4 Ways to Travel from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen - by Bus, Minivan, Private Transfer and Colectivo

In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 123 kilometre distance from Chiquila 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 Chiquila to Playa del Carmen. You can choose between the minivan, private transfer, bus, colectivo. The most affordable option is by private transfer, starting from $3. The fastest route is by minivan (2h ).

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Transport	Duration	Price	Best For
MinivanFastest	2h	($15)	--
Private TransferBudget	2h	($3)	--
Bus	2h 20m	($20)	--
Colectivo	2h 30m	($250)	--

Route Overview

ChiquilaPlaya del Carmen123 km

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Minivan

2h - 2h 30mFrom ~$15

There are plenty of minivans operating from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen. The minivan journey takes around 2h - 2h 30m, with fares starting at $15. There are three companies operating on this route: Nice Travel Holbox, Peninsula Travel and Chiquila Holbox Extreme.

Departure and arrival stations

All minivans depart from the parking lot in front of Puerto de Chiquilá. They arrive at Colectivo Station - Playa del Carmen to Tulum. If you are taking Chiquila Holbox Extreme, check with the driver to confirm the drop-off location.

Ready to book your minivan?

From ~$15 · 2h - 2h 30m

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Private Transfer

2 hoursFrom ~$3

A private transfer from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 2 hours, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers. Prices for private transfer start at $3 for a -seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about each. You can book your private ride in advance through Viator or 12GoAsia.

Ready to book your private transfer?

From ~$3 · 2 hours

12Go Asia

Direct operator sites

Viator

Bus

2h 20mFrom ~$20

The bus service from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen is operated by ADO, Mexico’s largest bus company. ADO buses have air-conditioning, reclining seats and a toilet. There’s only one daily departure, and the journey takes 2h 20m. A bus ticket costs around $20.

Departure and arrival stations

Buses from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen depart from ADO Chiquila, about 400 metres from the main dock. In Playa del Carmen, they arrive at Terminal Turistica on 5th Avenue, just a few blocks from the beach.

Ready to book your bus?

From ~$20 · 2h 20m

Bookaway

KEY LOCATIONS

Departure & Arrival Stations

Chiquila

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Playa del Carmen?

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 123 km journey produces approximately 11 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.

Traveller Reviews

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4.36 reviews

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.
O
Oliver S.November 2025
Ferry

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.

Jenny L.Jan 2026

Train

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.

Carlos V.Oct 2025

Bus

Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.

Maya R.Dec 2025

Train

Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.

David H.Feb 2026

Bus

Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.

Sophie K.Jan 2026

Flight

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STAY

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen

Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.

Treat Yourself

Maya Villa Condo Hotel and Beach Club

Playa 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.

Hot tub and huge swimming pool
Large and bright rooms
Access to beach club and gym
Steps away from the beach

Double rooms start from $80 per night

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Treat Yourself

Opal Suites Apartments

Opal 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

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Mid-Range

Vainilla Bed and Breakfast Mexico

Start 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.

Superb breakfast
Swimming pool
Very friendly host
Bright and clean decor

Double rooms between $40-$80 per night

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Budget

Apart Hotel Casaejido

Playa 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.

Gardens with hammocks
Friendly and helpful staff
Quiet location
Outdoor swimming pool

Double rooms between $15-$40 per night

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How to Get from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen

Compare Your Options

Minivan

Departure and arrival stations

Ready to book your minivan?

Private Transfer

Ready to book your private transfer?

Bus

Departure and arrival stations

Ready to book your bus?

Departure & Arrival Stations

Why Visit Playa del Carmen?

How We Research

Traveller Reviews

Leave a Comment

Colectivo

Departure and arrival stations

Ready to book your colectivo?

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen

Maya Villa Condo Hotel and Beach Club

Opal Suites Apartments

Vainilla Bed and Breakfast Mexico

Apart Hotel Casaejido