Mexico Playa del Carmen

How to get fromChiquila to Playa del Carmen

Want to explore the 3 best ways to travel from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen? In this guide, we'll explain how to travel this 123 kilometers (76 miles) distance and compare each option by duration, price, and comfort. For each transport method, we'll help you pick the best provider and show you where to book your tickets.

Written by Ela - Senior Travel WriterReviewed by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertLast updated: April 5, 2024

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Colectivo Bus Private Transfer

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What to expect when visiting Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a quickly evolving resort town in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. At its heart are palm-tree-lined beaches and music, best enjoyed at a bar by the shore. The city offers a more relaxed vibe compared to the nearby Cancun, but there are still plenty of things to do.

Some of our favourite activities in Playa del Carmen include sunbathing by the beach, hopping between cafes, and wandering around the boutiques at Quinta Avenida. And the fun doesn’t end in the city! Just 15 minutes away, you’ll find the famed nature resort Xcaret Park. Playa del Carmen is also the gateway to the beautiful Cozumel Island.

3 ways to get from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen

The 3 ways to travel the distance of 123 kilometers (76 miles) from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen are by: bus (2 hours 20 minutes), colectivo (2 hours) and private transfer (2 hours). The journey duration ranges between 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes and the quickest way is by colectivo. The lowest priced tickets start from €15.40 for the colectivo.

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Colectivo

From €15.40

Book Tickets

Bus

2h 20m

From €20

Book Tickets

Private Transfer

From 1,970 MXN (€92)

Book Tickets

Where to stay in Playa del Carmen?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Playa del Carmen at the bottom of this page.

Chiquila to Playa del Carmen by Colectivo

Duration: 2h

Costs: €15.40

Duration: 2h

Costs: €15.40

There are at least two colectivo companies operating from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen: Peninsula Travel and Chiquila Holbox Extreme.

These companies use sprinter-type minivans with plenty of space in the back, in case you are carrying bulky luggage. The colectivos are also equipped with AC and reclining seats.

Travel time with a colectivo from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen takes 2 hours. We recommend travelling with Sindicato Lazaro Cardenas. They are a trusted company for this route with more and faster departures. A colectivo ticket costs €15.40.

Colectivo schedule from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen

Holbox Transportes - Chiquila

Standard

Terminal de colectivos Playa del Carmen - Tulum (Shuttle Bus)

06:30

08:30

07:30

09:30

08:30

10:30

12:30

11:30

13:30

15:30

14:30

16:30

15:30

17:30

19:30

18:30

20:30

Peninsula Travel

€15.40

Get Your Tickets

Puerto de Chiquila

Tourist

Playa del Carmen Bus Stop

07:30

09:30

08:30

10:30

11:30

13:30

14:30

16:30

15:30

17:30

18:30

20:30

Chiquila Holbox Extreme

€16.80

Get Your Tickets

You can book minivan tickets 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.

Departure and arrival station

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 Avenue in the city centre. Shuttle Playa, on the other hand, parks at Paradero Playa Express, just 750m southeast of Farmacias Yza.

Both 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 Bus

Duration: 2h 20m

Costs: €20

Duration: 2h 20m

Costs: €20

The bus service from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen is 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 depart only 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 €20.

Bus schedule from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen

Chiquilá Bus Station

Standard

Playa Del Carmen ADO Bus Station

13:00

2h 20m

15:20

15:45

2h 20m

18:05

ADO

€20

Get Your Tickets

ADO Chiquila

First Class

ADO Terminal Turistica Playa Del Carmen

13:00

2h 20m

15:20

15:45

2h 20m

18:05

ADO

€22

Get Your Tickets

Trips are limited so it’s best to buy 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 you can book your tickets online. If you prefer Mayab buses, you can buy your tickets only at the bus station.

Departure and arrival station

Buses operating from to depart from ADO Chiquila, about 400 meters from the main dock.

In Playa del Carmen, buses will drop you off at Terminal Alterna. This bus station is within the tourist centre and just a couple of blocks from the beach.

Chiquila to Playa del Carmen by Private Transfer

Duration: 2 hours

Costs: 1,970 MXN (€92)

Duration: 2 hours

Costs: 1,970 MXN (€92)

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 (€92) for a 3-seater car. BookAway offers a wide variety of vehicles that can fit 14 passengers.

Check Private Transfers with BookAway

Best 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 fully-equipped gym and the beach club!

The hotel boasts a Maya and tropical style with its natural decor and lush gardens. The turquoise pool winds around the hotel, dotted with waterfalls that create a relaxing soundtrack to the hotel. There’s even a hot tub on the roof! We guarantee that you’ll never want to leave this place.

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

Check Available Rooms

Opal Suites Apartments - Treating Yourself

Opal Suites offer luxury apartments with all of the facilities you get with a hotel. Staying here you’ll have access to a gym, rooftop swimming pool and even a barbeque.

Each stunning apartment contains all you 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 settle in and feel at home.

Double rooms start from $80 per night

Check Available Rooms

Vainilla Bed and Breakfast Mexico - Mid Range

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 day-to-day 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 decorate the garden. The hotel gets its name from the vanilla plants around the hostel, so essentially everywhere smells great.

Superb breakfast
Swimming pool
Very friendly host
Bright and clean decor

Double rooms between $40-$80 per night

Check Available Rooms

Apart Hotel Casaejido - Budget Friendly

Playa del Carmen is a popular spot in Mexico, so finding a budget-friendly option can be hard. Casaejido is amongst the best that you can choose from. Situated a bit further out from all of the action and noise of Playa del Carmen, it feels like a little oasis.

Here you’ll find plenty of greenery, a pool, lounge chairs to relax in the garden and hammocks throughout. The bamboo and neutral decor also adds to the tranquil atmosphere. On top of that, the incredibly friendly staff will make you feel even more at ease and help you with anything you need.

Gardens with hammocks
Friendly and helpful staff
Quiet location
Outdoor swimming pool

Double rooms between $15-$40 per night

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Chiquila to Playa del Carmen

What is the distance from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen?

The distance from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen is 123 kilometers (76 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen?

The fastest way to get from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen is by colectivo and takes 2 hours.

What is the cheapest way to get from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen?

The cheapest way to get from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen is by colectivo with ticket costs starting from €15.40.

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

About the author(s)

Ela

Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.

Maarten

Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

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