How to Visit the Cancun Hotel Zone From Playa del Carmen

(Transport Options, Costs, Day-Passes & Nightlife Tips)**

The Cancun Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera) is one of the most famous stretches of beach in the world — turquoise water, luxury resorts, nightlife, restaurants, and top-tier beach clubs. If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, visiting for a day or a night out is absolutely doable.

Here’s the easiest, safest, and most cost-effective way to get there.

Getting From Playa del Carmen to Cancun Hotel Zone

1. ADO Bus → Cancun Downtown → Taxi/Bus to Hotel Zone

This is the most common and budget-friendly option.

Step 1 — ADO Bus Playa → Cancun (Downtown Terminal)

Cost: ~ $120–$140 MXN ($7–$8 USD)
Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes
Duration: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Pick-up: ADO Terminal on 5th Ave & Av. Benito Juárez or ADO Alterna on 20th Ave.

Step 2 — Taxi or R1/R2 Bus to Hotel Zone
Once at the downtown terminal:

Taxi: $250–$350 MXN to most areas of the Hotel Zone
Local Bus (R1 or R2): Only ~$12 MXN (under $1 USD)
Ride time: 15–25 minutes depending where you’re going (Hotel Zone is 25 km long)

Best for:
Budget travelers, daytime visits, beach clubs, Plaza La Isla shopping, restaurants.

ADO website: https://international.ado.com.mx/?locale=en-US

2. Colectivo (Shared Van) → Cancun Downtown + Taxi

This is the cheapest option, though not the most comfortable for long trips.

Cost: ~$60–$70 MXN to Cancun
Pick-up: Colectivo terminal on Calle 2 between Av. 15 & 20
Drops you: Near Cancun downtown bus stations

From there, take:

Taxi to Hotel Zone: $250–$350 MXN
Local R1/R2 bus: $12 MXN

Best for:
Solo travelers on a strict budget, daytime travel.

Read our guide on colectivos here: https://nasplaya.com/how-to-use-colectivos-in-playa-del-carmen-like-a-local-2025-guide/

3. A Private Shuttle or Driver (Most Comfortable)

If you’re traveling with family or a group, this may actually be the best deal.

Cost: $80–$120 USD each way for up to 1–6 passengers
Door-to-door service from your home/hotel in Playa to any hotel in the Hotel Zone.

Best for:
Families, groups, travelers heading to day-passes or nightlife.

4. Rental Car

Driving between Playa and Cancun is very easy on Highway 307.

Cost: ~$25–$50 USD/day
Parking in Hotel Zone: Usually free at malls (La Isla, Forum), but hotels may charge.

Tips:

Avoid nighttime driving if you’re not experienced.
Watch for speed bumps (topes) entering hotel/lab streets.
The Hotel Zone is long — plan your parking around the area you want to visit.

Best for:
Beach hopping, shopping, and exploring multiple Hotel Zone locations in a day.

Read our guide on rental cars here: https://nasplaya.com/best-car-rental-agencies-in-playa-del-carmen/

**What to Do in the Cancun Hotel Zone

(Perfect for a Day Trip From Playa)**

✔ 1. Buy a Resort Day-Pass

Some popular options:

Hyatt Ziva
Secrets The Vine
Occidental Tucancún
Sandos Cancun
Royalton CHIC

Costs: Usually $85–$150 USD per person
Includes food, drinks, beach access, and pool areas.

✔ 2. Enjoy the Beach Clubs

Cancun has some fantastic beach clubs:

Mandala Beach Club (party vibe)
Coco’s Beach Club
Delirio Beach Club
KM 10–12 stretch has some of the best turquoise water in all of Mexico.

Costs: $500–$1500 MXN minimum consumption.

✔ 3. Explore La Isla Shopping Village

A beautiful open-air mall on the lagoon:

Restaurants
Designer stores
Ferris wheel
Aquarium
Sunset spots

Perfect for non-beach days.

✔ 4. Nightlife & Partying

This is where Cancun outshines Playa.

Top clubs:

Coco Bongo (the famous Vegas-style show)
Mandala
Señor Frog’s
The City (when open for special events)

If you’re going for nightlife, private transport is strongly recommended so you don’t have to deal with late-night buses or taxis.

Costs Cheat-Sheet

Item	Precio:
ADO Bus PDC → Cancun	$120–$140 MXN
Colectivo to Cancun	$60–$70 MXN
Cancun bus R1/R2	$12 MXN
Taxi Downtown → Hotel Zone	$250–$350 MXN
Private Shuttle	$80–$120 USD
Rental Car	$25–$50 USD/day
Day-Pass	$85–$150 USD
Beach Club	$500–$1500 MXN minimum spend

Tips for Visiting the Cancun Hotel Zone

✔ Bring Cash

Taxis, colectivo, buses, and street vendors often don’t take cards.

✔ Avoid Taxi Scams

Hotel Zone taxis charge higher tourist rates.

To avoid issues:

Ask the price before getting in.
Expect $250–$400 MXN depending on distance.

✔ Sun Protection

Cancun’s UV index is high year-round.
Bring:

Reef-safe sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses

✔ Plan for Traffic

The Hotel Zone has only one main road in and out — it gets very crowded from 5–7 PM and during big events.

✔ If Going for Nightlife

Use private transport
Stay in groups
Don’t carry large bags
Keep your phone and wallet secure
Pre-purchase club tickets online for discounts

Is Visiting the Cancun Hotel Zone From Playa Worth It?

Absolutely — if you want:

Perfect turquoise beaches
Day-passes
Luxury resorts
World-class nightlife
Beautiful sunset lagoon views

But Playa del Carmen is more walkable, less expensive, and easier day to day. The two places complement each other — make Cancun a fun day (or night) trip, not a relocation.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.

From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.

Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.

North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
🌐 www.nasplaya.com 🔑 Rentals: rentals@nasplaya.com
📊 Ventas: buy@nasplaya.com 🏘 Property Management: bookings@nasplaya.com