How to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, Mexico

You can get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen by ADO Bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, taxi, or rental car.

The cheapest option is the ADO Bus, which costs only $7 and takes slightly over 1.5 hours to complete. 

The fastest way is by private transfer or taxi, which takes slightly over one hour and costs $74. 

You can choose from many convenient and comfortable ways based on your budget and travel style.

In this detailed guide, I’ll discuss multiple cost-efficient and comfortable ways to arrive safely and quickly so you can get out and enjoy everything Playa del Carmen has to offer!

Transportation Options

The following table outlines all transportation options:

1. ADO Bus

Journey Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes

Known for its reliability and reasonable fares, ADO operates numerous daily routes between these two destinations, ensuring travelers have many options to suit their schedules and making it a practical choice!

Ticket prices are very affordable. Depending on your departure time, they cost only USD 7 or USD 8. The journey duration is relatively short, taking around 1.5 hours.

Some buses run directly without stops, while others may pause.

All buses depart from the Central ADO Cancun station, which is conveniently located and easily accessible by taxi or public transport! 

As this is a very popular route, I recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and that your travel plans are firmly in place before embarking on your Mexican adventure!

ADO Coach Bus Schedule:

The table below displays the ADO bus timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

Departure	Arrival	Duration	Price
06:10am	07:30am	1h 20m	$7
07:00am	08:10am	1h 10m	$7
08:10am	09:30am	1h 20m	$7
09:00am	10:21am	1h 20m	$7
11:00am	12:10pm	1h 10m	$7
10:00am	11:25am	1h 25m	$8
12:00pm	01:20pm	1h 20m	$8
01:00pm	02:20pm	1h 20m	$8
02:00pm	03:50pm	1h 50m	$8
03:00pm	04:40pm	1h 40m	$8
04:00pm	05:20pm	1h 20m	$8
05:10pm	06:30pm	1h 20m	$8
06:00pm	07:20pm	1h 20m	$8
07:40pm	09:00pm	1h 20m	$8
08:20pm	10:00pm	1h 40m	$8
11:59pm	01:30am	1h 30m	$8

2. Shared Shuttle 

Journey Duration:  1 hour and 40 minutes

Another option is to travel by shared shuttle. The only difference between a private transfer and a shuttle minivan is that the latter is shared, and thus the cost is shared! 

Booking a shuttle can be a great option if you are looking for a budget-friendly trip or want to travel with random people. 

These shuttles are entirely sanitized, comfortable, and air-conditioned. Booking a shuttle only costs $25 per person, which is great given the comfort, convenience, and adventure! 

We recommend booking it a few days before so you do not have to wait for people to join in. You can now book a shuttle on Book a Way at a reasonable price!  

3. Private Transfer

Journey Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

This option suits groups or those seeking ease and comfort, allowing travelers to schedule without adhering to public transport timings.

With door-to-door service, private transfers pick you up from your Cancun location and take you straight to your destination in Playa del Carmen, avoiding any potential public transport crowds or stops. 

This allows for a potentially faster journey and a more relaxed experience as you don’t need to navigate roads yourself. When traveling by private transfer, you can reach your destination in about 1 hour and 15 minutes!

For group travelers, the per-vehicle pricing model of a private transfer becomes cost-effective when the total fee is split among all passengers.

It also allows you to make brief stops if needed, adding flexibility to your journey.

Prices for a private transfer:

• 1-7 passengers: $74
• 8-10 passengers: $88
• 11-16 passengers: $145

4. Taxi or Uber

Journey Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Taking a taxi for the journey is a viable choice, especially for those who might not have pre-arranged their transport.

While taxis offer a degree of convenience, being readily available and providing a direct route to your destination, it’s worth noting that this spontaneity comes at a higher cost than pre-booked transfers.

Taxis can be hailed directly from Cancun and will navigate efficiently to Playa del Carmen, reaching your destination in 1 hour, offering a hassle-free, albeit pricier, alternative for travelers who may not have finalized their transit plans in advance. 

While this option doesn’t require sticking to a pre-defined schedule, it’s imperative to consider the budget implications, as taxi fares can significantly vary.

If you choose this option, try to negotiate a price, and always travel with a reliable taxi company.

5. Rental car

Journey Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Lastly, Renting a car in Cancun is one of the best options for visiting Playa del Carmen, especially appealing to those who prefer to dictate their schedules and explore a bit along the way.

The relatively straightforward journey allows travelers to navigate at their own pace, potentially discovering additional sites and experiences en route. You’ll be free to explore many more places on the Yucatan peninsula with a car!

We recommend visiting the pink lakes of Las Coloradas and Chechen Itza. 

You can get a rental car in Cancun, but we recommend getting a vehicle from Rentalcars for better deals!

Bottom Line

These are five of the best ways to travel within both places. I hope this guide helped you figure out the transportation and that you spend quality time at Playa del Carmen. 

Chill out on the beach, go on 4WD tours, take architecture and cultural tours, visit theme and water parks, explore nature & wildlife areas, dance the night away in the clubs, and enjoy your time at Playa del Carmen! 

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.

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