How to Get From Playa del Carmen to Cancun

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 ($2.60), 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 105 MXN ($6.10) and travel time takes 55m - 2h.

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 ($12). 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 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 135 MXN ($7.90), and the journey takes around 45m - 1h 50m, 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.

A private transfer from Playa Del Carmen to Cancun is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 45m - 1h 30m, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Prices for private transfer start at 1,000 MXN ($58) for a 7-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 145 MXN ($8.20) 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.

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.