You can get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen by ADO Bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, taxi, or rental car.
The cheapest option to travel from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is by ADO Bus, which costs USD 18. The journey takes a bit over 1 hour.
The most popular option is also the ADO bus that goes straight from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen.
The fastest way to travel to Playa del Carmen from Cancun is by private transfer or taxi, which takes 1 hour.
Exploring the diverse landscapes of Mexico multiple times has equipped me with insider knowledge of the most efficient modes of transportation throughout this stunning nation.
In this guide, I’ll unveil each transportation alternative from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen, ensuring you have all the necessary insights for an easy and hassle-free journey!
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus | 1.5 hrs | $18 |
| Shared Shuttle | 1 hr | $24 to 75 |
| Private Transfer | 1 hr | $74 to 145 |
| Taxi | 1 hr | – |
| Rental Car | 1 hr | – |
How far is Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?
The distance between Cancun Airport and Playa del Carmen is around 34 miles (55 kilometers), and it usually takes one hour to reach the town via the Cancun/Mexico 307 Highway.
Getting from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
1. ADO Bus
Journey Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
The ADO bus is the cheapest way to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. It is the only bus company with permission to offer transportation from the airport.
The price for a one-way ticket starts at 18 USD. All ADO buses have air conditioning, reclinable seats, a bathroom, and TVs.
ADO Bus Schedule:
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30am | 10:00am | 1h 30m | $18 |  |
| 09:20am | 10:50am | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 10:30am | 12:00pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 10:50am | 12:25pm | 1h 35m | $18 | |
| 11:20am | 12:50pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 11:40am | 01:10pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 12:00pm | 01:30pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 12:30pm | 01:45pm | 1h 15m | $18 | |
| 01:00pm | 02:30pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 01:50pm | 03:00pm | 1h 10m | $18 | |
| 02:20pm | 03:50pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 02:40pm | 04:10pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 03:00pm | 04:30pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 03:40pm | 05:10pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 04:20pm | 05:50pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 04:40pm | 06:10pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 05:20pm | 06:50pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 05:40pm | 07:10pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 06:00pm | 07:30pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 06:40pm | 08:10pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 07:00pm | 08:30pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 07:40pm | 09:10pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 08:45pm | 10:15pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 09:00pm | 10:35pm | 1h 35m | $18 | |
| 09:25pm | 10:55pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
| 10:25pm | 11:55pm | 1h 30m | $18 | |
2. Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: 1 hour
Another convenient way to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is by shared van shuttle. All shuttle vans are air-conditioning, and the driver will drop you off at your hotel in Playa del Carmen.
Between 09:00 AM and 06:00 PM, one van leaves from the airport every full hour.
As seats are limited, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.
Shared Shuttle Schedule:
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 09:00am | 1h | $24 | |
| 09:00am | 10:00am | 1h | $75 | |
| 09:30am | 10:30am | 1h | $24 | |
| 10:00am | 11:00am | 1h | $75 | |
| 10:30am | 11:30am | 1h | $24 | |
| 11:00am | 12:00pm | 1h | $75 | |
| 11:30am | 12:30pm | 1h | $24 | |
| 12:00pm | 01:00pm | 1h | $75 | |
| 12:30pm | 01:30pm | 1h | $24 | |
| 01:00pm | 02:00pm | 1h | $75 | |
| 01:30pm | 02:30pm | 1h | $24 | |
| 02:00pm | 03:00pm | 1h | $75 | |
| 02:30pm | 03:30pm | 1h | $24 | |
| 03:00pm | 04:00pm | 1h | $75 | |
| 03:30pm | 04:30pm | 1h | $24 | |
| 04:00pm | 05:00pm | 1h | $75 | |
| 04:30pm | 05:30pm | 1h | $24 | |
| 05:00pm | 06:00pm | 1h | $75 | |
| 05:30pm | 06:30pm | 1h | $24 | |
| 06:00pm | 07:00pm | 1h | $75 | |
| 06:30pm | 07:30pm | 1h | $24 | |
| 08:00pm | 09:00pm | 1h | $24 | |
3. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: 1 hour
A private transfer to Playa del Carmen might be your best option if you prefer more comfort and flexibility.
Your driver will pick you up at the airport in Cancun and drop you off at your hotel in Playa del Carmen. This option is especially interesting if you are traveling in a group.
Click here to reserve a private transfer to Playa del Carmen!
Prices for a private transfer:
- 1-7 passengers: $74
- 1-10 passengers: $116
- 8-10 passengers: $129
- 11-16 passengers: $145
4. Traveling to Playa del Carmen by Rental Car
Journey Duration: 1 hour
Playa del Carmen is a good starting point to visit some of Yucatan’s highlights, like the amazing cenotes.
If you prefer exploring the area independently rather than with a guided tour, we recommend renting a car at Cancun Airport and driving to Playa del Carmen.
5. Uber or Taxi
Journey Duration: 1 hour
If you haven’t booked a transfer in advance and do not want to take the bus, taking a taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is also an option.
Due to the higher fare, we recommend booking a transfer in advance.
Best day tours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?
The cheapest way to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is by ADO Bus. The cheapest tickets cost only $18!
What is the fastest way to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?
The fastest way to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is by car. Car travel takes a bit over an hour, and you can choose between a private transfer, rental car, or taxi.
Is it safe to travel from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?
Generally, it is considered safe to travel between Cancun Airport and Playa del Carmen. However, staying informed about travel advisories is always recommended, using reputable transportation providers, and remaining vigilant about personal safety is always recommended.
Can I use public transportation from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?
Yes, ADO buses are a popular and economical public transportation option, with hourly departures daily from the Cancun Airport bus stations to Playa del Carmen.
How to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?
You can get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen by ADO Bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, taxi, or rental car.
Are there any car rental services available at Cancun Airport?
Yes, several international and local car rental companies operate at Cancun Airport, offering a range of vehicles for hire.
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