How to Get From Cancun to Chichen Itza
Bus · Car Rental · Day Trip · Private · Flight
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 200 kilometre (124 miles) distance from Cancun to Chichen Itza. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Chichen Itza as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 5 ways to travel from Cancun to Chichen Itza?
There are five ways to travel the 200 km distance from Cancun to Chichen Itza. You can choose between the bus, car rental, day trip, private, and flight.
The journey takes between 2h–12h and the quickest way is by car rental (2h). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by car rental with tickets starting at 250 MXN ($15).
2h 15m
490 MXN ($29)
2 hours 30 minutes
250 MXN ($15)
12 hours
1,270 MXN ($74)
2h 20m - 3h
2,500 MXN ($145)
6 hours 45 minutes
32,000 MXN ($1850)
Cancun to Chichen Itza by Bus
The only company operating buses between Cancun and Chichen Itza is ADO, the largest bus company not just in the Yucatan Peninsula but all of Mexico.
ADO is a popular choice thanks to its comfortable, air-conditioned buses with reclining seats and onboard restrooms.
Tickets cost 490 MXN ($29), and there’s only one departure per day at 08:45.
Departure and arrival stations
Buses from Cancun to Chichen Itza depart from ADO Centro Bus Station within the city centre. If you are coming from the Hotel Zone, you can get to the bus terminal by taxi or with the bus lines R-1, R-3 or R-38, which you can hail along Kukulkan Boulevard.
You’ll arrive at the Mayan ruins after around 2h 15m. The bus will drop you off at the Chichen Itza Bus Station. From there, it’s just a short walk to buy your entry tickets.
Bus schedule from Cancun to Chichen Itza
Ready to book your bus?
Booking Tip
Seats are limited so we highly recommend booking your tickets online at least a day before via BookAway. While tickets are also available at the bus station, they are sure to sell out fast.
Chichen Itza to Cancun (the way back)
You’ll need about four hours to explore Chichen Itza. This gives you plenty of time to catch the only bus back to Cancun. Just head to the same bus stop by the parking lot where you were dropped off in the morning.
The bus departs at 16:00, so be sure to arrive at least 20 minutes early. Just like the outbound journey, tickets cost 415 MXN ($24).
Ready to book your bus?
Booking Tip
You'll want to book your return ticket online beforehand. If you run out of tickets for this bus, you might have to take a more expensive private transfer back to Cancun.
The bus will drop you off at ADO Bus Terminal in Cancun city centre.
You can take a taxi from right outside the terminal to your accommodation. If you prefer public transport, bus lines R-1, R-3, and R-38 stop in front of the pharmacy next to the terminal and go all the way to the Hotel Zone.
Cancun to Chichen Itza by Car Rental
You can rent a car and drive to Chichen Itza for as low as 250 MXN ($15).
Hiring a car is a great option, especially if you're travelling with others since you can split the cost. It also gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and even stop at nearby cenotes like Ik Kil, a sacred cenote in Mayan culture.
Keep in mind that there are always extra costs when renting a car – like insurance, toll fees, and parking dues.
The roads in this part of the Yucatán Peninsula are well-paved, safe and have clear signs directing you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll take Highway 180, which has two options: a free local road and a toll road. The local road is much slower, so we recommend taking the toll road (180D) to save both time and stress.
To get the best rental rates, you can compare prices on SkyScanner.
Extra costs when renting a car from Cancun to Chichen Itza
If you take the toll road to Chichen Itza, you’ll need to pay two toll fees: 410 MXN ($24) and 100 MXN ($5.80), for a total of 510 MXN ($30).
As for the parking fee, expect to pay around 80 MXN ($4.60), which is valid for the whole day.Cancun to Chichen Itza by Day Trip
Joining a guided tour is a great way to learn more about the ancient Mayan Civilization. Chichen Itza tours are easy to find in Cancun, with plenty of options to suit different budgets and travel styles.
Depending on the package you choose, day trips to Chichen Itza usually include some or all of the following:
- Roundtrip transfers
- A visit to the Mayan ruins
- Buffet lunch
- A side trip to a nearby cenote
- Tequila tasting
Each tour offers something different, so it’s worth checking what’s included before booking. We also recommend securing your spot a few days in advance, as tours from Cancun to Chichen Itza tend to sell out quickly.
There are plenty of local agencies offering Chichen Itza tours in Cancun, but for a trusted operator with great reviews, we recommend booking through GetYourGuide. Rates start from 1,270 MXN ($74) for a basic full-day tour that includes a visit to Chichen Itza, a nearby cenote and Valladolid, plus a buffet lunch.
Keep in mind that most day trip rates don’t include the entrance ticket to Chichen Itza, which costs around 645 MXN ($38). But you can usually pay your tour operator in advance to skip the ticket line at the entrance.
Cancun to Chichen Itza by Private Transport
A private transfer from Cancun to Chichen Itza is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 2h 20m - 3h, and you’ll be dropped off right at your destination — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Uber is available on this route from Cancun to Chichen Itza and is usually the most budget-friendly option, with prices starting at 2,500 MXN ($145) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 1,300 MXN ($76) each.
If you prefer booking in advance, BookAway is a great choice. They’re very reliable but come with a higher price tag, starting at 5,200 MXN ($300).
Cancun to Chichen Itza by Airplane Tour
Taking a flight is by far the most scenic way to travel from Cancun to Chichen Itza. You'll get breathtaking aerial views of the Yucatán Peninsula — from the bustling amusement parks of Cancun to the lush Mayan jungle, and finally, the awe-inspiring ruins of Chichen Itza. It’s probably the most spectacular way to experience Mayan culture!
Airplane tour rates start from 32,000 MXN ($1850) for two people. Quite expensive, yes. But it won’t be just a flight, it will be a full-day tour that includes the following:
- Roundtrip transfers between Cancun and Chichen Itza
- A visit to Chichen Itza
- Side trip to Ik Kil Cenote
- Buffet lunch
You can book your airplane tour with FlyToursCancun.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Cancun to Chichen Itza is 200 km.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Chichen Itza?
Chichen Itza is a large and extremely well-preserved complex of archaeological site that belonged to the Mayan civilization and date back to 500 AD. The whole complex is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of the best representations of Mayan culture, millions visit Chichen Itza every year, making it among the top destinations in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
You can easily spend 4 or more hours exploring Chichen Itza. Some of the most famous sights include the impressive El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcan), the observatory and the open fields. The open fields are the area where the Mayans played a sacred ball game to honour the gods.
The entrance to Chichen Itza costs 650 MXN per person for foreigners. It opens at 08:00 and closes at 17:00. Entry to the site is allowed until 16:00.
TIP: Wear comfortable clothes and bring a lot of water and sunscreen. You will be in the open air and under the sun the whole day so it’s best to be prepared.
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Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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