Chichen Itza is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. Located in the state of Yucatan, this ancient city is located 120 miles from Cancun. There are a few different ways to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza, and the best way will depend on your budget and time constraints. In this blog post, I’m going to give you the four main ways to travel from Cancun to Chichen Itza. So, whether you’re short on time or just want to save a few bucks, read on for the best way to make the trip.
From Cancun to Chichen Itza: Best Ways to Get There
1. Take a Flight from Cancun to Chichen Itza
The quickest way to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza is by flying. Fortunately, there are now multiple companies offering flights directly from Cancun to Chichen Itza. Prices can vary significantly depending on the airline and the time of year, but expect to pay around $250 to $400 for a round-trip ticket.
The flight from Cancun to Chichen Itza usually takes less than an hour, making it the fastest way to get to the site. And, because the flight is so short, it’s not usually necessary to book in advance. However, if you are flying during peak season (December to April), it’s good to book your flight a few weeks in advance to ensure you get the best price.
During my trip to Chichen Itza, we booked a flight with BookAway. This was a private charter flight, which meant that the price was a bit higher than flying with a commercial airline. The small aircraft only seated five people, so it was a very intimate and personal experience. Our pilot was even kind enough to give us a tour of the area after we landed.
Another great company that makes flights to Chichen Itza is the Fly Tours Cancun. This company offers both private charter flights and scheduled flights on small aircraft. They also have a great reputation for safety and customer service.
Overall, if you are short on time, or just want the convenience of flying, then this is the best option for traveling from Cancun to Chichen Itza. Just be sure to book your tickets in advance to get the best price.
2. Take the Bus from Cancun to Chichen Itza
Taking a bus ride is another option for traveling from Cancun to Chichen Itza and is by far the most affordable. Buses in Mexico are comfortable, safe, and air-conditioned, making them a great option for long-distance travel.
ADO is the main bus company in this part of Mexico and offers several buses per day from Cancun to Chichen Itza. The trip takes about three and a half hours each way, with a stop in the town of Piste in between.
Buses depart from the ADO station at 8:45 am, and a return bus leaves Chichen Itza at 4:45 pm. The cost of a one-way ticket is around $20. Once you arrive in Chichen Itza, you’ll be dropped off at the entrance to the archaeological site. From there, you can explore on your own or join a guided tour.
While taking the bus is by far the most affordable option, it does have a few downsides. The first is that you will need to make your own way to and from the bus station. This is not a problem in Cancun, as the ADO station is centrally located and easy to get to. But if you are staying at a resort in the Riviera Maya, you will need to take a taxi or an organized shuttle service to the bus station, which can add to the cost.
The second downside to taking the bus is that you are at the mercy of the bus schedule. You will need to make sure you are at the bus station in time for your departure and that you don’t miss the return bus at the end of the day. If you miss the return bus, you will need to find your own way back to Cancun, which can be tricky (and expensive) if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
3. Rent a car and drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza
If you’re looking for more flexibility or traveling in a group, renting a car is a great option for traveling from Cancun to Chichen Itza. While it is more expensive than taking the bus, it will give you the freedom to explore along the way and also make stops.
The drive to Chichen Itza is about two and a half hours, depending on traffic. The route takes you through the town of Piste and then on to the ancient city. There is a large parking lot at the entrance to the archaeological site, where you can leave your car for the day.
However, while the roads are generally in good condition, there are a few things to be aware of. First, many rental car companies do not allow their cars to be driven on unpaved roads. So if you’re planning on taking any side trips, be sure to check with your rental company first.
Second, keep in mind that Mexico drives on the right-hand side of the road. This can be confusing for visitors from countries where driving is on the left (such as the UK, Australia, and New Zealand). So be sure to take some time to get used to the roads before setting off.
And lastly, be aware that some car rental companies hide additional fees in the fine print. Be sure to read the contract carefully before signing and ask about any extra charges that may apply.
The cost of renting a car varies depending on the type of car you want and the length of your rental. But in general, expect to pay around $40-60 per day.
4. Join a Group Tour from Cancun to Chichen Itza
If you don’t want the hassle of renting a car, or if you’re not comfortable driving in Mexico, another option is to join an organized group tour. These tours are readily available in Cancun and range from day trips to multi-day excursions that include stops at other nearby archaeological sites.
Group tours pick you up directly from your hotel in the morning and return you in the evening. All transportation is included, as well as any entrance fees. Tours typically range in price from $60 to $100 per person.
If you decide to join a group tour, book in advance as they tend to fill up, especially during high season. Most tours can be booked online or through your hotel concierge.
One downside of group tours is that they can often be quite rushed. Because there are so many people, tour guides often have to move everyone along quickly so that everyone gets a chance to see everything. This can make it difficult to enjoy the experience fully and can be quite tiring.
Another downside to group tours is that they often include a lot of time spent on the bus. This can be a long and tedious ride, especially if you are not used to long drives.
All in all, joining a group tour is a convenient way to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza without having to worry about the logistics. Just be prepared for a bit of a rushed experience.
In Summary
Traveling from Cancun to Chichen Itza is easy. Whether you take the bus, rent a car, join an organized tour or take a flight, you’ll be there in no time. Just be sure to plan and allow enough time to explore this amazing archaeological site.
