Whether you’re on your way home from Playa del Carmen or moving further afield, how do you leave the beachfront oasis and reach the airport without sacrificing the vacation vibe? Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport.
Many visitors choose the Playa del Carmen-Cancun route to explore because it is safe and easy. Getting to Cancun Airport is your best option if you want to reach any destination in the Yucatan Peninsula by plane.
The airport is one of the busiest in Mexico, and it is also one of the most important ones for tourism since there are a lot of flights from and to it daily. Cancun Airport is right by the Caribbean Sea and offers a fantastic view of its surroundings.
Best VPN for Travel: ExpressVPN
Heading abroad? Use ExpressVPN to access your social media accounts, unblock your favorite entertainment sites, and stay connected with friends and family. And get cheaper flights, of course.
Pros
✅ Next-gen, high-speed servers in 94 countries
✅ Works on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, browsers, and more
✅ 256-bit AES encryption protects your data, even on hotel Wi-Fi
✅ Unblocks Netflix and other streaming sites
Cons
❎ No dedicated IPs
Get 3 extra months free of ExpressVPN when signing up for a 1-year plan. That’s a 49% saving and a monthly cost of just $6.67! You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Now when you look at the map, it doesn’t seem that far to travel between Playa Del Carmen and Cancun Airport. However, knowing the best way to get there can save you time and dollars!
While visiting, join this wonderful catamaran tour that includes lunch and an open bar so you can get the whole Mexican experience!
Ready to catch your next flight?
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport.
How far is Playa Del Carmen from Cancun Airport?
The distance from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport is 34 miles or 55 kilometers. It usually takes less than an hour to get there!
Transportation Options from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport, Mexico
The following table outlines all transportation options from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport, Mexico:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport | ||
| Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport | ||
| Coach Bus from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport | ||
| Taxi/ Uber from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport | ||
| Rental Car from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport |
Getting to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
1. Shared Van Shuttle
Journey Duration: 1 hour
Travelers on a budget will find shared transfers a practical solution, as they are one of the cheapest options to get from Playa Del Carmen to Cancun Airport.
Shared shuttles are air-conditioned and insured and will pick you up from your hotel.
Playa Del Carmen shuttle offers several fares throughout the day, so you may choose which one to take. Shuttles leave almost every hour, so you don’t have to worry about missing a flight.
- 03:00 PM to 04:00 PM: Shared Shuttle to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 65
- 04:00 PM to 05:00 PM: Shared Shuttle to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 65
- 05:00 PM to 06:00 PM: Shared Shuttle to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 65
- 06:00 PM to 07:00 PM: Shared Shuttle to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 65
- 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM: Shared Shuttle to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 75
- 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Shared Shuttle to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 75
- 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Shared Shuttle to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 75
- 12:00 PM to 01:00 PM: Shared Shuttle to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 75
- 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM: Shared Shuttle to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 75
- 02:00 PM to 03:00 PM: Shared Shuttle to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 75
2. Bus from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport
Journey Duration: 1 hour
If you want to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun airport, taking the ADO coach bus is the cheapest option.
ADO has a fleet of modern busses equipped with air conditioning and TVs. Those buses are super safe and store your luggage under the bus, as well as small bags in overhead compartments, although it is recommended to keep any valuables you have on your lap and never put them away.
Buses run daily at different times of the day, and they run frequently! Choose your bus departure time in accordance with your flight.
- 03:00 AM to 04:10 AM: Coach Bus to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 18
- 04:00 AM to 05:10 AM: Coach Bus to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 18
- 05:00 AM to 06:10 AM: Coach Bus to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 18
- 06:15 AM to 07:20 AM: Coach Bus to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 18
- 07:00 AM to 08:10 AM: Coach Bus to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 18
- 08:30 AM to 09:30 AM: Coach Bus to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 18
- 09:30 AM to 10:40 AM: Coach Bus to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 18
- 10:10 AM to 11:15 AM: Coach Bus to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 18
- 11:30 AM to 12:40 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 18
- 12:40 PM to 01:50 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 18
- 01:50 PM to 03:00 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 18
- 04:00 PM to 05:10 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 18
- 05:30 PM to 06:40 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 18
- 07:00 PM to 08:10 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 18
- 07:45 PM to 08:50 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 18
- 08:20 PM to 09:40 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 18
3. Private Transfer from Playa Del Carmen to Cancun Airport
Journey Duration: Custom Time
Do you want a hassle-free travel experience? Then choose your private transfer from Playa Del Carmen to Cancun Airport.
If you are planning to take a private transfer from Playa Del Carmen, I recommend pre-booking since it promises you a driver who speaks English, guarantees your comfort and privacy, provides flexibility, and the transfer is in an insured, new, and conditioned vehicle.
A private shuttle from your hotel in Playa Del Carmen to Cancun International Airport is more convenient for larger groups of travelers than the shared shuttle. Plus, you can arrange your departure time and make additional stops along the way whenever you need to.
Arrive at the airport on time, and don’t worry about missing your flight!
Prices for a private transfer to Cancun Airport:
- 1-7 passengers: USD 74
- 8-10 passengers: USD 88
- 11-16 passengers: USD 145
5. Driving with Rental Car
Journey Duration: 50 minutes
Traveling by car is one of the best ways to reach Cancun International Airport from Playa Del Carmen. With a car, you can also take advantage of traveling around the Yucatan peninsula and exploring some of its attractions, such as Chichen Itza or the pink lakes of Las Coloradas.
The website Rentalcars.com provides comparisons of rental prices from the major companies. Different rental vehicle prices depend on your choice (such as a sedan or an SUV).
6. Taxi
Journey Duration: 50 minutes
Although a taxi can be more expensive than taking the bus from Playa Del Carmen, it is undoubtedly one of the fastest and more comfortable ways to get to Cancun Airport.
As the distance is not so big, this option is also worth considering if you do not wish to arrange transportation in advance. The ride will cost you approximately USD 75-80, but you can negotiate a lower rate to avoid getting scammed.
Best day tours in Cancun, 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 Cancun, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much for a taxi from Playa del Carmen to Cancun?
No matter where you are, a taxi ride will be expensive. It costs 670 pesos to travel from Playa Del Carmen to Cancun or 700 to the Cancun Hotel Zone, but prices may always vary, so keep that in mind.
How early should I get to Cancun airport?
It is generally recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight departs.
What is the best month to go to Playa del Carmen?
When visiting Playa del Carmen, we recommend going between April and May, when there are fewer people along the shore. The daytime temperature hovers between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping slightly as evening approaches. During October and March, the weather is typically dry and warm.
