Valladolid to Cancun: A Complete Travel Guide
Trying to find your way back to Cancun from Valladolid and Chichen Itza but unsure where to start? Look no further! I have created a comprehensive travel guide to walk you through the best options for traveling between Valladolid and Cancun. Whether you are planning a quick day trip to Chichen Itza or need to find your way to the Cancun airport, this guide provides all the details and tips you need for a smooth and relaxing journey!
Tip: This can, of course, also be reversed to go from Cancun to Valladolid!
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Valladolid to Cancun
STEP 1: Choose Your Mode of Transport
Cancun is 156 KM (97 miles) from Valladolid. The average travel time is anywhere from 2 to 2.5 hours.
Option #1: Private Taxi
A private taxi is always an option but can be pricey, especially for longer distances like the trip from Valladolid to Cancun or vice versa. I have not traveled by private taxi on this route. If this is the option you want to take, I suggest scheduling one and agreeing on a price beforehand!
Option #2: Rental Car
Renting a car is always an option for those who prefer to travel on their own time and be in control of stops along the way. You will be crossing state lines when traveling from Valladolid to Cancun, so you will likely be stopped at police checks for your passport. Be sure to have it with you. Knowing the speed limits and road rules is important. There are many speed trackers and police stops throughout Yucatan that target tourists more so than residents.
I always recommend booking through Rentalcars.com, they compare every rental agency and find you the best deal.
Option #3: Colectivo
A Colectivo is a shared van with travelers heading to the same destination you are. They are favored by backpackers and travelers who are carrying less luggage. There are many locations all over Mexico for you to take advantage of. However, I did not locate a direct one from Valladolid to Cancun, but that does not mean it does not exist.
With that being said, Colectivos can be small, cramped, and timely. Sometimes they will wait for a full van before departing. They do not always have working air conditioning. If you have a lot of bags or a large bag, they may turn you down for more passengers instead (more money for the driver). Using a Colectivo to cover longer distances (in my opinion) is not your best option when ADO provides inexpensive direct options.
If you are looking for the most inexpensive and efficient option, you can check for the ADO “Conecta,” a shared van that is said to be faster than the bus due to having a more direct route. This option will populate in your search on the ADO site alongside the regular ADO bus options.
Option #4: ADO Bus
The best option to travel from Valladolid to Cancun is by bus with the largest Mexican bus company: ADO. I find ADO to have the cheapest and easiest options for travel throughout the Peninsula. It is also the bus with the least amount of stops and the most direct routes to your destination. Bonus! They play movies throughout your ride, although most are in Spanish, but it is still something to occupy your time.
There are many direct routes from Valladolid to Cancun and the Cancun Airport each day. Buses start departing at 5:00 in the morning, with the last one departing at 9:30 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 150-250 pesos.
You have the option of selecting either the regular red ADO bus or the ADO “Conecta,” I mentioned briefly above. If you are looking for the cheapest most efficient option, you can choose the ADO “Conecta” which is a shared van that is said to be faster than the bus, having a more direct route. This option will come up in your search alongside the regular ADO bus options. I am not positive you can take larger suitcases on the Conecta, so if you have larger bags with you, I recommend opting for the ADO bus to be safe.
The location of the Valladolid ADO station is here. There is a shop inside similar to a convenience store and a bathroom available for 7 pesos.
The location of the Cancun ADO station is here. There are also options to go directly to each airport terminal.
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 into the waiting area. There is a television screen that displays bus routes and lane numbers as they arrive. If you are unsure or it is close to your departure time, ask the ADO workers for assistance.
HOW LONG IS THE BUS?
The bus ride is around 2.5 hours. Don’t forget there is a time change! Valladolid is one hour behind Cancun.
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 a movie I was not familiar with playing 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 Cancun & TRANSFER TO ACCOMMODATION
The ADO bus will drop you either at the official Cancun ADO station which can be found here OR at the Cancun Airport terminal you specified when purchasing your ticket.
If you are arriving at the Cancun ADO station in town, taxis will be awaiting your arrival out front to take you to your accommodation. Be sure to agree to a price BEFORE getting into a taxi. My accommodation was close to the bus station, so I walked to my accommodation.
If you are staying in the hotel zone and want a cheaper option to reach your accommodation, you can use public bus R1. You can download the MOOVIT App onto your phone to locate the bus stop closest to you. I have never waited more than 10 minutes for one. The price is 12 pesos. If you have large suitcases or multiple/large bags, I do not recommend riding the bus due to lack of space.
Congrats you have made it from Valladolid to Cancun!
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!
