Tulum has three distinct zones that require separate trips to explore fully. The archaeological site sits at the northern end of the beach road, separated from the town by about a kilometre of highway. Tulum Pueblo — the actual town — straddles the main highway and is where you'll find the bus station, banks, grocery stores, affordable restaurants, and most budget accommodation. The beach zone begins where a road turns east off the highway just before the pueblo, running south along the coast for several kilometres into the Sian Ka'an reserve; most of the upmarket hotels, beach clubs, and restaurants are strung along this road.
Within the pueblo, everything is walkable. Between the pueblo and the ruins, combis (shared minivans) run frequently and cost around 10 pesos. Cycling is a practical option along the relatively flat beach road — rental shops are plentiful. Taxis between the zones are cheap and readily available. There is no reliable public transport into the Sian Ka'an reserve; tours are the easiest option, or rent a car or scooter for independent access.