What to expect when visiting 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!
5 ways to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun
There are five ways to travel the distance of 68 km (42 miles) from Playa del Carmen to Cancun: by bus (1hr 10m), shared minivan (1.5 hours), taxi (1 hour), flight (1h-5h) and colectivo (1.5 hours). The journey takes between 1-5 hours and the quickest way is by taxi. The lowest priced tickets start from 70 MXN ($4.00) for the colectivo.Where to stay in Cancun?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Cancun at the bottom of this page.
Playa del Carmen to Cancun by Colectivo
Colectivos are the cheapest option to travel from Playa del Carmen to Cancun.
Because they are used mostly used 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.
However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more for more comfort, then we recommend booking a colectivo ride with a company called Sindicato Lazaro Cardenas. Unlike the main colectivo companies, it caters more to tourists so it’s also heaps and leaps cleaner and more spacious. A ticket costs 70 MXN ($4.00) and you can buy one online through BookAway.
Check Colectivo Tickets with BookAway
Which Colectivo company to choose?
If you’d rather travel like a local, there are two other colectivo companies operating this route: Playa Express and Colectivos Foraneos. Both run every 15 minutes or when the vehicle reaches its capacity.
- Playa Express operates from 04:00 to 23:00 and offers more spacious vehicles with working AC.
- Colectivos Foraneos runs 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. Sindicato Lazaro Cardenas departs a few blocks away at Benito Juarez Ave.
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.
Playa del Carmen to Cancun by Bus
The bus company going from Playa del Carmen to Cancun is ADO Bus, the most popular bus company in Mexico. With an ADO bus, you can expect great quality service. All buses include AC, a toilet and reclining seats.
A bus ticket costs 100 MXN ($5.50) and travel time is a little over an hour.
Bus Schedule from Playa del Carmen to Cancun
PRO TIP: We recommend purchasing your tickets online through BookAway. An ADO bus ticket is actually a couple of dollars cheaper when you buy it onsite or online through the ADO website, but they only accept Mexican credit cards.
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 actually depart from there. But if you are able to reserve a seat in Alterna, the bus will stop there to pick you up. When booking your tickets online, make sure you double-check which bus station you’re departing from!
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 210 MXN ($11.50). 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 15 MXN ($0.80) to be paid directly to the bus driver.
Playa del Carmen to Cancun by Flight
If your trip has come to an end and you’re flying out of the Riviera Maya through Cancun International Airport, you can find several airport transfer services directly from Playa del Carmen.
There are three ways to do it: by bus, shared shuttle or with a private transfer. All three options have an average duration of an hour, but the shared minivan may take an extra 15 minutes because it may stop to pick up other passengers on the way. Rates range from 265 MXN ($15.00) and 935 MXN ($53.00).
PRO TIP: When booking any of these services, remember to depart from Playa del Carmen at least 5 hours before your flight to account for delays from traffic, roadworks or in the case of shared services, any issue with additional stops.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Shared Minivan from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport
Shared minivans are a good option as they will pick you up from your hotel in Playa del Carmen. However, they will also pick up all passengers and that may add to the travel time going to the airport. These Cancun Airport shuttle services depart every hour, 24 hours a day, from Playa del Carmen. Fares start from 305 MXN ($16.50) on BookAway.
Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport
Another good option is to hire a private Cancun Airport transfer. This private shuttle service is provided by several companies and picks you up from your accommodation in Playa del Carmen.
Also here, we recommend booking your ride online through BookAway as they offer spacious 6-seater cars with rates from 935 MXN ($51.00).
You can also book a private transfer with one of the local agencies in town. Some companies with the best reviews and cost/benefit ratio are eTransfers and Happy Shuttle Cancun.
Bus from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport
The bus is the airport transfer we recommend if you’re on a budget. Buses from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport are run by ADO Bus and depart every hour from 03:00 to 19:45. You can board the ADO bus from the Turistica bus terminal in the centre of town.
A bus ticket costs 265 MXN ($14.50) when you book online beforehand through BookAway. ADO bus prices are a bit cheaper at the terminal, but seats are not guaranteed.
Playa del Carmen to Cancun by Shared Minivan
If you want to avoid going to/from bus terminals, shared minivans conveniently take you from your current hotel to your next one. This service is offered by several companies and is commonly booked online.
Although more expensive than the bus, the shared minivan may be a good option if your hotels in both Playa del Carmen and Cancun are located far away from the bus terminals and want to save some money on taxis.
A ticket costs 450 MXN ($25.50) and travel time is around 1.5 hours, depending on the number of times they drop passengers along the way. Shared minivans run every hour from 08:00 to 19:00.
This shared shuttle service is best booked online so you won’t have to visit their physical office just to buy a ticket.
Playa del Carmen to Cancun by Taxi
You can also take a taxi from Playa del Carmen to Cancun. If you’re travelling with at least one other person, then a taxi will be a more cost-efficient option compared to taking a shared minivan. The entire trip takes about an hour unless there’s heavy traffic along the way.
A taxi service costs around 700 MXN ($40.00). Keep in mind that taxis in Playa del Carmen are not metered, so 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.
Our favourite places to stay in Cancun
Sina Suites - Treating Yourself
Resorts in Cancun can cost you a bomb! Sina Suites gives you that resort-style feel without the high prices. Ever wanted your own private marina in a hotel? No? Well now you probably do, and Sina Suites has one. It also has a large swimming pool set amongst gardens that overlook the lagoon.
Every day, enjoy a continental breakfast and delicious Mexican food in their poolside restaurant/bar that sits underneath a traditional thatched hut! You’ll also get more than just a room here, most suites also offer a kitchenette and balcony.
- Views overlooking Cancun lagoon
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Bar and restaurant
- Great location
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Viento Suites - Mid Range
Viento Suites is an escape from the busy and hectic Cancun. Once you’re inside the walls of this hotel, chilling in the garden beside the swimming pool, you’ll forget about the outside world.
The location couldn’t be more perfect. It’s situated within Downtown Cancun, but also very close to the Hotel Zone and beaches. The rooms look like those found in a high-class hotel, but without the extortionate prices.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- BBQ facilities
- Great location
- Clean and spacious rooms
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Yellow Capsule Hotel - Budget Friendly
Looking for a unique sleeping experience? The Yellow Capsule Hotel will definitely give you that. Instead of traditional rooms, you sleep in a pod. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the future when you clamber into your bright and spacious pod.
The capsules are clean and include everything you need for a comfy stay, a mirror, outlets, a safe and storage space. When you’re done hanging around in your pod, you can chill at the hotel’s terrace and enjoy their free breakfast.
- Cool capsule sleeping experience
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Great location
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
Estancia Tulbayab 36 - Budget Friendly
If you’re looking for a more homely feel than a to hotel, then definitely stay at Estancia. The owners will instantly make you feel welcome and are always there to offer advice.
The homestay offers a very convenient location, close to the local markets and not too far from the ADO bus station. The rooms are clean and spacious, plus a steal for the price. If you fancy doing some cooking whilst in Cancun, you can make use of the communal kitchen.
- Great location
- Clean and spacious rooms
- Helpful and friendly hosts
- You’ll feel at home
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Playa del Carmen to Cancun
Can you rent a car from Playa del Carmen to Cancun?
For the cheapest car rentals and most extensive selection, book one through Kayak or Skyscanner. Make sure you 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.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun. 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!
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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.
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.
