✈ Getting from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen

The distance from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is 37 miles (60 km), which can be covered in 50 to 60 minutes when traveling via a Cancun Airport taxi or private transfer.

Both of these options offer a direct and door-to-door service, ensuring you and your luggage arrive safely. A Cancun Airport transfer goes one step further, including extra perks such as an English-speaking driver and a mini tour of the area.

If affordability is your main priority, you may like to consider the ADO bus instead. This service departs regularly and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the bus terminal in Playa Del Carmen, not including wait and transfer times.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Cancun at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2 PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€67	50min	24/7
Bus	€24	90min	07:50–02:40
Welcome Airport Transfer	€71	50min	24/7

How to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen by taxi

Catching a Cancun Airport taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is a quick and easy way to travel to your hotel. The journey will take between 50 minutes and 1 hour, depending on traffic, and the price will be set based on the zone you’re traveling to.

Unlike many airports, taxis at Cancun Airport follow a stricter system. Only authorized companies are permitted to operate on-site, and walk-up access to the taxi rank isn’t allowed without a prior booking.

To secure a ride, you’ll need to reserve your taxi in advance online before your trip or at an official kiosk located in your terminal’s Arrivals Hall. If you book via the kiosk, after providing your destination and paying the fare at the kiosk, you’ll receive instructions on where to meet your assigned driver.

How much is a taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

Taxis in Cancun have traditionally used fixed prices based on the destination and zone you are traveling to. Although metered taxis are slowly being introduced, taxis from Cancun Airport typically operate on fixed rates based on zones. Metered taxis are not commonly used for airport transfers.

That said, your Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen taxi should cost around $75 (€67/MXN 1,451) for up to 4 passengers. However, prices can vary based on the provider and vehicle type.

For a set-rate fare you can count on, we recommend booking your ride with Welcome Pickups before landing in Mexico.

Photos (1)

Cost

$75

Trip Duration

50 Min

*Rates may vary unless you book your taxi in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Cancun Airport.

Where do I find a taxi at Cancun Airport?

As you exit the Arrivals area at Cancun International Airport, you will walk down a long hall with private taxi company kiosks. If you haven’t already booked your taxi, this is the best place to do so to avoid being hassled by the drivers waiting outside.

Each kiosk should have a list of prices, and once booked, you’ll be given directions on where to find your driver. If you do take a local city taxi, check that it is white with a green stripe and lettering, and that the driver is wearing a white uniform and has their credentials on display.

Convenience

Cancun is hot, no matter what time of year you travel. So, there’s nothing better than hopping straight into an air-conditioned taxi and making your way directly to the door of your hotel.

If you’re looking for quick and easy transportation to your hotel, taking a taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is your second-best option after a pre-booked private transfer.

Editor’s Note

Taxis are a great transport option if you want to maximize your beach time over standing around waiting for a bus.

Useful Tips

Use the fare price estimate above as a ballpark fee, but don't be afraid to barter with your driver, it's expected.

If you're traveling in a large group, you must book in advance to guarantee a vehicle large enough. Or, you may wish to book a private transfer.

Be sure to agree on a price before you enter the taxi.

Rates are usually cheaper when booked online in advance.

How to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen by bus

Taking the bus from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is the cheapest mode of transportation, and quite convenient. ADO buses run regularly throughout the day, picking up passengers from Terminal 2, 3, and 4.

The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on which terminal you depart from and traffic conditions on the day. There are no stops along the way, so you’ll be dropped off directly at the ADO bus station right next to Parque Los Fundadores.

How much is the bus from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

A ticket for the ADO bus from Cancun International Airport to Playa del Carmen starts from $13 (€12/MXN 251) when you book online. You can purchase your ticket using your card from the booth inside the arrivals area or in cash at the small ticket stand outside next to the bus stop. You can also buy them online in advance.

Photos (1)

Cost

$13

Trip Duration

90 Min

Buses depart approximately every 20 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The ADO bus is available from 07:50 to 02:40 at Cancun Airport.

Where do I get the bus at Cancun Airport?

International flights usually land at Terminals 3 or 4 at Cancun Airport. Once you pass through Customs and Immigration, you will head left down a long hall that leads into the transport area, where you’ll spot the red ADO counter.

After purchasing your tickets, exit through the doors in front of you, and you will find the bus stop to your right, marked with a big red ADO bus sign. Your bus will be marked with the destination “Playa del Carmen”.

Convenience

Thanks to the frequent service, great ticket price, and quick journey time, using the ADO bus as your transportation from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is a fairly convenient way to travel.

However, once you reach the ADO bus station in Playa del Carmen, you will need to find alternate transport to your hotel, which adds time and money to your journey.

Timetables

ADO bus timetable and tickets

Editor’s Note

The bus is ideal if you're on a budget and don't have much luggage.

Useful Tips

Most people purchase their ADO tickets at the indoor booth. However, if you want to save time and don’t mind grabbing the last seats on the bus, you can purchase your tickets from the ticket stand next to the bus using cash.

At the outside ticket stand you can pay in Mexican pesos or US dollars.

If you want to pay by card, you must purchase your bus tickets from the indoor booth.

Be aware that the bus to Cancun City looks the same as the one to Playa del Carmen. Confirm with the driver that you are boarding the correct ADO bus.

If you purchase your tickets online, make sure you select the correct terminal.

Getting from Cancun International Airport to Playa del Carmen by private transfer

If comfort and reliability are your top priorities, a Cancun Airport transfer is the perfect way to start your trip. Private transfers – like those offered by Welcome Pickups – provide a fully personalized and customizable service tailored to meet the needs of you and any traveling companions.

Drivers are highly trained, speak English, and will highlight some of the island’s notable sights on the way to your hotel. You’ll also benefit from a guaranteed fixed fare, a meet-and-greet service, flight monitoring, and 24/7 customer support.

How much is a private transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

Unlike a regular taxi, when you book with Welcome Pickups, you’ll know the cost of your journey before you even fly, saving you the hassle of negotiating the price in broken Spanish upon landing. As soon as you hit “Confirm,” we’ll send you a bespoke and fully inclusive quote that you can pay for in advance.

For instance, a private Cancun Airport shuttle to Playa del Carmen costs $79 (€71/MXN 1,537) for up to 3 passengers in a stylish sedan, or $85.10 (€76/MXN 1,655) for groups or families with up to 7 people who require a more spacious vehicle such as a minivan.

Booking is simple and takes just a few minutes. We’ll ask for your flight information and a few personal details before asking you to select a preferred pick-up time.

Photos (2)

Cost

$79

Trip Duration

50 Min

*Book in advance to ensure a vehicle will be ready for you when you land.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Cancun Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Regardless of which terminal you land at Cancun Airport, you’ll find a friendly Welcome Pickups driver waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall, right after you collect your luggage. After a quick introduction, you’ll be taken directly to your pre-selected private vehicle so that your transfer can get underway as soon as possible.

During the ride, feel free to ask your driver any questions you might have about Cancun or Playa del Carmen so that you get the most out of your holiday.

Convenience

If you’re not someone who likes to leave things to chance, a private transfer offers a reliable and trustworthy transport option. Prices are set and can be paid for in advance, plus you can fully customize your vehicle as needed.

No need to waste time sorting a ride on arrival, instead you can hop straight into an air-conditioned vehicle and be on your way.

Editor’s Note

A private transfer is the perfect way to start your holiday as you won't need to worry about finding a taxi big enough to fit your group or family and all of their luggage.

Useful Tips

At Welcome Pickups, we provide all our drivers with live updates on any changes to your flight time. This means that if your flight is delayed, your driver will wait up to 1 hour past your new arrival time, for free.

A few days before your flight, you'll receive an email with your driver's details, including a contact number and a recent photo.

Vehicles capacities are based on each passengers traveling with one standard suitcase each.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Cancun. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

Taxis at Cancun Airport typically have a set price that is listed at each taxi counter. The going rate for a local taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is $75 (€67/MXN 1,451). Prices vary depending don the provider.

If you’d prefer a set fare for your taxi shuttle from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen, you can book your Cancun Airport taxi in advance with Welcome Pickups instead.

How much is a shuttle from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

The price of a private shuttle between Cancun Airport and Playa del Carmen starts at $85.50 (€77/MXN 1,654) for up to three or four passengers in a sedan.

What is the best way to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport?

The best way to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is with a pre-booked private transfer or taxi. Transfer services like those offered by Welcome Pickups include an airport meet-and-greet with an English-speaking driver, plus a mini tour on the way to your hotel, all for a competitive fixed-fare price.

How much is bus fare from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

A one-way ticket on the ADO bus from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen costs $13 (€12/MXN 251) per person. Tickets can be purchased either online in advance or on arrival at the ADO counter.

How long does the ADO bus take from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

From Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen, the bus takes about 90 minutes but can take longer depending on which terminal you depart from. Traffic and wait times can also increase the overall journey time.

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How to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen by taxi

How much is a taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

Photos (1)

$75

50 Min

Taxis are available 24/7 at Cancun Airport.

Where do I find a taxi at Cancun Airport?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen by bus

How much is the bus from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

Photos (1)

$13

90 Min

The ADO bus is available from 07:50 to 02:40 at Cancun Airport.

Where do I get the bus at Cancun Airport?

Convenience

Timetables

ADO bus timetable and tickets

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Getting from Cancun International Airport to Playa del Carmen by private transfer

How much is a private transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

Photos (2)

$79

50 Min

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Cancun Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

How much is a shuttle from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

What is the best way to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport?

How much is bus fare from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

How long does the ADO bus take from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

The best way to arrive in Cancun

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