How to Get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is one of the most sought-after destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula, and with good reason. It’s such a fun city to explore, suitable for every kind of traveler, from families to solo backpackers, couples, and even digital nomads.

Playa del Carmen is located halfway between Cancun and Tulum, and it offers the best of both: a great city life, with good shopping and dining opportunities, lively nightlife, and plenty of activities, and also spectacular beaches and access to the jungle. There are so many things to do in Playa del Carmen, you could spend quite a few weeks there seeing it all!

Exploring the many cenotes around the city, visiting the Tulum Ruins and the Coba ruins, going on a day trip to Cancun or Tulum, and lazing all day at the beach are a few of my favorites. But to be able to enjoy all of that, you first need to get there!

The closest airport to Playa del Carmen is the Cancun International Airport, and probably the one you’ll be flying into. While the Cozumel Airport is also nearby, it’s much smaller and doesn’t get as many international or domestic flights as Cancun Airport.

The airport is approximately 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Playa del Carmen, roughly a 45-minute drive via the Cancun/Mexico 307 Highway.

Once you arrive at the airport, there are many transportation options available, each one offering a different experience in terms of cost, convenience, and length of travel time.

In this post, we’ll go over all the alternatives to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport, so you have all the information you need before you make your choice. Keep reading!

BOOK A PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM CANCUN AIRPORT TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Looking for a hassle-free option? Choose a private Cancun airport transfer to Playa del Carmen. You have a few options for your airport transfer via private driver: look for a taxi at the airport, pre-book a private driver, or pre-book a luxury transfer (such as a limousine).

You could hop on a taxi from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen, but I don’t recommend it. The reason is that you’ll have to haggle hard to get a fair price and scams aren’t infrequent.

That’s why I advise you to pre-book a private transfer. The company I recommend is Cancun Airport Transportation. I have traveled with them multiple times, and I’ve always had wonderful experiences.

The vehicles are spotless and very comfortable, and the staff is super friendly. More importantly, they’re very careful drivers, so I’ve felt safe in every transfer.

▶️ The advantage of pre-booking a private transfer from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen is that you’ll get an English-speaking driver, a greeting service in the arrival area, and a transfer in an insured, new, and air-conditioned vehicle.

The regular private service to Playa del Carmen costs $85 for up to 8 people, and you can save a bit if you book a round-trip transfer ($165).

If you’re 3, booking private transportation from Cancun airport to your hotel in Playa is already more convenient than the shared shuttle. Even if you’re just 2 people, you need to think if the extra cost ($5) is really worth the extra hassle. And if you’re indeed 8 passengers, you’ll be paying only $10 per person, which is a great deal! ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Want to travel in style? You can also book a luxury transfer in a Suburban-type vehicle that accommodates up to 6 people.

The cost of a luxury private transfer Cancun-Playa del Carmen is $140 for up to 6 people, and $270 if you book round-trip. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

If you’re visiting Playa del Carmen with a bigger group of people, need wheelchair-friendly transportation, or are celebrating something special, you might also want to take a look at these other interesting services.

Book your private transfer in the search box below:

Pros and Cons of the Private Airport Transfer

✅ This is the quickest way to travel from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. You’ll avoid extra stops because the service is exclusively for you and not shared with other passengers heading to different destinations.

✅ A private transfer to Playa del Carmen promises top-notch comfort. Expect to be greeted by your driver in the arrivals hall and whisked away to your accommodation in a cool, air-conditioned vehicle.

✅ Communication is a breeze since your driver will be fluent in English. No stress if you’re not up to speed on your Spanish.

✅ Flight delays? No problem. Cancun Airport Transportation will track your flight’s arrival time and ensure your driver is there when you land, regardless of delays.

❌ The flip side? Cost. Private transfers are pricier compared to the shared shuttle or ADO bus. Those on a tighter budget might consider other travel options.

Read what the reviews say:

“Omar got us to the airport promptly. He did a great job. Will definitely use your service in the future if we ever come back to Mexico for shuttle service awesome. Getting picked up and dropped off at the airport”

Marlene Medina – Read more reviews

TAKE THE CANCUN AIRPORT SHUTTLE TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN

A shared transfer from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is a practical option for budget travelers, as it’s one of the cheapest ways to make the journey (especially if you’re traveling solo).

▶️ The Cancun Airport – Hotel Shuttle Transportation is air-conditioned and insured. It will bring you to your hotel or Airbnb in Playa del Carmen.

You can’t book a round-trip service for the shared transfer at this time. You can, of course, make two separate reservations if you want to book the same shuttle from Playa del Carmen to Cancun airport in advance (unless you decide to just stay in Playa forever, which is a very possible scenario). ➥ BOOK HERE YOUR TRANSFER

Pros and Cons of the Shared Shuttle

✅ The shuttle from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is a cheaper option than the private transfer, and I particularly recommend it to solo travelers.

❌ The main downside to the shuttle service to Playa del Carmen is that the shuttle will make multiple stops along the way as it has to drop off several passengers. This could make your travel time to Playa del Carmen a LOT longer than usual!

❌ If you’re more than 3 people, booking the shuttle doesn’t make sense – and even if you’re three, what you’d be saving (25 USD) might not be worth the extra time / hassle. Book here a private car instead.

Read what the reviews say:

“These guys were great—experienced and efficient. Ride with them. No complaints, no hassles, no stress. And they wear cool shirts so you can spot them!”

Tim G. – Check out other reviews on Viator

TAKE THE ADO BUS FROM CANCUN AIRPORT TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN

The ADO bus to Playa del Carmen is the cheapest transfer option. ADO is the only public bus company that has permission to offer transfers from the airport, so don’t fall into any other scams!

The ADO Bus line is also linked to various routes throughout the Mexican Riviera, so you can take this bus and then transfer to get to any point in the Yucatan Peninsula such as Valladolid or Merida.

These are large, air-conditioned, and comfortable buses. I’ve traveled with ADO multiple times and never had a bad experience.

The bus will stop at the Playa del Carmen bus station on 5th Avenue and Juarez Avenue.

The first ADO bus form Cancun Airport leaves at 8.30 AM and the last bus departs at 10.25 PM. There are several buses scheduled in between, and they depart approximately every hour, sometimes more frequently. You can take the bus in Terminals T2, T3, and T4.

You can double-check the timings on the ADO website. However, the website is only in Spanish and doesn’t let you book tickets with a foreign card. I personally use GuateGo to book my ADO tickets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Please note that the departure times vary depending on which terminal you arrive in, so make sure to check the schedule for your specific terminal so you don’t miss your bus! I recommend buying it online a day or two in advance for your peace of mind.

✅ The ADO bus is the cheapest option, ideal if you’re looking for those on a budget. If cost-saving is your priority, this is the best transportation option available, and it’s a comfortable way to travel oo.

❌ The ADO bus won’t drop you off at your hotel, but at the bus station in Downtown Playa del Carmen, which might be a hassle if you have a lot of luggage.

❌ You’ll need to find your way to your hotel from the bus station, possibly by taking a taxi. Depending on the location of your hotel, it might be more or less convenient: check a map before choosing this option! If you’re staying in a resort outside Playa del Carmen, I definitely don’t recommend the ADO bus.

RENT A CAR AT CANCUN AIRPORT

If you’re up for driving, renting a car is one of the best options to travel from Cancun International Airport to Playa del Carmen.

The best way to rent a car from Cancun Airport to Tulum is to book online in advance. I’ve personally started using and recommending Discover Cars to book rental cars in Mexico. ➥ COMPARE PRICES HERE

Discover Cars is my go-to platform for hassle-free car rental comparisons and bookings. They bring together a variety of rental options from numerous car hire companies worldwide, simplifying the process of finding the perfect car at a great price. Their website is designed to be straightforward, ensuring you can easily sift through different prices, vehicle options, and rental conditions.

When it comes to canceling a booking with Discover Cars, they offer a good cancellation policy. You’re generally allowed to cancel your reservation without any charges up to 48 hours in advance. The exact terms will depend on the specific rental provider and the fare type selected, so it’s crucial to check the individual rental conditions when you book

Pros and Cons of a Rental Car

✅ Counting with a car means you’ll have so much freedom to explore the Yucatan peninsula and go on a few excursions from Playa del Carmen.

❌ It can be difficult to find parking in Playa del Carmen, especially in the downtown area. Check in advance if your hotel offers free parking – it’s a great thing to know before you book a rental car. Otherwise, you will find paid self-parking spaces whose cost ranges from 15 to 20 MXN an hour, or 200 MXN for 24 hours.

❌ The nightlife in Playa del Carmen is pretty concentrated in the downtown area, so you might be able to walk to bars and clubs. If that’s not the case, there has to be a designated driver in your group who won’t drink alcohol. If you’re renting a car, you might still want to take a taxi at night when you want to go drinking – that’s what my friends and I did.

Tips for Renting a Car at Cancun Airport (and Mexico)

Word of warning, when choosing a car rental company, always beware of common scams that are prevalent in Cancun Airport (as with other parts of Mexico).

▶️ One of the most common scams for car rental in Mexico involves the purchase of insurance. Some car rental companies will basically coerce you into buying additional insurance from them.

But in fact, this isn’t needed, especially if you already have travel insurance, or you have credit card insurance that covers car rentals. If they insist that you buy insurance, look for other car rental companies – there are plenty of them to choose from.

▶️ Another scam that is common among car rental companies in Mexico is that they will sometimes charge exorbitant fees for supposed damage on the vehicle you rented. This means it’s important to take photos as proof of existing damage (if any).

Some of these scammers will even charge you for minor scratches on the vehicle, so it’s vital to check the condition of the vehicle before renting it and upon returning it.

When renting a car from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen, you really should book in advance online. ➥ COMPARE PRICES HERE

▶️ These are some more tips for renting a car in Mexico:

• Always make sure to carry your rental agreement with you.
• Your valid driver’s license has to be with you at all times. You should also carry your passport or at least a copy of your passport.
• Carry a copy of your insurance.
• Always drive within the speed limit, like you would do in your own country… right?
• Driving in Mexico is on the right side, just like the US and Europe.

TAKE THE TRAIN MAYA TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN

A relatively new transport option is the Tren Maya, which runs across the Yucatan Peninsula and connects Cancun Airport to most major cities along the coast, including Playa del Carmen.

It’s a fast and comfortable alternative, with modern trains offering spacious seats, a café-bar where you can get beverages and snacks, wifi, plugs, and bathrooms with changing facilities.

Upon arrival at the Cancun Airport, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus from the airport’s terminal to the Cancun Airport Tren Maya Station. Shuttle buses pick up passengers from the three terminals six times a day, starting in T4 on the following schedule:

There are currently three daily trains to Playa del Carmen, at 9 AM, 11.46 AM, and 3.33 PM. The journey takes 49 minutes, and tickets cost 215 MXN (11.55 USD) on the Tourist Class, and 345 MXN (18.50 USD) for Premier Class seats.

Pros and Cons of the Tren Maya

✅ The train is super comfortable, and it offers great onboard services.

✅ It’s the fastest way to reach Playa del Carmen.

❌ There are only three daily departures, and none after 3.30 PM, so you’ll need to choose a different transportation option if your plane lands later.

❌ You’ll need to take the shuttle to the station, and then a shuttle/taxi to your hotel, which can be inconvenient if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with kids.

OTHER WAYS TO GET TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN FROM CANCUN AIRPORT (Not Recommended)

There are a few other ways to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. However, I don’t recommend them for the reasons listed below.

Taxi

You can easily get a taxi at Cancun Airport. They’ll be waiting outside, ready to offer you a ride. However, taxi scams are sadly very frequent in Mexico. You’ll have to haggle hard with the driver to get a fair price, and the process is much more difficult if you don’t know the language.

Do you really want to go through that hassle after spending the past few hours on a flight? This is the reason I highly recommend pre-booking a private transfer.

Uber

Uber is legal and working in Cancun. Due to the opposition of taxi drivers to the service, however, it can be really hard to get an Uber in places where taxis work a lot, including bus and ferry terminals, and the airport.

Uber drivers won’t go inside the airport, so in order to book one you’ll have to walk outside. Bear in mind that you’ll need a SIM card with internet to find a driver.

Another reason I absolutely recommend booking a private transfer if you want a hassle-free, peaceful ride to your hotel.

This is it! Hopefully, this info is useful for you to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.