The Best Way to Get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen (And the Worst!)
Wondering How to Get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?
You’re in the right place because the six ways to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen are all featured here.
You’ll also discover the safest and best way to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun — this private shuttle.
Right off the bat: There’s no Playa del Carmen airport. The closest airport to Playa del Carmen is Cancun International Airport (code: CUN).
After your flight to Cancun Airport, you’ll head one hour south to Playa, as the locals call it.
As I live in Mexico, I’m very familiar with Cancun transport. For visitors, I always give the same recommendation for the best way to get to Playa del Carmen, and it’s featured directly below.
OUR PICK
Cancun Airport Shuttle
In my personal experience, the most stress-free, hassle-free, fastest and safest way to go is private transportation from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen ⤵
Besides this private shuttle, you can rent a car in Cancun and drive to Playa.
There’s also the shared shuttle or you can take the ADO bus from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen.
Besides these, there’s the colectivo (shared van) and Cancun taxis — but you’ll soon see why they’re your worst choices.
Still, whichever way you choose, know that it’s easy to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen Mexico.
By the end of this article, you’re going to discover the four best Cancun to Playa del Carmen transportation options — and the two worst ways that you’ll want to avoid. Let’s get to it!
How far is Cancun from Playa del Carmen?
- 🗺 Cancun to Playa del Carmen Distance: 35 miles (56 km)
- ⏳ Cancun to Playa del Carmen Time: 1 hour in normal traffic
The numbers above reflect the distance from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen.
If you’re coming from the beach or Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone), the Cancun Beach to Playa del Carmen distance is a bit further at 45 miles (72 km), and 1 hour and 15 minutes of drive time.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
How to Get From Cancun to Playa del Carmen
| Method | LENGTH OF TIME | ONE WAY COST |
| Private Shuttle | 1 hour | $65 per shuttle |
| Rental Car | 1 hour | $25-35 per day |
| Shared Shuttle | 1.5-2.5 hours | $25 per person |
| ADO Bus | 1.5 hours | $10 per person |
| Taxi Cab | 1 hours | $50-100 per taxi |
| Colectivo | 3 hours | $2-3 per person |
The best and easiest way is to book Cancun to Playa del Carmen private transportation service.
While there are cheaper ways, they can take double the amount of time — and who wants to deal with that after getting off a flight, going through the Customs line, waiting for luggage, etc. 😩
Is there Uber in Cancun?
You may have noticed Uber and Lyft are not on this list. That’s because there’s not really Uber in Cancun, and there’s also no Uber in Playa del Carmen.
For more info on this topic, jump to the Cancun Uber Info section below.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Private Cancun to Playa del Carmen Shuttle
SAVE $25 when you book your round trip shuttle from Cancun Airport Transfer!
After that, kick back and relax knowing your Cancun shuttle to Playa del Carmen, and Playa del Carmen to Cancun shuttle, is handled 🥳
✅ Best Option For: Everyone, as this is the fastest way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, and especially those who want to social distance, groups, couples and families.
When people ask me about transport and want to know how to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen Mexico — I always recommend Cancun Airport Transportation.
They have an impressive 4.5 star rating, years of experience and 6,000+ reviews on TripAdvisor highlighting their great service.
♿️ Need accessible transport? Cancun Airport Transportation has vans with a wheelchair ramp.
Beyond not being in a shared bus or shuttle with 5-30 other passengers, a private service is the most convenient.
As always, convenience comes with a price — but it’s not as steep as you think.
If you’re traveling in a couple or group, it’s actually one of the most economical and fastest options. For 1-8 passengers, you’re looking at $165 USD round trip.
This is the total price you’d be splitting between all people, so for couples and groups, a private shuttle from Cancun to Playa really is the way to go.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
6 Reason the Cancun Private Shuttle is Your Best Option
Whether you’re in a group, couple, or just want private transport from Cancun to Playa del Carmen for health and safety, here are six reasons it’s the best option:
1. Leave on Your Schedule
Book your private transfer Cancun to Playa del Carmen, you set the departure time.
This means that as soon as you’re ready to leave from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen, your driver will be there ready to take you.
Imagine getting to Cancun Airport after your flight, going through the Customs line, waiting for your luggage, and then having to wait another hour to even get on the bus to Playa del Carmen — which will take another hour to drive to Playa del Carmen from Cancun.
Yeah, no 🤬
2. It’s Ok if your flight’s late
If your Cancun flight arrives late, if you have issues clearing Customs, or if there’s a delay getting your luggage, your private shuttle will still be available for you.
With a shared shuttle service, you’d have to be rebooked, and with the ADO bus, you’d need to wait an hour (or more) for the next bus.
3. You’ll Get A Bilingual Driver
Booking with Cancun Airport Transportation, you’re guaranteed an English-speaking, private driver from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
For those not confident in speaking Spanish, having a bilingual guide who will meet you at the airport is a nice perk — especially after a long day of traveling!
4. Nice Cars, SUVs and Vans
💎 Want luxury Cancun to Playa del Carmen service? You have options for SUV transportation in a Yukon, Suburban or Expedition, and also this limo service.
You’re also guaranteed a clean, insured and air conditioned van, SUV or limo for your Cancun airport transfers.
All Cancun Airport Transportation vehicles are in excellent condition.
While many shared shuttles from Cancun to Playa del Carmen do have AC, it’s not always a guarantee — and on a drive in the tropics after a flight, that wouldn’t be a good start to your Playa trip.
5. Fastest way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Time is the most precious commodity while on vacation — and the one nobody ever has enough of — you’ll never regret spending a bit more money, as long as you save a good chunk of time.
With this private shuttle Cancun service, you will, as it’s door to door service.
Shared shuttles will often make stops at the other three terminals to pick up other passengers.
They then do drop offs on the way to Playa, in places including the Cancun Hotel Zone, Downtown Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Playa Maroma (where the Mexico overwater bungalows are).
In short, with your private shuttle, the Cancun to Playa drive is usually a one hour trip. When going by shared shuttle or via bus service, plan for at least two hours.
A rental car will also take about one hour, but that doesn’t include the time you spend doing the paperwork to actually get the car.
6. Door to Door Service
With the private shuttle, your driver will meet you with a greeter sign immediately as you exit the airport.
They’ll walk you and your luggage to the van or SUV, and drive you straight to your Playa del Carmen accommodation.
Keep in mind that if you take the bus, you’ll then have to take a taxi service to your accommodation. Depending on where you’re staying, plan for $100-300 pesos ($5-15 USD).
⚠️ Note: There’s no Uber in Playa del Carmen or Cancun Mexico.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Rent a Car at Cancun Airport
✅ Best Option For: Those who want the freedom to explore the areas around Playa del Carmen and the Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Beside private transport, getting a Cancun car rental from the rental companies airport is the second best option.
Now, for those who just want to relax on the best beaches in Playa del Carmen Beach, drink in hand, soaking up the sun and partying all night — skip the rental car companies altogether and opt for this Cancun shuttle.
However, if you plan to do a few Playa del Carmen day trips to Valladolid, Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, the Tulum cenotes, and these other best places in Yucatan, then a car is the way to go.
For car rentals, the best place to get one is in Cancun Airport, which has the biggest selection.
OUR PICK
BEST MEXICO CAR RENTAL COMPANY: Discover Cars
When booking your Mexico car rental online, I recommend and use Discover Cars. They search international corporations and local Mexican companies, so you get the best deal — and have FREE cancellation up to 48 hours before your rental.
Discover Cars also provides ratings for all companies, so you can eliminate ones that don’t have a good reputation.
Finally, you can buy Mexico driving insurance right from them — so you’re not surprised with an exorbitant and unexpected bill when you get the car.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Best Place to Rent a Car in Cancun
Cancun Airport car rental rates may be slightly more than off-site rentals. However, airport rentals simplify the process and save you time.
Since you usually pay more money in taxis to get to the off-site rental agency than you’d pay in extra airport rental costs — just rent at the airport!
👍 Pros and Cons of a Playa del Carmen Car Rental
- PRO: Freedom! With your own car, you can visit as many attractions as you want. You also get to explore at your own pace, versus being on a group tour and having to stick to their timeline.
- CON: Parking! You may have to pay for parking at your Playa del Carmen resort, which might not be cheap — so double check with the place you’re staying.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
How much are Cancun car rentals?
Cancun car rental rates will always vary, but figure about $25 USD per day for an economy car with the minimum Personal Liability Insurance, and about $35 USD per day for full coverage insurance.
If you’ve looked online for a Mexico rental car, you might see $5-10 USD rentals. If these rates seem too good to be true, that’s because they are.
This is the price for just the car, without insurance, taxes, and fees factored in. To be safe, assume the rental car will be at least $25-35 USD per day.
📝 Do I need Mexico Car Insurance?
Yes — At the minimum, you need Personal Liability Insurance to drive in Mexico.
One of the reasons I rent with Discover Cars is because they offer full coverage insurance for only about $10 USD per day.
This goes above and beyond to include both Personal Liability and the car itself.
💳 Credit Card Insurance through a U.S. Card
Some United States credit cards provide insurance for card holders.
However, this is only Collision Damage Waiver (CDW insurance), which provides less than what you’re legally required to have with Personal Liability coverage.
Now, some Cancun car rental companies will just let you take the car if you show you have insurance through your credit card — though some won’t.
If the car rental company won’t let you use the CDW insurance, there’s not much you can do.
You can try to argue, but they can still say no because CDW isn’t the legally-required coverage.
🚨 Why Credit Card insurance is a bad idea!
On a personal note, I’ve been in Mexico long enough, and heard enough horror stories, that I 100% always tell people not to rely on credit card insurance.
If you do opt for it, call the company before your trip and double check their coverage policy, so you know you’re comfortable with it.
From what I know, most card companies have you pay for the total cost of damages to the car out of pocket when you return it.
You’ll then file a claim with the credit card company, and hope they reimburse you in a timely manner. (Again, I’ve heard horror stories!)
⚠️ Additional Tips for Renting a Car at Cancun Airport
- Take photos and videos of scratches, dings and dents to the car’s exterior, including the tires. You’ll need to do the same for the interior, noting stains, rips in the fabric, etc.
- Have all your emails accessible with any rental agreement booking information. You can print them out, but likely don’t need to.
- If you intend to decline rental insurance, have info stating your credit card is covering you — as all drivers must have proof of coverage.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Is the drive from Cancun to Playa del Carmen safe?
The road from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is Highway 307. It’s not a big highway, but a well-maintained four-lane road that’s comfortable to drive on, even in a compact car.
Note: A bigger car or SUV is better if you’re exploring other places in Yucatan.
From the airport, you’ll find plenty of signs directing you to Highway 307.
You then just take this one road for a simple, straight shot drive to Playa del Carmen from Cancun. Barring heavy traffic and weather delays, the drive is about one hour.
You can use this Cancun to Playa del Carmen Map to see the route.
While it’s not always considered safe to drive in Mexico at night, you should be find on this particular road at night.
Tourists driving from Cancun to Playa del Carmen use this road daily, so the government keeps it safe.
Do watch your speed at night, as there’s always police on this road.
🚔 Police Checkpoints on the drive to Playa del Carmen
There’s always at least one police checkpoint on Highway 307, just as you exit Cancun city limits on the highway; though there may be additional checkpoints.
For most drivers, you’ll just slow down to pass the checkpoint, and be on your merry way.
For some, the police may ask you to pull over, see your rental car papers, your driver’s license, etc. — so have these documents handy.
This is standard procedure to check that you don’t have anything illegal, aren’t driving without a license and aren’t drunk on the Cancun to Playa drive.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
5 Useful Mexico Driving Tips
1. Just like in the U.S. and Europe, you drive on the right side in Mexico.
2. Beware of topes in Mexico! These are speed bumps, and they are all over, even on highways.
Often, there’s no sign alerting you to them — so keep your eyes on the road because some topes are larger than others, and can cause damage to your car.
3. Mexico speed limit signs are in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour.
Don’t worry about math for the conversion rate; just match the speedometer number to the number on the road sign.
4. Keep your car rental paperwork, ie. proof of insurance, car rental agreement and anything else they gave you, within reach.
5. In Mexico, stop lights go from green to yellow, to flashing yellow for a seconds, to finally, a red light.
You are legally required to stop at a yellow light, just as in the United States.
Head to this article, Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know, for additional Mexico driving tips.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Shared Cancun to Playa del Carmen Shuttle
✅ Best Option For: Solo travelers, Mid-budget travelers who don’t mind sacrificing some travel time to save a bit of money.
For those doing solo travel in Mexico, the shared shuttle is cheaper than the private shuttle, since you’re not splitting the cost.
If you’re backpacking Mexico or visiting Playa del Carmen on a budget, the shared shuttle is also a great option at $50 USD for round trip tickets, and $25 USD for one way.
The shared airport shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen carries up to 12 passengers.
The shuttles are usually in a Volkswagen Transporter van, Nissan Urvan, Dodge Sprinter, or similar.
With all seats full (they will be during the peak season from November to March), the shared shuttle time trip can be up to 2.5 hours.
It’s often closer to 1 hour, 45 minutes, but still longer than the one hour in your private shuttle.
Not only will you have to pick up passengers in all four Cancun Airport terminals, but you’ll also make several stops along the way to other popular destinations.
These include the Cancun Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera), Downtown Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Playa Paraiso Beach.
🤔 Private Shuttle vs Shared Shuttle
Unless you’re a solo traveler, or on a very budget, this private shuttle is the best option because it’s the fastest way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
If you’re splitting the cost, it’s also often cheaper than the shared shuttle.
Not only do you get door to door service in half the time, it’s economical when traveling in a group.
For up to three passengers, this private shuttle is $165 USD round trip — so $55 split three ways.
This shared shuttle is $72 round trip, so private can be the cheapest option, especially for a larger group.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
ADO Buses from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
✅ Best Option For: Budget travelers.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen bus ticket price: About $210 pesos ($12 USD) per one-way ticket, though prices can vary a bit.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Cancun to Playa del Carmen bus schedule
This is the cheapest way to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun that offers a direct route. (The colectivo is cheaper, but there’s no direct route.)
The ADO Cancun to Playa del Carmen bus departs from Cancun Airport all day, about every 30-60 minutes, from all airport terminals.
🚌💨 Here are the departure times: 1:30am, 3am, 8:15am, 8:45, 9:15, 9:45, 10:15, 10:45, 10:55, 11:25, 11:45, 12:05pm, 12:25, 12:45, 1:10, 1:35, 2:00, 2:25, 2:50, 3:15, 3:40, 4:05, 4:30, 4:55, 5:15, 5:40, 6:00, 6:20, 6:45, 7:10, 7:35, 8:00, 8:25, 8:50, 9:15, 9:45, 10:30, 11:15, 11:59
This has been the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen ADO bus schedule for some time now.
However, double check the ADO website, as they can change the bus schedules at any time.
⚠️ Note: Their website isn’t user-friendly and doesn’t accept U.S. credit cards, so using the widget below is a much more convenient way to book your Playa ADO bus tickets.
You can also buy a bus ticket at the airport. After you clear Customs and Immigration, and start walking outside, you’ll pass all the car rental booths and an ADO bus booth.
You can buy a ticket there, but first check outside to see if there’s a bus. If there is, you can buy a ticket as you board.
🗺️ Where’s the Playa del Carmen bus station?
There’s really only one bus stop in Playa del Carmen, the ADO Terminal Turistica Playa Del Carmen.
This bus terminal located on 5th Avenue and Avenida Benito Juarez (📍 map).
From there, just walk outside and take a taxi to your Playa del Carmen hotel. Note: There’s no Uber in Playa del Carmen.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Cancun to Playa del Carmen Colectivo
✅ Best Option For: Ultra-budget travelers who don’t mind sacrificing a lot of time to save a bit of money. Note: I don’t recommend a colectivo.
Wondering, What’s the cheapest way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen? That would be the colectivo, as it’s only about $2 USD per person, per ride.
However, you get what you pay for — and this is not one of the comfortable ways to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun.
The first thing you need to know is the colectivo (small, shared van) is cheaper than the ADO bus, but only by about $8 USD.
For how inconvenient this trip ends up being, it’s not worth sacrificing so much travel time and comfort for a few bucks.
How to take the Cancun COLECTIVO to Playa del Carmen
There’s no direct Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen colectivo, so you first need to take a bus from Cancun Airport to Downtown Cancun.
From ADO Downtown Cancun (📍map), you then take the Playa Express colectivo, located directly in front of the bus station entrance.
Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen colectivo cost: $40-60 pesos ($2-3 USD, definitely an economical option)
While colectivos are cheap, you’ll rarely (if ever) hear anyone call this form of public transportation “comfortable.”
The ride itself is bumpy, and there’s never AC on the colectivo, which you do want in the tropics!
There’s also no luggage storage, so you have to hold anything you have with you.
In short — Save yourself the hassle and book your ADO ticket here, a much more hassle-free option!
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
✅ Best Option For: Emergencies only.
In full disclosure, I only take taxis in Mexico when I absolutely have to — and for the Cancun to Playa del Carmen drive, I don’t recommend a taxi.
I won’t generalize and say that all taxis inflate the prices for tourists, but I will say that many do.
With this inflation, the taxi ends up costing more than the private shuttle, and it’s a lot less comfortable.
To boot, many taxis don’t have air conditioning, which isn’t a very comfortable way to get around in the tropics.
For those who do want to take a taxi to Playa del Carmen, I am including the info below. However, I can’t stress enough to seek out another option.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
How much is a taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen?
Short answer: A LOT — up to $100 USD, depending on your luck!
In truth, a Cancun to Playa del Carmen taxi is your worst option, and you should only even consider this in an emergency when you have no other options.
Here’s why: “Normal” taxis aren’t allowed inside Cancun Airport; only sanctioned airport taxis.
Cancun Airport cabs have to pay a special tax to be able to enter — and that fee is passed down to you.
Beyond this fee, sadly, scamming travelers isn’t uncommon with taxis in Mexico (or anywhere).
As you’re nearing the airport exit, you’ll start to be approached by the Cancun Airport taxi services.
Depending on how they judge your appearance (ie. how well you’re dressed, if you look like it’s your first time in Mexico, etc.), they’ll give you that price.
Often, it’s a higher price than the standard rate.
For this reason, you might get a price of $50-$100 USD, which is the cost of luxury private transfers.
In short, save yourself the hassle and haggle and book the Cancun to Playa shuttle.
They will meet you right outside the airport, walk you and your luggage to the vehicle, pack your stuff up, and drive you straight to your Playa accommodation — as you kick back and relax!
🚨 A Word of Warning About Cancun Taxis
Cancun taxi drivers are famous for tricking people into taking a taxi.
They’ll say there aren’t rental cars available, or the buses aren’t running, or anything they think will get you in their cab.
Take what they say with a grain of salt, and only believe what you’ve seen with your own eyes.
💸 Set the Price Before You Get In
With Mexico taxis, you negotiate and agree on the fare before taking the cab, as many don’t don’t have meters.
If you don’t know this and just jump in the taxi, they will throw out some exorbitant price when you arrive in Playa del Carmen — so agree on a firm price before getting in the taxi.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
FAQ: How to Get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Is there Uber in Cancun?
Wondering, Can I take Uber from Cancun to Playa del Carmen? The answer to this question is a bit complicated, because you kind of can, but will likely regret the decision.
In fact, there are sometimes clashes between groups, and most locals and visitors simply stay away from Cancun Ubers for this reason.
A court ruled in 2019 that Uber can operate in Cancun, but to say the Cancun taxi unions weren’t thrilled would be an understatement.
To use Uber, you will have to completely exit the airport, then call the Uber from the road — as Uber can’t pick up at Cancun Airport.
Since there aren’t a ton of Cancun Uber drivers (for reasons mentioned above), you might have to wait under the hot Cancun sun for a while!
As an Uber will cost only a bit less than the Cancun to Playa del Carmen private shuttle service, which will pick you up curbside, that’s obviously a better option!
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Is there Uber in Playa del Carmen?
No — There’s no Uber in Playa del Carmen Mexico, just taxis.
If you want to have a rental car in Playa del Carmen, just pick one up at Cancun Airport, as it has a much better selection than Playa del Carmen.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Is there a Cancun to Playa del Carmen flight?
No — There’s no airport in Playa del Carmen Mexico, so the nearest airport is Cancun International Airport CUN.
The good news is that it accepts a lot of direct, international flights. ▶︎ Find cheap flights to Cancun now!
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
FAQ: Traveling to Playa del Carmen Mexico
Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen has some of the best beaches in Mexico, so staying close to the beach is part of what makes for an amazing trip.
The main street in Playa del Carmen is called Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue, and many want to stay on or as close to this street as possible.
Fifth Avenue runs north-south, from the Muelle Playa del Carmen (Ferry Dock) on Calle 1 Norte (1st St. North), where you’d take the ferry to Cozumel Island, until about Calle 48 Norte (48th St. North).
Beyond here, it’s mostly residential neighborhoods and there’s not much to see or do.
In the main areas of 5th Ave. in Playa del Carmen, there’s numerous restaurants, bars, shops, access to the beach, and more.
It is a very lively street, both day and night, and staying near here makes Playa a very walkable place.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Best Resorts in Playa del Carmen
This Mexican Caribbean beach town has some amazing resorts along one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
Because of this, many head here to stay in a Playa del Carmen all inclusive resort or a hotel. Some of the most popular choices are highlighted below
Hilton Playa del Carmen All Inclusive
Formerly known as The Royal Playa del Carmen, and now owned by Hilton, this adults only mega-resort is the gold standard for a lush Playa beach vacation.
Enjoy an elegant atmosphere, all-suite accommodations, a spa and endless on-site dining options.
Paradisus Playa del Carmen
Enjoy luxurious seafront accommodations at this gorgeous resort.
Paradisus La Esmeralda Playa Del Carmen is surrounded by a lush tropical mangrove with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and Cozumel Island.
Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen
With three oceanfront outdoor pools, a spa, and architecture designed to resemble a cenote, the Grand Hyatt, located in Mamita’s Beach provides the tropical getaway of your dreams.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Is Playa del Carmen safe for travelers?
Yes — For the majority of travelers, Playa del Carmen is safe.
Aside from hurricanes, drinking too much (don’t forget these Anti-Hangover Meds!), sunburns and petty theft, Playa is safe.
In fact, all of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is considered safe for visitors.
Though Playa is mostly safe, you still have to follow general travel safety measures — like avoiding places and people that seem unsafe, never taking drinks from strangers, and staying aware of your surroundings and belongings.
Do these, and you’ll have a great Playa del Carmen vacation.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Is Playa del Carmen expensive?
Frankly, Playa del Carmen isn’t cheap, but it is average for the top Mexico beaches.
There are much cheaper Mexico beach towns, but they aren’t located on the gorgeous Caribbean Sea, like Playa is.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Is Playa del Carmen worth visiting?
It is totally worth visiting, especially as part of a larger Yucatan Peninsula trip.
Playa del Carmen started becoming popular in the 80s and 90s, when Cancun hit its tourism peak and got too crowded for many travelers.
Nowadays, Playa is its own destination, not just a “baby Cancun.”
Final Thoughts: How to Get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
You have plenty of options for Cancun to Playa del Carmen transportation — though I 100% recommend the private shuttle from Cancun Airport Transportation.
You’ll SAVE $25 USD by booking your round trip shuttle for just $125 USD. ▶︎ BOOK NOW!
If you plan to explore the other charming towns, like Valladolid and Izamal, Mayan Ruins and cenotes in Riviera Maya, you’ll need a rental car.
Get the rental car at Cancun Airport, and you also have your Cancun to Playa del Carmen transportation handled! ▶︎ BOOK NOW!
There’s also the shared shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, and taking the ADO Bus to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport.
Though I don’t recommend these transport options, you can always take the colectivo or Cancun airport taxi.
Whichever you choose, I hope this detailed guide on How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Mexico helped you determine which of the six Cancun to Playa del Carmen travel options work best for you.