Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen: An In-Depth Transit Guide

An impressive 8.5 million tourists arrived at the Cancun International Airport last year, making Cancun one of the most popular tourist spots in all of Mexico. However, many people book their stays outside of Cancun.

For example, traveling from the Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen is one of the most famous journeys visitors make in Mexico. With plenty of transport options, it can be hard to know which route and timing are best.

This article will provide an in-depth guide with everything you need to know about traveling from the Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen — including routes, prices, times, and tips — so that you're well prepared when making your start or end of holiday travel arrangements.

Why Cancun?

Before diving into shuttle services and airport logistics, let's explore why Cancun. Simply put, there is a lot to do here, whether you decide to stick to the city of Cancun or explore Playa del Carmen for your entire trip.

If you're looking for a fun-filled day in the sun, dip in one of Cancun's many cenotes. These unique subterranean pools are fed by fresh water from underground rivers and surrounded by beautiful rock formations, making for an unforgettable experience.

You can also explore some of the city's ancient Mayan ruins. They're a spectacular sight to behold. And if that's not enough excitement, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, like:

• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Kayaking
• Parasailing

The food scene in Cancun is also trendy and diverse. Whether you're craving Mexican tacos or fresh seafood caught right off the coast, plenty of restaurants offer delicious fare. And when night falls, don't forget to check out one of the city's famous nightclubs, full of dancing and music until the wee hours of the morning.

Why Playa del Carmen?

We love Cancun. However, we are also passionate about ensuring your trip to Mexico is full of culture, sights, and delight. For many travelers, that means exploring cities and beaches outside Cancun, including Playa del Carmen.

Located on the Caribbean Sea, Playa del Carmen offers travelers a tropical paradise that's easy to get to from many major cities. With its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal clear water, this slice of heaven has plenty of fun activities.

Regarding travel tours and activities, Playa del Carmen is teeming with adventure options. Visitors can dive into the Mesoamerican Reef's underwater world, explore Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza or Coba, or experience incredible snorkeling and deep-sea fishing.

For those who prefer more relaxed activities, Playa del Carmen also has plenty of options. Take your pick from sunbathing on spectacular beaches such as Mamitas Beach Club or Xpu Ha Beach, exploring street markets for Mexican crafts and souvenirs, or tasting some unique local cuisines.

With its combination of lush jungles, beautiful beaches, and an array of outdoor activities that appeal to all ages and interests, it's no wonder why so many people have flocked to Playa del Carmen over the years. Overall, it offers a slightly more laid-back vibe than Cancun; it's the perfect complement to any trip to Mexico.

What to Know About the Cancun Airport

The Cancun International Airport is the second-largest airport in Mexico after the Mexico City International Airport. While it's not overwhelmingly large, navigating can feel difficult if you've never been here.

Knowing that the airport is about 15 minutes from the hotel zone is helpful. This makes it a great place to fly into if you plan to spend a few days in Cancun. It also features some of the most modern facilities in all of Mexico.

Moreover, a planned high-speed rail system (set to be finished by the end of 2023) will allow you to get from the airport to cities like Playa del Carmen and Tulum easily in less than half an hour. This could reduce transport time by at least 50% and help improve the area's traveling infrastructure.

Cancun International Airport offers various services, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, bars, and cafes for travelers who want to relax before their flight. Plus, many rental companies offer a shuttle service that provides transportation directly to your hotel or other destinations within the city.

Immigration at Cancun Airport

When arriving at the Cancun airport, the first thing you'll need to do in the arrival terminal is go through immigration. The immigration line could be tedious since lines can be long and slow-moving. Smartphones are not allowed during immigration checks.

If you're traveling with your family members, you can all approach the counter together. Otherwise, if you're with friends, you must visit immigration agents separately. Once you reach the counter, you'll only need to show your passport and the immigration form, which you (hopefully) previously filled out while on the plane.

Don't worry about this step. They're just checking to ensure your passport and arrival information is accurate. They don't typically ask many questions, and you don't need a visa to travel to Mexico.

After completing this step, make sure that you save the second part of the immigration form in a safe place where you won't lose it. You'll need it when leaving the country! Then, pick up your checked bags (if you have any) and go to customs.

Customs at Cancun Airport

Customs in Cancun is different than in other places worldwide. Whether you get inspected or not depends on the color of light you get when passing through the airport check.

You'll go to a window or kiosk with a customs agent and press a button. If it turns green, you can continue through without any issues. If it turns red, they'll make you open your luggage and inspect it all. It's a big game of luck here. However, they're checking to ensure everything is in order again.

Assuming you're good to go (which you should be), you'll exit the terminal and go to the transportation services area.

Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen

Whew. You've made it through your first Cancun airport experience! Great. Now, it's time to get to your hotel so you can be sippin' piña coladas on a sparkling blue beach in no time. If your Mexico travel plans include a stay in Playa del Carmen, it's helpful to know that the city is about 34 miles south of Cancun.

If you rent a car in Cancun and drive down to Playa del Carmen yourself, you'll enjoy a scenic drive along the peninsula's eastern coast that takes about 50 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Where Is Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen is a destination on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. It is located directly south of Cancun and around an hour's drive away, making it an ideal day trip. It is also close to Tulum, another famous tourist town just 40 minutes south.

Further south is the ancient Mayan ruins of Cobá, which offer visitors a glimpse into the past. With its prime location on the Caribbean Sea and access to nearby attractions, Playa del Carmen is a great vacation destination for travelers looking for a different experience from other coastal towns in Mexico.

How Far is Playa del Carmen From the Cancun Airport?

Playa del Carmen is approximately 55km (or roughly 34 miles) from the Cancun International Airport. This equates to roughly one hour of travel time by bus, taxi, or car.

The airport is in the southwest part of Cancun, while Playa del Carmen is on the Caribbean coast in Quintana Roo. You can reach it by taking Highway 307 south. Generally, it's a direct route from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. However, there does tend to be traffic leaving the city and construction on the way.

Cancun Airport Transport Options

Now, we know what you're likely thinking. Why not just walk out of the airport and get an Uber to Playa del Carmen? Uber is unavailable in Cancun and has been blocked entirely from operating in the region. This is excellent news for local taxis. However, we know that it can make travel somewhat (seemingly) difficult for visitors.

Without Uber available in Cancun, here are four main options when traveling from the Cancun airport to Playa Del Carmen.

Car Rental

If you're looking for a way to explore the Yucatan Peninsula and want the freedom to take day trips from Playa del Carmen, renting a car might be the perfect solution.

Renting a car from Cancun International Airport is an excellent way to avoid the hassle of navigating public transportation. It can also be more cost-effective than taking a taxi. We haven't even mentioned that option here as it's not the safest or most reliable option).

The downside of having a rental car is that finding a parking spot in Playa del Carmen can be challenging, especially in the downtown area. It's always a good idea to see if your hotel offers free parking or to search for paid self-parking spaces. This will add some hassle to your trip, but it comes with the added benefit of freedom of mobility!

While you can rent a car at the airport, booking ahead is better to secure a better deal. It also saves you time and guarantees your car will be waiting for you when you arrive.

Public Transportation

ADO is currently the company that services the Cancun International Airport. From the Cancun airport to downtown Cancun costs about $5 (in United States Dollars), increasing to about $10 for Playa del Carmen and $13 for Tulum. However, these rates are subject to change.

Is taking a bus from the Cancun airport a good idea? It depends, honestly. Buses take you from point A to point B. This means they won't take you to your hotel, especially in the Hotel Zone. Instead, they'll drop you off downtown at a bus stop. From there, you'll have to take a taxi to your hotel.

This isn't an excellent option for those traveling with luggage, arriving at night, or traveling with kids. Instead, hiring a private transfer or looking into shuttles to your hotel or resort is much better and more accessible.

Shuttle Services

If you're looking for a practical and reasonably priced way to get from the Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen, booking a shared shuttle service might be just what you need. This option is especially ideal for solo travelers or those on a tight budget. For just $19 to $27 per person (one way), you can get an air-conditioned and comprehensively insured ride to your hotel's main entrance or lobby.

Upon arrival, bilingual staff will also greet you, making finding your driver easy.

Even though the shuttle service will make multiple stops along the way, the cost savings and convenience are significant. However, it's important to note that this feature might add minutes, or even hours, to your travel time to Playa del Carmen, especially if your fellow passengers are staying at hotels further away from your destination.

Overall, if you don't mind sharing the ride, a shared shuttle service from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is an excellent way to save money while enjoying a comfortable ride.

Private Transportation

As you can see, public transportation and shuttle services can be inconvenient and time-consuming. Instead, we suggest booking a private airport transfer if you're looking for ease and comfort. The benefits are numerous.

First, a private transfer guarantees a fair price, so you won't have to haggle or worry about nasty surprises. An English-speaking driver will conduct the transfer, and the vehicle will be new, air-conditioned, and insured. The best part? Private transportation is cheaper than shared shuttle services if your group has three or more passengers.

Even if you're just a pair of friends or a couple, you should consider if the small extra cost is worth the extra hassle. Furthermore, booking a round-trip transfer can save up to $15 on most private transfer options in Cancun.

Yes, we suggest booking round-trip transfers as this is the best way to ensure peace of mind when returning to the Cancun airport on your way home from your trip to Mexico. As mentioned above, this isn't an option when reserving a private shuttle. So, this is helpful and ensures it'll be one less thing for you to worry about during your vacation.

The bottom line? Book a private transfer from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen to save time, money, and stress.

Book Your Cancun Airport Transfer

Private transportation is the best and most comfortable way from the Cancun airport to Playa Del Carmen. We're here to help ensure your arrival is as smooth as possible. Message us about your transportation needs, and we'll help you schedule your transfer.