Playa del Carmen is the liveliest town on the Riviera Maya, about an hour south of Cancun Airport. Its pedestrian Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) runs parallel to the beach for several kilometres, lined with shops, restaurants and bars, while gated Playacar to the south and the Mayakoba resorts to the north offer quieter all-inclusive stays. It is also the ferry port for Cozumel and the base for Xcaret, cenotes and Maya ruins.

At a glance

  • From Cancun Airport: about 55 km, 45–60 minutes; private transfer from 89 USD per vehicle.
  • Best time to visit: December to April; cheaper and quieter in May, September and October.
  • Getting around: walk in town; colectivo vans, taxis or a rental car along Highway 307.
  • Ferry to Cozumel: from the main pier at Calle 1 Sur, about 35–45 minutes.

How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport

Playa del Carmen is about 55 km south of the airport on Highway 307, a 45–60 minute drive. A pre-booked private transfer is the easiest option with luggage: from 89 USD one way or 165 USD round trip per vehicle for up to 8 people, with the driver waiting outside the terminal. ADO buses also run from the terminals to the ADO station in town, and from there you take a taxi to your hotel. Details: Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen.

Book your transfer to Playa del Carmen

Areas of Playa del Carmen

  • Centro and Fifth Avenue: the heart of town, from Parque Fundadores and the ferry pier northwards – shops, restaurants and nightlife around Calle 12.
  • Playacar: a gated area south of the centre with all-inclusive resorts, villas and a golf course.
  • Playa del Carmen north: quieter streets and condos near Punta Esmeralda and Mamitas Beach.
  • Mayakoba and Punta Maroma: luxury resorts on the coast just north of town, 10–20 minutes by road.

When to visit

December to April is the dry season and the busiest time. May to October is hotter and more humid, with short showers; hurricane season runs from June to November (highest risk August to October). Sargassum seaweed often reaches Playa del Carmen in spring and summer – resorts clean their beaches, but conditions change week to week.

Beaches

  • Mamitas Beach (Calle 28): the best-known beach, with beach clubs and music.
  • Punta Esmeralda: a local favourite at the north end, with a small cenote flowing into the sea – calm water for children.
  • Playacar: wide, quieter beaches in front of the resorts.
  • Centro: busy but convenient beaches near the ferry pier and Parque Fundadores.

Things to do in Playa del Carmen

  • Fifth Avenue: walk it from Parque Fundadores to Calle 40 for shopping, cafés and people-watching.
  • Xcaret, Xplor and Xel-Há: eco-parks just south of town (Xcaret is about 10 minutes away).
  • Underground rivers and cenotes: Río Secreto, Aktun Chen and dozens of cenotes inland.
  • Snorkelling and diving: reefs off Playa del Carmen and Cozumel – see the snorkel expedition.
  • Cozumel day trip: take the ferry for diving, Chankanaab and the island’s wild east coast – see the Cozumel travel guide.
  • Adventure: ATVs and zip lines in the jungle.
  • Day trips: Tulum ruins (about 1 hour south), Akumal’s sea turtles, Cobá and Chichén Itzá.

Where to stay

Stay near Fifth Avenue (Calles 10–40) to walk everywhere, in Playacar for an all-inclusive with a quieter beach, or at Mayakoba for luxury. Examples on our site include Fairmont Mayakoba, El Dorado Royale and Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda. See all Playa del Carmen hotels – each page shows the transfer price from the airport.

Where to eat and drink

Fifth Avenue and the side streets have everything from taquerías to fine dining. Our listings include La Cueva del Chango, El Fogón, Los Aguachiles and Alux (a restaurant in a cave); for nightlife and beach clubs, Mamitas Beach Club, Pez Vela and Santino. More: Playa del Carmen restaurants · Playa del Carmen bars.

Getting around

  • On foot: the centre, Fifth Avenue and the beach are all walkable.
  • Colectivos: shared white vans run along Highway 307 to Puerto Morelos, Akumal, Tulum and Cancun – cheap and frequent.
  • Taxis: agree the fare before you get in.
  • Rental car: handy for cenotes, Tulum and Cobá; parking in the centre is limited.

FAQ

How far is Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport?

About 55 km, a 45–60 minute drive on Highway 307. A private transfer costs from 89 USD one way per vehicle for up to 8 people.

What is the best area to stay in Playa del Carmen?

Near Fifth Avenue between Calles 10 and 40 to walk everywhere, Playacar for all-inclusive resorts, or Mayakoba for luxury.

How do I get from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?

Take the passenger ferry from the main pier at Calle 1 Sur; the crossing takes about 35–45 minutes.

Is Playa del Carmen better than Cancun?

Playa del Carmen is more walkable, with a small-town feel and easy access to cenotes, Cozumel and Tulum; Cancun has bigger beaches, more resorts and is closer to the airport.