3 Best Ways to get from Merida to Playa del Carmen, Mexico

You can get from Merida to Playa del Carmen by ADO bus, private transfer, or rental car.

The cheapest option to travel from Merida to Playa del Carmen is by ADO bus, which costs USD 30. The journey takes about 5 hours.

The most popular option is the ADO bus, which offers all travelers convenience and affordability.

The fastest way to travel to Playa del Carmen from Merida is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi. The journey lasts about 4.5 hours.

As I journeyed from Mexico’s sun-kissed beaches to its historic heartlands, I gathered a wealth of travel knowledge and practical tidbits.

In this expansive guide, I’m eager to share a list of all the transportation methods available from Merida to Playa del Carmen, combined with hands-on tips, all designed to pave the way for an immersive and stress-free Mexican adventure!

Check our guide for the best options to travel from Merida to Playa del Carmen.

Transportation Options from Merida to Playa del Carmen

The following table outlines all transportation options from Merida to Playa del Carmen:

Method	Travel time	Price
ADO Bus from Merida to Playa del Carmen	~5 hrs	$30 to 46
Merida to Playa del Carmen Private Transfer	~4.5 hrs	–
Rental Car	~4.5 hrs	–

How far is Playa del Carmen from Merida?

The distance from Merida to Playa del Carmen is 178.8 miles or 287.7 kilometers. Depending on your transportation choice, the road trip from Merida to Playa del Carmen can last between 4 and 6 hours.

Getting to Playa del Carmen from Merida

1. ADO Bus from Merida to Playa del Carmen

Journey Duration: ~5 hours

Taking the ADO Coach Bus is the best and most affordable way from Merida to Playa del Carmen!

ADO is the top bus company in Mexico, running buses on routes throughout the country and providing reliable service with the opportunity to purchase your tickets online.

The ADO Coach Buses from Merida to Playa del Carmen run daily, with numerous departures at various times. Depending on your select bus, a bus ticket from Merida to Playa del Carmen might cost anywhere from USD 30 to USD 46!

On extensive trips like this one, these coach buses are the only direct mode of public transportation available. The journey takes roughly 5 hours on average, but some buses arrive at Playa del Carmen in 4 hours while others do so in 6.

Some buses make stops along the way, while others do not stop at all, and they all depart from ADO Merida station.

So, to ensure your spot, check the schedules and reserve a seat from Merida to Playa del Carmen online now!

Merida to Playa del Carmen ADO Coach Bus Schedule

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

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
09:50am	02:30pm	4h 40m	$30
01:50pm	06:00pm	4h 10m	$30
06:40am	12:10pm	5h 30m	$43
09:40am	03:30pm	5h 50m	$43
11:40am	05:10pm	5h 30m	$43
01:40pm	06:00pm	4h 20m	$43
03:40pm	08:30pm	5h 50m	$43
06:40pm	12:30am	5h 50m	$43
11:40pm	05:15am	5h 35m	$43
12:50pm	05:00pm	4h 10m	$44
11:50pm	05:10pm	5h 20m	$44
06:50am	01:05pm	6h 15m	$44
11:50pm	05:15am	5h 25m	$44
08:50pm	01:50am	5h	$44
10:50am	03:00pm	4h 10m	$46

2. Private Transfer from Merida to Playa del Carmen

Journey Duration: ~4.5 hours

You can also book a private transfer to travel from Merida to Playa del Carmen, which is a more expensive but also more convenient option. This is a fantastic choice if you’re traveling in a group or need to travel around easily and comfortably.

You don’t need to worry about public transportation timetables because you can reserve a private transfer whenever you want!

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Merida and transported to your destination in Playa del Carmen without needing bus stops, crowds, or confusion.

On long road trips, a private transfer enables you to unwind without concern about the roads, unlike driving alone.

This is the quickest alternative, taking only 4 hours and 30 minutes to get from Merida to Playa del Carmen.

A private transfer is an excellent choice if you go with a group because the price is per vehicle rather than per person. Therefore, it is more economical to divide the entire cost among the passengers and get a great deal!

Make your private transportation reservations from Merida to Playa del Carmen right away for a hassle-free trip!

3. Driving with a Rental Car from Merida to Playa del Carmen

Journey Duration: ~4.5 hours

Driving a rental car is the final option for traveling from Merida to Playa del Carmen.

There are numerous places to rent a car in Merida, all with very reasonable rates.

Driving from Merida to Playa del Carmen takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. Additionally versatile, this choice allows you to move at your own pace! Renting a car will enable you to adjust your plan as you go, making your trip more exciting and fun!

Furthermore, the drive is on a well-maintained, straightforward route, making it a safe road trip even for first-time divers in Mexico!  

So, browse your options and reserve a car rental in advance for the best rates!

Rentalcars compares 900 companies at over 53,000 locations. Click here to guarantee you the best car rental price.

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

More Routes from Merida