Last Updated on August 26, 2023 by Soumya
How to go to Chichen Itza from Valladolid? A common question that plagues all our minds when we are in the beautiful city of Valladolid, Mexico.
Valladolid is the best place to stay if you have Chichen Itza on your Mexico itinerary. This magical town is super close to the ruins (just an hour away) and has tons of wonderful things to do.
Getting to Chichen Itza from Valladolid is easy but requires a bit of a planning. There are several ways you can go to Chichen Itza – by colectivo, bus, taxi, car, or guided tours.
In this detailed transport guide, you’ll find the 5 best ways to travel from Valladolid to Chichen Itza and vice versa, from Chichen Itza to Valladolid. I have analyzed the options by price, time taken, and comfort levels so that you know what to expect. Read through and let me know if you have found your best fit.
If you’d like to read more about Valladolid and Mayan ruins nearby, here are some related posts that you’ll love.
- 33 Amazing things to do in Valladolid, Mexico
- The ultimate travel guide for Chichen Itza
- How to do Chichen Itza and Ek Balam in one day from Valladolid?
So, let’s get started with the best transport options between Chichen Itza and Valladolid.
Ride the Valladolid to Chichen Itza colectivo
A good old colectivo is the cheapest way to get to Chichen Itza.
And, to be honest, sometimes the most efficient. If you haven’t booked a great Chichen Itza tour or don’t have a car, just show up at the Valladolid colectivo stop. Board a colectivo. And get to Chichen Itza. Yes, it is that simple!
A colectivo is a mini-van that can take between 12 – 14 passengers at a time. The driver usually waits for the van to fill up after which he starts the journey.
Colectivos run frequently between Valladolid – Chichen Itza and back. They start as early as 7:00am in the morning from Valladolid and run till later in evening – past 5:00pm. Last colectivo from Chichen Itza leaves around 5:30pm.
A colectivo ride takes about an hour. The vehicle will make multiple stops to drop locals, so that takes up some time.
Don’t expect colectivos to be super comfy. They are the cheapest means of transport, after all. Air-conditioning may not work. But they get the job done which is getting you to Chichen Itza and back – and that’s important.
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Where is the colectivo stop in Valladolid?
The colectivo stop in Valladolid is on Calle 39, between C.46 and C.48. Here’s the exact address: C. 39 2-215, Centro, 97784 Valladolid Yucatan. Click here to access directions to the Valladolid colectivo stop on Google Maps.
What is the colectivo fare?
The colectivo fare to Chichen Itza from Valladolid is 40 MXN ($2 approx) each way. You’ll need to pay the driver directly. So, have some cash on you.
Take the Ado bus from Valladolid to Chichen Itza
Taking a bus is a good way to travel between Valladolid and Chichen Itza.
I highly recommend using ADO buses when traveling in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Two kinds of ADO buses run between Chichen Itza and Valladolid – ADO Bus and ADO Conecta Vans.
ADO buses are incredibly comfortable. They have air-conditioning, reclining seats, and usually one toilet at the back. ADO Conecta is usually a mini van, has AC, but no toilet.
Buses leave from the ADO bus stop at the corner of Calle 39 and Calle 46. The exact address is Calle 39 No. 221 por 46 Centro C.P. 97780 Valladolid Yucatan. Access directions to the ADO bus stop here on Google Maps.
The bus drops you right in front of the archaeological site at Chichen Itza. You can board your return bus from the same place.
ADO Bus – Pros & Cons
ADO bus is definitely more comfortable than a colectivo but cost about 3X times or higher. For instance, a bus ticket to Chichen Itza and back costs 142 MXN ($7 approx.) each way.
One big issue with taking an ADO bus is the frequency.
- As of now, there is just one ADO bus from Valladolid to Chichen Itza every day and that runs at 11:27am. It arrives in Chichen Itza at 12:17pm. [Fare – 142 MXN ($7)]
- This means you waste your precious morning and arrive in Chichen Itza only when it is full of tourists.
- For your return journey on bus from Chichen Itza to Valladolid, there are a couple of options.
- ADO bus that leaves the archaeological site at 4:00pm and arrives in Valladolid at 4:50pm. [Fare – 142 MXN ($7)]
- ADO Conecta vans that leave at 9:10am/1:55pm and arrive in Valladolid at 9:50am/2:35pm. [Fare – 90 MXN ($4.5)]
- Effectively, you just have the ADO bus at 4:00pm that works for your return. Conecta options are too early in the day.
How to book your ADO bus ticket?
You can book the ADO bus ticket in 3 ways.
- Get your ticket at the bus ticket counter before you travel. We traveled a lot on ADO buses in Mexico and always booked our tickets at the counter. Remember to arrive a little early before the tickets get sold out especially because there’s just one bus out of Valladolid bound for Chichen Itza.
- Book online on the ADO website or ADO app. You’ll be asked for your personal and payment details after which you’ll receive the pdf version on the ticket in your inbox. If your non-Mexican credit card does not work while paying, you can pay by Paypal.
Personally, I have always booked my ADO bus ticket at the counter and never faced any issues with that.
Get a taxi from Valladolid to Chichen Itza
Getting a taxi is the most convenient and the quickest way to travel from Valladolid to Chichen Itza and back. You’ll get to the ruins in less than 40 minutes.
However, the cost is significantly higher than riding the bus or a colectivo. Expect to pay around $30 – $40 each way.
You can connect with local taxi providers in Valladolid, Mexico here and here.
Book a Chichen Itza tour from Valladolid
One of the best ways to explore the ruins of Chichen Itza is by joining a guided tour led by a local tour guide. I love how guides pepper their stories with local legends and myths, something you won’t find elsewhere.
Chichen Itza, with its numerous mysteries and intriguing facts, absolutely deserves a guided tour.
Unfortunately, most good Chichen Itza tours start from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Valladolid only has a few.
The best choice from Valladolid is this full-day tour that includes a guided tour of Chichen Itza ruins, a dip in Cenote Yokdzonot + local lunch, and a visit to the Yellow Town of Izamal. Guests love this tour (all 5 stars) and the tour guide is all professional and knowledgeable. Read more reviews here.
Alternately, you can book this private tour which includes Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil, and Ek Balam.
Rent a car
Can you drive to Chichen Itza? You sure can!
Rent a car and drive to Chichen Itza. The drive takes about 40 minutes. Parking is available right next to the archaeological site and costs about 80 MXN.
I don’t drive, so I cannot talk about my personal experience of renting a car in Mexico. But I know, for sure, that renting a car in Valladolid, Mexico is not easy. You’ll need to rent one from either Cancun or Tulum or Playa del Carmen.
Click here to check for rates and availability of car rentals from Cancun and Riviera Maya.
I agree that renting a car gives you complete flexibility over your journey. You can control when you depart and when you arrive. However, if you are not very confident of driving in Mexico, I suggest you take the colectivo or a guided tour.
How to get to Chichen Itza from Valladolid – Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Chichen Itza from Valladolid?
Chichen Itza is located about 28 miles (45km) east of Valladolid, Mexico. Driving here takes about 45 minutes – 1 hour.
How do I get from Valladolid to Chichen Itza?
You can get to Chichen Itza from Valladolid by colectivo, bus, car, taxi, or a group tour. The cheapest mode of transport is a colectivo while the most convenient option is to drive a car.
How much is a Colectivo from Valladolid to Chichen Itza?
The cost of a colectivo ride from Valladolid to Chichen Itza (and vice versa) is 40 MXN ($2) each way. You can board the colectivo from the colectivo stand at Calle 39, between C.46 and C.48.
How long does it take to get from Chichen Itza to Valladolid?
It takes about an hour to get to Valladolid from Chichen Itza by colectivo or bus. If you are riding a taxi or driving your own car, it may take shorter, about 40 minutes.
What airport is closest to Chichen Itza?
Merida International Airport is the closest to Chichen Itza. But Cancun International Airport, which is a little further away, has more flight options.
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