Travel Guide: Tulum To Belize

There are several ways to travel from Tulum, Mexico, to Belize, including by bus, car, shuttle, or plane. The best option depends on your budget and travel preferences.

If you're looking for a cost-effective option, consider taking a bus from Terminal de Autobuses ADO Tulum to Bacalar, and then another bus from Bacalar to Belize. This journey takes around 8 to 10 hours and costs between $22 and $50.

For a faster option, you can drive from Tulum to Belize. The distance is approximately 245 miles, and the drive takes about 5 hours and 58 minutes. The cost of renting a car for this trip typically ranges from $80 to $120.

Alternatively, you can fly directly from Cancun Airport to Belize City, with an average flight duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes. This option offers a quick and convenient journey, with prices usually ranging from $200 to $300.

There are also shuttle and ferry services available, but they may involve additional connections and longer travel times.

Travel by bus

There is no direct bus from Tulum to Belize City, but travellers can take a bus from the Terminal de Autobuses ADO Tulum with services transferring in Bacalar. The journey, with transfers, typically takes around 8 hours and 40 minutes, but can be longer, up to 10 hours and 30 minutes. The Tulum to Belize City bus services are operated by ADO, starting from Terminal de Autobuses ADO Tulum, and arriving at Belize City. Another option for bus services is Mundo Maya Travels. Both services offer convenient connections for travellers making this journey. Prices for buses between Belize City and Tulum can range anywhere from $44 to $137, depending on the service and amenities offered.

The ADO bus from Cancun to Belize is a stunning trip that serves coastal views and dense tropical forest moments as it crosses several regions in both countries. The bus from Cancun to Belize City has two different options. If you want to travel overnight, the bus leaves Cancun around 10:15 pm and arrives in Belize around 6:30 the next morning. If you would like to sight-see during the journey, there is a day trip option. The bus leaves the terminal around 6:10 am and arrives at the Belize bus station around 4:35 pm.

The bus route makes seven stops before reaching its final destination. These are:

• Cancun City Centre, Mexico (Start)
• Playa del Carmen, Mexico
• Subteniente Lopez, Mexico (Border Crossing)
• Tulum, Mexico
• Bacalar, Mexico
• Chetumal, Mexico
• Corozal, Belize
• Belize City, Belize (End)

The border crossing is pretty smooth and easy. Once you get to the border, you will be asked to get off the bus to go through immigration for both exiting Mexico and entering Belize. While this takes some time, it is a very smooth process and in less than an hour (or even faster if there’s not a long queue), you’ll be back on the same bus.

Purchasing Your Bus Ticket from Tulum to Belize City

If you are wondering how far Belize is from Tulum, it is approximately a ten-hour transit with seven stops where you can hop off. One of those stops is a border crossing, so be sure to have your passport on hand before boarding the bus.

While prices fluctuate, the average fare is roughly MX$1,186 or $69.

Alternate Non-Direct Bus Option

Should you split the trip into two parts, make sure to buy the bus ticket from Tulum to Chetumal, and from Corozal to Belize City. Unfortunately, the Corozal to Belize City bus ticket has to be bought either at the bus station or on board. But you can check the schedules for the various companies operating this route.

Travel by car

The driving distance between Tulum and Belize City is approximately 245 miles (394.3 km), and the journey takes about 5 hours and 58 minutes. The prices to rent a car for this trip usually range from $80 to $120, depending on the rental company and type of car.

When driving from Tulum to Belize, you will be passing through Mexico and then crossing the border into Belize. Here are some important things to keep in mind for each country:

Mexico:

• Only a few car rental companies allow their vehicles to cross the border into Belize, so be sure to choose a company that permits this.
• Be aware of corrupt police who sometimes try to extort money from tourists, and beware of gas station scams when filling up (always ensure the pump is set to zero before filling).
• The highway from Cancun to Chetumal and the border is excellent and well-paved, with some sections having four lanes.

Belize:

• Insurance is mandatory in Belize. If you are entering from Mexico, you can purchase insurance at the border during office hours from companies like Atlantic, RF&G, or ICB.
• All the main highways in Belize are paved, two-lane, and well-signposted, although some visitors may disagree about the clarity of the signage. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not necessary unless you plan to venture off the main roads.
• The maximum speed limit on most highways in Belize is 50 mph (80 kph). Be aware of unmarked speed bumps near towns and villages.
• In wet conditions, the pavement can become extremely slippery due to the type of paving material used.
• Caution of pedestrians and cyclists on the highways, especially at night, as they often do not use lights or reflectors. Also, watch out for speeding buses.
• Fuel prices in Belize are typically around BZ$9.00 (US$4.50) per gallon, so you may want to consider filling up your tank in Mexico if fuel is cheaper there.

Step-by-Step Directions

• Tulum to Reserva de la Biósfera Sian-Ka'an (60 minutes): The Reserva de la Biósfera Sian-Ka'an is a biosphere reserve located about an hour's drive from Tulum. It's a great place to stop and stretch your legs while exploring the beautiful natural surroundings.
• Reserva de la Biósfera Sian-Ka'an to Laguna Bacalar (2 hours): After your break, continue your journey for about two hours until you reach Laguna Bacalar. This stunning lagoon, also known as the "Lagoon of Seven Colours," is a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
• Laguna Bacalar to Maskall (1.5 hours): After your refreshing break at Laguna Bacalar, get back on the road and drive for about 1.5 hours until you reach Maskall, a small town in Belize.
• Maskall to Belize City (51 minutes): From Maskall, it's a relatively short drive of about 51 minutes to reach your final destination, Belize City.

Additional Considerations

• It is recommended to avoid driving at night in both Mexico and Belize due to reduced visibility and potential safety concerns.
• Always carry your important documents, such as your passport, driver's license, and vehicle registration, when crossing the border.
• Be prepared for potential border crossing fees and have cash or other accepted forms of payment ready.
• Research and follow the latest guidelines and restrictions for crossing the border between Mexico and Belize.

Travel by plane

Flying is the fastest way to get from Tulum to Belize, with a direct flight from Cancun Airport to Belize City taking just 1 hour and 10 minutes on average. Both Maya Island Air and Tropic Air provide flights from Cancun Airport to Belize City Goldson International Airport. The cost of this flight can vary depending on the time of booking and airline, but it usually ranges from $200 to $300.

To get to Cancun Airport from Tulum, you can take a shuttle bus, which is the fastest option and takes around 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take the ADO bus, a highly reputable and reliable Mexican bus company, which costs around 200 pesos for a one-way transfer. The bus station is located on 5th Ave. and Benito Juarez in Playa Del Carmen, and buses to Cancun Airport depart throughout the day.

If you are looking for a more flexible option, you may consider purchasing a one-way ticket to Belize City, which will allow you to choose from different airlines for your return journey.

When travelling by plane, don't forget to factor in the time needed to arrive at the airport before your flight, as well as any potential delays or layovers. Additionally, keep in mind that flight schedules and availability may vary depending on the season and demand.

By choosing to fly from Tulum to Belize, you can quickly and conveniently cover the distance between these two destinations, allowing you more time to explore and enjoy all that Belize has to offer.

In conclusion, travelling by plane from Tulum to Belize offers a swift and convenient option, with a direct flight taking just over an hour on average. With reliable airlines and the option for flexible ticketing, you can easily fit this journey into your travel plans and create unforgettable memories in Belize.

Travel by ferry

There are two main ferry routes from Tulum to Belize: the first goes from Tulum to Chetumal, Mexico, and then directly to Caye Caulker, Belize, and the second goes from Tulum to Chetumal, Mexico, and then to San Pedro, Belize.

Tulum to Caye Caulker

To get to Caye Caulker, you can take a bus from the Tulum Bus Station to Chetumal. The bus company ADO is well-known to travellers in Mexico. The bus from Tulum to Chetumal takes around 3-4 hours and costs 268 pesos per person. Once you arrive in Chetumal, take a taxi to the port, where you can buy your boat ticket. The boat ticket from Chetumal to Caye Caulker costs around 1,400 Mexican pesos or US$68 for adults, and MXN$1,190 or US$58 for children aged 4-9. There is no charge for children under 4. The boat trip from Chetumal to Caye Caulker takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Please note that you will need to go through immigration in Belize, so make sure you have your passport (and visa, if applicable) ready. There is also an exit tax when leaving Belize, which is US$20 for adults and free for Belizean citizens.

Tulum to San Pedro

To get to San Pedro, you can also take a bus from the Tulum Bus Station to Chetumal. As mentioned above, the bus from Tulum to Chetumal takes around 3-4 hours and costs 268 pesos per person. Once you arrive in Chetumal, take a taxi to the port, where you can buy your boat ticket. The boat ticket from Chetumal to San Pedro costs around 1,300 Mexican pesos or US$63 for adults, and MXN$1,105 or US$53 for children aged 4-9. There is no charge for children under 4. The boat trip from Chetumal to San Pedro takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Please note that you will need to go through immigration in Belize, so make sure you have your passport (and visa, if applicable) ready. There is also an exit tax when leaving Belize, which is US$20 for adults and free for Belizean citizens.

Ferry Operators

Two companies operate ferries between Belize and Mexico: Water Jets International and San Pedro Belize Express. They depart on alternate days. Water Jets International operates every day except Thursdays and Sundays, and the ferry leaves Chetumal's Fiscal Dock at 10 am. San Pedro Belize Express operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, also leaving Chetumal at 10 am.

Travel by shuttle

To get from Tulum to Belize by shuttle, you can take a bus to the Terminal de Autobuses ADO Tulum station and from there, take a shuttle bus to the airport. From the airport, you can fly to Belize City Goldson International Airport. This option takes around 6 hours and 42 minutes in total.

Firstly, take a shuttle bus from the Terminal de Autobuses ADO Tulum station to Cancun International Airport Terminal 2. You can book tickets for this shuttle journey online. The shuttle bus takes around 2 hours.

Once you arrive at the airport, you can fly to Belize City Goldson International Airport with either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. This flight takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes.

This is one of the quickest ways to get from Tulum to Belize, although it is not the cheapest. The shuttle and flight will cost between $250 and $750.

If you are looking for a cheaper option, you could take a bus from Tulum to Belize. This takes longer, at around 10 hours, but costs between $22 and $50.

Another option is to drive from Tulum to Belize. The drive is around 245 miles and takes approximately 5 hours and 58 minutes. This option gives you the freedom of the open road and the chance to explore the cultural diversity and natural beauty of Mexico and Belize. It costs between $80 and $120 to rent a car for this journey.

Frequently asked questions