If you’re visiting this small town, more than likely, you will take a day trip from Valladolid to Chichen Itza. There isn’t a reason not to visit this “New 7 Wonders of the World” while there.
Getting to Chichen Itza from Valladolid is very simple and quick, and it’s less than an hour away.
There are a few ways you can reach this ancient Mayan city. Keep reading and find out which one will work best for you.
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How To Get From Valladolid To Chichen Itza
During your stay in the Yucatan, you will find things to be inexpensive, especially getting around to all the beautiful towns. All forms of transportation listed are safe for tourists, even if you’re traveling solo.
Valladolid To Chichen Itza By Colectivo
One way to reach Chichen Itza from Valladolid is by taking a local colectivo, which is a minivan that holds around 12 passengers.
By no means are they fancy, and your colectivo may or may not have air-conditioning, so keep that in mind with the hot and humid climate in the Yucatan.
Reaching Chichen Itza by colectivo is cheap and quick. Departure occurs every 30 minutes from Valladolid between the hours of 7:00-16:00. There may be a slight delay before departing until they feel there are enough passengers for the ride.
Driving time is around 45 minutes, but expect a few stops along the route for picking up and dropping off locals.
One-way tickets cost around 40 pesos (2 USD) and you can find the colectivos behind the ADO bus terminal off Calle 46.
Explore the city with my fun guide for the top things to do in Valladolid.
Valladolid To Chichen Itza ADO Mexican Bus Line
Another option for getting from getting to Valladolid to Chichen Itza is the Mexican bus line Autobuses de Oriente (ADO) for your day trip. Two ticket options are available to purchase, you can either buy a fare for first class or second class. Both buses are safe and reliable, even if you’re traveling alone. ADO bus classes vary by fare and duration to reach the pyramid and ruins.
ADO First Class Bus
First-class buses provide more luxury than second-class. They have comfortable and reclining seating, a bathroom, and movie entertainment. First class doesn’t make any stops, so getting to Chichen Itza is a little quicker.
The duration to reach Chichen Itza from Valladolid is around 40 minutes.
Before boarding, you will need to purchase your ticket at the bus terminal, which is 124 pesos (less than 7 USD). You can check the official ADO website for departures or purchase tickets in advance. Valladolid’s bus terminal is located on the corner of Calle 46 and Calle 39, only 2 blocks away from the main square.
Bring a jacket because the buses are a tad bit nippy.
Planning on taking a road trip? Find out how to get to Tulum from Cancun.
ADO Second Class Bus
Second-class buses are not as new as the first ones, and they tend to go a little slower. Along the route to Chichen Itzastops are made picking up and dropping off locals. So if you’re in a hurry, then I suggest paying the extra fare first.
Buses do not have a toilet, but there is comfortable seating, entertainment, and air conditioning.
To board second class, you just pay the driver 84 pesos (less than 5 USD), ticket offices are not available like first class, but the fare is much cheaper. They are located at the same station as first class.
Book A Tour
A great way to meet others and get from Valladolid to Chichen Itza is by booking a tour.
You can book a tour that not only will whisk you away to the ancient Mayan city, but also to nearby cenotes and even provide a delicious lunch.
You can book a private tour now right here.
Driving By Car
One of the best ways to get to Chichen Itza from Valladolid is by driving yourself by car. It’s a super easy drive and takes around 45 minutes. The road along the route was smooth and very safe.
Having your own car, you will need to park, which costs 30 pesos ( less than 2 USD), and the parking is quite far away from the entrance. So be sure to wear comfortable shoes and light clothing. Small booths lead up to the admission office, where you can purchase water, which will be needed!
Be advised that you will not be able to rent a car in Valladolid. If you are taking a day trip from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or Cancun, you will be able to rent a vehicle there.
Plan on exploring Tulum? I have all the best things to do in Tulum here.
What To Pack For Chichen Itza
During your trip from Valladolid to Chichen Itza, there are a few things you should wear and take to make your trip comfortable.
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Light clothing
- Bug repellent
- Bottled Water (Only drink bottled water during your visit to Mexico. They have poor water quality, and you don’t want to end up sick during your trip)
- Pesos
Skip the long lines if you are not arriving by tour and purchase your ticket in advance here.
Getting From Valladolid To Chichen Itza: Conclusion
I hope you found this guide helpful for you to reach this “New 7 Wonders of the World.” All these recommendations are the best way for you to get from Valladolid to Chichen Itza stress-free and safely.
Interested in taking pretty pictures? Check out these Tulum Instagram spots and Tulum Instagram captions to use with your photos.
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This is super helpful! I would normally have just tried to rent a car, but it is always a bit scary to drive in a new area when you’re not used to the rules of the road. Now you’ve explained it, I like the sound of the first class bus! 😉
Thanks for reading Josy! Yes having your own car defiantly makes trips much easier! The bus is great too to give you more of a local vibe. Thanks for reading!