How to Take the Tren Maya to and from Tulum Airport: Complete Guide

Taking the Tren Maya from Tulum Airport to downtown costs 166 pesos total (~$10 USD) and takes 1.5-2 hours including all transfers: 8-minute shuttle from terminal to train station (35 pesos), 19-minute train ride (76 pesos Tourist Class), and 12-minute connecting shuttle to downtown (55 pesos). The train departs airport station at 1:10 PM, 5:55 PM, and 7:41 PM daily, significantly cheaper than taxis ($59+ USD) but requires coordinating your flight arrival with limited departure times.

The Tulum International Airport opened in late 2023, and with it came a game-changing transportation option: the Tren Maya. This modern train system connects the airport to downtown Tulum and beyond, offering an affordable and comfortable alternative to taxis and private transfers.

Understanding the Stations

The Tren Maya operates two stations in the Tulum area that you need to know about:

Tulum Airport Station: Located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Tulum town. This is where you'll catch the train after landing.

Downtown Tulum Station: Located near the ADO Bus Station in the center of town. This is your destination if you're staying in Tulum proper, the hotel zone, or Aldea Zama.

From the Airport to Downtown Tulum: Step by Step

Here's exactly how to make the journey from the airport to downtown Tulum:

Step 1: Take the Shuttle Bus to the Train Station

After you clear customs and exit the terminal, follow the signs for the Tren Maya shuttle bus. This short ride takes about 8 minutes and costs 35 pesos. The shuttle takes you from the airport terminal to the actual train station.

Step 2: Purchase Your Train Ticket

At the airport train station, buy your ticket at the counter. You have two options:

• Tourist Class: 76 pesos (approximately $4.50 USD)
• Premier Class: 121.50 pesos (approximately $7 USD)

Both classes are comfortable, but Premier offers a bit more legroom and amenities.

Step 3: Board the Train

The train journey from the airport station to downtown Tulum takes approximately 19 minutes. It's air-conditioned, clean, and a pleasant ride through the jungle landscape.

Step 4: Connect to Your Final Destination

Once you arrive at the downtown Tulum station, you'll need to take another shuttle bus to reach the ADO Bus Station or the Tulum ruins area. This connecting shuttle takes about 12 minutes and costs 55 pesos.

Total journey time: Plan for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from when you land to when you arrive in downtown Tulum, accounting for deplaning, customs, and all transfers.

Train Schedules

The Tren Maya runs several times daily, but departures are limited, so planning around these times is essential.

From Airport to Downtown Tulum:

• 1:10 PM
• 5:55 PM
• 7:41 PM

From Downtown Tulum to Airport:

• 10:45 AM
• 1:31 PM
• 5:07 PM

Important: These schedules can change, so always verify current departure times on the official Tren Maya website before your trip.

Total Cost Breakdown

Here's what you'll spend on the complete journey:

• Airport to train station shuttle: 35 pesos
• Train ticket (Tourist Class): 76 pesos
• Downtown station to final destination shuttle: 55 pesos
• Total: 166 pesos (approximately $10 USD)

That's significantly cheaper than a taxi or private transfer, which typically start at $59 USD or more.

Alternative Transportation Options

The Tren Maya isn't your only option. Here's how it compares:

ADO Bus

The ADO bus offers direct service from the airport to downtown Tulum in about 45 minutes, with 8 daily departures. The cost is approximately 226 pesos ($13-14 USD). It's more expensive than the train but offers more frequent departures and a direct route without transfers.

Private Transfers

Private transfers start at around $59 USD per person and offer door-to-door service directly to your hotel. This is the most convenient option if you have a lot of luggage or are arriving late at night when train service isn't running.

Taxi

Taxis are available at the airport but tend to be the most expensive option. Negotiate the price before getting in, as meters are rarely used.

Tips for Taking the Tren Maya

Arrive early. With limited departures, missing your train could mean a long wait. Aim to be at the station at least 20 minutes before departure.

Have pesos ready. While some places accept cards, having cash in pesos makes the shuttle and ticket purchasing process smoother.

Check schedules in advance. Since the train has limited departures, make sure your flight arrival time aligns with the train schedule. If you're landing at 3 PM, for example, you'll have nearly a 3-hour wait for the 5:55 PM train.

Consider the ADO bus for early or late arrivals. If your flight arrives outside the train schedule, the ADO bus might be a better option with its more frequent departures.

Travel light if possible. While the train can accommodate luggage, navigating the shuttles and transfers is easier with less baggage.

Is the Tren Maya Worth It?

For budget-conscious travelers or those who enjoy the experience of train travel, absolutely. The Tren Maya is clean, modern, and offers a unique way to start your Tulum adventure. The views of the jungle are beautiful, and there's something special about arriving by train.

However, if convenience is your priority, you're traveling with a lot of luggage, or your flight times don't align with the train schedule, a private transfer or ADO bus might be worth the extra cost.

Related Tulum Travel Resources

• Tulum City Guide - Complete overview and tips
• Housing & Transportation in Tulum
• Playa del Carmen Guide - 1 hour north by bus
• List Your Tulum Transportation Service