Airport Travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen: 5 Safe Transportation Options in 2025

Post may contain affiliate links. Read my Disclosure & Privacy policies for more details.

---

Are you planning a trip to Playa del Carmen? Perhaps, you’re wondering about the best way to get Cancun to Playa del Carmen safely and without overpaying?  Then you’re going to want to read this based on my experience of living in Playa del Carmen and flying from and to the Cancun International Airport well over 100 times. 

As a solo female traveler, safety and convenience are paramount. Planning your airport transportation in advance is the best way to ensure a safe and comfortable arrival in Mexico! 

Whether you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, a speedy ride, or a bit of luxury, there’s a perfect transportation solution. 

In this guide, I’ll discuss various transportation options from Cancun to Playa del Carmen based on my personal experience. I’ve lived in Playa del Carmen now for almost 10 years. I’m a dual citizen and I know from learning from my mistakes plus my unique experiences of what type of safe travel exists when I’m needing to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.

This decision is based on the time of morning, day or night you arrive in the Cancun international Airport. For example, the last ADO bus leaves between 12:15 and 12:40am which actually shows up incorrectly on their website. Again, knowing this comes from my experiences of flying in so late due to delayed flights, etc.

Rental Car counters tend to close at 11:30 to 11:45pm each evening, and while there maybe a hand full of taxi drivers trying to get a solo traveler woman to go with them. Its best to avoid putting yourself in that situation. I’ll explain the safest and most trusting solution at the end of this article so you can understand the stark differences between the most popular transportation options to take you from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.

During the time that I’ve been living in Playa del Carmen, I’ve tried out every single different forms of airport transportation, so all of these insights are based on my experiences which gives me confidence that I’m a great source or authority to any questions you may have regarding safe travel options to go from Cancun to Playa del Carmen in Quintana Roo or anywhere in-between these two cities.

Let’s get your airport transfer sorted so you can enjoy all the great things to do in Playa del Carmen! 

How far is Playa del Carmen from Cancun?

The distance from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is 42 miles (68 km). Depending on traffic, the journey takes about 45 minutes by car or an hour by bus. 

There may be slowdowns due to police checkpoints outside Playa del Carmen. If you’re heading back to Cancun to catch a flight, allow yourself extra time, just in case.

Cancun Airport Shuttles

Estimated cost: $500 – $1500 MXN ($25 – $75 USD)

An airport shuttle is one of the most comfortable ways to get to Playa del Carmen, and it offers some perks that make it worth the extra cost.

Reasons to choose a shuttle service over other transportation methods:

• Door-to-door service from the airport to your accommodation
• They are typically modern, air-conditioned vehicles with comfortable seats
• Professional drivers who are safety-conscious and willing to help you with your luggage
• The vehicles are typically large vans or SUVs, making shuttles a good option for individuals or groups with a lot of bags
• They’re easy to reserve ahead of time, and reviews are available online, enabling you to feel confident in your choice (unlike a taxi, where you can’t access reviews). 

The prices for shuttles vary depending on whether you opt for a private or shared shuttle.

Private airport transfer shuttles will transport you and your party directly to your destination without additional passengers. 

Shared shuttles charge per person and can usually hold up to 15 passengers. Remember that shared shuttles will make many stops to drop passengers off at their destinations.

If you’re short on patience, book a private transfer.

Shuttles can be reserved online in advance or purchased upon arrival.

I recommend booking ahead for a few reasons:

• Pre-arranging your transportation gives you peace of mind. You know exactly how you’ll reach your final destination; you only have to locate the driver.
• Reserving in advance is often cheaper than purchasing upon arrival
• You won’t be at risk of falling victim to transportation scams because you’ve done your research and booked with a reputable company

Click here to reserve your Cancun airport shuttle.

How to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen by bus

Estimated cost: $250 MXN ($16 USD)

The ADO bus is the cheapest and most convenient way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, and you can catch it right from the Cancun Airport. 

It’s efficient, comfortable, and safe. 

ADO is a reputable bus company that serves southern Mexico and the Yucatan peninsula. They offer various service levels, with the most basic offering air conditioning and onboard bathrooms and the most deluxe providing complimentary snacks, luxurious lounge chairs, and a personal entertainment station.

There is no baggage limit on ADO and no baggage charge. You will have to stow your larger bags under the bus, but you should carry your personal items on board. 

Keep your personal items close onboard. Theft is rare, but it happens occasionally. 

Purchasing your ADO ticket at the airport

When you enter the airport terminal’s arrivals area, you will see an ADO bus ticket booth among the rental car and shuttle options.

You can purchase a bus ticket in cash for about 250 pesos ($14 USD as of June 2025). The ADO employees will then direct you where to wait for the bus.

Buying tickets online

You can also purchase these Bus tickets online through BusBud.com in advance for an even better price. The ADO website does not accept foreign credit cards such as American, Canadian, and other foreign non-Mexico Credit Cards. BusBud.com is your best bet if you can plan to purchase online. I buy online even if it’s when I’m standing in the immigration line or just landing in Cancun while taxiing to one of the 4 terminals.

The bus journey: what to expect

The journey from Cancun to Playa del Carmen takes 60 to 75 minutes by bus. Usually, there is a quick stop outside Puerto Morelos, about halfway between the two cities. Click here to book your ticket to Playa del Carmen on Busbud.

There are two ADO bus stations in Playa del Carmen:

• The Tourist Terminal (ADO Terminal Turistica) is in the heart of the tourist zone, on 5th Avenue. This is where most of the airport buses end up.
• The Alternate Terminal (ADO Terminal Alterna) is located in downtown Playa del Carmen, a few blocks from the tourist zone

Most airport buses are bound for Terminal Turistica but don’t worry if your ticket goes to Terminal Alterna.

The two stations aren’t far apart (less than ten blocks), and it will be easy to get a taxi to your accommodation from either one. Your bus ticket will state which terminal your bus is bound for. 

Related Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Using the ADO Bus in Mexico

Taxi from the Cancun to Playa del Carmen

Estimated cost: $800 – $1900 MXN ($45 – $100 USD)

I don’t typically recommend taking a taxi from the airport because I hear endless reports of taxis price-gouging weary travelers. If you want private transportation, booking a shuttle is the best way to go. It’s more reliable, and booking ahead ensures the price won’t spontaneously change.

That said, I wanted to mention taxis here in case you’re considering them. 

When taking a taxi, it’s best to speak to the driver and agree on a set price in advance. 

A taxi from the Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen should cost between 800 and 2000 pesos ($45 – $100 USD), depending on the driver.

Renting A Car in Cancun

Estimated cost: $50 – $75 USD per day

Having a car offers freedom from monitoring transportation schedules and makes it easier to explore harder-to-reach areas. 

But, if you plan to stay in an all-inclusive or wish to spend most of your time wandering around town in Playa del Carmen, a rental car won’t be necessary.

Furthermore, given the limited parking available, a car often adds more hassle than it’s worth. 

Between buses, taxis, and colectivos (local shuttle vans), the entire Riviera Maya is very well connected, making it easy to get to Tulum, Puerto Morelos, Akumal, and beyond without a personal vehicle. 

A rental car offers a certain level of convenience, but you can explore the whole region without one. 

My suggestion: If you’re unsure whether a rental car is necessary, get to your accommodation and settle in. Once you’ve got your bearings, you’ll know whether or not your trip warrants a vehicle. You may only need a car for specific Playa del Carmen excursions. Once you work out a loose itinerary, you can decide when to hire a rental car.

You can always rent one for the day to explore an out-of-the-way destination! 

If you plan to rent a car, compare rates on Booking.com car rentals to find a great deal. 

Check out these tips for driving in Mexico before you hit the road!

Taking the Tren Maya from Cancun to Playa del Carmen

Estimated cost: $197 – $315 MXN ($11 – $18 USD)

The Tren Maya, or Maya Train, is a new transportation project that opened in the spring of 2024. The project is controversial, but the goal is to make the entire Yucatan region and parts of Chiapas more easily accessible for tourists. 

You can take the Tren Maya from the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. I haven’t done this personally, so I cannot comment on how easy (or not!) the process is. 

Based on YouTube videos of the train, it is a comfortable travel experience. The train is modern, air-conditioned, and has bathrooms on board. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

According to the official website for the Tren Maya, the journey from the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen should take 46 minutes, with one short stop in Puerto Morelos. 

Depending on whether you select tourist (lower rates) or premier class tickets, there are several different fare options. 

Free shuttles run from the Cancun Airport terminals to the Maya Train platform, where you can board the train to Playa del Carmen.

The train station in Playa del Carmen is located outside the city, so upon arrival, you should plan to take a taxi to your hotel.

Pro tip: Depending on where you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, taking the ADO bus may put you closer to your hotel because the ADO bus station is downtown. 

Cancun to Playa del Carmen FAQs

11 Essential Items: Questions to Ask Yourself When Packing for Your Mexico Trip

🏨 What’s the best way to find accommodation in Mexico?

Expedia.com is awesome specifically for reserving high-end luxury hotels, resorts, and is by far the best for reserving flights. Booking.com is awesome for affordable hotels in Mexico. VRBO specializes in apartment and house rentals, making it a great place to find long-term stays.

✈️ What’s the best way to find affordable flights?

In my experience travelling to Mexico and within Mexico, I LOVE Expedia.com because they simplify rate comparisons from different airlines. I’ve always come back to Expedia.com because of how wide the selection is of airlines to choose from that go to Mexico. Great pricing is another reason too!

💸 How should I exchange money in Mexico?

Have you ever heard of the company named WISE? It’s an app and also website to facilitate interbank currency exchanges, electronic bank to bank money transfers, and they also provide you a debit card if you would like. WISE has the most solutions for individuals and for businesses that spend time travelling internationally and seek the fastest and least expensive way to transfer money into another country’s local currency. I use this app frequently.

📱 Where can I buy a local SIM card in Mexico?

Purchase an Airalo eSIM online. Easy to setup, you won’t eat through your data plan internationally and best of all it saves you big bucks. Buy an Airalo eSIM so you’re connected as soon as you land. 

🚖 How do I find a safe airport transfer?

I recommend GetYourGuide.com for airport transfers anywhere in Mexico. 

🚗 What’s the best way to find rental cars in Mexico?

I recommend Booking.com because it’s the best. What I’ve found is that their price comparison tool is updated multiple times daily across rental car companies, making it easy to find and prepare to snag the best deal possible because of the inclusion of fire sale type of discounts which they will include.

Other companies don’t include these short-lived discounts into their price comparison because they sync once a day (typically overnight) with each rental car company. Booking.com is the website I always use to book a car rental. I’ve yet to have complaints about them.

🚐 How do I book bus tickets online in Mexico?

Book your tickets with Busbud — the site is in English and takes foreign credit cards.

🤿 How do I find cool activities and tours in Mexico?

Booking.com is the usual website and service I use for finding fun things to do has great options and it’s much faster to book with them since they organize their personalized recommendations to you if you’re signed in.

🇲🇽 How can I experience Mexico like a local?

Travelers can hire a local guide through GetyourGuide.com. You’ll be able to tailor tours based on your interests— it’s basically like experiencing a destination with a local bestie!

🧳 What’s the best luggage for Mexico?

Unless you’re staying at a resort, a travel pack is recommended. I’ve used this one from Osprey for the last 8+ years. 

👯‍♀️ How do I connect with fellow travelers in Mexico?

Join my Female Travelers in Mexico Facebook group, a supportive community of fellow Mexico travel enthusiasts, where you can find answers to all your travel questions!

✈️ Janine, How can I make a website like JanineintheWorld.com?
BigScoots.com is who I use for managing my WordPress website (which they help you make changes and teach you as part of their service. Use the Coupon Code JANINE2025 for a 15% discount on any product or service that they have.

I absolutely LOVE BigScoots. They are always available to help me with the Free WordPress site that they set me up with and even setup my email for me too! Its the best website hosting provider with the best prices. I assure you that you’ll love them too! What can I say, we are a company Powered by WordPress.

Learning more about Wordpress and WordPress Plugins that basically do the work for you, especially now-a-days with AI at your side. If I can do it and make it a living then you can too! Purchase the WordPress entry level plan if you want the best WordPress Support that has ever existed. I mean, it’s the same as getting a Louis Vuitton purse directly custom made for you and picking it up at the factory where they made it.


Join my Female Travelers in Mexico Facebook group, a supportive community of fellow Mexico travel enthusiasts, where you can find answers to all your travel questions!