Several of Mexico's most visited archaeological sites can be reached without a car. The key is to first get on the bus to the correct base city and then make the final leg from there. This guide tells you where to start.
Chichén Itzá
Base city: Mérida or Cancun. The archaeological zone is between the two, closer to Mérida. A practical strategy is to arrive in Mérida (from CDMX there are ADO services from about 21 to 23 hours, or from Cancun from about 4 to 5 hours) and do the visit as a day trip. Check the transport schedules to the area at the terminal or with your hotel.
Tulum
Base city: Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Some departures from Cancun to Tulum go directly to the bus stop in Tulum. ruins of Tulum, In addition to the town terminal. In our consultation, the journey took about 2 h 20 min to 2 h 50 min.
Teotihuacán
Base city: Mexico City. There are local buses to the pyramids from Terminal Norte in CDMX, which is about an hour away. These suburban services are usually purchased at the terminal itself.
Monte Albán
Base city: Oaxaca. Arrives in the city of Oaxaca by bus (about 6 to 8 hours from CDMX with ADO) and from the center takes a tourist shuttle or taxi to the archaeological zone, on top of a hill outside the city.
Cholula
Base city: Puebla. The Great Pyramid of Cholula is very close to the capital of Puebla, which you can reach from Mexico City in less than 2 hours on many routes.
Find your trip to the base city
Timetables and prices live.
Cancún → TulumCancún → MéridaMexico City → OaxacaMexico City → Puebla
Tips for your visit
- Check the current schedules and opening days on the INAH official website before going.
- It arrives early: it's less hot and there are fewer people.
- Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable footwear.
- Some areas have rules about drones, tripods, or food; check them out beforehand.
Data on schedules, durations, and operators consulted in the BUZ search engine on September 23, 2026 for departures on October 7, 2026. Prices and schedules change: always confirm in the search engine before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Chichén Itzá by bus?
You arrive first in Mérida or Cancun by bus and from there take transport to the archaeological zone. Mérida is closer.
Is there a bus from Cancun to the ruins of Tulum?
Yes. In our consultation, some departures from Cancun arrived at the stop for the ruins of Tulum.
