3 Best Ways to get from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itzá, Mexico

You can get from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza by ADO bus, private transfer, or rental car.

The cheapest option to travel from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itzá is by ADO bus, which costs USD 33. The journey takes a bit over 3 hours.

The most popular option is the Guided Tour, which goes straight from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itzá and offers a day full of exploration along with providing transportation.

The fastest way to travel to Chichen Itzá from Playa del Carmen is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi.

Venturing through Mexico, from its energetic city centers to its peaceful countryside, has been a journey of a lifetime for me.

In this article, I’m eager to share the practicalities of getting around. Navigate with confidence, and let Mexico’s charm unfold before you!

Check our guide for the best options to travel from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza.

Transportation Options from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza

The following table outlines all transportation options from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza:

Method	Time	Price
ADO Bus from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza	~3.5 hrs	$33
Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza Private Transfer	~2.5 hrs	–
Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza Transport + Tour	~3 hrs	–
Rental Car from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza	~2.5 hrs	–

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.

Getting to Chichen Itza from Playa Del Carmen

1. ADO 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!

Remember to save your seats on the ADO coach bus in advance to skip the lines and ensure your trip from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza!

Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza ADO Bus Schedule:

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

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
08:10am	11:30am	3h 20m	$33

2. Transport + Tour from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza

Journey Duration: ~3 hours

Another way you can get to Chichen Itza from Playa Del Carmen is by booking a tour that includes your transport!

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 a 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 to 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!

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

Best day tours in Chichen Itzá, 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 Chichen Itzá, Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions