Riviera Maya: Getting Here
By Air
Playa del Carmen shares an international airport with Cancun which is about 60 minutes away. You generally fly into Cancun airport then transfer to Playa. The transportation from the airport includes buses, rental cars or taxis which depart from the terminal.
Playa has too, an airstrip that handles small charter aircraft and private air taxis. AeroCaribe, the main local small aircraft operator, has an office near the airstrip.
By land with Bus
Local buses carrying holiday makers and their luggage comfortably, travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and back daily on a regular basis. These buses drive to the downtown bus station which is located right on 5th Avenue. For all other destinations, there is another bus station located on the center of Playa del Carmen. The bus stations are made from the most important Mexican bus company, called ADO. It offers a very good quality and safety service.
By land with Suburban vans
The suburban vans "Collectivos" are white and offer excellent value for money, carrying up to 10 passengers and their luggage comfortably for just a few dollars each. You can board them from their base near the bus stations at both Cancun and Playa del Carmen (View Map) and these are considerably less expensive than a private taxi.
By land with Car
You can drive to Playa del Carmen from Cancun by taking Highway 307.
Rental cars and taxis are available. There are several car rental companies , rates will depend on availability, size and type of car. You will be expected to pay for any gas, insurance, taxes, or extra equipment. If your reservation is for a time period more than 5 days, a weekly rate will be quoted.
By Ferry
There are two ferry companies running the 35 minute shuttle between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel and they run virtually every hour on the hour from 6 AM in the morning until 10 or 11 PM at night 7 days per week. You will see ticket booths for both of these as you approach the ferry pier on your way from your drop off point. The UltraMar line is to your left, under the large palapa. The Mexico WaterJets line is to your right, lined up on the straight sidewalk to the pier.
GETTING AROUND
Taxis
Depends from to from you travel inside the city, the prices are between 2 – 8 USD.
Tricycle Taxis
In certain areas of town, only tricycle taxis are allowed. They will take you and your luggage very efficiently to your hotel, or to the ferry that crosses to Cozumel.
On Foot
Most of Playa del Carmen is accessible on foot; and for exploring the local area, walking around is by far the best way to experience Playa.
Rent a vehicle
If you want move yourself inside the city, you can do it by bicycle, scooter or golf car, if you want to travel independently in the region, it may be a good idea to rent a car for part of your stay.