4 Best Ways to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun, Mexico

You can get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun by ADO bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.

The cheapest option to travel from Playa del Carmen to Cancun is by ADO bus, which costs USD 8. The journey takes a bit over 1 hour.

The most popular option is the ADO bus, offering the most frequent departures and affordability.

The fastest way to travel to Cancun from Playa del Carmen is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi, which takes about 1 hour.

I’ve explored every corner of Mexico numerous times, giving me insider knowledge on the best transportation methods across this vibrant nation.

In this article, I’ll share insights on various travel alternatives, ensuring you have the information to navigate Mexico seamlessly and securely.

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

Transportation Options from Playa del Carmen to Cancun, Mexico

The following table outlines all transportation options from Playa del Carmen to Cancun, Mexico:

Method	Time	Price
ADO Bus from Playa del Carmen to Cancun	~1.5hrs	$8
Playa del Carmen to Cancun Private Transfer	1 hr	$74 to 145
Rental Car from Playa del Carmen to Cancun	1 hr
Taxi/ Uber from Playa del Carmen to Cancun	1 hr

How far is Playa del Carmen to Cancun?

The distance from Playa del Carmen to Cancun is 42 miles or 68 kilometers.

Getting to Cancun from Playa del Carmen

1. ADO Bus from Playa del Carmen to Cancun

Journey Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes

If you want to travel from Playa del Carmen to Cancun on a budget, the ADO coach bus is your most economical bet!

ADO boasts a collection of contemporary buses, complete with AC and television. These buses are not only reliable but also offer space for luggage beneath and overhead storage for smaller items. However, it’s wise to keep any precious items close to you and not stow them away.

The buses operate every day, with several timings throughout. The trip lasts only 1 hour and 15 minutes, and you can get the tickets for only USD 8!

This is the most popular option, so I recommend you get your tickets online in advance!

Playa del Carmen to Cancun ADO Bus Schedule

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

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
04:00am	05:10am	1h 10m	$8
04:40am	05:50am	1h 10m	$8
08:00am	09:10am	1h 10m	$8
09:20am	10:40am	1h 20m	$8
11:15am	12:30pm	1h 15m	$8
12:30pm	01:50pm	1h 20m	$8
02:20pm	03:30pm	1h 10m	$8
03:00pm	04:10pm	1h 10m	$8

2. Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cancun

Journey Duration: 1 hour

Booking a private transfer is an excellent option for those who want to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun as quickly, comfortably, and safely as possible. 

A private transfer gives you the advantage of avoiding long waits and many stops in your journey. 

Prices for a private transfer to Cancun:

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

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

Journey Duration: 1 hour

You can also travel from Playa del Carmen to Cancun by rental car. 

If you choose to rent a car, you have various companies and providers. The decision to rent a car depends on what you want to do while you are there. 

Here are some options if you are interested!

5. Uber or Taxi from Playa del Carmen to Cancun

Journey Duration: 1 hour

You can always take a taxi or Uber, but please check it locally with the app for this last option. There is Uber in Cancun; however, it’s not always straightforward, as Uber drivers still face many issues from the local taxi companies.

Best day tours in Cancun, 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 Cancun, Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions