You can get from Merida to Playa del Carmen by ADO bus, private transfer, or rental car.
The cheapest option is by ADO bus, which costs USD 30. The journey takes about 5 hours.
The most popular option is the ADO bus, which offers all travelers convenience and affordability.
The fastest way is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi. The journey lasts about 4.5 hours.
Quick Answer:
The cheapest way to get from Merida to Playa del Carmen is by ADO bus (USD 30, approx. 5 hours). The most popular option is also the ADO bus due to its convenience and comfort. The fastest way is by private transfer or rental car (around 4.5 hours).
As I journeyed from Mexico’s sun-kissed beaches to its historic heartlands, I gathered a wealth of travel knowledge and practical tidbits.
In this expansive guide, I’m eager to share a list of all the transportation methods, combined with hands-on tips, all designed to pave the way for an immersive and stress-free Mexican adventure!
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus | ~5 hrs | $30 to 46 |
| Private Transfer | ~4.5 hrs | – |
| Rental Car | ~4.5 hrs | – |
How far is Playa del Carmen from Merida?
The distance fromMerida to Playa del Carmen is 178.8 miles or 287.7 kilometers. Depending on your transportation choice, the road trip from Merida to Playa del Carmen can last between 4 and 6 hours.
Getting to Playa del Carmen from Merida
1. ADO Bus
Journey Duration: ~5 hours
Taking the ADO Coach Bus is the best and most affordable way.
ADO is the top bus company in Mexico, running buses on routes throughout the country and providing reliable service with the opportunity to purchase your tickets online.
The ADO Coach Buses run daily, with numerous departures at various times. Depending on your select bus, a bus ticket cost anywhere from USD 30 to USD 46!
On extensive trips like this one, these coach buses are the only direct mode of public transportation available. The journey takes roughly 5 hours on average, but some buses arrive at Playa del Carmen in 4 hours while others do so in 6.
Some buses make stops along the way, while others do not stop at all, and they all depart from ADO Merida station.
ADO Coach Bus Schedule
Below is the current bus schedule with departure times, trip durations, and prices.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:50am | 02:30pm | 4h 40m | $30 |  |
| 01:50pm | 06:00pm | 4h 10m | $30 | |
| 06:40am | 12:10pm | 5h 30m | $43 | |
| 09:40am | 03:30pm | 5h 50m | $43 | |
| 11:40am | 05:10pm | 5h 30m | $43 | |
| 01:40pm | 06:00pm | 4h 20m | $43 | |
| 03:40pm | 08:30pm | 5h 50m | $43 | |
| 06:40pm | 12:30am | 5h 50m | $43 | |
| 11:40pm | 05:15am | 5h 35m | $43 | |
| 12:50pm | 05:00pm | 4h 10m | $44 | |
| 11:50pm | 05:10pm | 5h 20m | $44 | |
| 06:50am | 01:05pm | 6h 15m | $44 | |
| 11:50pm | 05:15am | 5h 25m | $44 | |
| 08:50pm | 01:50am | 5h | $44 | |
| 10:50am | 03:00pm | 4h 10m | $46 | |
2. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: ~4.5 hours
You can also book a private transfer, which is a more expensive but also more convenient option. This is a fantastic choice if you’re traveling in a group or need to travel around easily and comfortably.
You don’t need to worry about public transportation timetables because you can reserve a private transfer whenever you want!
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Merida and transported to your destination in Playa del Carmen without needing bus stops, crowds, or confusion.
On long road trips, a private transfer enables you to unwind without concern about the roads, unlike driving alone.
This is the quickest alternative, taking only 4 hours and 30 minutes.
A private transfer is an excellent choice if you go with a group because the price is per vehicle rather than per person. Therefore, it is more economical to divide the entire cost among the passengers and get a great deal!
3. Rental Car
Journey Duration: ~4.5 hours
Driving a rental car is the final option.
There are numerous places to rent a car in Merida, all with very reasonable rates.
The trip takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. Additionally versatile, this choice allows you to move at your own pace! Renting a car will enable you to adjust your plan as you go, making your trip more exciting and fun!
Furthermore, the drive is on a well-maintained, straightforward route, making it a safe road trip even for first-time divers in Mexico!
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.
Here, you can find some of the best tours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Merida to Playa del Carmen?
Car travel is the quickest way, taking about 3 hours and 40 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Merida to Playa del Carmen?
The ADO Coach Bus is the most affordable way, with prices starting at just USD 30.
Is there an airport in Playa del Carmen?
You can’t fly directly to Playa del Carmen because there isn’t an airport. The nearest airport is Cancun International Airport, which is 55 kilometers or 34 miles away.
Does Merida have Uber?
Yes, Uber is currently available in Merida.
How long is the bus ride from Merida to Playa del Carmen?
The fastest bus ride takes about 4 hours, while the longest is just over 6 hours.
Sharing helpful info? Please feel free to cite this guide:
Universal Traveller — How to Get from Merida to Playa del Carmen
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