Chichen Itza is well connected with Playa Del Carmen. You can get from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza by bus, private transfer, or rental car.
Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan site in Mexico and one of the country’s most impressive historical sites you can visit!
The site is located within the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico near Valladolid and has been a tourist attraction since it first opened its doors to the public. Today, it’s considered one of the 7 Word Wonders!
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There are six Mayan ruins in the Old Chichen section of Chichen Itza and about 20 in the New Chichen or Chichen Itza section. The Mayan pyramids at Chichen Itza are one of North America’s most impressive archeological ruins due to their size and structural beauty!
The pyramid complex also consists of other significant buildings, such as plazas, temples, and ball courts that the ancient Mayans used as residences and ritual places.
The Chichen Itza Pyramid, also known as El Castillo, is the most significant Mayan ruin. Still, other equally significant structures include the Observatory, The Temple of The Warriors, and The Mayan Ball Game.
Visit Chichen Itza, Mexico, and see the beautiful ruins that mark the beginning of Mayan culture!
Traveling between Playa Del Carmen and Chichen Itza is easy, and you can choose between a bus, private transfer, and rental car!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza.
How far is Chichen Itza from Playa Del Carmen?
The distance from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza is 113.3 miles or 182.2 kilometers. The traveling time is around 2-3 hours.
Transportation Options from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza
The following table outlines all transportation options from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Coach Bus from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza | 3 hours 20 minutes | USD 33 |
| Private Transfer from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza | 2 hours 15 minutes | – |
| Transport + Tour from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza | ~ 3 hours | – |
| Rental Car from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza | 2 hours 15 minutes | – |
Getting to Chichen Itza from Playa Del Carmen
1. Coach Bus from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza
Journey Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes
Bus travel is the first and cheapest option from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza.
There is a direct coach bus operated by ADO, which offers a comfortable and convenient service!
However, there’s only one ADO bus from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza daily, which departs at 08:10 AM from the ADO station on 5th Avenue and arrives in Chichen Itza in a little over 3 hours.
The bus tickets are affordable and cost USD 33 for a one-way trip!
Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza Coach Bus Schedule:
- 08:10 AM to 11:30 AM: Coach Bus to Chichen Itza from Playa Del Carmen
Total price: USD 33
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itzá. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
2. Transport + Tour from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza
Journey Duration: ~3 hours
If you’re traveling solo or want to explore the nearby cenotes and highlights of the area beside the ruins, joining one of the Chichen Itza tours from Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya is a great idea!
Several companies offer Chichen Itza tours, including a ride there and a tour of the ruins with a certified guide who explains the history of what was the most famous city in the Yucatan Peninsula!
Some offer additional amenities, so it’s up to you to make a choice about which offers you’re going to take!
3. Private Transfer from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza
Journey Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Alternatively, you can book private transport from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza if you are not driving yourself but still want independence and the comfort of having your vehicle!
You can book this service through several Mexican traveling agencies that provide private transfers for this route.
A personal driver will be assigned to pick you up at your preferred location and take you directly to the ruins! The drive takes a little over 2 hours
This option costs more than public transport; therefore, it’s usually only recommended for groups or families.
4. Driving with Rental Car from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza
Journey Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
And lastly, you can head on an adventure by renting a car from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza and explore on your own!
Travelers often rent a car and drive themselves to the various sightseeing destinations around Yucatan so they can customize their itinerary.
First, from Playa Del Carmen, you must take Highway 305, which connects to Highway 180. This one will take you directly to the ruins in about 2 hours!
Because both roads are toll roads, the trip will cost USD 17 each way plus the rental car fee.
The drive to Chichen Itza is possible, but we strongly suggest renting a car online to avoid scams. To compare prices and to make your experience safer, we recommend using Rentalcars!
Best day tours in Chichen Itzá, 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 Chichen Itzá, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the toll price on the road from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza?
If you’re traveling from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza on the toll road, expect to pay about USD 17 each way.
Can you go to Chichen Itza without a tour?
Yes, booking a private tour or guide to Chichen Itza is not required. In fact, many travelers choose to visit the site independently!
Is the drive to Chichen Itza safe?
To a great extent, traveling to Chichén Itzá by car is pretty safe. However, if you decide to drive to this isolated location, you should take extra precautions because some Mexican roads can be dangerous and unpredictable.
How much does it cost to see Chichen Itza?
The Chichén Itzá entrance fee is about USD 13.
Does the ADO bus go to Chichen Itza?
The ADO bus company offers service from the ADO station in Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza. The bus leaves once daily at 08:10 AM.
What is the cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza?
The cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza is by bus, which costs USD 33.
What is the fastest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza?
The fastest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza is to travel by car, which takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.
