Planning a trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and wondering about transportation from Cancun Airport? You're in the right spot. Playa del Carmen, nestled in the Yucatan peninsula, caters to all types of travelers, from families to couples, backpackers, and digital nomads.
Situated between Cancun and Tulum, this vibrant destination offers a plethora of attractions and activities for everyone, including beautiful beaches, lively bars, exquisite restaurants, and breathtaking natural beauty that begs to be explored on two wheels.
The main airport serving Playa del Carmen is Cancun International Airport, which boasts a wide range of domestic and international flights, making it a preferred choice for travelers. While Cozumel Airport is also nearby, Cancun Airport provides more flight options, ensuring easier access for visitors from around the world.
The distance from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is approximately 34 miles (55 kilometers), and the journey typically takes about 45 minutes via the Cancun/Mexico 307 Highway. Upon arrival, you'll find various transportation options to reach Playa del Carmen, each with its own advantages in terms of cost, convenience, and travel time.
Here's a breakdown of transportation options from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen:
1. Private Transfer
- Cost: $85 one way
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Advantages: Quick and hassle-free, exclusive service, English-speaking driver, comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle
- Recommended Provider: Cancun Airport Transportation
2. Shared Shuttle
- Cost: $30 per person one way
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Advantages: Budget-friendly, air-conditioned, insured shuttle
- Recommended Provider: Shared shuttle services from Cancun Airport
3. ADO Bus
- Cost: $18 per person one way
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Advantages: Cheapest option, comfortable buses, frequent departures
- Recommended Provider: ADO bus service from Cancun Airport
4. Rental Car
- Cost: $20-50 per day
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Advantages: Freedom to explore, convenient for excursions, easy online booking
- Recommended Provider: Discover Cars for hassle-free car rental comparisons and bookings
While taxis and Uber are also available, they may involve haggling or availability challenges, especially at the airport. For a smoother journey to Playa del Carmen, consider the recommended options mentioned above. Whether you're heading to the beach, exploring the local nightlife, or venturing into the natural wonders of the Yucatan, Playa del Carmen awaits with its charm and beauty, ready to make your trip unforgettable.
FAQs:
1. Is there Uber in Cancun? Is there Uber in Playa del Carmen?
- Yes and no. In 2019, Uber started operating again in the Cancun area. However, since Uber service was already suspended in Cancun previously, do your own research regarding the availability of an Uber ride from Cancun to Playa del Carmen before your trip.
- There is no Uber service in Playa del Carmen that I know of, so you’ll have to rely on normal taxis when you get to your destination (it’s always better to ask your hotel to call one for you). You won’t be able to get an UBER back from Playa del Carmen to Cancun.
2. How much is a shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen?
- The regular Cancun to Playa del Carmen shuttle costs $30 per person (one way), while the luxury shared shuttle Cancun to Playa del Carmen costs $27 per person (one way). Please refer to the shared transfer paragraph above for more information and booking a shuttle.
3. Where is the Playa del Carmen airport? / What’s the airport near Playa del Carmen, Mexico?
- There isn’t an airport in Playa del Carmen. Cancun International Airport is the biggest airport in the area, and the closest airport to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
4. Can I take a colectivo from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen?
- Colectivos (shared vans that go up and down the coast) are not available at Cancun airport. However, you can take a shared shuttle which is a very similar option, just a bit more luxurious and more expensive than your regular colectivo. If you’re looking at the cheapest option to get to Playa del Carmen, I recommend checking out the ADO bus.
5. How far is Playa del Carmen from Cancun? / How far is Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport?
- The distance from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is 68 kilometers (38 miles), while the distance from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen is just a little shorter, 55 kilometers (34 miles).
- The travel time from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen is about 45 minutes, while it takes around one hour to drive from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
6. How to get from Downtown Cancun to Playa del Carmen?
- A colectivo (shared van) is the cheapest way to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Colectivos in Downtown Cancun depart from across the street from the ADO bus station. Prices are not fixed, but it should cost you just a couple of dollars, so this is definitely a cheap option.
- The bus is also a great option to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. The ADO bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen runs over 50 times per day, multiple times per hour. The ADO station in Cancun is in Downtown Cancun (Calle Pino, SM23, MZ56, Lt 1 y 2, Centro, 23, 77500 Cancún). The bus will leave you at the ADO bus station in Playa del Carmen (5th Avenue with Juarez Avenue). A one-way ticket costs $7.
- And finally, a taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen should cost you about $45 (it’s probably cheaper if you can take an Uber).