Private car transfer
from Cancun to Playa del Carmen

On the other hand, a shared shuttle of 5-7 passengers provides a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on comfort. You can relax and enjoy the scenic drive while sharing the journey with your fellow adventurers, instead of worrying about traffic, parking, and car return. This is also an ideal option for solo travelers looking for convenience on a budget.

The distance between these cities is relatively short, only about an hour, making for a quick and comfortable ride.

Playa del Carmen: A Smaller Cancun

Playa del Carmen has gone through an economic revitalization period alongside Cancun. In the 1960s the Mexican government created an economic development program to boost international tourism to its coast. Cancun was the main recipient of attention and funds, however, tourism boomed and the development spread down the coast of the Caribbean Sea. Smaller resort cities popped up as a result, and today we have Playa del Carmen as we know it.

They are only about 40 miles apart, but Cancun and Playa del Carmen have some physical and cultural differences to be aware of before your trip.

Cancun is much more car-dependent than Playa del Carmen. You will find it is much easier to navigate Playa del Carmen on foot, as it is a much smaller and more dense city. There are taxis available for longer trips or if you find walking difficult, but don’t expect to need to use them as much as you would getting from one side of Cancun to the other.

Playa del Carmen has its own local airport, so you will find there are more Mexican tourists and more chances to practice your Spanish than in Cancun. They also prefer Mexican pesos over foreign currencies, so make sure to have some local cash in your wallet (but not enough that you would be upset to miss it- just in case of a pick-pocket!)

Playa del Carmen has more varieties of accommodation than Cancun. While Cancun favors all-inclusive resorts and sky-high name-brand hotels, Playa del Carmen has smaller boutique hotels, local apartments, and budget hostels. But don’t worry, you will still find major hotel chains like the Hyatt and Hilton if that’s your style.

The internet speeds are also slower in Playa del Carmen than in Cancun. If you need high-speed internet for work or to keep in touch with loved ones, you may want to choose your hotel carefully and ask about connection speeds before booking. On the other hand, this might be a great opportunity to have a digital detox and turn your phone and laptop off for the week.

Book activities and transportation in advance at Playa del Carmen

To secure the best deals and ensure availability, book your transportation and activities in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. The last thing your vacation needs is to be thrown off course by a fully booked shuttle bus or snorkeling excursion.

Take a Shared Shuttle to Playa Del Carmen

Shared shuttles provide a more cost-effective but safe travel option, with multiple departures throughout the day. If you don’t need door-to-door service or an exact departure/arrival time, a shared shuttle is a good alternative to a private car. Daytrip’s private shuttles are 7-passenger vans with professional drivers, the possibility of child car seats, and options for handicapped people.

Learn the Rules About Sunscreen and Insect Repellent in Cancun and Playa del Carmen

Only biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellant are allowed in this region of Mexico due to their sensitive ecosystems. Conventional sunscreens leave a film on the top of the water and harm the endangered coral reefs. If you aren’t sure if your sunscreen or insect repellant is reef-safe, skip buying it until you arrive, since local shops will only carry compliant products.

Stock up on Pesos Before Your Trip

If you try using USD or another foreign currency, you may run into poor exchange rates at bars, restaurants, and outings. When paying by credit or debit card, be sure to press “Pay in Mexican Pesos” when prompted by the card reader. This way, you get a slightly better exchange rate. Have local currency (Mexican pesos) on hand for transportation fares and other expenses, as not all vendors may accept foreign currency or even credit cards.

Cancun to Playa del Carmen via Shuttle Bus with Daytrip

Traveling by shuttle bus is a budget-friendly option for those looking to save on transportation costs while still having a safe and comfortable journey. Daytrip shuttle buses operate regular routes between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, with departures throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops. Shuttle buses offer comfortable seating, air conditioning, and room for luggage.

Bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen

If you’re arriving at Cancun airport, you can catch an ADO bus to Playa del Carmen for around $10. There are about 2 departures an hour from 8:15 AM to 11:59 PM, and the trip to Playa del Carmen takes about 1.5 hours. While a great budget option, you can’t buy tickets online, and since the buses can fill up, especially in the winter, you might be stuck waiting for the next one.

Cancun to Playa del Carmen by Daytrip Private Car

For a hassle-free journey, consider hiring a private taxi service from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. This option offers door-to-door convenience for you and eliminates the need to navigate unfamiliar roads in a foreign country. You also have the opportunity to turn your transfer into an exciting day trip with a personalized travel itinerary, so you don’t have to sacrifice the freedom of renting a car.

With Daytrip, you can add stops along the way to visit some of the many cenotes, or natural sinkholes, found all over the Yucatan Peninsula. Take a dip in the Las Mojarras, Kin-Ha, or Chaak Tun Cenotes and see the underground caverns dug out over millennia. Cenotes are formed when the roofs of ancient cave systems collapse after the dissolving of their limestone base over many years.

While it may be more expensive than a shuttle bus, it offers flexibility in scheduling, privacy, and individual pick-up. We have the option to include children’s car seats or request a handicapped-accessible vehicle, so make sure to add these details when booking if you need them.

Navigating the Cancun Airport with Daytrip

Playa del Carmen does not have an international airport, so the odds are you will be flying into Cancun. If you're taking a private car, your driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall with a sign. For the shared shuttle, you'll be given the meeting point information.

Ecotourism in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen has several eco-parks to get up close and personal with the exotic and often endangered wildlife of Central America. Eco-parks like Xcaret and Xel-Ha offer dozens of activities and you are sure to find age-appropriate fun for the whole family.

At these eco-parks, you can swim in natural cenotes, snorkel with tropical fish, and experience thrilling activities like zip-lining and cave exploration amidst lush jungle surroundings. The wilderness of the Riviera Maya has never felt so close!

Visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

For an even closer look at the wildlife, visit one of Quintana Roo’s several protected areas and wildlife reserves. For the trip of a lifetime, go to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. In 1987 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it stands out as one of the largest protected areas in Mexico. Its name means “the entrance to the sky” in Mayan, and has diverse ecosystems such as mangroves, wetlands, and coral reefs.

Be prepared to be away from your hotel for the whole day, as it is a long tour. Your guide will take you through one section of the biosphere reserve, as the other section is not open to the public. You will walk through the jungle, see the Mayan ruins of Muyil, and ride a boat through the lagoons. Be ready to move and have a bottle of water, comfortable shoes, loose-fitting clothes, a bathing suit, and a dry set of clothes.

Unwind in Playa del Carmen

You’ve run around to all the islands, done the watersports, and chased your kids around the waterparks, but now it’s time to focus on you! Treat yourself to a day of pampering and relaxation at one of Playa del Carmen's luxurious spas. Indulge in a rejuvenating massage, do a holistic spa treatment, and get those feet sandal-ready again with a pedicure. You’ll be sure to leave feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready for your next adventure.