Your complete transportation guide — shuttles, buses, taxis, rental cars, and the safest options.
If you’re flying into Cancún International Airport (CUN) and heading to Playa del Carmen, you have several reliable transportation options. Some are cheaper, some are faster, and others are better for families or groups.
This guide breaks down every way to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen, including prices, travel times, pros/cons, and insider tips from locals.
🚐 1. Private Shuttle (Most Popular & Easiest)
Best for: Families, groups, first-timers, people with luggage
Travel time: ~45–55 minutes
Price: Around $60–$85 USD one way for 1–3 passengers
A private shuttle is the most comfortable and stress-free way to get to Playa del Carmen. Your driver waits outside the terminal with your name on a sign and takes you directly to your hotel, Airbnb, or condo.
Why it’s the best option
- No waiting
- No negotiating
- Direct service — door-to-door
- Clean, air-conditioned vans
- Safe and reliable
- Great if you’re tired after a long flight
Shuttles are much cheaper than the airport taxis, especially for 2+ people.
TIP:
Book your shuttle in advance. The airport is full of aggressive taxi sellers who overcharge tourists.
If you are staying with us (Nasplaya) at one of our condo or villa rentals, you can book directly through our concierge at concierge@nasplaya.com.
🚌 2. ADO Bus (Cheapest & Very Comfortable)
Best for: Budget travelers, solo travelers, backpackers
Travel time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Price: About $16–$20 USD per person
The ADO bus is the main public transportation from Cancún Airport to Playa. They are safe, clean, air-conditioned, and have luggage storage under the bus.
Departure:
Buses run roughly every 30–40 minutes from Terminal 2, 3, and 4.
Arrival:
The bus drops you at the ADO Terminal on 5th Avenue in downtown Playa del Carmen.
Best for travelers who:
- Don’t mind a short walk or taxi at the end
- Are staying in Centro
- Want to save money
TIP:
Buy tickets from the official ADO counter — not the people walking around the airport offering “help.”
Ado website with schedules and locations: https://international.ado.com.mx/?locale=en-US
🚕 3. Taxi at the Airport (Fast, but Expensive)
Best for: Emergencies or last-minute travel
Travel time: ~50 minutes
Price: $100–$140+ USD one way
Airport taxis in Cancún are heavily regulated and highly overpriced. They operate on fixed airport rates, and you cannot use Uber or InDriver from the airport.
Warning:
Taxi reps in the airport will try to sell you rides and shuttles at inflated prices. If you didn’t book ahead, compare a few booths before agreeing.
TIP:
If you really need a taxi, walk outside to the official taxi line — it’s usually cheaper than the sellers inside.
🚗 4. Rental Car (Good if You’re Exploring)
Best for: Travelers planning to visit cenotes, Tulum, Akumal, Valladolid, etc.
Travel time: ~45 minutes
Price: Around $25–$45 USD/day, depending on insurance
Driving from the airport to Playa del Carmen is very easy — one straight highway (307 South). Many travelers rent cars for flexibility.
Pros
- Freedom to explore
- Good for families
- Convenient with lots of luggage
Cons
- You’ll need to park at your hotel or Airbnb
- Expect small deposits
- Watch out for insurance upsells
TIP:
Use a well-known company and always take photos of the car before leaving the lot.
You can see our list of recommended rental car companies here: https://nasplaya.com/best-car-rental-agencies-in-playa-del-carmen/
🛺 5. Shared Shuttle (Budget-Friendly Group Option)
Best for: Solo travelers wanting door-to-door service at a lower cost
Travel time: 1–1.5 hours depending on stops
Price: About $25–$35 USD per person
Shared shuttles are cheaper than private transfers but require waiting for other passengers and multiple hotel stops along the way.
Pros
- Great value
- Still direct to your accommodation
Cons
- Longer travel times
- Limited schedule
- Must book in advance
🚫 6. Uber or InDriver (Not Available From the Airport)
Many visitors are surprised to learn that Uber cannot pick up at the airport due to local regulations and union conflicts. You may be able to use ride-share within Playa del Carmen, but not from CUN.
TIP:
If you want a ride-share style option, book a private shuttle instead.
🏆 Best Option Overall: Private Shuttle
For most travelers, a private shuttle is the best combination of price, safety, convenience, and comfort. It’s especially ideal if:
- You’re landing late
- You have kids or lots of bags
- You want zero hassle after a long flight
- You don’t want to navigate crowds or sales reps
If you’re on a budget, the ADO bus is the perfect choice.
✨ Final Tips for Getting to Playa From Cancun Airport
- Avoid anyone offering “free taxis” or “free tours.”
- Have pesos or USD ready — most shuttles accept both.
- Keep your luggage claim tags — security checks happen at the exit.
- Expect heavy traffic during peak months (Dec–April).
- Book important transportation before landing.
You can read about how to navigate the Cancun Airport here: https://nasplaya.com/how-to-navigate-cancun-airport-step-by-step-arrival-to-exit/
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
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