Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen

How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport

Playa del Carmen, Cancun’s sister city and the heart of the Riviera Maya, attracts travelers who want beaches, nightlife, and easy access to parks like Xcaret, Cozumel Island, cenotes, and caves.

We already explained above why a private transfer stands out — comfort, fixed price, and door-to-door service. Still, every itinerary, budget, and schedule is different, so it’s worth comparing the full picture.

Below is an impartial guide to all the ways to go from Cancun International Airport (CUN) to Playa del Carmen — estimated times, indicative price ranges, and when each option makes sense — so you can evaluate clearly and choose what best fits your needs.

Private transport/transfer/service: when it makes sense and how to book

Private transport shines because it’s door-to-door: the driver waits at the agreed meeting point in Cancun Airport and helps with luggage.

Once everyone is on board, they will drive straight to your hotel in Playa del Carmen with no detours or stops. That way you can relax knowing that after a long flight (direct or with a layover), your transfer will be waiting to start your vacation.

When it’s a good choice

• Families and groups (2–14 pax): cost per person often beats an individual taxi and avoids using two vehicles.
• Late-night or early-morning arrivals: avoids waiting and minimizes risk.
• Bulky luggage or child seats: option for an XL vehicle and car seats upon request.
• Travelers who don’t want to haggle: fixed price before you fly, with a clear change policy.

What to check before booking

• Vehicle type (standard, SUV, van) and real capacity with luggage.
• Waiting time in the hall or meeting point.
• Policies for flight delays, cancellations, and payment methods.
• Extras: baby seat, brief stops, water on board.

A useful line to decide: “Choosing private transport simplifies things when there are kids, bulky luggage, or late-night arrivals; it keeps timings and avoids vehicle changes.”

Create button to book

 

ADO bus: cheap and direct to downtown (not to your hotel)

ADO runs from the airport terminals to the Tourist Terminal in Playa del Carmen. It’s a budget-friendly and safe option with assigned seats and space for bags. For solo travelers or couples with light luggage, it’s often the best price/safety balance.

How it works

1. Follow the ADO signage inside the terminal.
2. Buy your ticket (counter or web) and wait for the assigned bus.
3. Get off at the Playa del Carmen Tourist Terminal (downtown area).
4. Take a second ride: licensed taxi, app, or walk if your hotel is nearby.

Pros

• Low price; frequent departures depending on season.
• No haggling; ticket with seat.

Cons

• Doesn’t drop at your hotel; the second leg adds time and cost.
• Less comfortable with a lot of luggage or very late schedules.

Useful line: “The ADO bus is economical and reliable, but it ends in downtown Playa; from there you’ll need another ride.”

Uber and other apps: dynamic pricing and availability

In Cancun and Playa del Carmen, ride-hailing apps like Uber do work and, as an advantage, offer visible pricing in the app, digital payment, and good fares in calm hours.

 

But are there really calm hours at Cancun Airport? If you’re traveling alone or with up to two more people and light luggage, apps like Uber could be a good option.

 

However, that applies mainly to short hops: covering the distance between Cancun Airport and Playa del Carmen can get pricey because relatively few drivers are willing to make that trip without federal plates.

 

Of course, there are “brave” drivers who provide good service, but if you’re traveling with more people and lots of bags, larger vehicles are scarce. So if it’s just you or you and your partner, Uber could tentatively be a good alternative.

Airport taxi

Airport taxis are easy to find outside each terminal and operate 24/7. Although they publish fares, they aren’t always honored in practice, so it’s wise to ask for a fixed written price before boarding, pay through official means (counter or POS), and confirm whether the amount includes tolls or stops.

 

This option often makes sense for off-hour arrivals without a prior booking or for solo travelers in a hurry with light luggage. In short: airport taxis publish rate cards; to avoid surprises, ask for a fixed price in writing.

6) Playa Express (colectivo)

Playa Express is a widely used shared van service between Cancun city and Playa del Carmen. It does not depart from the airport; it runs from areas near the Cancun ADO terminal. It’s practical if you’re already in downtown Cancun and prioritize a very low price over comfort: it makes stops and is not door-to-door.

Rental car

With a rental car you gain flexibility to move around the Riviera Maya (cenotes, Tulum, Akumal, Xcaret), but for the arrival leg it means finding the agency, doing the paperwork and deposit, inspecting for damage, and then driving ~55–70 km to Playa del Carmen.

 

Pros: total freedom of schedules and routes during the whole trip. Cons: after a long flight, the initial process can be tiring, plus extra costs (insurance, card holds, fuel, parking) and the fact that driving at night or while tired isn’t ideal.

 

In short, it’s a great option if you plan to tour the area on your own, but it may not be the most practical choice on the very day you land.

Maya Train

The Maya Train does not have a station inside the airport; to use it you would need to take a taxi to the nearest station, get off in Playa, and take another taxi to the hotel. This chain of transfers isn’t efficient with luggage and after a flight. For a first arrival, it’s not the logical route.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the cheapest option from the airport?
The ADO bus is usually the most economical from CUN, but it arrives in downtown Playa, not at your hotel.

What’s the most comfortable/fast door-to-door?
Private transport/transfer service: advance booking, assigned driver, and no transfers.

Does Playa Express depart from the airport?
No. Playa Express runs between Cancun city and Playa del Carmen; it does not start at the airport.

Can I use Uber?
Yes, although with dynamic pricing and variable availability depending on the time and demand.

Is the Maya Train useful for this arrival leg?
No. Since there’s no station at the airport, it requires multiple transfers; it’s not practical when you land.