Overview Compare Bus Colectivo To Stay
How to get from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen is a popular and quickly evolving destination in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. It is located close to Cancun and it offers a more relaxed vibe compared to the big city.
In Playa del Carmen, you can sunbathe by the beach, wander around the cafes and boutiques at Quinta Avenida, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
From its port, you can take a ferry to Cozumel Island. Playa del Carmen is also a good base camp when visiting nearby attractions like the Xcaret Park or any one of the cenotes surrounding town.
New to Playa del Carmen? Our compact Playa del Carmen guide shows you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and many more tips for your visit to Playa del Carmen!
3 ways to get from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen
You can choose from 3 ways to travel the 123km (76 miles) from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen: a 2.5-hour bus, a 2-hour colectivo, or a 2-hour private transfer. Rates range between 312 MXN ($14.50) and 1,970 MXN ($94).
We don’t recommend one over the other as both the bus and the colectivo offer a reliable and direct service. The choice will depend on your preference and the convenience of the departure schedule, especially if you’re coming from Holbox Island.
It’s good to keep in mind that buses from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen only depart in the afternoon, while Colectivos offer two departures in the morning too. Colectivos can be a bit faster, but buses are bigger vehicles and have more space between seats.
An expensive alternative for those who prefer their own ride is a private transfer. You can get a 3-seater car from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen for 1,970 MXN ($94). There are also bigger vehicles available for bigger groups.
Itinerary from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen
Chiquila to Playa del Carmen by Bus
The bus service from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen are operated by Mexico’s largest bus company, ADO, and its low-cost sub-branch Mayab.
ADO buses come well equipped with air-conditioning, reclining seats and a toilet. Mayab buses are less comfortable and usually don’t have any of the above features.
Buses only depart in the afternoon. The fastest bus from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen can complete the journey in 2 hours 20 minutes. You can get a bus ticket for around 312 MXN ($14.50).
Bus schedule from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen
Trips are limited so it’s best to purchase your tickets at least a day before online for guaranteed seats. We recommend using BookAway, which offers excellent customer service and does not add any hidden fees.
When buying your tickets onsite, keep in mind that there’s a chance of them being sold out for your desired time. When that happens, you’ll have to wait a while for the next trip.
Note that only ADO tickets can be booked online. Mayab tickets can only be bought at the bus station.
Bus departure and arrival points
Buses operating from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen depart from ADO Chiquila, located just about 400 meters from the main dock.
In Playa del Carmen, buses will drop you off at Terminal Alterna. This is located within the tourist centre and just a couple of blocks from the beach.
Chiquila to Playa del Carmen by Colectivo
There are at least two colectivo companies operating from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen: Sindicato Lazaro Cardenas and Colectivo Playa del Carmen Chiquila.
They use Sprinter type minivans with plenty of space in the back, in case you are carrying huge luggage. They also come equipped with AC and reclining seats.
Travel time with a colectivo from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen takes 2 to 2.5 hours. We recommend travelling with Sindicato Lazaro Cardenas as they are a trusted company for this route, they offer more trips, and they’re faster. A colectivo ticket costs 335 MXN ($16).
Colectivo schedule from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen
Sindicato Lazaro Cardenas can easily be booked online through BookAway. As for Colectivo Playa del Carmen Chiquila, you’ll have to reserve a ticket for your desired travel date through their Facebook page.
It’s also possible to buy your tickets at the colectivo stop. However, this can be a bit risky as seats may run out.
Colectivo arrival and departure points
All colectivos depart from the colectivo bus stop across Chiquila Police Station, around 300 meters from the main port.
In Playa del Carmen, there are two different colectivo stops. Sindicato Lazaro Cardenas drops off passengers in front of Farmacias Yza along Benito Juarez Ave. in the city centre. Shuttle Playa, on the other hand, parks at Paradero Playa Express, just 750m southeast of Farmacias Yza.
Both colectivo stops in Playa del Carmen are within walking distance from the main attractions like Quinta Avenida, the port, and the nearby beach.
Chiquila to Playa del Carmen by Private Transfer
A private transfer is the most convenient way to get from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen. Your ride will be waiting for you as soon as you arrive at the port and it will take you straight to your hotel in Playa del Carmen.
Rates start from 1,970 MXN ($94) for a 3-seater car. BookAway offers a wide variety of vehicles that can fit up to 14 passengers.
Book a Private Transfer with BookAway
Our favourite places to stay in Playa del Carmen
Maya Villa Condo Hotel and Beach Club - Treating yourself
Playa del Carmen is full of luxury hotels and beach clubs, but Maya Villa is one of the best. Guests staying at the hotel get access to both a gym and the beach club!
The hotel boasts a Mayan and tropical style with its natural decor and airness. The turquoise pool winds around the hotel, dotted with waterfalls that create a relaxing soundtrack to the hotel. You can also enjoy a hot tub on the roof!
- Hot tub and huge swimming pool
- Large and bright rooms
- Access to beach club and gym
- Steps away from the beach
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Opal Suites Apartments - Treating yourself
Opal Suites offers luxury apartments with all of the facilities you get with a good hotel. Staying here you’ll have access to a gym, rooftop swimming pool and even a barbeque.
Each stunning apartment contains all you’ll need, a kitchen, washing machine, balcony and even Netflix. This can be a great option if you’re staying in Playa del Carmen for a couple of weeks, so you can have similar facilities as at home.
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Vainilla Bed and Breakfast Mexico - Budget Friendly
Start the day right with the hotel’s complimentary breakfast, made up of fresh and home-made goodies. You can literally taste how much love the host puts into the food as well as the overall running of the hotel.
Just looking at the hotel will make you feel happy. It’s bursting with colour, both on the walls and from the fruit plants that surround the garden. The hotel gets its name from the vanilla plants around the hostel, so basically everywhere smells great.
- Superb breakfast
- Swimming pool
- Very friendly host
- Bright and clean decor
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
