If you will be visiting Tulum soon, and you typically rely on Uber or Lyft to get around during your travels, you are probably wondering whether or not they will be an option for you in Tulum. Does Tulum have Uber or Lyft?
2021 UPDATE: Tulum does not have Uber or Lyft. Neither rideshare company currently has an active footprint in Tulum. Lyft and Uber in Tulum will not be an option. If you need transportation options from the airport, you can find plenty of options available at Viator.com, which is a TripAdvisor company. Click here to view Tulum airport transportation options available at Viator.com (affiliate link takes you to Viator.com).
If you are looking for a way to get around Tulum during your stay, of course taxi and car rental are both options. But there are other options, including paid tours, shuttles, ATVs, bicycles, etc. Click here to browse through all of your tour and transportation options available for Tulum at Viator.com (affiliate link takes you to Viator.com).
In this article we will detail the most realistic alternatives to Uber and Lyft so that you know your options and can find one that fits your specific itinerary. It is always good practice to ask your hotel staff if they have any suggestions about how to travel safely while in Tulum.
Here are some other options:
- Airport Shuttle From Cancun: Click here to view Tulum airport shuttle services at Viator – Viator is a TripAdvisor company (affiliate link takes you to Viator.com). Confirm the shuttle is offered for your hotel before booking by reading through the ‘Departure & Return’ details – likely it is, but just be sure.
- Electric Scooter Rental: Click here to view an electric scooter rental service offered in Tulum (affiliate link takes you to Viator.com). Again, make sure you read through the details listed under the offer to make sure it sounds appropriate for the needs of your travel party.
- Bicycle Rental – Some tours in the Tulum area will offer bicycle rental services for you to get around while on the tour. Click here to view several bike tours offered in the Tulum area (affiliate link takes you to Viator.com). Browse to find one that works best for your group. You may also be able to rent a bicycle to navigate the area around your hotel (I would recommend speaking to hotel staff before or during your visit about bike rental).
- ATV Tours and Rental – Several tours in the Tulum area allow travelers to ride ATV’s during the tour. If this is something you might be interested in, click here to view ATV Tours in Tulum (affiliate link takes you to Viator.com). Again, make sure to read through the details and descriptions of each tour to make sure it would work for your situation.
- Bus Tours – Click here to browse bus tours and tickets offered in the Tulum area (affiliate link takes you to Viator.com). Make sure to read through the details and confirm it works for your hotel location and needs. Again, your hotel staff can likely advise you on other bus services, so I would recommend speaking with them also.
- Tulum Tours – If you are wanting to see the area, I recommend browsing through all the tours offered in the area to find one that works best for you. Read through the user reviews to get a perspective of what is offered. This is where you can view Tulum tours at Viator.com (Viator is a TripAdvisor company – affiliate link takes you to Viator.com)
Below, we spend more time discussing what your alternative transportation options are in Tulum. In this article we will detail your options so that you are prepared when you reach Tulum.
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Lyft and Uber in Tulum
Lyft and Uber in Tulum are currently not active. There were drivers using the app in the area a few years ago, but they’ve since been shut down.
Another thing that complicates matter is that most all buses in the area are not available to tourists and are instead used only for workers. Here is a list of basic alternatives that you can use to travel since there is no Uber in Tulum:
- Taxis
- Car Rental
- Traveling by foot
- Bicycling
- Using a Motor Scooter
Alternatives to Lyft and Uber in Tulum
Let’s cover the list of alternatives to Lyft and Uber in Tulum, so that you have a better understanding of each one:
Taxis
Taxis are the preferred method for getting around Tulum. There are taxi drivers everywhere, so you’ll never have to work to find a ride.
Tulum taxis are usually white hatchback vehicles, with a four digit identification number that you can record in case you have any type of issue during your travel.
Using taxis provides the greatest amount of freedom, because you won’t have to be responsible for a rental car when you’re not using it, and you’ll still have transportation to easily get anywhere you’d like to go.
You can expect to pay around 100 pesos for a ride from any major hotel to the beach or the local ruins.
Local taxis are not allowed to pickup from the Cancun airport and transport you to Tulum, so you will need to find a shuttle service instead.
Car Rental
Some visitors choose to rent a car in Cancún right after they arrive at the airport. However, driving yourself from Cancún to Tulum is not recommended unless you have plenty of experience driving in Mexico.
The road between the two cities is well maintained and smooth, but drivers can travel at fast speeds, and considering the affordability of a shuttle, it doesn’t make sense to stress yourself on vacation.
You may, however, choose to rent a car to explore the local Tulum area if you desire. Taxis are easily found, but if you want total freedom to explore on your own, a car might be a good option. Just make sure you are up for it.
Renting in a foreign country can be a bit complicated, and prices can vary. There are numerous online advertisements promising cheap car rentals, but after insurance costs and other fees, the price can begin to add up. This may not be an issue for you, but if you’re traveling on a tight budget, it’s something to be mindful of.
Traveling by Foot
You can always get around the old-fashioned way using the legs you were born with. If you’re in great physical shape, and your hotel is near the beach or the ruins, you might not need to pay for transportation at all.
This is especially true if you plan to spend the majority of your vacation lounging in the sunshine versus doing anything active. Be aware that Tulum is a tropical location that can get quite warm, so if you’re susceptible to heat exhaustion and dehydration, walking might not be the best option.
Walking is also time consuming, so if you’re seeking a more active vacation with a busy itinerary, you might want to find quicker transportation between points of interest.
Bicycling
Like walking, you’ll need a decent level of physical fitness to make bicycling around Tulum a positive experience. It’s a quicker way to get around than walking, and it’s also affordable and good for the environment.
You’ll just need to keep a close eye on the bicycles when they’re not in use to make sure a theft doesn’t leave you with a pricey debt to pay. Also, Mexican drivers are known for aggressive driving, so be aware of your surroundings if you choose to use a bicycle.
Using a Motor Scooter
You can rent scooters in Tulum much like you can rent bicycles. The costs vary, but it should be a relatively affordable way to get around. However, you’ll need to feel comfortable taking a motorbike on the road.
And as mentioned above, be careful on the roads because driving in Mexico can be quite aggressive. We don’t need you swapping paint with taxis…
Travel Tips
When it comes to traveling around Tulum or any other town in Mexico, the most important thing to remember is to keep your wits about you. Avoid walking through unknown areas alone at night or overindulging with alcohol.
Don’t be afraid to walk away from a driver or a situation that doesn’t feel right. Although Tulum is a relatively safe place, it’s always wise to use common sense when visiting a new area. Rely on your hotel staff to give you information about the area, and places to avoid.
What to Do in Tulum
Click here to visit Viator.com to see their recommendations on what to do when you are in Tulum. Viator is a TripAdvisor company that helps you browse, plan, and book travel attractions and tours.