Getting from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is easy, and there are a few different transportation options available. Depending on your budget and travel preference, you can choose a means of transportation that best suits your needs. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the four best ways to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just looking for the most convenient option, I’ll help you choose the best way.
From Cancun to Playa del Carmen: Best Ways To Get There
1. Private Transfers from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
If you’re traveling as a family or in a group, booking a private transfer from Cancun to Playa del Carmen might be worth considering. The journey will be more comfortable, and you won’t have to worry about haggling for a fair price.
Private transfers can be booked in advance and usually cost around $60-$80. The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. When booking a private transfer, you should make sure that the company is reputable and has good reviews. It’s also a good idea to book your transfer in advance so that you don’t have to worry about it on the day. Some of the most popular private transfer companies are Cancun Shuttle, Cancun Airport transportation, and Hoppa.
Since I was traveling with a group of friends, we decided to book a private transfer through Cancun Shuttle. Our driver met us as soon as we arrived at Cancun Airport, and he helped us with our luggage. The journey to Playa del Carmen was smooth and hassle-free, and we arrived at our hotel in good time.
The best thing about private transfers is that they are door-to-door. This means that you don’t have to worry about finding your way from the airport or bus station to your hotel. You can simply sit back and relax on the journey. Plus, you can be sure that your driver knows the quickest and safest route to your destination.
I highly recommend booking a private transfer if you’re traveling with a group or want to avoid the hassle of haggling for a fair price. Plus, if you’re traveling with young children, it might be worth the extra cost to have a stress-free journey. Remember to book your transfer in advance to get the best price and avoid any last-minute problems.
2. Take a Taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
This is the simplest, most convenient, and safest way to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. You’ll avoid the stress of driving in Mexico and can relax on the journey. The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour and will cost you around $30-$50, depending on the time of day. It’s best to take an official taxi from the airport or your hotel.
Note that taxis are not allowed inside the Cancun Airport terminal. However, there is a taxi counter inside the arrivals hall where you can pre-pay for your journey and get a voucher to give to your driver. When you leave the terminal, cross the road to the official taxi rank and look for your driver holding a sign with your name.
If you stay in a hotel within the Cancun Hotel Zone, your journey to Playa del Carmen will be slightly cheaper. In this case, you can hail a taxi from the side of the road. It’s important to note that there are no Uber or Lyft services in Cancun or the Riviera Maya.
And if you want to try and haggle for a cheaper price, you can try to flag down a local ‘colectivo’ taxi. These are vans that operate set routes and can carry up to 10 people at once. They’re not as comfortable as regular taxis, but they are a lot cheaper.
3. Take a Bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Taking a bus is the cheapest way to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Buses in Mexico are reliable, efficient, and comfortable. The journey takes around 1-2 hours, depending on traffic. Tickets cost around $10, and you can buy them on the day of travel from the bus station.
There are several bus companies that operate the Cancun to Playa del Carmen route. However, if you’re coming from the airport, the only company that operates a direct service is ADO. There is a counter in the arrivals hall where you can buy your ticket. The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and have WiFi onboard.
The advantage of taking ADO is that you pre-select your seat when you buy your ticket. And once you arrive in Playa del Carmen, the bus will drop you off at the ADO station in the town center. From here, you can easily walk to your hotel or take a taxi if you have a lot of luggage.
Alternatively, you can take a local bus from downtown Cancun if you want to save some money. These are slightly cheaper but will make more stops along the way. Tickets cost around $5-$7, and you can buy them from the bus station on the day of travel.
All in all, taking the bus is a great way to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. It’s cheap, efficient and comfortable. Plus, you can sit back and relax on the journey and enjoy the scenery.
4. Rent a Car and drive from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
If you’re looking for a more independent way to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, then you might want to consider renting a car. This is a great option if you’re traveling as a family or group and want to have the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Renting a car is relatively easy, and there are plenty of companies to choose from. The average cost of renting a car for a day is around $40, although this will depend on the type of car you choose. It’s also worth considering whether you need to add extra insurance to your rental agreement.
The drive from Cancun to Playa del Carmen takes about an hour. But, with stops, it could take longer. It all depends on your schedule and where you want to stop along the way.
When driving in Mexico, it’s important to be aware of the local driving laws. For example, you must drive on the right-hand side of the road and wear your seatbelt at all times. I recommend doing some research on the local driving laws before you set off so that you’re aware of what to expect. And once you’re on the road, stick to the main highways. They are well-maintained and patrolled by police. Avoid any back roads or side streets, as they can be unsafe.
Be warned: many rental companies will lure you with low prices posted on their websites. However, when you get to the rental office, they will try to sell you all sorts of extras, such as insurance, which can quickly add up. Make sure you know exactly what’s included in the price before you agree to anything.
Finally, I would only recommend renting a car if you’re comfortable driving in Mexico. Otherwise, I suggest taking a taxi, bus, or private transfer.
In Summary
These are some of the best ways to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. The best option for you will depend on your budget, group size, and travel plans. The quickest and easiest way to travel between the two cities is by private transfer or taxi. This is also the most expensive option. If you’re looking for a more independent way to travel, then consider renting a car. Just be aware of the local driving laws and stick to the main highways. Finally, if you’re traveling on a budget, then the bus is the best option.
