How to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Why visit 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.
What are the 4 ways to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen?
There are 4 ways to travel the 68 kilometre (42 miles) distance from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, taxi and colectivo. The journey takes 45 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes and the quickest way is by shared minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by colectivo with tickets starting at 45 MXN ($2.50).
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.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Bus fares start from 84 MXN ($4.70) and the journey takes around 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes.
ADO and AU are the bus companies operating on this route. ADO offers a more comfortable ride with better seats and onboard toilets, while AU is the cheaper option with simpler buses and no restrooms. Check out our Mexico Transport Guide for a full comparison of their bus types and amenities.
Departure station
Cancun Bus Station is conveniently located in the city centre and is easily accessible by foot or via a short taxi ride.
If you’re staying at the Hotel Zone, you can take a taxi or save money by taking a local bus. Lines R-1, R-3 and R-38 will drop you off at Avenida Tulum, right in front of the bus terminal.
Bus schedule from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
It’s best to book your ticket online at least a day in advance to secure a seat at your preferred date and time. If buying at the station, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. When booking, double-check the departure point, because some buses leave from the airport instead of Cancun Central Bus Terminal.
Arrival stations
In Playa del Carmen, most ADO buses arrive at ADO Terminal Turistica near the beach. Some may stop at Playa del Carmen Alterna Station, which is still within the city centre but further from the main attractions.
If your accommodation is near Turistica Bus Terminal, you can walk. Otherwise, taking a taxi is the best option. Taxis in Playa del Carmen aren’t metered, so agree on the fare before getting in. A reasonable price within the city ranges from 70 MXN ($3.90) to 150 MXN ($8.40).
Bus from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
ADO operates buses from Cancun International Airport to Playa del Carmen. They arrive at the same bus terminals as those from Cancun city centre: Alterna and Turistica.
Fares start at 240 MXN ($13.40). You can book your ticket online in advance through BookAway or buy one at the airport ticket counter, though there might be a long queue.
The journey takes around 1h 30m - 1h 50m.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen by Colectivo
Colectivos are the cheapest option to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and a popular mode of transport in the Riviera Maya.
However, they are mostly used by local workers and not by tourists, so there’s no space for bulky luggage. That’s why we think colectivos are best only for day trips to Playa del Carmen or if you are travelling with just hand luggage.
The average fare to Playa del Carmen by colectivo is 45 MXN ($2.50). This can go higher during peak season (December to April). You can’t book tickets online, but colectivos depart frequently throughout the day and you can simply pay the driver directly.
Colectivo companies
Two companies operate this route: Playa Express and Colectivos Foraneos. Each has its own stop, and both depart every 15 minutes or whenever the vehicle is full.
Playa Express runs from 04:00 to 01:00 while Colectivos Foraneos operates 24 hours a day. It’s good to know that Playa Express vehicles are more comfortable with more space between seats and working AC, so keep that as your first choice.
Departure and arrival station
Colectivos to Playa del Carmen depart from two stops close to Cancun’s Central Bus Terminal in the city centre.
When you arrive in Playa del Carmen, the Colectivo bus stop is located within the tourist area, just a couple of blocks away from Turistica Bus Terminal.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen by Shared Minivan
If you’re coming from Cancun International Airport, shared minivans are a convenient option for getting to your hotel in Playa del Carmen. They provide door-to-door service with prices starting at 140 MXN ($7.90).
There are four companies operating on this route: Chiquila Holbox Extreme, Mexico Travel Solutions, BD Experience Mexico and Cancun Shuttle.
Travel time varies depending on the number of passengers and stops along the way but is usually around 45 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes.
It’s best to book minivans online so you won’t need to queue for tickets at the airport.
Shared Minivan options from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Cancun to Playa del Carmen by Taxi
A private transfer from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is the easiest and most convenient transport option. The journey takes 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Uber is the most budget-friendly option for this route, with prices starting at 980 MXN ($55) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 245 MXN ($13.70) each.
Alternatively, you can flag down a taxi from the street. Taxi rates start at 1,000 MXN ($56), but be aware that drivers might try to charge more. It’s best to agree on a price before you take the ride.
If you prefer booking in advance, BookAway is a great choice. Prices start at 1,020 MXN ($58), which is slightly higher, but you’ll get professional drivers and excellent service.
Private Transport from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
With a private Cancun Airport transfer, your driver will be waiting outside the arrivals gate to take you directly to your accommodation in Playa del Carmen.
We recommend booking through BookAway, which offers spacious cars with professional drivers. Rates start at [private_price2] for a private car.
If you don’t arrange a transfer in advance, you can take a taxi. They’re available 24/7 at the airport, but they’re more expensive than private transfers, with fares starting at around 1,160 MXN ($65). You’ll need to buy a ticket at one of the taxi counters inside the arrivals hall before heading to your ride.
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
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
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
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
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cancun 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!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Can you get a rental car from Cancun to Playa del Carmen?
For the cheapest rentals and the most extensive selection of rental car companies, book one through Kayak or Skyscanner. You are required to have a valid driver’s license. We also recommend that you check out our Top 10 Tips on car rentals to help you save money when renting a car.
What to expect when visiting Playa del Carmen?
You can spend your days hopping from one hip cafe to another or go window shopping at the boutiques along Quinta Avenida. Something you may want to try is Xcaret Park. It describes itself as a nature park but is probably closer to a theme park, offering over 50 natural and cultural attractions.
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.
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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.
