How to Get From Cancun to Playa Del Carmen

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Written by Maarten · Reviewed by Ela, Selene·

Bus · Colectivo · Shared Minivan · Taxi

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Map showing route from Cancun to Playa del Carmen - 65 km

Cancun → Playa del Carmen65 km

Playa del Carmen is a beach town 65 kilometres (40 miles) south of Cancun. A long pedestrian avenue runs the length of it, packed with bars, shops and restaurants. Shared colectivo vans are the cheapest way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen at $2.60 (45 MXN). The bus costs a little more and takes 1h 20m - 1h 50m.

DISTANCE

Distance from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen

Cancun and Playa Del Carmen are about 65 km (40 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 68 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 45m and 1h 50m.

~65 km

Straight-line distance

~68 km

Route distance

Travelling the other way?Playa Del Carmen to Cancun→

COMPARE

4 ways to travel from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen

There are four ways to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. You can choose between the bus, colectivo, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 45m–1h 30m and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by colectivo with tickets starting at $2.60 (45 MXN).

TransportDurationPrice

The bus is an affordable way to get from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen. Bus fares start from $4.70 (81 MXN) and the journey takes around 1h 20m - 1h 50m.

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.

Cancun to Playa Del Carmen

1h20mAU (Autobuses Unidos)StandardCancun ADO Bus StationPlaya del Carmen Alterna16:0517:30$581 MXNTickets

1h20mADOStandardCancun ADO Bus StationPlaya del Carmen Alterna00:3007:1008:1009:1010:1011:10+7$6108 MXNTickets

1h20mADOStandardCancun ADO Bus StationPlaya Del Carmen ADO Bus Station06:2007:0007:0107:3107:4508:20+9$6108 MXNTickets

1h20mADOFirst ClassADO CentroADO Terminal Turistica Playa Del Carmen06:2007:0007:0107:3107:4508:20+9$7117 MXNTickets

Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.

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 $4.10 (70 MXN) to $8.70 (150 MXN).

Bus Option 2

1h 30m - 1h 50m$13 (231 MXN)

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 $13 (231 MXN). 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.

1h30mADOStandardCancún Airport Terminal 2Playa Del Carmen ADO Bus Station00:0502:4008:1008:5009:2009:50+9$13231 MXNTickets

1h40mADOStandardCancún Airport Terminal 4Playa Del Carmen ADO Bus Station02:3008:0008:4009:1009:4010:10+9$13231 MXNTickets

1h50mADOStandardCancún Airport Terminal 3Playa Del Carmen ADO Bus Station02:2007:5008:3009:0009:3010:00+9$13231 MXNTickets

1h30mADOFirst ClassADO Conecta Aeropuerto, Cancun, QRADO Terminal Turistica Playa Del Carmen00:0502:4008:1008:5009:2009:50+9$15255 MXNTickets

Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.

Playa Del Carmen

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 $2.60 (45 MXN). 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

Playa Del Carmen

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 $7.90 (136 MXN).

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 45m - 1h 50m.

It’s best to book minivans online so you won't need to queue for tickets at the airport.

Shared Minivan schedule from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen

1h30mChiquila Holbox ExtremeTouristCancun Airport (CUNPlaya del Carmen bus stop09:3011:00$8136 MXNTickets

45mMexico Travel SolutionsStandardCancun Airport (CUNPlaya del Carmen - Any hotel00:0001:0002:0003:0004:0005:00+9$14248 MXNTickets

50mBD Experience MexicoShuttleCancun Airport (CUNPlaya del Carmen - Any hotel in Hotel Zone 100:0001:0002:0003:0004:0005:00+9$20340 MXNTickets

1h20mBD Experience MexicoShuttleCancun Airport (CUNPlaya del Carmen - Any hotel in Hotel Zone 200:0001:0002:0003:0004:0005:00+9$20340 MXNTickets

1h50mBD Experience MexicoShuttleCancun Airport (CUNPlaya del Carmen - Any hotel in Hotel Zone 300:0001:0002:0003:0004:0005:00+9$20340 MXNTickets

Show all 6 companies

1h30mCancun ShuttleStandardCancun Airport (CUNPlaya del Carmen - Any hotel00:0001:0002:0003:0004:0005:00+9$591,020 MXNTickets

Available atBookaway

Playa Del Carmen

A private transfer from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen is the easiest and most convenient transport option. The journey takes 45m - 1h 30m, 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 $57 (980 MXN) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $14 (248 MXN) each. Alternatively, you can flag down a taxi from the street. Taxi rates start at $58 (1,000 MXN), 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 $58 (990 MXN), which is slightly higher, but you’ll get professional drivers and excellent service.

Cancun to Playa Del Carmen

Uber

UberX 4 PAX

$57 (980 MXN)

$14 (245 MXN) per person

No Online Tickets

Valentina's Tours and Transfer

Standard Car 4 PAX

$65 (1,120 MXN)

$16 (280 MXN) per person

Tickets

Wayak

Standard Minivan 7 PAX

$155 (2,650 MXN)

$22 (380 MXN) per person

Tickets

Private transport tickets are available on Bookaway.

Private Option 2

45m - 1h 30m$58 (990 MXN)

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 $58 (990 MXN) 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 $65 (1,120 MXN). You’ll need to buy a ticket at one of the taxi counters inside the arrivals hall before heading to your ride.

Mexico Travel Solutions

Standard Minivan 6 PAX

$57 (990 MXN)

$9.60 (165 MXN) per person

Tickets

Mexico Travel Solutions

SUV Car 5 PAX

$130 (2,200 MXN)

$26 (440 MXN) per person

Tickets

Mexico Travel Solutions

Standard Minivan 16 PAX

$130 (2,200 MXN)

$8 (138 MXN) per person

Tickets

Cancun Shuttle

Standard Car 5 PAX

$58 (1,000 MXN)

$12 (200 MXN) per person

Tickets

Cancun Shuttle

Standard Minivan 7 PAX

$63 (1,080 MXN)

$8.90 (154 MXN) per person

Tickets

Shuttle Central

Shuttle Minivan 10 PAX

$62 (1,060 MXN)

$6.20 (106 MXN) per person

Tickets

Shuttle Central

SUV Car 5 PAX

$81 (1,380 MXN)

$16 (275 MXN) per person

Tickets

Private transport tickets are available on Bookaway.

Playa Del Carmen

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STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Playa del Carmen

Here are our favourite places to stay in Playa del Carmen for every budget.

Treat Yourself

Maya Villa Condo Hotel and Beach Club

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 (1,380 MXN) per night

Check availability

Treat Yourself

Opal Suites Apartments

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 (1,380 MXN) per night

Check availability

Mid-Range

Vainilla Bed and Breakfast Mexico

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 (690-1,380 MXN) per night

Check availability

Budget

Apart Hotel Casaejido

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 (260-690 MXN) per night

Check availability

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

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.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen, roughly 65 kilometres (40 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $2.60 (45 MXN). The quickest trip takes 45m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen?

The distance from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen is 65 kilometres (40 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen?

Journey times from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen overlap: bus 1h 20m - 1h 50m, colectivo 1.5h, shared minivan 45m - 1h 50m, taxi 45m - 1h 30m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.

What is the cheapest way to get from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen?

The cheapest way to get from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen is by colectivo with ticket costs starting from 45 MXN.

Can you get a rental car from Cancun to Playa del Carmen?

Yes, you can be your own private driver when travelling between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Rental cars in Mexico are cheap. Prices start from $33 (570 MXN) for a 24-hour rental and $140 (2,380 MXN) if you want to rent for a week. 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?

Playa del Carmen is a smaller coastal resort town in the Riviera Maya, but it still has a lot to offer. Many travellers tend to make Playa del Carmen their next port of call after Cancun due to its spectacular beaches, lively nightlife and access to some amazing cenotes. 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.

About the Authors

Maarten

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

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.

ElaReviewer

Senior Travel Writer

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.

SeleneReviewer

Travel Writer

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.

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How to Get From Cancun to Playa Del Carmen

Distance from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen