You can travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen by ADO bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or taxi/uber. Check out our guide with all the important information.
Playa del Carmen is a popular tourist destination located on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
The town is known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and ancient Mayan ruins.
Looking to explore Playa del Carmen beyond the resort?
Check out these top-day tours from GetYourGuide. From swimming in cenotes to visiting ancient ruins, there’s something for everyone.
Check out our guide for all the important information on traveling from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
Distance from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
The distance from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is about 68 kilometers or 42 miles by car.
It takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to travel by car from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
Transportation Options from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cancun to Playa del Carmen:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen | 1 hour and 40 minutes | USD 7 |
| Shared Shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen | 1 hour and 40 minutes | USD 25 |
| Private Transfer from Cancun to Playa del Carmen | 1 hour and 15 minutes | – |
| Taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen | 1 hour and 15 minutes | – |
| Rental Car from Cancun to Playa del Carmen | 1 hour and 15 minutes | – |
Getting to Playa del Carmen from Cancun
1. ADO Bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
The ADO bus is one of the best ways to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. The bus leaves from the ADO bus station in downtown Cancun, and it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to get to Playa del Carmen.
The cost of the bus starts at only USD 7 per person.
The bus ride is very comfortable, and you can take your time to enjoy the scenery along the way. The driver will drop you off at the ADO bus station in Playa del Carmen.
If you are looking for a cheap, convenient, and comfortable way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, then the ADO bus is the best option for you!
2. Shared Shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
A shared shuttle is a great option for getting from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
Many companies offer this service, and it is relatively inexpensive. The shuttle will pick you up at your hotel in Cancun and take you to your accommodation in Playa del Carmen.
The journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
3. Private Transfer from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
With a Private Transfer, you will have your own driver who will pick you up at your hotel in Cancun and take you to your destination in Playa del Carmen.
The driver will also help with your luggage and ensure you are comfortable during the ride.
Private transfers are a great way to travel if you want to avoid the hassle of public transportation.
Prices for a private transfer from Cancun to Playa del Carmen:
- 1 to 7 passengers: USD 74
- 8 to 10 passengers: USD 88
- 11 to 16 passengers: USD 145
4. Driving with Rental Car from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
The drive from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is scenic, made even more beautiful by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The route takes you along the coast, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the view.
The drive takes about an hour and 15 minutes but can be longer depending on traffic. It’s a good idea to leave early in the morning to avoid the heaviest traffic.
We recommend you make a reservation in advance!
5. Uber or taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Lastly, you can also take a taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
We highly recommend organizing transportation in advance and only taking a taxi if you decide to travel to Playa del Carmen at the last minute.
Tip: Agree on a fixed price before you get in the car!
Best day tours in Playa del Carmen
Looking to explore the best of Playa del Carmen on a day tour?
Then look no further than GetYourGuide!
With their wide range of options, you’re sure to find the perfect tour for you. From exploring ancient ruins to swimming in cenotes, there’s something for everyone.
And with their experienced and knowledgeable guides, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.
Check out the following widgets for more day tours in Playa del Carmen!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest option to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen?
Taking an ADO bus is the cheapest option to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Ticket prices start at USD 7 per person.
What is the fastest way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen?
The fastest way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is by private transfer or rental car. Depending on the traffic, it takes about one hour and 15 minutes to get to Playa del Carmen.
More Routes from Cancun
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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