You can travel from Playa del Carmen to Cancun by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, taxi, or rental car. Check out our guide with all the important information.
If you’ve ever been curious about the rich culture of Mexico, there is no better place to learn than Cancun!
There’s no shortage of activities, adventures, and magnificent sights to explore in Cancun.
Tourists come from around the world to enjoy Cancun’s unique blend of beach culture, urban nightlife, and historical sights.
The land surrounding Cancun is also full of activity. There are plenty of things to do that will keep you busy on land —and if that’s not enough, don’t forget about the underwater world!
Take advantage of Cancun’s numerous organized activities and tours- they’ll keep you busy from day one and guarantee that every minute will be exciting!
For example, take part in this Cancún Full-Day Tour to discover some of the most famous landmarks in the Riviera Maya in one day!
As part of this tour, you’ll also get to visit Chichén Itzá, take a dip in a cenote, learn about Valladolid’s history, and sample some tequila to finish the day off!
So, why not book a spot for this amazing tour, kick back, and enjoy your Mexican vacation to the fullest?
Check out our guide for all the important information on traveling from Playa del Carmen to Cancun.
Distance from Playa del Carmen to Cancun
The distance from Playa del Carmen to Cancun is about 68 kilometers or 42.3 miles by car. Travel time is approximately one hour!
Transportation Options from Playa del Carmen to Cancun
The following table outlines all transportation options from Playa del Carmen to Cancun:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus from Playa del Carmen to Cancun | 1 hour 15 minutes | USD 8 |
| Shared Shuttle from Playa del Carmen to Cancun | 1 hour | USD 14-USD 32 |
| Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cancun | 1 hour | USD 74-USD 145 |
| Taxi from Playa del Carmen to Cancun | 1 hour | ~USD 50 |
| Rental Car from Playa del Carmen to Cancun | 1 hour | – |
Getting to Cancun from Playa del Carmen
1. ADO Bus from Playa del Carmen to Cancun
Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes
The first option for traveling from Playa del Carmen to Cancun is taking the ADO coach bus!
ADO’s coach buses provide comfortable and affordable transportation, and that’s why they are usually the top choice for travelers.
Since there are frequent daily departures from Playa del Carmen to Cancun, you’ll have plenty of options. There are even departures during the night!
It will take around 1 hour and 15 minutes to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun by ADO coach bus, and a single ticket will only cost you USD 8!
So, it’s perfect for budget travelers since it is the cheapest alternative.
Remember to should check your departure point in Playa del Carmen when booking your ticket. You’ll likely depart from ADO Terminal Turistica since it is located in the heart of the city’s tourist district.
Check the schedules and book your bus ticket from Playa del Carmen to Cancun online!
2. Shared Shuttle from Playa del Carmen to Cancun
Travel time: 1 hour
A shared van shuttle is yet another fantastic mode of transportation from Playa del Carmen to Cancun!
Taking a shared shuttle is an excellent way to travel from Playa del Carmen to Cancun, especially if you’re staying in the Hotel Zone because it will drop you off directly at your accommodation.
These minivan shuttles carry fewer people than the bus and will get you to Cancun a bit faster.
Tickets are also very reasonably priced; the cheapest one costs only USD 14!
Shuttles frequently leave from Playa del Carmen for Cancun, making this a very accessible and practical mode of transportation!
However, we recommend saving your seat on the shared van shuttle from Playa del Carmen to Cancun online in advance to ensure your journey—it only takes one click!
3. Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cancun
Travel time: 1 hour
Another option to get to Cancun from Playa del Carmen is to set up a private transfer ahead of time!
A private transfer is an excellent choice for groups or people who just want to get between Playa del Carmen and Cancun as quickly, comfortably, and safely as possible.
A private transfer helps you to bypass huge lines and numerous stops along the way and get taken straight to your Cancun accommodation!
Get picked up wherever and whenever you want, and get to Cancun in only 1 hour!
This option costs more than the other alternatives, but the price becomes very acceptable once split among your traveling group!
So, check out the best deals and make a smart choice for your trip from Playa del Carmen to Cancun!
Prices for a private transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cancun
- 1-7 passengers: USD 74
- 8-10 passengers: USD 88
- 11-16 passengers: USD 145
4. Driving with Rental Car from Playa del Carmen to Cancun
Travel time: 1 hour
Renting a car and traveling independently from Playa del Carmen to Cancun is another option for tourists who want the greatest freedom and flexibility with their schedules!
The route connecting Playa del Carmen and Cancun is straightforward, in excellent condition, and quite secure.
The entire trip takes around an hour, and Playa del Carmen offers a wide range of low-cost rental car options!
So, browse through the rental options, pick a car, and head straight to Cancun!
We recommend you make a reservation in advance!
5. Taxi from Playa del Carmen to Cancun
Travel time: 1 hour
You can also get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun by taking a taxi. However, we recommend you negotiate the price beforehand.
The drive will take only 1 hour, and the fare shouldn’t be more than MXN 1000 or USD 50, or sometimes even cheaper. This is important to know, so you don’t get ripped off.
If you’re unsure which taxi company to go for, get a recommendation from a local or your hotel.
But the best choice you can make is to book a private transfer instead of a cab, for guaranteed safety, comfort, and convenience!
Best day tours in Cancun, Mexico
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Check out the following widgets for more day tours in Cancun, Mexico!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest option to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun?
Taking the ADO Coach Bus, which costs only USD 8, is the cheapest option to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun!
What is the fastest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun?
The fastest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun is by car! The drive takes only 1 hour!
What mode of transportation is most used to travel from Playa del Carmen to Cancun?
The ADO Coach Bus is the most popular option for traveling from Playa del Carmen to Cancun!
Is There Uber in Playa del Carmen?
Unfortunately, Uber does not operate in Playa del Carmen.
How long is a taxi ride from Playa del Carmen to Cancun?
A taxi ride from Playa del Carmen to Cancun lasts approximately 1 hour.
Are there shuttles from Playa del Carmen to Cancun?
Yes, shared and private shuttle services operate from Playa del Carmen to Cancun.
More Routes from Playa del Carmen
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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