How to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun

Why visit Cancun?

Cancun is a vibrant beach city overlooking the Caribbean Sea. With its crystal blue waters and snow-white sand, the city can be too touristy for some visitors. But its location on Mexico’s east coast makes it the perfect gateway to other destinations like Chichen Itza, Isla Mujeres and Holbox.

You’ll find most tourists in the Hotel Zone, which is full to the brim with all-inclusive resorts, restaurants and lively bars. Depending on what you’re looking for, Cancun can just be a short stopover or a holiday destination by itself. Whichever you decide, make sure to explore other nearby destinations for a more authentic Mexican experience!

There are 4 ways to travel the 68 kilometre (42 miles) distance from Playa del Carmen to Cancun. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, private transport and colectivo. The journey takes 45 minutes - 2 hours 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).

Colectivos are the cheapest option to travel from Playa del Carmen to Cancun.

Because they are used mostly by local workers and not by tourists, they don’t have any space for luggage. Therefore, they are a good option only for day trips to Cancun or if you are travelling with just hand luggage.

The average rate to Cancun is 45 MXN ($2.50), but can go higher during peak season (December to April). You can buy your tickets directly from the driver.

Which Colectivo company to choose?

Two colectivo companies operate on this route: Playa Express and Colectivos Foráneos. Both run every 15 minutes or whenever the vehicle is full.

• Playa Express has more spacious vehicles with working AC, making for a more comfortable ride.
• Colectivos Foráneos operates 24 hours but may not be as comfortable as Playa Express.

Where to find the Colectivos from Playa Del Carmen to Cancun?

Playa Express and Colectivos Foraneos depart from the main colectivo bus stop in Playa del Carmen’s main tourist area.

The colectivos park at Avenida Tulum in Cancun city centre. Unlike buses, you can get off before this stop if your accommodation is on the way.

The bus is an affordable way to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun.

ADO, Mexico’s most popular bus company, is the only company operating this route. It offers comfortable, air-conditioned buses with reclining seats and onboard restrooms. For this route, you can book Primera Clase or TLLD. See our Mexico Bus Guide for the differences between ADO’s bus types.

Bus ticket prices start at 110 MXN ($6.10) and travel time takes 55 minutes - 2 hours.

Departure and arrival station

ADO buses depart from two bus terminals in downtown Playa del Carmen: Turistica and Alterna. Turistica is the main bus station and all buses officially leave from there. But if you book a seat from Alterna, the bus will stop there to pick you up.

Coming from Xcaret Park? Some ADO buses stop there too! When booking your ticket online, double-check which station you’re departing from to avoid any last-minute confusion.

All buses arrive at ADO Bus Station, just within walking distance from most hotels in downtown Cancun. But if you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, you can take a taxi for around 200 MXN ($11.10). You can also take a bus (R-1, R-3 or R-38) from Avenida Tulum to the beach area. The rate for the buses is 12 MXN ($0.70) to be paid directly to the bus driver.

If you’re heading straight to Cancun Airport, the ADO Aeropuerto bus is the cheapest transfer option. You can catch it from the Alterna Bus Terminal in Playa del Carmen’s town centre.

Ticket prices start at 235 MXN ($13.10) when booked online through BookAway. Prices are a bit lower at the terminal, but seats aren’t guaranteed.

If you’re heading straight to Cancun Airport and want to skip the hassle of bus terminals, shared minivans are a convenient option. They’ll pick you up right from your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about getting to a minivan station.

This service is offered by four minivan companies: Chiquila Holbox Extreme, Mexico Travel Solutions, BD Experience Mexico and Cancun Shuttle.

Tickets cost 140 MXN ($7.90), and the journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on how many stops are made along the way.

This shared shuttle service is best booked online so you won’t have to visit their physical office just to buy a ticket.

Shared Minivan options from Playa del Carmen to Cancun

A private transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cancun is the easiest and most convenient 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.

Prices for private transfer start at 1,040 MXN ($58) for a 7-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 395 MXN ($22) each.

You can also hail a taxi from the street, but keep in mind that taxis in Playa del Carmen are not metered. Make sure to agree on a rate before getting in.

PRO TIP: Taxi drivers in taxi stands charge more than those you can hail from the street. Also, it will be cheaper if you can find a taxi away from the tourist area at 5th Avenue.

If you’re flying out of Cancun International Airport, you can book a private transfer from Playa del Carmen.

Many companies offer this service, picking you up directly from your accommodation for a quicker and more convenient ride. Rates start from 1,040 MXN ($58) when you book online through BookAway.