How to get from Cancún Airport to Playa del Carmen
A popular town to visit along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Playa del Carmen and its surrounding region has lots going for it.
Here we can enjoy numerous cenotes, swim in crystal-clear waters, visit nearby ancient Mayan ruins as well as live it up in a town that has a pulsating atmosphere.
Cancún Airport to Playa del Carmen
In this guide we’ll explore some of the most popular ways of getting from Cancún Airport to Playa del Carmen. We’ll also take a look at where to stay as well as some other tips based on our time spent here.
Playa del Carmen Quick Summary:
- 📍 Where is it: Southern Mexico
- 🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Very Easy
- ⏱ Time needed: 4-7+ days
- ☀️ Best Time to Visit: December-April
Things to know BEFORE visiting Playa del Carmen
- Stay Close To The Beach – This seems obvious from a travel perspective, given the beach and all of the great atmosphere is centered between the sands and Avenida 30. However further in-land (around Avenida 45 and after the motorway bridge) it can get quite sketchy and less safe for tourists. So be sure to stay closer to the beach which is a safe part of Playa del Carmen to base yourself.
- Use Colectivos For Day Trips – Whilst not as comfortable as say the ADO buses or taxis, you’ll save much more by using local colectivos. They’re also pretty safe too, making it a good option when visiting nearby ruins, cenotes and towns such as Puerto Aventuras and Akumal.
- Caribbean Climate Year-Round – What makes Playa del Carmen so popular throughout the year is that it remains hot in all months. This means you’ll want to pack beach-wear and light clothes, and also to keep reapplying sunscreen since it can be easy to burn when out for more than a few hours.
The Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen
Although hot year-round, Playa del Carmen can vary when it comes to rainfall and temperatures in certain months. These are split into the dry and wet seasons.
The dry season runs from December to April, and is characterized by endless blue skies and comfortable temperatures. Here we can expect between 1-2 inches throughout each of these months, which is perfect for heading to the beach.
The only downside for some travelers is that it can get much busier during these months, and you will more than likely find that the prices are expensive in Playa del Carmen (more than usual anyway) during certain festivals (like Christmas and Spring Break).
The wet season begins in mid-May and continues up until November. Temperatures do get slightly hotter in these months, however the biggest change is in rainfall. During each of these months, we can expect anywhere from 3-6 inches of downpour.
There’s also a risk of hurricanes between July and September. Whilst it seems quite gloomy, I (George) have been here during these months – and the rains are over pretty quickly so it won’t affect your experience that much.
If you’re currently planning a trip, read more about the best time to visit Playa del Carmen so you can avoid disappointment and get the exact experience that you’re after.
Pre-booking Transport
It’s very easy to pre-book transport to Playa del Carmen, given it’s both popular and that there are a range of services available for tourists.
The renowned ADO bus is one of these, which can be booked directly through their website or on travel sites such as BusBud. Another option is private transport, which can be arranged to pick you up directly from the airport and take you to your accommodation in Playa del Carmen (we’ll look at both of these options later in this article).
Overall pre-booking is a great idea to save time, and can easily be done online before flying into Cancún Airport.
Have you got travel insurance for Playa del Carmen?
How to get from Cancún Airport to Playa del Carmen
Having visited here ourselves countless times, we’ve found 3 main ways of making the trip to Playa del Carmen from Cancún Airport (at this time of writing).
ADO Bus from Cancún Airport to Playa del Carmen
One of the most cost-effective and hassle-free options, the ADO bus is the best bet for travelers to get from the airport to Playa del Carmen.
ADO are a reputable bus company in this area of Mexico, and have frequent buses running from just outside of the departures area of Cancún Airport. A one-way ticket costs roughly $16, and takes around 1.5 hours to reach Playa del Carmen.
The great thing about ADO is that you can easily pre-book buses before you arrive, or also buy them at the counter inside the airport. If in the center of Cancún, you can also catch buses directly to Playa del Carmen too.
Car Rental from Cancún Airport to Playa del Carmen
Travelers who prefer hiring their own vehicle will find it very easy to do so in Cancún Airport. There are many highly-rated providers here, such as Hertz, Alamo, Europcar and Dollar.
Rental costs can start as low as $5 a day, and if you have all of the necessary driving requirements for Mexico then it’s worth looking into.
The biggest benefit is that you’ll have complete freedom to roam around the Riviera Maya region as you like, and it will be especially easy to reach attractions that are located on the highway (such as the town of Akumal as well as the eco-park of Xcaret).
Private Transport from Cancún Airport to Playa del Carmen
Those who are looking for the most time-efficient and comfortable ride between Cancún Airport and Playa del Carmen will want to go with a private transport option.
As well as saving time (since your driver will be ready waiting for you once you arrive), you will also be dropped-off directly at your apartment or hotel.
For most travelers, this is ideal since the other options can be slightly tedious (the bus only drops you off at the terminals, whilst if renting a car you’ll need to find parking).
You can pre-book your private transfer here, where a professional driver will get you from Cancún Airport to your accommodation in quick fashion. You’ll also have complimentary drinks included during the ride too. If you’re not on a tight budget, it’s a no-brainer.
Getting from Cancún Airport to Playa del Carmen
And that’s all for this guide on how to get from Cancún Airport to Playa del Carmen.
The perfect basecamp for exploring the Riviera Maya region, it’s worth visiting and staying in Playa del Carmen whilst in this area of Mexico.
Not only are you close to white-sand beaches, ancient ruins and cool cenotes, you’ll also be in a lively town too with lots going on.
In this guide we’ve explored how to get from Cancún Airport to Playa del Carmen, as well as the best time to visit and how to pre-book your own transport.
While you’re still here, we invite you to read our Riviera Maya itinerary to see how you can best use your time when exploring this incredible region.
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