Tulum To Valladolid: Best Travel Route
Valladolid is a small but historic city in the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. This charming destination is filled with vibrant buildings lining its streets at every corner and is a central location to the New 7 Wonder of the World, Chichen Itza, and the renowned Ek Balam.
If you have explored Tulum's ruins and cenotes and are planning a trip to Valladolid next, but are not sure about the best transportation options, continue reading. This travel guide has all the details and tips you need for a smooth and relaxing journey!
Tip: This can, of course, also be reversed to go from Valladolid to Tulum!
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Tulum to Valladolid
STEP 1: Take the Bus From Tulum to Valladolid
Tulum is 102 KM (63.3 miles) from Valladolid. The average travel time is anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours.
The best option to travel from Tulum to Valladolid is through the largest Mexican bus company: ADO. However, you can opt to rent a car or take a private taxi as well. (A private taxi could cost 100s of dollars, especially because you are leaving from a place like Tulum where taxi prices are already high.
I recommend taking the ADO bus since it is the cheapest and easiest option. It is also the bus with the least amount of stops and the most direct routes to your destination. There are many direct routes from Tulum to Valladolid daily, beginning at 1:50 in the morning and running until 11:00 at night. Prices vary depending on the day of the week, the time of day, and when you choose to purchase the ticket, but they can fall anywhere from 100-250 pesos.
You can purchase your tickets at 12GoAsia here. They recently expanded into Mexico!
You have two options with ADO: the regular red ADO bus or the ADO “Conecta.” If you are looking for the cheapest and most efficient option, you can choose the ADO Conecta—a shared van that is said to be faster than the bus with a more direct route. This option will populate in your search alongside the regular ADO bus options. I do not know if you can take larger suitcases on the Conecta, so if you have larger bags I recommend opting for the ADO bus to be safe.
The location of the Tulum ADO station is here. The station is on a main road with plenty of options to grab a bite to eat before heading out on your 2-hour bus ride.
The location of the Valladolid ADO station is here.
Tips for using the ADO website
After searching your route on the ADO website, click “ver detalle” (see details)
and a bottom section should show (see photo as an example). Click “ver mapa,” and your screen should look like the next photo…
P.S. If you have suitcases, make sure the small suitcase icon is shown (I have circled this in pink)–not all buses have suitcase space.
This is the second screen that will pop up after clicking “ver mapa.”
Salida: This is your origin or where you are getting the bus from.
Llegada: This is your destination.
The duration of your bus can be found above the purple box.
Stops along your route can be found under the purple box.
Tip: Be sure to download your ticket to your phone in case the service is spotty.
Since you already have your ticket, go through the front doors, past the ticket terminal, and out the back doors to the bus waiting area. Buses have their stops indicated on signs above the windshield. If you're unsure or it is close to your departure time, ask the workers outside for assistance.
HOW LONG IS THE BUS?
The bus ride is around 1.45 hours. Don’t forget there is a time change! Valladolid is one hour behind Tulum.
WHERE DOES BAGGAGE GO?
Larger bags, suitcases, and any bag with wheels must go under the bus. My suitcases were locked with a built-in combination lock (thank you TUMI) or with a mini padlock between zippers.
All my valuables, including money, were in my backpack, which I kept near my feet throughout the bus ride. The bus was air-conditioned with cozy seats, adjustable shades, TV screens showing a movie (we had The Adams Family in Spanish), and a bathroom at the back.
Pro Tip: Not all people sit in assigned seats so be sure to get on the bus early! Sit further from the bathroom if possible… :)
IS THE BUS SAFE?
I have traveled numerous bus routes across the Yucatan Peninsula without any moments of uncertainty or nervousness. I often noticed solo young female travelers on my buses, which speaks volumes. However, I recommend extra caution as you should when traveling anywhere. Avoid riding buses at night or arriving after dark at your destination. If you are a heavy sleeper, it is best not to nap on the bus. Follow basic safety rules like keeping money discreet and avoiding conflicts with strangers.
STEP 2: ARRIVE IN Valladolid & TRANSFER TO ACCOMMODATION
The ADO bus drops you at the official Valladolid ADO station here. Taxis are awaiting your arrival out front to take you to your accommodation. Be sure to agree to a price BEFORE getting into the car. I paid 40 pesos to get to my accommodation 1 km away.
Congrats you have made it from Tulum to Valladolid!
To find all the vital information you need to know about Valladolid and what there is to do, head here!
Note: Transportation throughout the Yucatán Peninsula is on its way to becoming more accessible with the new Tren Maya Railway. Head here for more information and to stay up to date on which routes are open now!
