few days, you can expect several suppliers to be operating at the airport, offering a diverse fleet of rentals to suit all tastes, so stay tuned for more news!
As an extra tip, don’t forget to make sure your choice includes insurance and has unlimited mileage for peace of mind.
Private Transportation Services
Do you want a carefree trip? Then we recommend you consider private transportation services, or those that come in tours. This way, you will only have to worry about enjoying your trip.
Just remember to book in advance so that your driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit, and relax as they take you straight to the adventure! Generally, tour services will not only take you to Coba, but also to other nearby destinations.
Cabs
Another of the most common ways you will encounter when looking for ways to get to Cobá from Tulum Airport are cabs. And if you are looking for a comfortable and immediate option, the cab service is the perfect entry pass for you, especially if you are traveling in a group!
Although this option offers you the convenience of arriving directly to your destination without delays or complications, it is also one of the most expensive. To give you an idea, just to get to Tulum downtown, the fare is approximately $1,700 MXN or $93 USD.
Public Transportation
If you are looking for a more local experience, taking public transportation is the best option. To do so, you will have to head to Tulum center and from there, explore local options that will take you to Coba. There are two options; ADO buses or “colectivos” (buses).
For the first option, you will have to take an ADO that leaves from Tulum airport and goes downtown, and from there transfer to another one that will take you to Cobá. ADO usually has daily departures from downtown to the archaeological site of Cobá.
¡Tu viaje con ADO a Tulum empieza en el Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum F. Carrillo Puerto! Adquiere tus boletos en https://t.co/zdct73K8Ow y APP móvil, o en el mostrador del aeropuerto y Terminales ADO de lunes a domingo. 🚍
— Autobuses De Oriente (@tuADO) December 6, 2023
*Consulta términos y condiciones en nuestra página. pic.twitter.com/XTShwiNHTb
And don’t worry, this is a more affordable option, as the bus to the center costs $290 MXN or $16.71 USD. To learn more about schedules and prices, you can check directly on the official ADO website.
Once you are in downtown Tulum, you can also take the “colectivos” (buses) that leave from the Municipal Palace, which cost approximately $100 MXN per person. However, you must pay close attention, as they do not have definite schedules or formal stops in Cobá.
3. Arrival at Coba Welcome to your destination!
After an exciting journey, you will arrive at Coba and you will be ready to enjoy all the wonders it has to offer.
You can start exploring its majestic ruins, surrounded by enchantment and nature, and then refresh yourself in its mystical cenotes or continue your adventure exploring the spider monkey reserve.
If you still don’t have your itinerary ready, we suggest you visit the following posts about things to do in Cobá and some nearby gems you can’t miss.
4. Practical tips to get to Coba
To have a smooth trip, we recommend you to take into account the following tips.
- Plan ahead: Book your transportation in advance to guarantee availability, especially during tourist seasons.
- Local information: If you decide to use public transportation, find out the relevant schedules and stops in advance.
- Additional exploration: Take advantage of your trip to explore Tulum before heading to Cobá, as well as more tourist gems around it. The region has a lot to offer!
5. Where to stay in Coba? Discover the charm of Aldea Cobá
Now that you have a clear route to Cobá, the next question is where to stay for a unique experience? Let us introduce you to Aldea Coba, the perfect retreat that combines comfort, proximity to attractions and a touch of luxury in the heart of the Mayan jungle.
Located just 5 minutes from the ruins and 10 minutes from the cenotes, our boutique hotel offers a variety of accommodations, from premium villas to bungalows and standard rooms, ideal for couples and families in search of rest and tranquility.
But that’s not all, as it also has a range of exclusive services; restaurant, Starbucks bar and tourist services that will make your life easier. Giving you the opportunity to create special packages, combining lodging, tours, gastronomy and transportation from the Tulum Airport.
Live a complete escape experience at Aldea Coba.
All this with the purpose of making your trip not only memorable, but also perfectly tailored to your tastes and needs. To learn more about it, you can contact our direct line 998 342 0198, or if you prefer, browse the website.
And that’s it! Now you can start your adventure in Coba without any worries.
