How to Get From Cancun to Playa del Carmen (By a Local)
Are you looking for the best way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen? You’re in the right place. I’ve lived in the area for over a year and I’ve made the trip many times.
Figuring out the transportation logistics is often the most difficult part of planning your trip. You don’t want to waste time or money. You need to find the best way for the best price.
To help you out, I’ve rounded up all the ways you can get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun. Whether it’s the cheapest or the fastest, one of these options will be perfect for you.
How to Get From Cancun to Playa Del Carmen
The good news is you have plenty of options. Let’s take a look.
1. Private Transfer
Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour
Price: As low as $9 USD per person, depending on the number in your party
When you land in Cancun the last thing you want is to deal with the stress of navigating public transportation or haggling with taxi drivers.
This is where opting for a private transfer comes into play, offering a seamless transition from the airport to your destination.
Private transfers provide a direct, comfortable, and personalized way to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen.
Unlike shared shuttles or public buses, a private transfer means you’ll have a vehicle all to yourself, ensuring privacy and convenience.
My favorite is Cancun Airport Transportation. They have great prices, a variety of transportation options, and I’ve found them to be completely reliable.
If you’re traveling solo or with one other person, this option will be more expensive. However, it could be worth it for the convenience and privacy.
2. ADO Bus
Travel Time: Approx. 1.5 hours
Price: Between $12 – $18 USD each way
If you’re all about maximizing your travel budget without sacrificing comfort, then hopping on the ADO bus from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is your golden ticket.
I absolutely love ADO buses. I would use them more often except they don’t allow dogs. But when I’m not taking Shelby with me, this is my favorite option.
The buses are very clean and comfortable. They have air conditioning, plenty of luggage space, restrooms, and sometimes even free Wi-Fi
Catching the ADO Bus from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
Once you’ve gone through customs and collected your luggage at the Cancun Airport, your next step is to find the ADO booth inside the terminal.
The booth is prominently located and hard to miss. You can buy your ticket when you arrive. But I recommend booking in advance at Busbud.com, which is their official website, or on the app. You’ll get the best price that way.
If you want to pay with a credit card you’ll need to book online. The office in Cancun only accepts cash (both pesos and USD are accepted).
If your flight is delayed, you can reschedule for a later departure. However, usually, you have to reschedule at least an hour before departure time. Be sure to check the fine print when you book.
Buses leave Cancun approximately every ten minutes so you’ll never have a long wait.
Cancun Airport ADO Pick-Up Spots
If you’ve pre-booked your ticket, you can go straight to the pick-up spot. Each terminal at Cancun Airport has designated areas where the ADO buses pick up passengers. Here’s a quick guide:
- Terminals 2 & 3: Look for the clearly marked ADO bus stops outside the arrivals area. There are signs and usually a staff member to guide you.
- Terminal 4: The ADO bus stop is located to the right as you exit the terminal building. It’s a bit further away, so keep an eye out for signs or ask for directions if needed.
3. Renting a Car
Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour
Price: Varies
If you want the freedom to explore at your own pace, renting a car is a good option.
When you search for a rental car you’ll see crazy low prices – like $6 a day. But that price will go up drastically once you add in fees and insurance.
You’re required to buy insurance in Mexico when renting a car. My go-to for car rentals is Discover Cars. They sell their own insurance so you don’t have to buy it through the rental car company.
I have saved hundreds of dollars by renting with Discover Cars.
They’re an aggregator, so they’ll have cars with all the major companies. One thing to keep in mind: I’ve seen that sometimes the reviews on Discovercars.com are not always accurate. Be sure to check reviews for whichever company you’re going to rent with before booking.
4. Shared Shuttle
Travel Time: 1 – 2.5 + hours depending on stops
Price: Approx. $35 per person
Navigating the journey to Playa del Carmen from Cancun doesn’t have to be a toss-up between cost and convenience.
Using a shared shuttle service offers (almost) the directness of a private transfer without the hefty price tag. It’s a great option for solo travelers and smaller groups.
My favorite shuttle company, Cancun Airport Transportation, also has shared shuttle options.
While it may involve a bit more travel time due to additional stops, the savings are well worth it, offering a comfortable and efficient way to get to Playa del Carmen without breaking the bank.
5. Tren Maya
Travel Time: Approx. 1.5 hours
Price: Approx. $19 USD
Tren Maya is a new train service that has recently started service in Mexico. New routes are gradually being added. Cancun to Playa del Carmen is one of the newest.
To take the train from the Cancun Airport, you’ll need to take a marked green shuttle bus from the airport to the train station, adding about 10 to 20 minutes to the overall travel time.
At the time of writing, the Tren Maya operates three daily services from Playa del Carmen at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 4:30 pm, and from Cancun Airport at 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.
Since it’s a new service, these times may change. Be sure to check the latest information on their website, which you can get to here.
The trains have Wi-Fi, however, it’s reported to be unreliable so don’t plan on getting any work done.
Luggage restrictions are enforced, allowing only one bag per passenger. Bags must not weigh more than 55 pounds and must be no bigger than 25.5″ by 21.5″ inches” by 5″ inches.” You can also take a small personal item.
You can buy tickets online on their website. Since the Tren Maya is still new, there are still many glitches. Often online booking is not available and there can be some service delays.
6. Hotel Transfers
Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour and up
Price: Approx. Varies
Many Playa del Carmen resorts offer shuttle services directly from the airport, either as part of your package or for a nominal fee.
Keep in mind that many resorts and hotels share shuttle services. You may need to make extra stops on the way to your hotel. You may also have to wait at the airport until the designated departure time.
Be sure to compare the wait, travel time, and cost of using the hotel’s shuttle with booking your own private or shared shuttle.
7. Taxi Service
Travel Time: Approx. 1.5 hours
Price: Approx. $80-100+ USD
I don’t recommend taking a taxi to Playa del Carmen from Cancun. They don’t get you there any faster than a private shuttle and they have a terrible reputation.
I’ve heard stories about people being overcharged by the taxi drivers. They also sometimes change the price when you arrive, demanding more money.
Of course, there are honest drivers there, too. I’m not saying they’re all bad.
If you still want to take a taxi, simply head to the designated taxi stands located outside each terminal.
It’s highly recommended to use the official taxi services provided at the airport to ensure safety and avoid overcharging. Be sure to agree on the fare before you get in.
8. Colectivo
Travel Time: Several hours depending on the number of stops
Price: $3 to $5 USD
If you have a whole lot of time on your hands and want the experience, you might consider taking a colectivo.
Colectivos are shared passenger vans that operate on a flexible schedule, departing once they’re full. This mode of transportation is popular among locals and adventurous travelers, thanks to its low cost.
They’re cheap, but often not terribly comfortable and not always air-conditioned. Space onboard is very limited, so you’ll need to travel light.
I don’t recommend colectivos for such a long distance. If you want to save money, I recommend the ADO bus instead. Trust me, it’s worth the few extra dollars.
I would, however, recommend using colectivos once you get to Playa del Carmen. They can take you to many of the local sites, including nearby towns, parks like Xcaret and Xel-Ha, and many cenotes.
Keep in mind that colectivos aren’t necessarily geared toward tourists. This means the drivers will often not speak English.
Still, I love colectivos for local travel and have always managed with my terrible Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions: Getting to Playa del Carmen From Cancun
How much is a taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen?
A taxi to Playa del Carmen can run anywhere from $80 to $100 USD and up.
What is the safest way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen?
The safest way to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is by using reputable, pre-booked private transfers or the ADO bus service, both known for their reliability and safety standards.
How long is the shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen?
The shuttle ride to Playa del Carmen from Cancun typically takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.
Is Cancun close to Playa del Carmen?
Yes, Cancun is close to Playa del Carmen, with a distance of about 55 kilometers (34 miles), making it approximately a 1-hour drive.
Can you Uber from Cancun to Playa del Carmen?
My latest information is that you can’t take an Uber from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Uber’s availability in Cancun is inconsistent due to local regulations and opposition from taxi unions.
Wrap-Up: Getting to Playa del Carmen From Cancun
Getting from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is very easy. You have a variety of options, each with its own set of advantages.
My personal favorite for combining ease, comfort, and reliability is Cancun Airport Transportation.
If you’re on a budget (and not traveling with pets), I recommend taking the ADO bus. It’s quick, comfortable, and quite inexpensive.
No matter how you get to Playa del Carmen, you’re in for a treat. The area is beautiful and full of things to do. You may never want to leave!
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Pro Tips for Your Mexico Trips
Do I need travel insurance?
YES. No matter when you visit Mexico, don’t forget to buy travel insurance. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. If you need it once it will pay for itself many times over. I highly recommend Safety Wing. They have a proven track record for customer satisfaction and a variety of coverage levels.
Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?
YES. Renting a car in Mexico is not only safe, but it’s a great way to explore. Discover Cars is hands down the best rental car company. They check international and local companies to get you the best rates.
Will my phone work in Mexico?
Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free service in Mexico, the least expensive option is to buy a Telcel SIM card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. I have one and it’s been a lifesaver.
You can also get an eSIM. Airalo has coverage in over 200 countries/regions, including Mexico.
What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?
For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site, but for hostels, check out Hostel World. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO, which is often cheaper with more options.
What do I pack for Mexico?
My Mexico packing list has all the info you need on packing for your trip to Mexico.
What’s the best site for great deals on flights to Mexico?
For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner.
Do I need a visa for Mexico?
Probably Not. U.S., Canadian, and most European passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico. To verify if you’ll need a Mexico travel visa check the Mexican Consulate’s website.
For assistance with all your worldwide visa questions, check out iVisa.
