How to get from Chiquila 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 Chiquila to Playa del Carmen?
There are 4 ways to travel the 123 kilometre (76 miles) distance from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen. You can choose between the bus, minivan, private transfer and colectivo. The journey takes 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by colectivo with tickets starting at 250 MXN ($14.10).
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 Minivan
There are plenty of minivans operating from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen.
The minivan journey takes around 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes, with fares starting at 270 MXN ($15.10).
There are three companies operating on this route: Nice Travel Holbox, Peninsula Travel and Chiquila Holbox Extreme.
Departure and arrival stations
All minivans depart from the parking lot in front of Puerto de Chiquilá.
They arrive at Colectivo Station – Playa del Carmen to Tulum. If you are taking Chiquila Holbox Extreme, check with the driver to confirm the drop-off location.
Minivan schedule from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen
You can book minivan tickets online through BookAway.
Chiquila to Playa del Carmen by Colectivo
Colectivo companies operate from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen using sprinter-type minivans. They have 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 30 minutes. A ticket costs 250 MXN ($14.10).
Departure and arrival stations
Colectivos depart from Te Llevo a Holbox- Servicio Colectivo, the colectivo stop across Chiquila Police Station, around 300 metres from the main port.
Most colectivos park at Playa del Carmen Colectivo Station, about 1.5 km from the town centre.
Chiquila to Playa del Carmen by Bus
The bus service from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen is operated by ADO, Mexico’s largest bus company.
ADO buses have air-conditioning, reclining seats and a toilet.
There’s only one daily departure, and the journey takes 2 hours 20 minutes. A bus ticket costs around 360 MXN ($20.50).
Departure and arrival stations
Buses from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen depart from ADO Chiquila, about 400 metres from the main dock.
In Playa del Carmen, they arrive at Terminal Turistica on 5th Avenue, just a few blocks from the beach.
Bus schedule from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen
Trips are limited, so booking at least a day in advance is best. We recommend using BookAway, which offers excellent customer service.
If you buy tickets onsite, they may be sold out, and you’ll have to wait until the next day for the next trip.
Chiquila to Playa del Carmen by Private Transfer
A private transfer from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 2 hours, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Prices for private transfer start at 3,050 MXN ($170) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 1,020 MXN ($57) each.
You can book your private ride in advance through Viator or 12GoAsia.
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 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!
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 kilometre (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 minivan 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 250 MXN ($14.10).
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.
