Home Destinations Playa del Carmen to Cancun & back: Transportation Guide

Playa del Carmen to Cancun & back: Transportation Guide

by Lisa Stentvedt
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If you’re looking to travel from Playa del Carmen to Cancun, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many options available. Whether you’re looking for an airport transfer, a shared shuttle, or the ADO bus.

When I’ve traveled from Cancun to the Playa del Carmen and rest of the Riviera Maya area, I’ve relied on both the regional buses, transfers and even taxis. All are great modes of transportation, and worth considering when you are planning a trip!

Therefore, I wanted to write this post about the best ways to travel from Playa del Carmen to Cancun (or from Cancun to Playa del Carmen).

Read first: Should you visit Cancun or the Riviera Maya?

The sun setting in the ocean. Photo taken in Cancun, mexico.
Sunsets in Mexico just hit different.

Quick Cancun Travel Guide

Where to stay: The Cancun Hotel Zone is where you will find most all-inclusive (and well-known) hotels in the city. My favourite resort is the Grand Fiesta Coral Beach, and you can check out my full review here. Other recommended hotels in the Hotel Zone are Secrets The Vine (adult-exclusive) and the Riu Palace.

Where to eat: There are several restaurants along the Hotel Zone, and most resorts have several restaurants. Don’t miss La fonda del Zancudo or La Habichuela.

Top activities and tours in Cancun:

Read more: The Best Cancun Day Trips & Tours

Packing for Cancun: Cancun is hot-hot-hot, so you obviously want to pack your swimwear, flip flops and light summer dresses year-round. Most resorts have a casual dress code, but require closed shoes and somewhat nicer outfits for dinner. So pack a few nice dinner dresses as well. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen and sunglasses, and have a look at my all-inclusive packing list before you go!

Airport transfers: When you arrive at Cancun international airport it can be a little overwhelming, as there are countless transportation companies and taxies trying to get your attention (by literally shouting). I always save myself the trouble by booking a transfer in advance. This is the highest-rated transfer service on Viator.

How to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun (or vice versa)

No matter which of the options below you choose, you’ll find an easy way to travel between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

On my first trip to the area, we ended up taking a private transfer/taxi all the way from Playa del Carmen to the airport in Cancun. This was mainly because we had an early flight (meaning a 5am pick up), and because we wanted the most convenient option.

However, on later trips I have travelled along between Cancun and the Riviera Maya by bus – which is also a super easy option!

Regardless, you’ll be happy to hear that there are several options to choose from, depending on your budget and time constraints.

So let’s dive in!

#1 By bus (ADO)

The ADO bus is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly way to get between Playa del Carmen and Cancun. The bus runs regularly and is a comfortable way to travel, even showing a movie onboard!

Side note: the movies are in Spanish, and I had a great time trying to figure out what was happening plot-wise (considering my Spanish is practically non-existent).

The main bus station in Cancun is located right in the city center, and it is easy to get a taxi to and from the bus stop. In Playa del Carmen the ADO bus terminal is located on 5th Avenue.

You can book your bus tickets in advance, making it extra convenient for you. The ADO website is very clear (even though it is only in Spanish), and as of recently you can pay with international credit cards.

The bus leaves Cancun up to 4 times an hour, traveling to Playa del Carmen and then onwards to Akumal, Tulum and as far south as Bacalar.

The travel time between Cancun and Playa del Carmen is 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The bus ticket costs around 240 MXN (around 15 USD).

Direct bus between Playa del Carmen and Cancun Airport

If you are heading straight to catch your flight at Cancun International Airport, you’ll be happy to hear that ADO also operates a bus from Playa del Carmen to the airport.

The bus services each of the terminals at Cancun International, and leaves Playa del Carmen two times an hour.

The ADO bus terminal in Cancun, Mexico. A red sign above a small crowd says "Welcome to Terminal Cancun". People are lining up to buy bus tickets. This is where the bus to Playa del Carmen departs from.

#2 Colectivo (shared local bus)

The Mexican Colectivo buses are a method of public transportation available in cities and regions throughout Mexico. Passengers can board the buses and travel throughout the area for a small fee – cheaper than the regional bus companies. It can be intimidating at first, but it’s actually super easy to use.

The Colectivo buses are quite popular and provide an economical way of getting around town. They typically stop frequently along their routes to pick up passengers, which makes it easy to hop on and off whenever you need to.

In addition, these buses offer passengers a chance to experience Mexico in a more intimate setting than other forms of public transportation.

The colectivo Playa Express travels between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, and leaves from right by the 307 highway (Google map link). It costs 40-45 MXN (2-3 USD) and is the cheapest way to travel between the two cities.

The colectivo stops at the ADO bus station in Cancun. There is no colectivo that goes directly to the airport, so you’d have to get an ADO bus from the city center.

#3 Cancun to Playa del Carmen by car (rental or taxi)

The most popular way to travel between the two cities is by car, as it is the most convenient and cost-effective option. The drive takes around an hour and a half, depending on traffic.

Renting a car is a great option if you’re looking for a more independent experience. You can rent a car from one of the many car rental companies in Playa del Carmen and drive yourself to Cancun – the distance is around 40 miles. Alternatively, if you are starting in Cancun, there are loads of car rental companies both at the airport and in the city center (not so many in the hotel zone).

This is a great way to explore the area at your own pace and make stops along the way, as there are plenty of great things to see along the coast.

If you are in a hurry, and don’t mind spending a little extra, you can also get a taxi to take you down (or up) the coast. A taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen can cost up to $100, which may make sense if you are a traveling with friends.

#4 Airport transfer options (Shared and private)

There are several local companies that offer transfers between the Cancun airport and Playa del Carmen. These can (and should) be booked in advance, and will pick you up right outside your hotel and take you to the terminal you need.

Below is a selection of transfer options – both private and shared. Some even have wifi!

Cancun to Playa del Carmen FAQ

In conclusion, traveling between Playa del Carmen and Cancun is surprisingly easy. Whether you choose to take a shared or private airport transfer, a colectivo, an ADO bus, or another option, you can find a way to get to your destination quickly and safely.

With the tips I’ve shared here I hope you’ll make the most of your trip and have a great holiday!

Below are the questions I have been asked the most about travelling between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. If a question is missing, leave it below and I’ll get to it when I can!

How far is it from Playa del Carmen to Cancun?

The distance between Playa del Carmen and Cancun is approximately 40 miles. This makes it a relatively short journey, and one that can be completed in a few hours.

How much is a taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen?

A taxi can cost up to $100.

Is Cancun or Playa del Carmen better?

This depends on you. Cancun is busier, known for its nightlife and luxury resorts, whilst Playa del Carmen is calmer, and a great place to relax.

How far is Playa del Carmen from Cancun airport?

Around 40 miles.

Is Playa del Carmen near Cancun?

Yes, it is just a 1,5 hour drive away

Is Playa del Carmen in Cancun, Mexico?

No, Playa del Carmen is a town about 40 miles south of Cancun.

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