How to Get to Playa del Carmen Mexico (The Easiest Ways to Get There) 2025

Playa del Carmen is one of my favorite spots in the Riviera Maya because if its amazing nightlife, fantastic food, free public beaches, and some truly beautiful hotels and resorts.

I’ve been to Playa del Carmen quite a few times now because, somehow, I always end up there on every Mexico trip. Luckily for you, it’s actually super easy to get to. The entire Riviera Maya is really well connected, so getting around is rarely complicated.

That said, I totally get that if it’s your first time here, it can feel a bit intimidating. I’m exactly the same, I’d much rather plan ahead than land at the airport stressed and unsure about transport. So, to make things easier for everyone, I’ve put together a quick step-by-step guide on how to get to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Let’s get into it.

How to Get to Playa del Carmen – My Experience

From my experience, getting to Playa del Carmen is one of the easiest journeys you can make in Mexico. The entire Yucatán Peninsula is incredibly well connected and places like Tulum, Cancún, Isla Mujeres, and Playa del Carmen all link up seamlessly, so you really don’t need to stress too much about transport.

On my most recent trips, I’ve either come directly from Cancún Airport or from other nearby destinations like Tulum. I usually take the ADO buses, which if you haven’t heard of them, are a bit like Greyhound or FlixBus, just more comfortable and much cheaper. They’re clean, reliable, air-conditioned, and perfectly safe, so they’ve become my go-to way of getting around.

I’ve also tried private shuttles before, which are obviously more expensive but faster and more convenient, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family. Since I usually travel solo, the bus option makes the most sense for me. But if I were traveling in a group, I’d definitely arrange transport in advance, either through my hotel or via Viator, which always has solid options.

Step 1: Fly Into Mexico (Cancun International Airport or Tulum International Airport)

I know that this one’s pretty self-explanatory, but you’ll need to fly into Mexico first. A few years ago, Cancún International Airport was the only real option, but now that Tulum has its own international airport, things have gotten a little more interesting.

Personally, I’ve only ever flown into Cancún, which still has way more flight options (and often cheaper ones too). Tulum International currently has direct flights from places like Houston and Dallas, but not nearly as many as Cancún.

Since Playa del Carmen sits almost exactly halfway between Tulum and Cancún, I’d recommend checking both airports and simply booking whichever offers the better flight deal since both will get you there easily.

Step 2: Ground Transfer to Playa del Carmen (ADO or Private Transfer)

This is probably the part you’re really wondering about, how to actually get from the airport to Playa del Carmen.

I’ve done this trip countless times, always from Cancun Airport, and both the ADO bus and private transfers have been super smooth and reliable.

When I’m traveling solo or as a couple, I almost always go for the ADO bus. It’s cheap, comfortable, safe, and easy. There’s a station right at the airport, literally just outside the terminal, and the bus drops you off in Playa del Carmen city center. From there, I usually just walk to my hotel which it’s often no more than ten minutes.

That said, if you’re traveling as a family, with kids, or lots of luggage, I totally get that you’d prefer to be dropped off directly at your hotel. 

I’ve done that too, and booking a private shuttle was worth every peso. The driver was waiting for us with a name sign right at the gate where we arrived, he helped with the luggage, and drove us straight to our hotel without a single hiccup.

So here’s what I think you should do:

• Solo travelers or couples on a budget: take the ADO bus, it’s efficient and affordable. Tickets can be bought online, the website is in english.
  
• Families or groups: book a private shuttle, it’s way easier and stress-free.

Book Here: ADO Bus to Playa del Carmen

Book Here: Private Transfer to Playa del Carmen

Step 3: Taxi or Walk to Your Hotel

Step 3 really only applies if you’re taking the ADO bus from Cancun or Tulum to Playa del Carmen, because if you’ve booked a private shuttle, they’ll almost always drop you off right at your hotel. 

When I did a private transfer once, I was staying at a resort on the outskirts of Playa, and honestly, taking the bus into town and then a taxi from there would’ve been unnecessarily complicated.

The times I used the ADO bus, I stayed right in Playa del Carmen town. There are so many great options in the city center with cute boutique hotels, rooftop apartments with pools, and stylish little spots tucked away just off Fifth Avenue. If you’re curious, I’ve shared my favorite picks in my Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen guide.

When I stayed near Fifth Avenue, the bus dropped me off just a short 10-minute walk from my hotel, which was super easy (though to be fair, I travel with only a backpack most of the time). If you’ve got luggage or just don’t feel like walking, there are always taxis waiting right outside the ADO terminal to take you wherever you’re staying.

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen Mexico

As I mentioned earlier, if you’re not traveling on a tight budget, I’d definitely recommend booking a private transfer from the airport straight to your hotel. It just makes life easier, especially since many of the larger hotels and resorts in Playa del Carmen are located on the outskirts, a bit away from the main action.

That said, I personally love being right in the middle of things. Staying in Playa del Carmen’s city center means I can walk to the beach, hop between restaurants and bars, and take in all the energy of Fifth Avenue. It’s busy, yes, but it’s also a lot of fun.

Both areas have their perks: the resorts offer peace, pools, and ocean views, while the downtown hotels and apartments put you right where in the middle of all of it. If you want to look deeper into this, I have a full Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen guide that covers everything from beachfront resorts to boutique apartments in the city center.

Here are a few of my favorite places to stay in Playa del Carmen:

Book Here: Hotel Casa Colibri

Book Here: Secrets Maroma Beach Resorts

FAQs About How to Get to Playa del Carmen

How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport?

When I’m traveling solo, I love hopping on the ADO bus, it’s cheap, reliable, safe, and comfortable. But if I’m with a group or family, I always book a private transfer straight to the hotel. It’s just so much easier and far more convenient after a long flight.

How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cozumel?

Super easy, there’s a ferry that runs between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen roughly every 30 minutes to an hour. You can buy tickets right at the pier or online in advance. The ride takes about 45 minutes and drops you off right in downtown Playa.

How to get around Playa del Carmen Mexico?

I usually stay near Fifth Avenue, which means I can walk pretty much everywhere. Playa’s city center is compact and very walkable, which I love. For longer distances or day trips, I’ll either rent a car or grab a taxi, both are easy to find.

Is Playa del Carmen worth visiting?

Absolutely. Playa del Carmen feels like the perfect blend of tourist city and local town, with fantastic food, free beaches, and tons to do. It’s busier and louder than Tulum but also more affordable and less overhyped, which, to me, is a win.

Final Thoughts on Transport to Playa del Carmen

Honestly, getting to Playa del Carmen couldn’t be easier. The Riviera Maya and Yucatán have been welcoming travelers for years, so the infrastructure is excellent with buses, ferries, highways, everything runs pretty smoothly.

I usually rely on ADO buses to get between destinations because they’re cheap, comfortable, and go pretty much everywhere, even to Bacalar, Valladolid, Palenque, Mérida, and Holbox. T

here’s also the option of taking colectivos (shared vans), which are much cheaper but a bit more adventurous and less comfortable, so I don’t usually bother with them.

If I were traveling with kids or family, though, I’d 100% book a private transfer or rent a car. There are so many fun day trips from Playa del Carmen, and having your own wheels makes exploring the area a lot easier.

I hope this little guide on how to get to Playa del Carmen helps you plan your next trip!

Check Out My Other Playa del Carmen Travel Guides

How to Get to Playa del Carmen: My Playa Transportation Guide

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen Mexico: My Top Areas & Hotels

Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen: A Season by Season Guide