5 Best Ways 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 to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is by ADO Bus, which costs only $7. The journey takes a bit over 1.5 hours. 

The most popular option is also the ADO Bus since it offers the most convenience!

The fastest way to travel to Playa del Carmen from Cancun is by private transfer or taxi, with the journey lasting a bit over 1 hour. Prices start at $74. 

You can choose many convenient and comfortable ways to get to Playa del Carmen based on your budget and traveling style.

In this detailed guide, I’ll go over multiple cost-efficient and comfortable ways to arrive in the town safely and quickly so you can get out and enjoy every fun thing that Playa del Carmen offers!

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	~1.5 hrs	$7 to 8
Shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen	~1.5 hrs	$25
Cancun to Playa del Carmen Private Transfer	~1 hrs	$74 to 145
Taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen	~1 hrs	–
Rental Car	~1 hrs	–

Distance from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen

The distance from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is around 42 miles or 68 kilometers. It takes about 1 hour to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen by car.

1. ADO Bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen

Journey Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes

Traveling from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is easy and straightforward with the ADO Coach Bus services!

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 and cost only USD 7 or USD 8, depending on your departure time. The journey duration is relatively short, taking around 1.5 hours.

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

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 ensure your travel plans are firmly in place before embarking on your Mexican adventure!

Check out the current schedules and prices here to plan your trip accurately!

Cancun to Playa del Carmen ADO Coach Bus Schedule:

The table below displays the ADO bus timetable for trips from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
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. Cancun to Playa del Carmen Shared Shuttle 

Journey Duration:  1 hour and 40 minutes

Another option to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is 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! 

If you are looking for a budget-based trip or want to travel with random people, booking a shuttle can be a great option. 

You can get a Cancun to Playa del Carmen shuttle 24 times daily!

These shuttles are entirely sanitized, comfortable, and air-conditioned. The booking only costs $25 per person in a shuttle, 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 from Cancun to Playa del Carmen

Journey Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Opting for a private transfer from Cancun to Playa del Carmen provides a direct and convenient travel option, although at a higher price compared to public transport. 

This alternative suits groups or those seeking ease and comfort, as it allows 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.

To secure a smooth and stress-free trip, consider booking your private transfer beforehand, ensuring your transportation from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is organized and straightforward!

Prices for a private transfer from Cancun to Playa del Carmen:

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

4. Taxi or Uber from Cancun to Playa del Carmen

Journey Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Taking a taxi for the journey from Cancun to Playa del Carmen 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 from Cancun to Playa del Carmen

Journey Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

And lastly, Renting a car in Cancun is one of your 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

It is more than easy to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun. 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.

Here, you can find some of the best tours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions

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