How to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen (2023 Guide)
Mexican beaches are considered to be some of the world’s best.
About traveling from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Both Cancun and Playa del Carmen are beautiful resort towns where you can relax on serene beaches and explore the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun is one of the most popular resort towns in Mexico, with stunning beaches and various activities, there’s always something to do. While Playa del Carmen is a bit smaller where you can get a taste of the local culture.
If you decide to take a car transfer from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, you can also enjoy some exceptional sights, including the El Rey Ruins, Jardin Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barerra Marin, the cenote Las Mojarras, the cenotes Kin-Ha, and the cenote Chaak Tun.
How to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
If you’re travelling from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, you have several travel options. For travellers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. The fastest way to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is by car, therefore a car is of course the best way to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen since it’s so convenient.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen by bus
To travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen by bus, go to the Cancun bus station and buy a ticket to Playa del Carmen. While you can buy your ticket at the station, it’s best to purchase them in advance. There are many buses to Playa del Carmen that depart from Cancun. The earliest bus is at about 12:30 AM, and the last bus is at about 4:00 PM, with one bus leaving about every 30 minutes. The bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is run by ADO with bus tickets from Cancun to Playa del Carmen costing around 2 EUR for the 1.5-hour trip. The distance from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is about 68 kilometers.
All options offer direct service from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
Time intervals: every 30 minutes
First/Last Departure: 12:30 AM/4:00 PM
Avg. Price: €2
Distance: ~68 km
Duration: ~1.5 hr
Operating Companies: ADO
Cancun to Playa del Carmen Shuttle
Daytrip offers shared shuttles from Cancun to Playa del Carmen several times a day for a convenient and affordable way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. The shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen stops for pick-ups at Cancun downtown, the Hotel zone, and Cancun International Airport, with custom pick-up locations available. The shuttle will drop you off at Burger King Constituyentes in the center of Playa del Carmen. Shuttles from Cancun to Playa del Carmen start from 8:30 AM and the last shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen leaves at 6:20 PM. Prices start at $16, and tickets can be booked in advance to guarantee a seat.
Here’s the full Cancun to Playa del Carmen shuttle schedule:
Cancun to Playa del Carmen Private Car Transfer
For speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. You will be picked up at your accommodation in Cancun, and the driver will take care of your luggage. You’ll then be able to enjoy door-to-door service to your accommodation in Playa del Carmen, and can even add sightseeing stops on the way!
Book a Private Car Transfer from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Going the other direction? Check our guide on How to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun
