How to Get Around Playa del Carmen Without a Car (Complete 2025 Guide)

One of the best things about living in—or visiting—Playa del Carmen is that you don’t need a car. The city is compact, walkable, and filled with cheap, reliable transportation options. Whether you’re here for a week or settling in long-term, getting around is easy, safe, and budget-friendly.

Here’s your complete guide to navigating Playa del Carmen without a car.

1. Walking: The #1 Way to Get Around Downtown

Playa’s central neighborhoods—Centro, Zazil Ha, Coco Beach, and Playacar Phase 1—are extremely walkable.

Why walking works:

Most restaurants, cafés, gyms, and beaches are within 5–20 minutes
Well-lit streets and sidewalks in tourist areas
No parking hassles
Great for exploring local shops and street food

Tips for walking safely:

Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated (Playa is hot year-round).
Avoid staring at your phone while walking on uneven sidewalks.
At night, stick to well-trafficked streets like 10th Ave, 5th Ave, and CTM.

2. Biking: Fast, Cheap, and Great for Locals & Expats

Biking is extremely popular in Playa—especially north of CTM and the Colosio neighborhood.

Where to rent or buy a bike:

Bike rentals on 10th Ave and 5th Ave
Specialized bike shops on 30th Ave
Facebook Marketplace for inexpensive used bikes

Pros:

Easy to lock up
Bike lanes along 10th Ave, 38th St., and CTM
Perfect for quick trips to the beach or gym

Cons:

Traffic can be chaotic
Bring a strong lock—bike theft can happen

3. Scooters & Motos: The Most Popular Option for Residents

If you’re staying longer than a month, renting or buying a scooter can be a game-changer.

Why scooters are great:

Easy to park
Cheap on gas
Faster than bikes in hot weather

Average Costs:

Rentals: 800–1,300 MXN/week
Purchase: 20,000–35,000 MXN for a small moto

Wear a helmet (always), and avoid highways unless you’re experienced.

4. Taxis: Easy to Find and Affordable

Taxis are everywhere in Playa del Carmen, especially along:

10th Ave
30th Ave
Calle 2, 4, 6 near ADO
Resorts and malls

Typical Prices (2025):

Centro to CTM: 50–80 MXN
Centro to Playacar: 100–150 MXN
Playa to Cancun Airport: 800–1,200 MXN

Tips for using taxis safely:

Ask “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much?) before getting in.
Taxi meters are not used—prices are zone-based.
Pay in pesos for the best rate.

5. Colectivos: The Cheapest Way to Travel Between Towns

Colectivos are shared vans that run constantly between nearby towns.

Two Main Routes:

Playa → Tulum (stop anywhere along the highway)
Playa → Cancun

Cost:

Playa → Tulum: 50–70 MXN
Playa → Cancun: 45–60 MXN

Where to catch colectivos:

On Calle 2 between 15th and 20th Ave (new station)
Along 30th Ave for some local routes

Best for: Cenotes, Akumal, Puerto Aventuras, Xcaret, Tulum.

Not ideal for:

Large luggage
Late nights (service slows after 10 pm)

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

6. ADO Bus: Best for Long-Distance Travel

The ADO bus system is clean, safe, air-conditioned, and very reliable.

Where ADO Goes From Playa:

Cancun Airport
Cancun Downtown
Tulum
Merida
Valladolid
Bacalar
Chetumal

Prices vary, but generally:

Playa → Cancun Airport: 230–280 MXN
Playa → Tulum: 130–160 MXN

Stations in Playa:

ADO Touristica (5th Ave & Benito Juárez)
ADO Alterna (Calle 12 & 20th Ave)

Great for airport travel or long weekend trips.

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

7. Rideshare Options: Uber, InDriver & Didi

Rideshare apps in Playa del Carmen are growing but still limited due to local taxi unions.

Current Status (2025):

Uber: Available but sporadic—may have long waits
Didi: Works well in some neighborhoods
InDriver: Most commonly used; you offer a price and drivers accept

Tip:
Try all three apps—availability varies by time of day.

8. Renting E-Bikes & E-Scooters

Electric bikes and scooters are becoming popular thanks to Playa’s flat terrain.

Where to rent:

Local e-bike shops on CTM
App-based rentals near Coco Beach
Weekly rentals through Airbnb hosts or Facebook groups

Pros:

No sweat in hot weather
Faster than regular bikes

Cons:

Need charging overnight
Higher theft risk—use a heavy lock

9. What’s the Best Way for You? (Quick Guide)

Tourists (1–2 weeks)

Walking
Taxis
ADO bus for airport trips

Digital Nomads / Long-Term Renters

Bike
Scooter
Colectivos for weekend adventures

Retirees

Taxis
ADO Bus
Occasional rideshare

Families

Taxis
ADO
Walking in central neighborhoods

10. Final Thoughts

You absolutely do not need a car in Playa del Carmen. In fact, most locals get around using a combination of walking, biking, taxis, colectivos, and the ADO bus.

Whether you’re here temporarily or living the full-time Playa lifestyle, you’ll find transportation options that are inexpensive, easy to use, and perfect for exploring everything the Riviera Maya has to offer.

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
📊 Sales: buy@nasplaya.com 🏘 Property Management: bookings@nasplaya.com