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.

There are 4 ways to travel the 68 kilometres (42 miles) 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 ($2.40).

The bus is an affordable way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Bus fares start from 87 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.

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 245 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.

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 ($2.40). 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.

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 145 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

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 1,060 MXN ($58) 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 1,200 MXN ($65). You’ll need to buy a ticket at one of the taxi counters inside the arrivals hall before heading to your ride.