Until 2023 there was one obvious route in: fly to Cancún and drive south. That is still the most-used option, but two new arrivals have changed the picture.
By air. The new Tulum International Airport (TQO) opened in December 2023 about thirty kilometres south of the town and now receives direct flights from major US hubs (Miami, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta) and a handful of European cities. Cancún International (CUN), 130 kilometres north, has far more flight options and is often cheaper; the drive south takes around two hours on the toll road.
By road from Cancún. ADO buses run several times an hour from Cancún airport and bus station down to Tulum Pueblo for around 250 pesos. Private shuttles cost more but are convenient if you have luggage. Driving yourself is straightforward on Highway 307; the rental car desks are at both airports.
By Tren Maya. The Tulum station opened in late 2023 as part of the new high-speed line. Trains run several times daily to and from Cancún, Mérida, and Palenque — slower than driving for short hops but faster than the bus for the longer Yucatán crossings.
Pueblo to beach. From the bus station, the beach road begins about five kilometres east. Taxis cost 100–200 pesos depending on your hotel; combis run the same route for a fraction of that.