Playa del Carmen to Cancun tickets

About the ride from Playa del Carmen to Cancun

Sitting in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, Cancún and Playa del Carmen are two of the hottest beach spots around, so it's no shock you want to hit up both.

They've got some crossover: think white-sand beaches, turquoise water, luxe resorts, and big party energy. But dig a little deeper, and you'll see each has its own vibe worth visiting. 

The best part?

Getting from Playa del Carmen to Cancun is super quick and easy. Just hop on a bus, car, minivan, or flight, and you'll barely have time to dry off before you swap one dreamy beach for another.

Below, we'll break down each transportation mode so you can make the best decision for your travel style.

Five of the coolest things to do in Cancun

Cancún might be famous for its swanky resorts and white-sand beaches, but there's far more to this coastal hotspot than all-inclusive stays. Here are five activities you won't want to miss:

1. Take a sunset catamaran cruise. For something more relaxed (and romantic), a catamaran sail along the coast is the way to go. Many cruises include open bars (read: booze cruise), snacks, and sometimes even snorkeling stops.

A sunset cruise is a great way to soak up those Caribbean views without lifting a finger.

2. Take a dip in jungle cenotes. Trade the resort pool for something more adventurous: a swim in Cancún's stunning cenotes.
   
   

These natural sinkholes, sacred to the ancient Maya, are scattered throughout the surrounding jungle and have crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. 

Popular spots like Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Azul, and Cenote Ik-Kil are all within reach and make for an unforgettable day of exploring caves and cooling off in turquoise waters.

3. Experience Cancún's Nightlife at Coco Bongo. This isn't your average nightclub — it's a full-blown spectacle with live performances, aerial acts, and non-stop music. It's sensory overload in the best way possible.
   
   

If you're keeping an eye on your budget, check out the lively hostel bars for cheap drinks and a fun, social vibe.

4. Escape to Isla Mujeres. Hop on a ferry, and in just 20 minutes, you'll be cruising around in a golf cart or scooter to discover pristine beaches like Playa Norte, known for its soft sand and calm waters. Or head to Punta Sur, where rocky cliffs offer panoramic ocean views perfect for sunset.
   
   

It's the ideal day trip if you're craving a slower pace.

5. Day trip to Chichén Itzá. While it's a bit of a drive from Cancún, no visit to the Yucatán Peninsula is complete without seeing this iconic archaeological site.
   
   It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World for a reason. It's a window into Mayan history and architecture. The towering El Castillo pyramid alone is worth the trip.
   
   

How to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun

It's only 42 miles (68 km) between Playa del Carmen and Cancun. You can take a bus, car, minivan, and, believe it or not, a flight. 

Here are the details:

Option one: Bus

Duration: One to two hours

Starting price: $4

As you'd expect, a bus is the cheapest way to get from A to B. ADO, one of the largest bus companies in Mexico, operates the route over one hundred times a day. You'll have no problem finding the right time to suit your itinerary. Additionally, the buses are clean, modern and air-conditioned.

Most buses leave from the Playa del Carmen ADO Bus Station and arrive at the Cancun ADO Bus Station. However, some offer rides to the Cancun International Airport (CUN). Pay attention to the details when booking.

Option two: Private car

Duration: One to two hours

Starting price: $58 per vehicle

Hiring a private car is surely the most convenient way to get between Playa del Carmen and Cancun. You can leave whenever you want. You'll get picked up and dropped off at your hotel of choice (or the Cancun airport), and you can stop whenever you'd like to snap the perfect Instagram shot. 

It's the easiest but not the most expensive option. 

Private cars can accommodate groups of three to five people, so you can split the cost. At $58 for the car, split among your group of five, it's $11.60 — not that much more than the cheapest bus. Plus, you'll have door-to-door service. 

Option three: Minivan

Duration: One to two hours

Starting price: $8 per seat, $57 for the van

If you are traveling in a group of up to 16 people, hiring a private minivan is the right way to go.

You'll get picked up (at a time of your choosing) at your hotel in Playa del Carmen and dropped off at your hotel or the Cancun International Airport (CUN) in time for your flight. 

You'll split the cost of the van among your traveling party, so if you pack it full, it could be as cheap as the bus. Not bad for a private door-to-door service.

If you are a solo traveler, you can buy a seat in a minivan for about $8. Obviously, you won't get all the perks, but you'll still get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun, which is the goal. The shared minivans depart dozens of times per day and have set pick-up and drop-off locations, usually a Playa del Carmen hotel and the Cancun airport.

Option four: Private flight

Duration: 40 minutes

Starting price: $759

If you're feeling like a rock star and have the funds to match, you and four others can catch a quick 40-minute flight from Playa del Carmen Airport (PCM) to the Cancun Airport (CUN). 

It's a private flight on a single-engine puddle jumper; don't expect a smiling flight attendant and drink service. Not that you'll have the time. 

You will get check-in luggage of 28 lbs (13 kg) per person, plus 11 lbs (5 kg) for a cabin bag. It's a small plane, so if you have a lot of luggage, you'll need to pick another transportation option.

The total price is around $759. Split between the five of you makes it $152 per person. If you have the cash, it's a very cool experience. 

When is the best time to visit Cancun?

For dreamy weather, go between December and April. It will be packed with tourists, though. Cancun isn't incognito. Expect crowds and book ahead.  

If you want to party, head there during Spring Break (March and April). It'll be a madhouse.  

Want to swim with whale sharks? July and August are the best months for that mind-blowing adventure.

September and October are the rainiest months (read: hurricane season).

How many days should you spend in Cancun?

You could easily spend a week in Cancun and never be bored. There is a lot to do in town, but also loads of day trips. 

However, if you only want to party, two nights is enough.

Where should you go after Cancun?

From Cancun, you should head north for about three hours and find a different kind of paradise, Isla Holbox. If you are there in July or August, you can swim with the whale sharks, but make sure you use a reputable company that does not feed them to locate them. 

If you're ready to leave the coast for a bit of culture and Mayan heritage, Merida is the answer. Its vibrant colonial charm, colorful architecture, and lively markets show off Mexico's richness.