Playa del Carmen Transportation Options: How to Get Around

Planning your trip to Playa del Carmen? Whether you’re staying for a short vacation or a longer time, one of the first things you’ll want to know is how to get around this beautiful beach town. Luckily, Playa del Carmen transportation options are affordable, convenient, and suit all types of travelers.

Whether you’re coming from Cancun Airport or Tulum Airport, cruising the main streets, or exploring the surrounding areas, this guide will help you find the best ways to get around Playa del Carmen. Let’s dive into your options!

Getting to Playa del Carmen: Best Transportation from Cancun Airport

If you’re flying into Cancun International Airport, you’ll need to make the 45-minute journey to Playa del Carmen. There are several ways to get there depending on your budget and comfort level:

• Private Transfers: For the fastest and most comfortable option, book a private transfer. Companies like USA Transfers or Cancun Shuttle offer direct rides from the airport to your accommodation in Playa del Carmen. This is ideal if you’re traveling with family, a group, or lots of luggage.
• ADO Bus: If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the ADO bus is a great choice. Buses run frequently from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen’s main bus station, located on 5th Avenue. The ride is comfortable, air-conditioned, and takes about an hour. The ticket price is $250 MXN.
• Taxis: You can also grab a taxi from the airport, but this tends to be more expensive compared to pre-booked transfers or the ADO bus. If you prefer spontaneity, taxis are always available right outside the terminal.

If you are flying to the new Tulum International Airport, you should know that the options are similar but the ride is longer. The ADO buses are still the best option with tickets around $295.00 Mexican pesos and a 1.5 hour ride.

Playa del Carmen Transportation Options to get around: Private and Public

Once you’ve arrived in Playa, it’s time to explore! The town itself is relatively small and walkable, and the most touristic areas are close, but there are plenty of other ways to get around if you need them.

1. Walking: Explore Playa on Foot

One of the best things about Playa del Carmen is how walkable it is. The heart of the town, 5th Avenue (La Quinta Avenida), is a pedestrian-only street lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. Many attractions, such as the beach and local markets, are just a few blocks away.

10th and 30th Avenue are also key streets with many local shops, supermarkets, and restaurants. For a truly local experience, walking around these streets will immerse you in the city’s vibrant culture.

2. Taxis: Quick and Convenient

If you need to get somewhere a little farther or don’t feel like walking in the heat, taxis are everywhere in Playa del Carmen. They’re affordable for short trips, but make sure to ask for the price upfront as overcharging is one of the most common scams to watch for.

Most rides within town are between $50 – $150 MXN, depending on the distance. Taxis are especially convenient if you’re carrying groceries, luggage or if you’re heading to the more residential areas like Playacar or Mareazul.

3. Colectivos: Local Shared Vans

For an authentic and affordable experience, colectivos are shared vans that locals use to travel between Playa del Carmen and surrounding areas like Tulum, Puerto Morelos, and Cancun. They’re a great budget-friendly option if you’re comfortable with close quarters and don’t mind a bit of a wait.

The terminals are located in different spots, such as touristic areas and malls. Prices are low, usually under 50 MXN for trips to nearby spots.

4. ADO Bus: Long-Distance Trips

The ADO buses are another great option whether if you plan on exploring close destinations to Playa, like Tulum and Cancún or further places like Chichen Itza, Mérida or Bacalar. They’re affordable, comfortable, and offer routes all over the Yucatan Peninsula.

The main ADO terminal is conveniently located on 5th Avenue and Juarez Avenue, just steps from the beach. It’s perfect for longer trips or for visiting nearby towns for the day.

5. Bike Rentals: Explore at Your Own Pace

Biking is becoming more popular in Playa del Carmen, especially with the town’s flat terrain and there are plenty of options. You can rent a bike from one of the many local rental shops, hotels and vacations rentals, and Bici Playa which is a local app for bike rentals.

Whether the option you choose, the price is around $100 MXN per day. Playa has bike paths along 10th Avenue and Constituyentes Avenue, making it easy to navigate. Plus, it’s a fun way to explore the area at your own pace!

6. Car Rentals: For Flexibility and Adventure

If you’re planning to explore outside of Playa del Carmen or simply want the flexibility to go wherever you like, car rentals are a great option. Rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar operate in Playa.

Renting a car is especially convenient for day trips to nearby attractions like Cenotes, eco-adventure parls, or Mayan Ruins.

Parking in Playa del Carmen: What you need to know

Parking in Playa del Carmen can be a bit of a challenge, especially around the busy downtown area near 5th Avenue. However, with a little planning, you’ll find plenty of options to leave your car safely while you explore.

If you’re visiting areas outside of the tourist hub, you can often find free street parking. However, within downtown, street parking is typically paid. Look for the blue parking meters or signs that indicate you need to pay for parking. You can pay at the meters directly, which usually accept both coins and card, or via the Mueve Ciudad app. Rates generally range between $10 to $15 MXN per hour. Keep an eye out for the “No Estacionarse” (No Parking) signs to avoid fines or towing.

Another option are paid parking lots. You’ll find plenty of them close to 5th Avenue. These lots are often guarded, which adds a layer of security, especially if you plan to leave your car for several hours. Rates vary but typically cost around $20-$40 MXN per hour, and some offer daily rates that range from $200-$300 MXN. If you’re staying in a hotel or vacation rental, check whether parking is included. Many larger hotels and rental properties offer free or paid parking for their guests.

What are the main streets in Playa del Carmen?

As mentioned, Playa del Carmen is compact and easy to navigate. Here are some key streets to familiarize yourself with:

• 5th Avenue (La Quinta Avenida): The main pedestrian street for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• 10th Avenue: Parallel to 5th Avenue, with more local spots like grocery stores, pharmacies, and budget eateries.
• 30th Avenue: A bit farther from the beach, but home to local markets, residential areas, and supermarkets like Walmart and Mega.
• Juarez Avenue: A key street connecting the town to the highway and ADO terminal.
• Constituyentes Avenue: Parallel to Juarez, also runs from the highway to the beach, and you can find condos, shopping malls, restaurants and a dock on the beach.
• 38th Avenue: Consider one of the most beautiful streets of the town, you can get to the beach surrounded by trees and some of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this, but walking is definitely the easiest and most enjoyable way to explore the heart of Playa del Carmen. If you’re heading out of town or want more flexibility, taxis, colectivos, and ADO buses are convenient and affordable. For those seeking more adventure, renting a bike or car gives you the freedom to explore nearby destinations on your own terms.

Ready to book your stay and start your adventure? Check out our vacation rentals and long-term rental options to find the perfect place to call home during your trip!