Playa del Carmen is Cancun’s sister city and the heart of the Riviera Maya. Why is it the heart of the Riviera Maya? Because it is located in the middle of the Riviera Maya, close to the Xcaret Group parks such as Xcaret Park, Xel Ha Park and Xeses Park. In addition, it is less than 30 minutes away from several cenotes and caves.
As if this were not enough, Playa del Carmen is located halfway between Cancun and Tulum, therefore: In less than an hour you can reach either of these two destinations of the Riviera Maya.
So, Playa del Carmen is an incredible place to vacation, but a question arises: How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun? Excellent question and we are going to answer it right now.
Closest airport to Playa del Carmen
The closest airport to Playa del Carmen is Cancun International Airport. What does this mean? Cancun airport is your “connecting gateway” between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
But did you know that there are at least 4 airports in the Riviera Maya? Cancun airport is the largest and busiest, the next one is Tulum airport which although it currently accepts national and international flights, it is small and its purpose is the direct connection to Tulum.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen but we’ll explain that in another post, ok?
The next two airports are Playa del Carmen airport (Yes, Playa del Carmen has an airport) and Cozumel airport. BUT, these two airports are small and only for totally private flights.
From Cancun to Playa del Carmen
From Cancun airport we have 4 ways to get to Playa del Carmen. Two of them (Private transfer and cabs) can take you to your hotel in Playa del Carmen, one of them (ADO truck) is very cheap, but has a specific destination point inside Playa del Carmen and the last one (Car rental) gives you a lot of freedom. Let’s get to know them in more depth.
Private Transfers
For those seeking a more personalized and comfortable travel experience, private transfer services are available at Cancun Airport. You can arrange for a shuttle or private car to take you directly from the airport to your accommodation in Playa del Carmen.
Now is this the best way to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun airport? Yes, it is. And we are not just saying that because we want to sell you our private transportation service to Playa del Carmen.
We say it because we know that you arrive tired from your plane trip and the last thing you want is to have to deal with lines, extra time, expenses not considered.
Private transportation is exactly that: Private, you can book online, you won’t have to pay more than you already paid and you won’t have to wait longer than necessary. Do you want to know more advantages? now we tell you.
Advantages of Private Transfers
- Comfort and Luxury: Experience the ultimate in comfort and luxury with our private transportation service. Relax in spacious, air-conditioned vehicles equipped with plush seating and amenities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
- Safety and Security: Your safety is our top priority. Our professional drivers undergo rigorous training and adhere to the highest safety standards, providing you with peace of mind throughout your transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen.
- Faster Arrival Time: With our private transportation service, you’ll enjoy the benefit of a shorter travel time compared to other transportation options. Avoid unnecessary stops and delays, allowing you to reach your destination promptly and efficiently.
- Personalized Service: From the moment you arrive at Cancun Airport, our friendly and courteous staff are dedicated to providing you with personalized attention and assistance. Whether you have special requests or require additional information, we’re here to ensure your journey is seamless and stress-free.
ADO Bus Service
The ADO bus service operates directly from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen, offering a convenient and budget-friendly travel option.
But this service as such is not intended to take you anywhere near your hotel. Its final destination is the ADO bus terminal on the famous Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen.
Of course, if you plan to go there or if your hotel is close to the ADO bus terminal, then this is a convenient alternative as long as you don’t mind waiting 30 minutes.
Why? Because the ADO service has departure times and from the airport it is a 30 minute wait. So if that doesn’t bother you go ahead and travel to Playa del Carmen from Cancun.
Cabs
While private transfer services can also provide cabs, the other alternative is public cabs. These cabs are parked outside the airport terminals and are distinguished by their white color and green line.
They are excellent means of transportation, but only if you are traveling in a hurry, with little luggage and less than 4 people.
Car Rental
Renting a car from downtown Cancun is not only convenient but also flexible. You’ll find numerous car rental agencies in the city center, offering you a wide selection of vehicles to choose from. Driving along Federal Highway 307 is both safe and relatively straightforward, with the journey typically taking about 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.
How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Downtown Cancun
Are you located in downtown Cancun? Well from here we have a little more flexibility to get to Playa del Carmen and a few more options which are UBER, cabs, private transfer, ADO bus, Cobis from Playa Express, Rent a Car. Let’s analyze right now each one of them.
UBER
The UBER platform does operate in downtown Cancun (not at the airport), therefore, from here you can request an UBER driver. If you already know the application, you know that it will show you the transportation options, the cost and the estimated time to get to Playa del Carmen. So there is not much to discuss in this option.
Playa Express and ADO
These two options are available in downtown Cancun, as such you just have to look for the “ADO terminal” and buy your ticket to travel to Playa del Carmen.
The average cost is 10 USD. But wait: In front of the ADO terminal you can find the “combis” (VANS) of Playa Express. This is another type of shared transfer service and very cheap. It departs every half hour to downtown Playa del Carmen and costs approximately 3 USD to 4 USD.
Which one is better? If you want to get to Playa del Carmen as fast as possible and above all, get to Quinta Avenida then you should take the ADO bus.
If you want to spend less money without worrying about time, then take Playa Express, because this service “makes several stops” to pick up and drop off passengers along the way: Travel time can be up to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Private Transfer
If you are looking for the best way, alternative or option to travel from any part of Cancun to Playa del Carmen, without a doubt you have to choose the private transfer.
Although, it may be a little more expensive than the previous options. The private service is the only one that can guarantee safety, punctuality, cleanliness and personalized attention.
So if you are looking for the most comfortable, safe and recommendable alternative, the private transfer service is for you.
Taxi
Taxis are another way to travel to Playa del Carmen and you can find them in downtown Cancun. They are white units with a green stripe and the word “Taxis” written on them.
But we’ll be honest with you, while airport taxis are clean, have air conditioning, and are “safe,” we can’t say the same for downtown taxis: Many of them don’t have air conditioning, aren’t in good condition, and we don’t recommend them if you’re looking for a comfortable and safe travel experience. But if you want a real immersion into what the city’s everyday life would be like, then go ahead, cowboy! and enjoy that experience.
Car Rental
Renting a car from downtown Cancun is not only convenient but also flexible. You’ll find numerous car rental agencies in the city center, offering you a wide selection of vehicles to choose from. Driving along Federal Highway 307 is both safe and relatively straightforward, with the journey typically taking about 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
Plan Ahead. To avoid any last-minute hassle, it’s advisable to plan your transportation from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen in advance. Check the bus schedules or pre-book a private transfer to ensure a seamless transition upon arrival.
Consider Travel Time. Factor in the travel time when planning your journey from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. While the distance is relatively short, it’s essential to account for traffic conditions and any unforeseen delays.
Relax and Enjoy the Ride. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. As you travel along the coastline of the Riviera Maya, take in the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and lush tropical surroundings.
Conclusion
Traveling from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is a straightforward process, thanks to the variety of transportation options available. Whether you prefer the convenience of the ADO bus service or the comfort of a private transfer, you can rest assured knowing that your journey will be smooth and stress-free.
Ensure your comfort from the very first moment! Book your private transfer from Cancun airport with us now and enjoy a carefree trip, we guarantee a reliable and comfortable service to make your arrival perfect!