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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 68 kilometre distance from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 4 ways to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, colectivo, taxi. The most affordable option is by bus, starting from $5. The fastest route is by bus (1h 20m).
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1h 20m
$5
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1h 30m
$45
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1h 30m
$978
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1h 50m
$8
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The bus is an affordable way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Bus fares start from $5 and the journey takes around 1h 20m - 1h 50m.
ADO and AU are the bus companies operating on this route. ADO offers a more comfortable ride with better seats and onboard toilets, while AU is the cheaper option with simpler buses and no restrooms. Check out our Mexico Transport Guide for a full comparison of their bus types and amenities.
If you’re staying at the Hotel Zone, you can take a taxi or save money by taking a local bus. Lines R-1, R-3 and R-38 will drop you off at Avenida Tulum, right in front of the bus terminal.
If you're coming from Cancun International Airport, shared minivans are a convenient option for getting to your hotel in Playa del Carmen. They provide door-to-door service with prices starting at .
There are companies operating on this route: .
Travel time varies depending on the number of passengers and stops along the way but is usually around .
It’s best to book minivans online so you won't need to queue for tickets at the airport.
Colectivos are the cheapest option to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and a popular mode of transport in the Riviera Maya.
However, they are mostly used by local workers and not by tourists, so there's no space for bulky luggage. That’s why we think colectivos are best only for day trips to Playa del Carmen or if you are travelling with just hand luggage.
The average fare to Playa del Carmen by colectivo is . This can go higher during peak season (December to April). You can’t book tickets online, but colectivos depart frequently throughout the day and you can simply pay the driver directly.
Playa Express runs from 04:00 to 01:00 while Colectivos Foraneos operates 24 hours a day. It’s good to know that Playa Express vehicles are more comfortable with more space between seats and working AC, so keep that as your first choice.
When you arrive in Playa del Carmen, the Colectivo bus stop is located within the tourist area, just a couple of blocks away from Turistica Bus Terminal.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Playa del Carmen is a quickly evolving resort town in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. At its heart are palm-tree-lined beaches and music, best enjoyed at a bar by the shore. The city offers a more relaxed vibe compared to the nearby Cancun, but there are still plenty of things to do.
Some of our favourite activities in Playa del Carmen include sunbathing by the beach, hopping between cafes, and wandering around the boutiques at Quinta Avenida. And the fun doesn't end in the city! Just 15 minutes away, you'll find the famed nature resort Xcaret Park. Playa del Carmen is also the gateway to the beautiful Cozumel Island.
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Carbon Footprint
This 68 km journey produces approximately 6 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Luggage Safety
Some stops on this route involve luggage storage or transfers. Keep valuables in your carry-on and use a lock on checked bags.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
Treat YourselfPlaya del Carmen is full of luxury hotels and beach clubs, but Maya Villa is one of the best. Guests staying at the hotel get access to both a fully-equipped gym and the beach club!
The hotel boasts a Maya and tropical style with its natural decor and lush gardens. The turquoise pool winds around the hotel, dotted with waterfalls that create a relaxing soundtrack to the hotel. There’s even a hot tub on the roof! We guarantee that you’ll never want to leave this place.
Treat YourselfOpal Suites offer luxury apartments with all of the facilities you get with a hotel. Staying here you’ll have access to a gym, rooftop swimming pool and even a barbeque.
Each stunning apartment contains all you need, a kitchen, washing machine, balcony and even Netflix. This can be a great option if you’re staying in Playa del Carmen for a couple of weeks, so you can settle in and feel at home.
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Mid-RangeStart the day right with the hotel’s complimentary breakfast, made up of fresh and home-made goodies. You can literally taste how much love the host puts into the food, as well as the day-to-day running of the hotel.
Just looking at the hotel will make you feel happy. It’s bursting with colour, both on the walls and from the fruit plants that decorate the garden. The hotel gets its name from the vanilla plants around the hostel, so essentially everywhere smells great.
BudgetPlaya del Carmen is a popular spot in Mexico, so finding a budget-friendly option can be hard. Casaejido is amongst the best that you can choose from. Situated a bit further out from all of the action and noise of Playa del Carmen, it feels like a little oasis.
Here you’ll find plenty of greenery, a pool, lounge chairs to relax in the garden and hammocks throughout. The bamboo and neutral decor also adds to the tranquil atmosphere. On top of that, the incredibly friendly staff will make you feel even more at ease and help you with anything you need.
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