Getting Around Playa del Carmen: Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring the City
Playa del Carmen is a vibrant coastal town in the Riviera Maya, known for its white sand beaches, bustling Quinta Avenida, and laid-back Caribbean vibes. I’ve been visiting Playa (as she is lovingly known) for more than 20 years and I keep going back for more.
Whether you're visiting for a day trip or planning an extended stay, getting around Playa del Carmen is a breeze. Here’s your guide to exploring this dynamic beachside town.
How to get to Playa del Carmen from the Cancun Airport
Walking: Perfect for Exploring Playa del Carmen’s Core
Playa del Carmen is incredibly walkable, especially in its downtown area around Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue). There are many attractions, restaurants, and shops conveniently located within a short stroll of each other.
- Everything is Close: The heart of Playa is compact, making it easy to wander from the beaches to the main shopping districts or to one of the popular Playa del Carmen restaurants .
- Soak in the Vibes: Walking allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, discover funky little coffee shops, and admire bright and beautiful murals and street art.
- Cost-Effective: Walking is free, and you’ll find plenty of shaded spots along the way to cool off.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and apply sunscreen. The tropical sun is intense, so stay hydrated and bring a hat for added protection. An umbrella with UV protection is a fab idea when walking in Playa del Carmen.
Bicycles and Scooters: Active and Fun Options
To get around Playa a little bit faster without losing the charm of being outdoors and the fresh breeze on your face, renting a bicycle or scooter is a fun choice.
- Eco-Friendly: Biking is an excellent way to explore Playa del Carmen while staying active and reducing your carbon footprint. Conserving our natural environment is important for future generations.
- Affordable Rentals: Several rental shops along Quinta Avenida offer bicycles and scooters at reasonable rates, typically $10 to $20 USD per day for bikes and around $25 to $50 USD for scooters.
- Freedom to Explore: These options let you roam beyond the downtown center, like visiting Playacar’s quiet beaches or discovering local neighborhoods.
Safety Note: Always wear a helmet and follow traffic rules. Be cautious on cobblestone streets and avoid biking during peak heat hours.
Bring your own bike to Playa? A private shuttle service to Playa del Carmen from the Cancun airport is essential when traveling with your own gear.
Taxis: Convenient for Quick Rides
Taxis are a readily available and comfortable option for getting around within Playa del Carmen, especially if you’re traveling with luggage or heading to a distant spot.
- Availability: You can find taxis throughout Playa, especially around Quinta Avenida, major hotels, and shopping centers. Taxis are white with teal stripes and have their registered number on the doors.
- Fixed Fares: Taxi rates are usually fixed for popular routes, such as from the center to Playacar or Xcaret. Note that fares are not metered but based on a zone system, and most drivers carry a chart of rates. Always set a clear price before you enter the taxi, I’ve heard scary stories about end-of-ride gouging.
- Comfortable Rides: Some taxis offer air-conditioned comfort, which is ideal on hot days or if you’re traveling with kids or heavy bags.
Pro Tip Avoid hailing taxis directly on Quinta Avenida as they often charge inflated rates. Walk a block or two over for a better deal. I always carry small bills or coins in pesos, as drivers often don’t have change. Trust me, drivers NEVER have change and it is a hassle to find a place to break-up a 500 pesos bill once you are on the ride. For a digital experience, consider using apps like Radio Taxi PDC to calculate fares and book rides. Uber is not available in Playa del Carmen.
NOTE: You cannot get a taxi from the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
Public Transportation: Colectivos and ADO Buses
Playa del Carmen’s public transportation is efficient and budget-friendly, perfect for travelers looking to explore the surrounding areas.
- Colesctivos: These shared vans are a cheap and popular way to travel between Playa del Carmen and nearby destinations like Tulum, Cancun, or Akumal. Fares range from $2 to $5 USD. This can be a bit of a wild ride and is probably best for more adventurous travelers.
- ADO Buses: For longer trips, ADO buses are a comfortable and affordable option. They offer air-conditioned rides to major tourist spots in the Mexican Caribbean and to more distant destinations like Merida or south to Chetumal.
Pro TipColectivos can get crowded, so try to travel during off-peak hours for a more comfortable ride.
Car Rentals: Flexibility for Adventurous Travelers
Frankly, you don’t really need a car in Playa del Carmen. Everything is pretty conveniently located. Don’t needlessly worry about gas prices, parking lots or navigating in Spanish or dealing with local authorities. I personally don’t enjoy driving in Playa, I usually leave my car at home in Cancun and stick to walking.
If you’re planning to explore beyond Playa del Carmen - perhaps heading to cenotes, Mayan ruins, or farther afield to Bacalar or Valladolid - renting a car can be a good option.
- Wide Availability: Car rental companies are abundant in Playa del Carmen, with options ranging from economy to luxury vehicles.
- Cost-Effective for Groups: Splitting the cost with friends or family makes it an affordable choice.
- Freedom to Explore: A car gives you the ultimate flexibility to go wherever you want, whenever you want.
Important Tips: Be prepared for local driving conditions, and always opt for insurance. Parking in central Playa can be tricky, so plan accordingly. The highways in the area move fast and need your full concentration, be aware of your surroundings at all times.
From Playa del Carmen to a Tropical Island: Gateway to Cozumel
If your Playa del Carmen adventure includes a visit to Cozumel (and it should, I love Cozumel for a million and one reasons, it was my first home in Mexico), ferries are the only way to go. The ferry terminal is located right off Quinta Avenida, and ferries to Cozumel run frequently throughout the day.
- Cost: Round-trip tickets cost around $20 to $30 USD per person.
- Travel Time: The journey takes about 40 minutes, offering stunning ocean views along the way.
- Convenience: Ferries are equipped with amenities like air conditioning and refreshments.
Getting to the Cozumel ferry from the Cancun Airport
Tips for Getting Around Playa del Carmen
- 1. Plan Ahead: Decide on your preferred transportation method before arrival to save time and enjoy a stress-free experience.
- 2. Stay Safe: Follow traffic rules, whether you’re biking, driving, or walking. Be alert and cautious on busy streets. Guard your belongings and documents carefully, close to the bog bags with zippers are really useful to prevent lost or stolen items.
- 3. Hydration is Key: The tropical heat can sneak up on you. Carry water wherever you go, and take breaks in shaded areas.
- 4. Cash is King: Keep small bills in pesos for taxis, colectivo fares, or tips. It’s always better to have local currency.
Playa del Carmen is a vibrant destination with transportation options to suit every traveler’s needs. Whether you choose the simplicity of walking, the convenience of a taxi, or the freedom of a rental car, getting around Playa del Carmen is part of the adventure.
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