If you are traveling to Playa del Carmen, you will likely land at Cancun International Airport (airport code: CUN). Once you arrive, there are several options for ground transportation to Playa del Carmen, which is approximately 35 km south of the Cancun airport. (All prices below are in U. S. dollars.)

Included Transfers: Vacation packages often include ground transportation to your resort. As you exit the baggage claim area, just walk past the horde of people trying to attract you for transportation (an time-share deals, no doubt), walk outside, and look for someone carrying a sign with the name of your travel company on it (i.e. Expedia, Apple Vacations, Lomas Travel, Liberty Travel, etc.). That person will have your name on a list. If you decide to use alternate transportation, it is a good idea to tell this person of your intent as they may hold a bus for you. Most companies use small vans, not large tour buses, so you won't be subjected to many stops along the way. Booking a hotel with an included transfer, though a travel agent or online booking site, can save you $100 or more versus taking a taxi to and from the airport.

Play del Carmen Bus: Perhaps the best and most economical way  (approximately $8.00) from the airport to Playa del Carmen is to take the air-conditioned  ADO Bus. Luggage can be stored underneath.  It’s a very nice and easy ride that takes you right to the Playa bus station located on 5th and Juarez. Fifth (5th) Avenue is the main street in town that many of the hotels are on (not the all-inclusives), so you may be able to walk to your hotel from there. If you're at an all-inclusive, you can just taxi it from the main bus station where you were left off (cost of taxi to most resorts:  $5.00). All the taxis wait there.

Note: To find the ADO Bus to Playa del Carmen, turn right as soon as you exit the main terminal at Cancun International, and walk along the sidewalk in front of the terminal. The bus is located just past the terminal, approximately a 2-3 minute walk.

Most international flights now arrive at Terminal  3.  The bus then stops at Terminal 2 and on to PDC with no other stops.

Returning to Airport:

Tickets can be purchased at the bus station on 5th in advance for a specified  departure time.  The bus lets off all passengers at Terminal 2.  A shuttle bus is available to Terminal 3 and there is a walkway.

Taxis and Shuttles: Vouchers are for sale inside the main terminal for taxis or shuttles that will take you to your resort. Taxis are private rides (quoted prices vary from $40-$62) and shuttles are shared rides (approximately $20 per person). Shuttles are less expensive than taxis, but there may be a wait for the shuttle while they wait for the shuttle to fill up. The shuttle may also take longer once you get to Playa del Carmen, depending on whether you are the first to be dropped off or have to stop at other resorts first.  The people selling transportation vouchers inside the main terminal can be quite aggressive and this can be a little unsettling for first time travelers.

Private Transportation: If you prefer, you may book ground transportation in advance from companies such as Cancun Limo, Cancun Valet, or Best Transfers. Their representative will greet you as soon as you exit the airport, holding a sign with your name on it, and take your family directly to your resort.  Or, ask your hotel when making a reservation.  The majority of hotels can arrange transportation for you, leaving you more free time to decide what to pack on your trip! Some local companies that provide transportation:

Cancun Limo: recent price: $133 round trip in suburban for up to 6 ppl

Cancun Valet:  recent price: $115 round trip per vehicle, up to 10 ppl

Best Transfers: recent price: $120 round trip per vehicle up to 7 ppl

Rental Cars: You may rent cars in advance (either to be picked up at the Cancun airport or in Playa del Carmen) from well known companies such as Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, and Alamo. This may be a good option for those who wish to tour areas such as Tulum, Cobá, etc. Many car companies have branches in Playa del Carmen (all the big name companies and smaller local companies such as Happy Car, CP Rentals and Veloz).  Some local companies will drop off the car at your hotel and even pick it back up there once you're finished. 

If you are going to rent a car, be sure to fully understand how insurance works in Mexico. The best thing to do is contact your own car insurance company and ask whether you have rental car insurance and whether that insurance will cover you driving a car rented in Mexico.  Liability insurance, which is required is Mexico, will be sold to you whether you ask for it or not, as it is required by law in Mexico.  The cost is minimal, and most quoted prices include both tax and insurance.

New Requirements for Travelers Between the United States and Mexico: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI):

Effective January 8, 2007, all U.S. citizens traveling by air to and from Mexico are required to have a valid passport to enter the United States.  As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and Mexico by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. 

For more information on travel requirements, contact the U.S. embassies of the countries you're visiting. A complete list of U.S. embassies worldwide can be found at the Department of State Web site.