Playa Del Carmen: Airport Options And Travel Tips

The best airport to fly into for Playa Del Carmen is Cancun International Airport (CUN), which is located between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. It is a straight drive from the airport to Playa Del Carmen, taking about 50 minutes in a transfer. The Cancun airport is also the primary airport for the region, with more than 20 million people using it in a year. It is served by many international carriers, giving travellers numerous flight options.

Cancun International Airport

The Cancun Airport is roughly fifty-four kilometres to the centre of Playa del Carmen and most vacation rentals. It is a straight drive from the airport to Playa Del Carmen and takes about 50 minutes in a transfer. The distance is 55 kilometres (34 miles) between the Cancun Airport and Playa Del Carmen.

There are several ways to get from the Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen. One option is to rent a car. It is important to note that liability insurance is mandatory in Mexico. Many online websites offer cheap prices but then add on costs when you arrive. In general, a car rental will cost about $45-$60 USD a day.

Another option is to take a public bus. The ADO Bus Company picks people up from all four terminals and will bring you to the ADO Bus Station on Juarez Avenue. The bus takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs 240 pesos or about $14. It is comfortable and air-conditioned, and will make only one stop in Playa del Carmen.

You can also take a private transfer van service, which will take you directly to your hotel. This is a good option since many hotels are not near the bus station in Playa Del Carmen and you will need to take a taxi anyway.

Finally, you can take a taxi. It is recommended to book in advance, especially if travelling with a group, but you can also go to a verified taxi stand inside the Cancun airport to arrange a ride. Taxis can fit up to 6-9 passengers and will provide child seats upon request. The average cost is around $40-$70.

In summary, Cancun International Airport is the most popular and convenient airport for reaching Playa Del Carmen, with several transportation options available to get you to your destination.

Cozumel Airport

There are a few transportation options to get from Cozumel Airport to Playa del Carmen. Firstly, you can take a shared shuttle ride or a short taxi ride from the airport to the Cozumel Ferry Pier. The shuttle ride can be purchased at the airport, and both options will cost just a few dollars. From the pier, you can take a ferry to Playa del Carmen, which departs every 30 minutes and costs just under $20. The ferry ride is approximately 35-45 minutes long and offers a comfortable journey with a bar on board.

Upon arrival at the terminal pier in Playa del Carmen, you can take a tricycle taxi to your accommodation if it is not within walking distance. Alternatively, you can walk to the taxi stand at 5th Avenue and Juarez Avenue and take a regular taxi to your destination. The taxi ride will typically cost 50-100 pesos and take 5-10 minutes. Overall, the journey from Cozumel Airport to Playa del Carmen, including the ferry ride, takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Playa Del Carmen Airport

Playa Del Carmen is a popular tourist destination in Mexico, known for its beaches, shopping, and nightlife. When travelling to Playa Del Carmen, there are a few airport options to consider.

Cancun International Airport

The most popular airport for travellers visiting Playa Del Carmen is Cancun International Airport (CUN). Located just south of Cancun, between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, this airport is easily accessible from the 307 highway. It offers a wide range of international carriers and flight options, making it a convenient choice for travellers from around the world. The distance from Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen is approximately 54 kilometres, and the drive typically takes around one hour.

Cozumel Airport

Cozumel Airport (CZM) is the closest airport to Playa Del Carmen, situated just 12.6 miles away. However, it is important to note that this airport has fewer flights and may be more expensive to fly into. Additionally, getting to Playa Del Carmen from Cozumel Airport requires taking a taxi to the Cozumel Ferry Pier, followed by a ferry ride to the mainland. Overall, this journey can take around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Playa Del Carmen does have its own small airport, primarily used for skydiving and helicopter landings. However, it only accommodates small planes and does not offer international or long domestic flights.

Other Airports

There are a few other airports in the region that can be used as alternatives, such as the Tulum Airport (TOQ) and the Merida International Airport (MID). However, these airports are further away and may require additional transportation, adding to the overall travel time.

Tulum Airport

The Tulum Airport is a great option for those looking to fly directly to Tulum and then connect to Playa del Carmen via ground transportation. The airport offers several transportation options, but they tend to be limited and more expensive than other airports. For instance, a round-trip transfer from the Tulum Airport to Playa del Carmen will cost around $274 USD more than a transfer from the Cancun Airport.

The ADO Bus Company offers a service between the Tulum Airport and downtown Tulum, as well as a few direct buses to Playa del Carmen. The bus is a cost-effective option, with only a minimal difference in price compared to the Tulum Airport. However, it does add some time to your journey.

Overall, while the Tulum Airport is a convenient option for those looking to fly directly to Tulum, the extra travel time and potential costs of airport transfers should be considered when planning your trip to Playa del Carmen.

Merida International Airport

The airport is situated on the outskirts of Merida, and it takes about 20 minutes to reach the downtown area and the bus station by taxi. From there, travellers can take a bus to Playa Del Carmen, which runs frequently but can take up to four hours. Therefore, the Merida Airport is a good option if you plan to explore other parts of the Yucatan Peninsula, rather than going directly to Playa Del Carmen.

Playa Del Carmen is most easily reached via Cancun International Airport, which is about a one-hour drive away and offers a wide range of international carriers. Alternatively, travellers can fly into Cozumel Airport and take a ferry to Playa Del Carmen, or opt for the smaller airports in Tulum or Chetumal.

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