Getting to Playa del Carmen.

Flying is essentially the only way to get to Playa del Carmen. There are buses from other cities in Mexico, but geography makes this an impractical option. Playa del Carmen is approximately 70 km south of Cancun and this is the closest airport ( CUN ).

Getting to Cancun Airport.

Cancun is an international airport and there are many direct flights from many cities in Latin America, United States, Canada and Europe. Alternatively, there are many daily flights from Mexico City. From Mexico city there are two low cost airlines flying to Cancun: interjet and volaris .

From Cancun to Playa del Carmen

There are many options to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen.

From trip advisor :

Several options for ground transportation to Playa del Carmen, which is approximately 70 km south of the Cancun airport and about a 45 minute to one hour ride. Private transfers require reservations (and may require full pre-payment by credit card) but options are available for ADO Bus, private and shared vans upon arrival.

Included Transfers:

Vacation packages often include pre-arranged ground transportation to your resort. As you exit the baggage claim area, walk outside and look for an employee of the company carrying a sign with the name of your travel company on it (ie Expedia, Apple Vacations, Lomas Travel, Liberty Travel, etc.). That person will have your name on a list. If you decide to use alternate transportation, it is a good idea to tell this person of your intent as they may hold a bus for you. Most companies use small vans, not large tour buses, so you won't be subjected to many stops along the way.

To Playa del Carmen by ADO Bus:

The most economical way (106 pesos per person) from the airport to Playa del Carmen is to take the air-conditioned ADO Bus. Luggage can be stored underneath. It's a very nice and easy ride that takes you right to the Playa bus station located on 5th Ave and Juarez.

It's possible to reach near-by 5th Avenue and beach hotels on foot. For Playacar or hotels out of walking distance, many taxis line up around the bus station (cost of taxi to most nearby resorts: approx. $5.00, near bus terminal rides are 15 pesos per person).

From Terminal 3: Walk out of the airport and veer right towards the large buses. Only speak with employees wearing an ADO logo on their shirt. Tickets may be purchased from a booth inside the terminal or at the door.

The bus stops at Terminal 2 and then most rides are direct to PDC. There is a chance of a brief stop on the highway in Puerto Morelos.

To Cancun Airport from PDC:

Tickets can be purchased at the ADO Bus Station on 5th Avenue and Benito Juarez up to 24 hours in advance of a specified departure time. The bus lets off all passengers at Terminal 2. A shuttle bus is available to Terminal 3 and there is a walkway.

Taxis:

Vouchers for taxis rides to PDC are on sale inside the main terminal. Taxis are private rides (quoted prices vary from $40-$80). Returning to the airport in a taxi is often less than the trip upon arrival.

Shared Vans (no reservations needed):

Some find it best to arrange a ride on arrival than trying to find someone on arrival. No need to find a specific employee from a company or someone holding your name on a sign. Exit the terminal and veer right, look for an employee with a transportation logo on their shirt organizing a direct ride to Playa Del Carmen and buy a ticket right at the shuttle van. $19 per person, No Reservations Needed.

For returning to the airport, ask your resort to call a taxi when you are ready to leave. No waiting for a company that may never come and often the cost is less than pre-arranged transfers. Or return by ADO Bus.

Private Transportation: If you prefer, you may book ground transportation in advance from companies such as Cancun Limo, Cancun Valet, Entertainment Plus, USA Transfers, or Best Transfers and others. Their representative greets passengers upon exiting the airport, holding a sign with your name on it or wearing a pre-described uniform and take you directly to your transport or, ask your hotel when making a reservation. The majority of hotels can arrange transportation for you, leaving you more free time to decide what to pack on your trip! Some local companies that provide transportation:

Rental Cars: May be reserved in advance or upon arrival (either to be picked up at the Cancun airport or in Playa del Carmen) from well known companies such as Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, and Alamo. This may be a good option for those who wish to tour areas such as Tulum, Cobá, etc. Many car companies have branches in Playa del Carmen (all the big name companies and smaller local companies such as Happy Car, CP Rentals and Veloz). Some local companies will drop off the car at your hotel and even pick it back up there once you're finished.

If you are going to rent a car, be sure to fully understand how insurance works in Mexico. The best thing to do is contact your own car insurance company and credit card company if depending on that coverage ask whether you have rental car insurance and whether that insurance will cover you driving a car rented in Mexico. Liability insurance, which is required in Mexico, will be sold to you whether you ask for it or not, as it is required by law in Mexico. The cost is minimal, and most quoted prices include both tax and insurance.