If Playa del Carmen is your first destination in Mexico, you will most probably arrive at Cancun Airport. Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen.
Cancun airport is well connected with domestic as well as international flights. It is also the closest airport to Playa del Carmen.
As most visitors to Playa del Carmen arrive at Cancun airport, you can choose between a wide range of travel options.
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen.
How far is Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?
The distance between Cancun Airport and Playa del Carmen is around 34 miles (55 kilometers), and it usually takes one hour to reach the town via the Cancun/Mexico 307 Highway.
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 |
---|---|---|
Bus from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen | 1 hour 10 minutes | USD 18 |
Shared Shuttle from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen | 1 hour | – |
Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen | 1 hour | – |
Taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen | 1 hour | – |
Rental Car | 1 hour | – |
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
Getting from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
1. ADO Bus from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
Journey Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes
The cheapest way to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is by the ADO bus. It is the only bus company with permission to offer transportation from the airport.
The price for a one-way ticket starts at 18 USD. All ADO buses have air conditioning, reclinable seats, a bathroom, and TVs on board.
2. Shared Van Shuttle
Journey Duration: 1 hour
Another convenient way to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is by shared van shuttle. All shuttles vans are air-conditioning, and the driver will drop you off at your hotel in Playa del Carmen.
Between 09:00 AM and 06:00 PM, one van leaves from the airport every full hour.
As seats are limited, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.

3. Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
Journey Duration: 1 hour
If you prefer more comfort and flexibility, a private transfer to Playa del Carmen might be your best option.
Your driver will pick you up at the airport in Cancun and drop you off at your hotel in Playa del Carmen. This option is especially interesting if you are traveling in a group.
Click here to make a reservation for a private transfer to Playa del Carmen!
4. Traveling to Playa del Carmen by Rental Car
Journey Duration: 1 hour
Playa del Carmen is a good starting point to visit some of Yucatan’s highlights, like the amazing cenotes.
If you prefer exploring the area independently rather than with a guided tour, we recommend renting a car at Cancun Airport and driving to Playa del Carmen.

5. Uber or Taxi
Journey Duration: 1 hour
If you haven’t booked a transfer in advance and do not want to take the bus, taking a taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is also an option.
Due to the higher fare, we recommend booking a transfer in advance.

Best day tours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
