You can travel from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, taxi, or rental car. Check out our guide with all the important information.
Playa del Carmen is a jewel in the Riviera Maya, a place where you can easily escape the busyness of everyday life and get everything you want from a tropical Mexican vacation!
Playa del Carmen is an eclectic mix of urban sophistication, incredible beach life and colorful colonial architecture. Here, lively bars and cool boutiques sit next to local taquerias and chic hotels —all with an authentic Mexican style!
Hit the beach, take part in some underwater activities, or join one of the many amazing Playa del Carmen Tours!
We recommend booking this Full-day Entry to the Maya Riviera’s Xcaret Park, and get a day full of excitement and adventure, plus a free lunch and a night show!
With a full-day pass to the Xcaret Park near Playa del Carmen, you can enjoy all the excitement of this top tourist destination in the Riviera Maya.
Swim and dive around coral reefs, explore Mexican cultural traditions in underground rivers, or simply relax on the beach!
So, what are you waiting for? Book your Playa del Carmen adventure today!
Check out our guide for all the important information on traveling from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen.
Distance from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
The distance from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is about 55.4 kilometers or 34.4 miles by car. It takes around one hour to reach Playa del Carmen from the airport.
Transportation Options from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen | ~1-2 hours | USD 18 |
| Shared Shuttle from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen | 1 hour | USD 75 |
| Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen | 1 hour | USD 74-USD 145 |
| Taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen | 50 minutes | ~USD 50 |
| Rental Car from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen | 50 minutes | – |
Getting to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport
1. Bus from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: ~1-2 hours
The most affordable way to travel from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is on the ADO coach bus.
ADO is the only public bus operator with authorization to provide transport from the airport, and we highly recommend using this option!
Tickets are very affordable-they only cost USD 18! In addition, the buses depart very frequently, over 20 times a day, so you can take the bus no matter when you arrive at the airport.
These coach buses will take you to the bus station in Playa del Carmen in about 1-2 hours, depending on which bus you catch.
We recommend booking your tickets online to save a seat and not worry about your trip!
2. Shared Shuttle from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 1 hour
Taking a shared van shuttle is also a practical option for traveling from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen.
A single ticket costs USD 75, which is significantly more than the bus, but a shared shuttle travels with fewer people and will get you to Playa del Carmen faster.
The traveling time is 1 hour, and there are hourly departures throughout the day, making this choice available at any time!
Check out the shared shuttle schedule and book your tickets in accordance with your arrival time! It’s best to book online to ensure your trip.
3. Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 1 hour
Looking for a convenient transport choice? We recommend booking private transport from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen!
A private airport shuttle is the most practical way to go to Playa del Carmen if you want to reach your hotel as soon as possible and don’t want to bother about driving or timetables!
A driver will be waiting for you once you arrive at the airport and will drive you directly to your Playa del Carmen accommodation.
Given that the price is very reasonable once it is divided among the passengers, it is particularly well suited for groups or families.
Additionally, private transportation is quicker; it will take you just one hour to reach Playa del Carmen.
Check out the options and book the best ride for you!
Prices for a private transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
- 1-7 passengers: USD 74
- 8-10 passengers: USD 88
- 11-16 passengers: USD 145
4. Driving with Rental Car from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 50 minutes
Another way to travel to Playa del Carmen from the airport is by renting a car! Having a car also allows you to travel from Playa del Carmen on a few day trips and explore the Yucatan peninsula.
Mexican car rentals come at some very affordable prices, making this a comfortable and easy choice if you’re up for a drive.
Despite the fact that you can get a rental car right at the airport, we suggest booking in advance to get a better rate!
5. Taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 50 minutes
And finally, if for some reason you’re making a last-minute choice and you want to get to Playa del Carmen from the airport, you can always take a taxi.
However, this is an option we advise you to avoid since there are much better alternatives, like booking a private transfer!
A taxi to Playa del Carmen can cost over USD 50, and if you do decide to get in a cab, make sure you negotiate a price and avoid being scammed.
Best day tours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Get Your Guide is your best choice for all your travel plans! They have always helped make my travels exciting and unforgettable, so I highly recommend it!
With Get Your Guide you can discover authentic travel adventures and take advantage of personalized suggestions and itineraries with more than 60,000 guided tours, famous landmarks, and much more!
Check out the following widgets for more day tours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest option to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?
The cheapest way to travel from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is by ADO Coach Bus. One ticket costs only USD 18!
What is the fastest way to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?
The fastest way to travel from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is by car. You can get there in only 1 hour, or less by either renting a car, or hiring a private transfer!
Which mode of transportation is most popular between Cancun Airport and Playa del Carmen?
The ADO Coach Bus is the top choice for travelers going from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen!
How much is a taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?
A taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen costs around USD 50.
Do Cancun taxis take US dollars?
Taxi drivers accept dollars, although it is preferable that you use pesos, so you don’t get ripped off and spend more than you need to.
Can you order Uber at Cancun Airport?
No, Uber is not available at the Cancun Airport. However, there are other airport transportation options to choose from!
More Routes from Cancun Airport
Author: AnaMarija Mishachkovska
AnaMarija is a devoted SEO travel writer with deep expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand. Experience: AnaMarija's academic journey commenced with pursuing a bachelor's degree at AUE FON University in Macedonia. Subsequently, she immersed herself in the realm of travel writing, specializing in creating comprehensive transportation guides for diverse regions in Latin America and Southeast Asia. Since 2021, AnaMarija has been employed as a travel writer with expertise in transportation at Universal Traveller. Furthermore, in 2022, she expanded her horizons by becoming a travel writer for Guatemala Transport Service and Mexico Transport Service. Since 2023, AnaMarija has been actively sharing her extensive knowledge in Thailand transportation as a contributor to Bangkok Insiders. Expertise: AnaMarija holds profound expertise in transportation across various countries, including Costa Rica, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and Thailand. Her comprehensive knowledge enables her to navigate the most efficient routes effortlessly, while her writing style ensures that this valuable information is easily understandable and readily accessible online. Education: AnaMarija's educational background includes studies in Design and Multimedia at AUE FON University in Macedonia. To augment her academic foundation, she pursued online courses in Search Engine Optimization…
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AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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