Tulum-Belize Bus Route: Discontinued

As of 2024, there is no direct bus route from Tulum to Belize City. Travellers wishing to make this journey by bus must transfer in Bacalar, and the trip takes around 8 hours and 15 minutes. This route is served by two bus companies: ADO, which departs from Terminal de Autobuses ADO Tulum, and Mundo Maya Travels, which arrives at Belize City station. The price of tickets for this route can range from $44 to $137.

No direct bus route

As of 2024, there is no direct bus route from Tulum, Mexico, to Belize. However, travellers can take a bus from the Terminal de Autobuses ADO Tulum to Bacalar, and then transfer to another bus that goes to Belize City. The journey, including transfers, typically takes around 8 hours.

ADO Bus Service

The ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) bus service is one of the most popular options for this journey. ADO is one of Mexico's largest and most popular bus companies, known for its luxurious first-class and executive-class buses. The buses are large and modern, offering amenities such as air conditioning, comfortable seats, onboard restrooms, and TV screens.

Tickets and Schedules

Tickets for the ADO bus can be purchased online, by phone, or in person at the bus station. The average fare is roughly MX$1,186 or $69. It is important to have your passport ready before boarding, as there will be a border crossing between Mexico and Belize.

The ADO bus schedule offers both overnight and daytime options. The overnight bus leaves Cancun around 10:15 pm and arrives in Belize around 6:30 am the next morning. The daytime bus leaves the terminal around 6:10 am and arrives at the Belize bus station around 4:35 pm. It is recommended to check the ADO website for the latest schedule and any changes.

Border Crossing

The border crossing between Mexico and Belize is a smooth and straightforward process. Passengers will need to exit the bus to go through immigration for both exiting Mexico and entering Belize. This usually takes less than an hour, and then passengers will board the same bus to continue their journey.

Alternative Options

If travellers prefer not to take the bus, there are alternative options available. These include driving, taking a shuttle and flying, or taking a ferry. Driving is a scenic option, covering a distance of approximately 245 miles in about 5 to 6 hours. Taking a shuttle to Cancun and then flying to Belize City is a quicker alternative, with a total travel time of around 4 to 5 hours. Additionally, travellers can take a ferry from Chetumal, Mexico, to San Pedro in Belize, and then continue to Belize City.

Travel by shuttle and plane is the fastest option

Shuttle from Tulum to Cancun Airport

First, take a shuttle bus from Tulum to Cancun Airport. The shuttle ride takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs around $85 to $90.

Flight from Cancun to Belize City

Then, take a flight from Cancun (CUN) to Belize City Goldson International Airport (BZE). This direct flight takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes and is operated by Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. The flight price ranges from $200 to $300 on average.

Alternative Options

If you are looking for a more cost-effective option, you can consider travelling by bus via Corozal. This option takes around 8 hours and 46 minutes and costs between $17 to $85.

Alternatively, you can drive from Tulum to Belize City. The driving distance is approximately 245 miles, and the journey takes around 5 hours and 58 minutes. The cost of renting a car for this trip is usually between $80 and $120.

Driving is a scenic journey

If you're looking for a road trip adventure, driving is a great option for travelling from Tulum to Belize City. The driving distance between the two places is approximately 245 miles, and the journey typically takes around 5 hours and 58 minutes. This option is perfect for those who want to explore the cultural diversity and natural beauty of both Mexico and Belize at their own pace.

The road trip from Tulum to Belize City offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula and beyond. As you leave Tulum, you'll be immersed in the bohemian vibes of this popular tourist destination, known for its Mayan ruins and stunning Caribbean Sea cliffs. Heading south, you'll traverse lush landscapes and enjoy picturesque views as you make your way towards the Belizean border.

One of the highlights of this drive is the opportunity to discover lesser-known gems along the way. Take a detour to explore ancient Mayan sites like Xelha, with its unique etymology combining "xel" (spring) and "ha" (water), or Muyil, one of the earliest and longest-inhabited Mayan centres in the region. These sites offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Maya civilisation.

As you cross the border into Belize, you'll be greeted by friendly locals and a vibrant cityscape. Belize City, the country's largest city, is a bustling hub of activity with a unique blend of cultures. It serves as the principal port and financial centre of Belize, offering a contrast to the serene archaeological sites you may have visited along the way.

The drive from Tulum to Belize City is not only scenic but also budget-friendly. The cost of renting a car for this journey typically ranges from $80 to $120, making it a more affordable option compared to other transportation methods. So, fill up your tank, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure as you cruise from Tulum to Belize City!

ADO and Mundo Maya Travels are bus operators

ADO, or Autobuses de Oriente, is one of Mexico's largest bus companies and has an extensive service area in southern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula. It offers three classes of bus travel: ADO (first class), ADO GL (luxury class), and ADO Platino (the most expensive, with the most amenities). All ADO buses are considered first class and offer comfortable seating, air conditioning, and a toilet. The more expensive classes have additional amenities such as extra legroom, onboard Wi-Fi, and individual screens.

Mundo Maya Travels, also known as Travel Mundo Maya, is another bus company that services this route. Information about this company is limited, but it arrives at and departs from the same stations as ADO in Tulum and Belize City, respectively.

Travellers can take a combination of buses from Tulum to Belize City with one or two transfers in between. The entire journey takes approximately 6 hours and 47 minutes, not including transfer waiting times.

Flying is the quickest way to travel

It seems that there is no more direct bus service from Tulum to Belize. Travellers can take a bus from Tulum to Chetumal, and then get to Corozal by transfer service, bus, taxi, or colectivo, and fly with one of the domestic airlines. Alternatively, they can take a taxi to the pier in Chetumal and take a water taxi to San Pedro in Belize.

Flying is also a great way to open up travel possibilities, especially internationally. It is now more affordable than ever to fly, with airline ticket prices near an all-time low. This is due to more efficient airplanes, increased competition, and the ability to bargain shop for flights online. Flying is also very safe, with over 90% of passengers and crew surviving air crashes in the US between 1993 and 2000.

In addition to being the fastest way to travel, flying can also offer beautiful views, great service, decent food, and accessibility. Modern airplanes often have state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and even if they don't, most travellers bring their smartphones or tablets to keep themselves entertained. Flying can also create a sense of community among passengers, especially in economy class, as everyone is travelling together. Lastly, flying can be a productive time, as it allows travellers to work on their laptops or get some rest before reaching their destination.

Frequently asked questions