How to Get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun

The bus is an affordable way to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun. ADO, Mexico’s most popular bus company, is the only company operating this route. It offers comfortable, air-conditioned buses with reclining seats and onboard restrooms. For this route, you can book Primera Clase or TLLD. See our Mexico Bus Guide for the differences between ADO’s bus types. Bus ticket prices start at $6 and travel time takes 55m - 2h.

Departure and arrival station

ADO buses depart from two bus terminals in downtown Playa del Carmen: Turistica and Alterna. Turistica is the main bus station and all buses officially leave from there. But if you book a seat from Alterna, the bus will stop there to pick you up. Coming from Xcaret Park? Some ADO buses stop there too! When booking your ticket online, double-check which station you’re departing from to avoid any last-minute confusion. All buses arrive at ADO Bus Station, just within walking distance from most hotels in downtown Cancun. But if you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, you can take a taxi for around [price 200 MXN]. You can also take a bus (R-1, R-3 or R-38) from Avenida Tulum to the beach area. The rate for the buses is [price 12 MXN] to be paid directly to the bus driver.

If you're heading straight to Cancun Airport and want to skip the hassle of bus terminals, shared minivans are a convenient option. They’ll pick you up right from your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about getting to a minivan station. This service is offered by minivan companies: . Tickets cost , and the journey takes around , depending on how many stops are made along the way. This shared shuttle service is best booked online so you won’t have to visit their physical office just to buy a ticket.