How to Get from Valladolid to Chichén Itzá

Everything you need to know about getting from Valladolid to Chichen Itza in one quick, condensed guide.

Exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza is a must for any traveler visiting the Yucatan Peninsula for the first time. Located just 45 kilometers from the charming city of Valladolid, this UNESCO World Heritage site draws visitors from around the globe eager to witness its iconic pyramid, El Castillo, and other impressive structures.

Whether you’re seeking the comfort of a private car, the convenience of a guided tour, or the adventure of local transportation, there are several ways to make the journey from Valladolid to Chichen Itza, the nearest town to the ruins.

Collectively and over the years, all editors have trialed all the following ways to get to Chichen Itza from Valladolid, from the seamless drive to the more cumbersome bus option. Join us as we delve into the best options available, ensuring your trip is as effortless and enjoyable as possible.

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Getting from Valladolid to Chichén Itzá

Chichen Itza is situated approximately 45 km (28 miles) to the west of Valladolid, taking around 50 minutes to reach by car if there’s no traffic. Traveling by public transportation usually takes about an hour, though this can vary depending on the time of day.

There are now six ways to travel from Valladolid to Chichen Itza: renting a car, taking a bus, using a local colectivo, hiring a taxi, or joining a tour, and now, the brand new Tren Maya.

How you choose to get to Chichen Itza might depend on the rest of your Yucatan itinerary and time in Valladolid as well as your budget and time available for exploring the ancient Maya ruins.

Generally, renting a car or taking a taxi offers the most convenience- and what we’d recommend-, while the most economical yet efficient option is the colectivo, the local shared minivan.

Valladolid to Chichen Itza by Rental Car

Renting a car for the trip from Valladolid to Chichen Itza is generally the best and most convenient option, providing you with complete control over your day itinerary and allowing you to explore at your own pace. The drive takes about 50 minutes along a safe and smooth main highway, making it an easy journey.

Unfortunately, there are no car rental agencies in Valladolid. Instead, you’ll need to rent a car in a larger city such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Merida. Rental Cars and Discover Cars are reliable services that often offer the best rates and deals in Mexico, ensuring a hassle-free experience and these are what our editors use when traveling around the country.

Upon arrival at Chichen Itza in a private vehicle, you’ll need to pay for parking, which costs about 60 pesos for the day. Make sure you have cash on hand for this fee, as they likely do not accept cards.

This small fee ensures your car is parked in a safe and secure location while you explore the ruins. Having your car also means you can leave Chichen Itza at your convenience, without having to wait for public transportation or tours.

After visiting Chichen Itza you can then visit the wonderful yellow city of Izamal, explore some historical haciendas in Yucatan, some cool cenotes around Valladolid, or head to Merida or back to Valladolid.

Valladolid to Chichen Itza by Taxi

If you don’t have a rental car, the next best way to get from Valladolid to Chichen Itza is by taking a taxi. With an official taxi, the journey lasts around 40 minutes and costs between 600 and 800 pesos ($30-40 USD).

It’s important to negotiate and agree on the fare before getting into the taxi, as these taxis do not use meters. A basic knowledge of Spanish can be very helpful in this situation.

The best spots to find a taxi are near the bus terminal or the main square in Valladolid. The bus terminal is located at the intersection of Calle 46 and Calle 39. You can usually flag down a taxi along Calle 39, which is also Highway 180, the main road out of town.

Alternatively, you can ask your hotel to arrange a reliable taxi for you, this is often the easiest way to go.

Currently, Uber is not available in Valladolid.

Taking a Colectivo to Chichen Itza

For those looking for the most budget-friendly option to travel from Valladolid to Chichen Itza, the colectivo (shared minivan) is your best bet. However, we only recommend this option if you’re on a tight budget or seeking a truly local experience, as it generally takes much longer and a bit more waiting around than a direct taxi ride.

The minivans, which accommodate around 12 passengers, are often full and usually lack air-conditioning, making for a less comfortable journey despite the low cost.

Colectivos from Valladolid to Chichen Itza depart from a small car park on Calle 39, between Calles 44 and 46. Operating hours are typically from 7 am to 4 pm, with the first minivan leaving around 7 am and subsequent departures every 30 minutes or so.

If you catch an early colectivo, you’ll arrive at Chichen Itza just as it opens, allowing you to explore before most crowds turn up.

The last colectivo leaves Chichen Itza at approximately 4 pm. The fare is quite affordable at 60 pesos ($3) each way. For your return trip, you can simply flag down a colectivo from the same car park where you were initially dropped off, with minivans passing every 20 to 30 minutes.

For those not renting a car and not wanting to take a taxi, the colectivo is the next best option for both price and efficiency.

Taking a Bus to Chichen Itza

Another possibility when traveling is by taking the Valladolid to Chichen Itza bus, however, bus services are limited. While highly recommended in Yucatan and Quintana Roo for their extensive network, ADO buses, seem to lack services from Valladolid to Chichen Itza.

There are two types of ADO services available for this route: ADO buses and ADO Conecta Vans. The ADO buses are equipped with air-conditioning, reclining seats, and a restroom at the back, providing a comfortable ride. On the other hand, the ADO Conecta Vans are smaller minivans with air-conditioning but no restroom facilities.

Buses depart from the ADO bus stop located at the corner of Calle 39 and Calle 46 in Valladolid. The bus drops passengers right at the entrance of the Chichen Itza archaeological site, and the return bus can be boarded from the same location.

While ADO buses offer more comfort compared to local colectivos, the limited frequency of ADO buses can be a drawback. There is typically only one ADO bus per day and one ADO Conecta Van- both departing between 10-11 am. On Sundays, there may be 2-3 buses, so it’s worth checking the schedule in advance.

The return journey offers limited options as well, with the ADO Conecta Van departing Chichen Itza at 2:05 pm and arriving in Valladolid at 2:45 pm. Given these constraints, some travelers might prefer renting a car or taking a taxi for its greater flexibility.

You can book your ADO bus ticket in several ways: at the bus ticket counter or online through the ADO website or app. Booking online in advance is recommended especially since there are only two daily buses from Valladolid to Chichen Itza.

Taking a Tour to Chichen Itza

Many of the best properties in Yucatan, will offer customized tours to Chichen Itza with knowledgeable guides who know the Mayan ruins like few others. These exclusive Chichen Itza private tours can be booked in advance of your stay or upon check-in.

The tours not only include transportation but also provide the benefit of expert guides who enrich your visit with detailed insights. You’ll also be able to personalize your day fully and perhaps visit a cenote or another location afterward.

For those not booking a tour through their hotel, we highly recommend this Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Izmal Tour which includes a visit to the stunning Yucatan town and under-rated gem.

Additionally, there are numerous tour operators based in Cancun, Tulum, and other parts of the region that offer excursions to Chichen Itza. These tours often include additional stops at cenotes or other historical sites, providing a comprehensive experience of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Tours from these locations and Chichen Itza tours from Valladolid can be booked online, through travel agencies, or directly with tour operators, and they often offer various packages to suit different interests and budgets.

Chichen Itza from Valladolid on the Tren Maya

The newest way to travel from Valladolid to Chichen Itza is by the Tren Maya or Mayan Train. This modern yet controversial rail system connects over 30 destinations across the Mexican states of Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Campeche, Chiapas, and Tabasco, with Valladolid and Chichen Itza being two of its key stops.

At the time of writing, there are currently four departures between Valladolid and Chichen Itza, spread throughout the day, with the first departure at around 10 am. The Tren Maya offers both regular and special ticket options, catering to a variety of travel preferences and budgets.

While taking the Tren Maya isn’t the fastest or most direct way to get to Chichen Itza (the stations tend to be far out of town), this would be a good option for those interested in this new project and want to combine a trip on the Mayan train with a visit to Chichen Itza. To plan your trip head to the Tren Maya website.

Top Tips for Visiting Chichen Itza

Opening Hours and Entrance Fees

Chichen Itza is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, with last access at 4 pm. You need about 2-3 hours to see the Mayan Ruins well.

To enhance your experience and avoid the crowds, it’s best to arrive early in the morning as the site opens (prior to 8 am), or later in the afternoon.

The entrance fee, as of 2024 is 614 pesos (around $37 USD) for foreign visitors, which includes a mandatory federal tax. While you can pay most of the entrance fee by card, you’ll need around 100 Mexican pesos in cash to pay for the tax, so make sure to bring enough cash with you.

There is no need to pre-book or purchase your Chichen Itza tickets in advance. Regardless of your approach, you will still need to queue for entry and undergo security checks. Arriving early can help minimize wait times, but be prepared for a short wait as the site ensures the safety and orderly admission of all visitors.

Visiting during the cooler months from November to March can also make your trip more comfortable, as the Yucatan Peninsula can get quite hot and humid during the summer. For this reason, it’s also a good idea to start early.

What to Know Before You Go

• The Chichen Itza site is huge, it helps to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot.
• Dress for the heat. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water with you.
• You cannot climb the pyramids at Chichen Itza as you can at other archaeological sites in Mexico, like Monte Alban in Oaxaca or Ek Balam, just north of Valladolid.
• Drones and tripods are not allowed but professional-looking DSLR cameras are. There is no extra camera fee.
• Plan your visit from Monday to Saturday. On Sunday Mexican citizens can visit Chichen Itza for free which typically results in larger crowds.
• No external food or drink is allowed inside- apart from water. It’s best to head back to Valladolid for lunch.

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