Travel Guide: Airports For Playa Del Carmen

which airport for playa del carmen

There are several airports near Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Cancun International Airport (CUN) is located between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen and is about 54 kilometers from the center of Playa Del Carmen. There are many transportation options from Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen, including taxis, shuttles, and ADO buses. Cozumel Airport (CZM) is another option, located about 18.6 kilometers from Playa Del Carmen. However, getting to Playa Del Carmen from Cozumel Airport involves taking a taxi, ferry, and another taxi, which takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Tulum's new airport is also an option, with ADO buses offering transportation to Playa Del Carmen.

Characteristics Values
Airports near Playa Del Carmen Cancun Airport (CUN), Cozumel Airport (CZM), Tulum Airport
Distance to Playa Del Carmen Cancun Airport: 54km (33.5 miles); Cozumel Airport: 18.6km (11.5 miles); Tulum Airport: 104km (65 miles)
Transport options from airport Cancun Airport: taxi, ADO bus, shuttle; Cozumel Airport: taxi, ferry, taxi; Tulum Airport: ADO bus
Travel time Cancun Airport: 50 minutes; Cozumel Airport: 1 hour 40 minutes; Tulum Airport: 1 hour 40 minutes
Number of flight options Cancun Airport: more options; Tulum Airport: fewer options

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Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen is a popular tourist destination in Mexico. The closest international airport is Cancun International Airport (CUN), located roughly 54km from the centre of Playa Del Carmen. There are a few transport options available for travellers going from Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen.

Private Transfer

Private transfers are a convenient option, as they offer a set price with no negotiating and more space for luggage. They can also be booked in advance, and you can often get a discount when booking a round trip. However, they may be more expensive than other options, and you will likely need to take a taxi from the bus station to your hotel, which adds to the travel time and expense.

Taxi

Taking a taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen is a straightforward option, as it is a straight drive that takes around 49 minutes. However, taxis are not metered, so there are no set prices, and airport taxis may overcharge.

ADO Bus

The ADO bus is a popular choice for travellers on a budget. It is affordable, comfortable, safe, and fast. The bus has space for luggage and goes directly to the ADO bus station in Playa Del Carmen. From there, you can take a taxi or walk to your final destination. Tickets can be purchased online or from staff at the airport. However, it's important to make sure you get to the correct terminal and buy a ticket for the right terminal to avoid having to purchase an additional ticket.

Rental Car

Renting a car is another option for travellers who prefer to drive themselves. Rental cars can be picked up at the airport, and there are local signs on the roads to guide you to Playa Del Carmen. However, driving in a new place can be challenging, and traffic may impact your travel time.

Shuttle

Shuttles are small vans that offer shared rides between the airport and hotels. They can be a good choice for families or groups, as they will drop you off directly at your hotel. However, they need to be booked in advance, and you may need to contact your destination in advance to arrange the shuttle service.

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Cozumel Airport to Playa Del Carmen

Cozumel Airport (CZM) is a small international airport located about 18.6 km or 11.5 miles from Playa Del Carmen as the crow flies. To get to Playa Del Carmen from the airport, you can take a taxi to the ferry pier and then a ferry to the mainland, followed by another taxi to your destination. This journey typically takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on the weather conditions and ferry schedule. The ferry ride itself takes approximately 35-54 minutes.

There are a few things to consider when travelling via Cozumel Airport. Firstly, the ferry schedule can be tight if your flight arrives after 9 pm or departs before 9 am. Secondly, the ferry crosses the ocean, so occasional rough weather may impact your journey, although ferries rarely stop operating due to weather conditions.

If you prefer a more direct route, some travellers opt to fly into Cancun Airport and then transfer to Playa Del Carmen, as this airport offers more flight options and better pricing. Cancun Airport is located between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, and the drive to Playa Del Carmen takes approximately 50 minutes.

When travelling from Cozumel Airport, you can choose between a shared van shuttle or a taxi to the ferry pier. The shuttle can be paid for at the airport, but you may need to wait for it to fill up. Taxis are readily available outside the airport, but they do not have meters, so it is advisable to agree on a price before getting in. Most drivers speak some English, which can assist in communication and price negotiation.

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Tulum Airport to Playa Del Carmen

Tulum Airport is about 65 miles (104 kilometres) from Playa Del Carmen. This distance takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to drive. There are several options for travelling between the two.

Private Transfers

Private transfers are available from Tulum Airport to Playa Del Carmen. These can be booked in advance via WhatsApp or email, and can be booked one-way or round trip. A driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area with a sign with your name on it.

Rental Car

Renting a car is another option for getting from Tulum Airport to Playa Del Carmen. However, this can be expensive, as you will have to pay a surcharge for dropping the car off at a different location.

ADO Bus

The ADO bus is a good and affordable option for getting from Tulum Airport to Playa Del Carmen, costing about $12 each way. Tickets can be bought online or from the driver. However, if you have a lot of luggage, this may not be the best option.

Taxi

Taxis are available from Tulum Airport, and will get you to your rental quickly, but they are the most expensive option.

Shuttles

Shuttles are another option for getting from Tulum Airport to Playa Del Carmen. These can be booked in advance, and will pick you and several others up from the airport.

Ferry

If you are happy to take a slightly longer route, you can take a taxi from Tulum Airport to the ferry pier, take the ferry to the mainland, and then take another taxi to your destination in Playa Del Carmen. This option takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

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Playa Del Carmen's small airport

There is a small airport in Playa Del Carmen. It can be spotted on Google Maps and accommodates small planes for a few passengers. The airport is mainly used for helicopter landings and skydiving. There are no international flights or long domestic flights from this airport.

The closest international airports to Playa Del Carmen are Cancun Airport (CUN), Cozumel Airport (CZM), and Tulum Airport. Cancun Airport is roughly 54 kilometers from the center of Playa Del Carmen and is a straight 50-minute drive away. There are various transportation options available from Cancun Airport, including taxis, private transfers, shuttles, and ADO buses.

Cozumel Airport is 18.6 kilometers from Playa Del Carmen as the crow flies, but the journey involves multiple modes of transportation, including a ferry, and takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Tulum Airport is about 104 kilometers from Playa Del Carmen, which takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to drive. ADO buses are available from Tulum Airport to Playa Del Carmen, with the journey costing 295 Mexican pesos.

When considering which airport to choose, it is worth noting that Cancun Airport generally has a greater number of flight options and airlines serving it, which can result in better pricing.

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Transport options from Cancun Airport

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is the closest airport to Playa del Carmen, located approximately 42 miles (68 km) away. There are several transport options available to travellers looking to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. Here is a list of the most popular options:

ADO Bus Service

ADO provides a bus service from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. The bus departs from all airport terminals and travels directly to the ADO bus station in Playa del Carmen. Tickets cost $11 (MXN 198) one-way and buses depart approximately every 20 minutes. This is a convenient and affordable option, especially for those on a budget or travelling solo. However, it's important to note that the bus will not take you directly to your hotel, and you may need to take a taxi or another form of transportation from the bus station to your final destination.

Taxi

Taking a taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is a quick and convenient option, especially if you want to maximise your beach time. Taxis are readily available at the airport and can take you directly to your hotel. The base fare for a taxi is around $70 (MXN 1,260-1,416), but prices may vary, and it is common to barter with the driver. Taxis typically accommodate up to 3-4 passengers, so if you are travelling in a large group, you may need to book multiple taxis or consider a private transfer.

Private Transfer

Private transfers are an ideal option if you want a comfortable and reliable journey to your hotel. Companies like Welcome Pickups and eTransfers offer private transfers from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. You can book your transfer in advance, and a driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall. Private transfers typically offer air-conditioned vehicles and can accommodate larger groups or families. Prices for private transfers vary, but they can be comparable to or slightly more expensive than taxis.

Rental Car

If you prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car at Cancun Airport. The airport has a large rental car centre with all the major international brands and local agencies. However, it is important to note that driving in a new location can be challenging, and you will need to navigate your way to your destination in Playa del Carmen.

Shuttle Services

Several companies offer shuttle services from Cancun Airport to various destinations in Playa del Carmen, including hotels and resorts. These shuttles are typically smaller vans that offer shared rides. They can be a convenient option, but it is recommended to book them in advance. Shuttle services may also offer private transfers for a more exclusive experience.

These are some of the most popular transport options for getting from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. Each option has its own advantages and considerations, so it is essential to choose the one that best suits your needs, budget, and travel preferences.

Frequently asked questions

There are several airports near Playa Del Carmen, including Cancun Airport, Cozumel Airport, and Tulum Airport. Cancun Airport (CUN) is located roughly 54km from the center of Playa Del Carmen and offers a wide range of flight options.

There are several options for transportation from Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen, including taxis, private transfers, shuttles, and the ADO bus. The drive takes approximately 50 minutes.

To get from Cozumel Airport to Playa Del Carmen, you need to take a taxi to the ferry pier, take the ferry to the mainland, and then take another taxi to your destination in Playa Del Carmen. The total travel time is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Tulum Airport is about 104km from Playa Del Carmen, which is around a 1 hour and 40-minute drive.

Yes, there is a small airport in Playa Del Carmen, but it only accommodates small planes and is mainly used for helicopter landings and skydiving. There are no international or long domestic flights to this airport.

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