Coming to Playa Del Carmen often entails a bus ride from the airport to Playa Del Carmen (see our article on how to get from the Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen by bus). The main bus company is ADO and provides service to many tourist destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula and beyond. Here is a guide to using the bus and information about the stations in Playa Del Carmen. (See video at end of this article for more information)
Important note: When buying bus tickets you might be asked for identity or even your tourist visa or residential visa. It is required to travel with these documents. Mexico is checking immigration statuses and can stop buses. You will need to have the originals with you.
Playa Del Carmen Bus Stations
Playa Del Carmen has two bus stations. One station on 5th Avenue with Juarez Avenue and the other one is on 20th Avenue with 12th Street. Buses coming from Cancun, Cancun Airport and places along the coast, such as Tulum, arrive at the 5th Avenue Station, at the corner of Juárez Avenue. The other Station on 20th Avenue services buses coming from destinations in the interior of the peninsula or out of state in general. Both stations have service GOING TO the Cancun Airport. ADO bus line is what most everyone uses.
Second class busses in Playa Del Carmen
There is a type of second class bus service called Mayab. These bus tickets are cheaper but these busses stop often and is generally used for people commuting rather then going as a tourist to a destination. You will probably only use them if you are going to a smaller destination where ADO does not service.
ADO Bus Company-The main bus that everyone takes
To look at ADO bus schedules you can look at their website in Spanish only: http://www.ado.com.mx/ado Bus travel with ADO is comfortable and air conditioned. ADO does offer several different levels of service, some with a little more comfort. Longer route busses will have a bathroom on board. Buying tickets is pretty straight forward. They may ask for your name or a name to be printed on multiple tickets. They may also show you the screen so you can select your seats. Luggage gets tagged and put under the bus. For unusually large items there is supposed to be a small charge. There is not a major problem with theft on the buses regarding luggage. For some routes they do not tag luggage.
Tip: ADO stations in Playa will take USD as payment usually at a good exchange rate.
Tip: If you are a resident, check for discounts on your ticket. For example Playa Del Carmen to Cancun for residents of Qroo will be discounted. Just show ID
5th Avenue ADO Bus Station in Playa Del Carmen
The first bus station is located on 5th Avenue and Juarez Avenue, near the Cozumel Ferry Pier. All busses from the airport ARRIVE at the 5th Avenue bus station. They do not make a second stop at the other bus station, so you will be disembarking there. If you are going to the airport, your ticket will allow you to get on at this station or the other bus station since the bus starts at the 5th Avenue station and makes a second stop at the other terminal before going to the airport. Just make sure you know the correct time for the station where you bought your ticket or where you are getting on.
The 5th Avenue terminal offers much of the same services as the other terminal. This station offers luggage storage, currency exchange, pay toilets, ATM’s (although we recommend using a bank’s ATM machine because they are more secure and less likely to be tampered with) see our article on exchanging money which has a map of banks near the bus stations. There are two ticket counters, one regular and one that sells just tickets to Cancun.
20th Street ADO Bus Station in Playa Del Carmen
The 20th Avenue Station is between 12th St. and 12 Bis St. This station has some of the basic tourist services as the other station. If you are going to the airport, the buses will stop here second before continuing on to the airport. It is open seating and you will have less seat selection if you get on here but it may be more convenient to where you are staying.
If you accidently go to the 5th Avenue bus station and realize your bus leave from the other one, you can hop in a taxi and be at the other station in just 3 min. Although you should note that taxis outside of the bus station notoriously overcharge for taxi rides.
Bus ticket prices
Bus transportation around the area is relatively affordable. If you are going longer distances and there you are traveling by yourself or up to three people, it is often cheaper to take the bus. Some roads have tolls and gas cost can add up quickly.
Prices do seem to change yearly on ADO buses do to inflation. So we will give you some rough samples. From Playa Del Carmen to Cancun or Tulum the bus cost about $4USD each way. To Valladolid, which is in the center of the Yucatan Peninsula it is about $14 USD one way.
Children tickets prices on ADO Busses
There is a discounted price for children on ADO buses. Children under 5 years old can travel for free with an adult (usually required to sit on the lap of an adult if bus is full). Children 5-12 years old get 50% off.
Bag storage at ADO Bus Stations in Playa Del Carmen
Many people ask about bag storage at the bus stations. Here is a photo we took of the storage area. Prices are per hour. Long term storage is not really cost effective. Bag storage is based on size of bags.
Note: Please do not leave anything of value in the bags! We have heard from numerous readers about things missing from bags.
Bus schedule for Cancun Airport and Playa Del Carmen
For both direction see our article here on ADO bus schedules in English. This will tell you the first bus to the airport and how to get there for an early flight.
Other transportation in Playa Del Carmen
You also might like to read about how to take the colectivos up and down the coast. This is another form of public transportation. These vans are shared rides and go between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum and between Playa Del Carmen and Cancun.
Here is a video we made that shows the bus stations in Playa Del Carmen and more about the colectivos. It should be noted that the location of the colectivos has changed. It is now under the highway just south of Juarez Avenue by the Chedraui.
Do you have a question about taking busses or transportation in Playa Del Carmen or the Riviera Maya? Ask us below in the comment section below. We are hear to help.
About The Author
Hola
soy Keiko de japonesa. quiero ir a Parroquia de Cristo Resucitado con tu Autobus.
how to get to there from Playa del carmen?
I want to know station number and bus stop. Im very grad to see you. Gracias;)
Hello. You need to take the ADO or cololectivo bus to Cancun. Both go to the bus station called ADO in Cancun. From there you can take a public bus that runs on the road next to the bus station. You want any bus that goes to the Hotel Zone. You want to get off at Kilometer 3.5 and you should be at your destination. You should know where you want to go because the driver might not know where you are asking to get off. We hope this helps.
What is the best way to get to Xel ha park from Playa Del Carmen? Will the ado bus stop there?
There is a special bus that you can book just for ADO but check the schedule to see if it works for you. The only other option are the colectivos on the highway coming back to Playa or buying transportation in your package.
Hi. I am trying to reserve seats on bus from Playa to Belize City, but the web site simply does not work. Is there a phone number I can call?
Are you outside of México? Their site usually does not work for people not currently in Mexico. You will have to wait until you arrive. If you are in Mexico you will need to go to the station and buy your tickets. The ADO website is not the most user friendly and is why we like to provide as much info as we can in English.
Hello,is there any ADO bus station near the x-caret?? Because i want to go to the Chichen Itza, or any bus can go to Chichen Itza form x-caret?? thank you!
There is no ADO bus station or route that would work for you. If you are coming from Chichen Itza you will need to take a bus to Playa Del Carmen and then get transportation to Xcaret. Currently ADO has busses to Xcaret three times a day and all are in the morning so you can get there for the day and enjoy the park. Also check out our article on colectivos for transportation options from Playa Del Carmen to Xcaret. We hope you have a great time exploring the area.
Hello-we are looking to store our luggage in lockers when we head over to Cozumel for the day, are there lockers for rent at the ADO?
Thank you for any information 🙂
Hello. There are lockers in both ADO bus stations in Playa Del Carmen. That is about the only place near to the Cozumel Ferry you can store luggage. In our video of the bus stations you can see the luggage storage areas. We hope you have a great trip over to Cozumel and the Riviera Maya.
Can you get a bus going to USA border
From playa del Carmen?
You can bus across the whole country in sections. There are busses that cross from north Mexico into the US so it is possible. Would you want to do it as an adventure or because you don’t like flying? There are many options depending on your answer.
Hey very cool site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your site!I am happy to find so many useful info here in the post, thanks for sharing. . .
Thanks or the detailed info on the bus stations in Playa. Do you know where the bus for Holbox leaves from?
We checked on this a couple of weeks ago at he bus station. It was leaving from the bust station at Juarez Avenue and 5th Avneue. Since it only leaves once a day it is a good idea to buy it the day before and also check which station it is leaving from. Since ADO launchd this service they have changed the time several times and the location of where it leaves from. To further confuse things, it is not on their website.
Please note the comment in this post about theft on AdO buses being uncommon is simply not true. It is very common, they particularly go for itemsbin bags under seat anf enter from row behind or in front while passenger sleeping, in toilet or distracted. They fo not take whole bag but valuables inside bag so that passenger doesnt notice. Tjey then get off at next stop and hop on to another ADO looking for more victims. So BE AWARE!!
We have to disagree with you that this happens often but can happen. Travelers should be aware of where their belongings are and not make it an opportunity for people to steal without you noticing. This can happen anywhere in the world and Mexico is not exempt. Travelers should use common sense.
Hello. This is good information on the buses in Playa Del Carmen. I run a hotel here and use your site a lot to answer my guest problems or questions. I am glad you guys are on the streets finding all the stuff you recommend. It helps me a lot.
Hello. We just got back from a trip to Playa Del Carmen. We took the bus everywhere around the area and really found your guides helpful. Keep up the good work. We will be following your website for our next trip down. We are already looking over your huge guide to tours and planning what we want to take.
HI, I will be traveling from Cancun to playa del carmen.I travel with an emotional support dog.I have the proper documents for my need for the dog as well as his vaccines up to date.I keep him in his bag carrier which fits on my lap. Also, I’ll be traveling with my niece as a companion. Would I have a problem traveling on the ADO bus? Thanks for your hel.
Hello Cordelia
We have contacted ADO with your question and are awaiting a response. It can be very hard to get in touch with the ADO bus company and often their website does not work. We do have one question for you, are you coming from the Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen? The reason we ask is the answer might be more of a yes. In Mexico emotional support dogs are not really recognized. It is more common to have seeing eye dogs. We would guess now that you have a 50/50 chance of getting on with a dog on your lap. It is not that common to see animals on busses so we will wait to see what the official answer is from ADO. As for your adult niece, she should be allowed on the bus albeit with a ticket.
Does anyone know if I can take a mountain bike on the ADO bus from Cancun to Belize?
We have seen people take bikes on the ADO bus. They are placed under the bus with luggage. There are fees for large items like that and is kind of enforced regularly.
I don’t suppose you know about the shuttle bus from the airport to playa?
Sure we do! If you are looking for an English schedule for the bus here is a link for the ADO bus from Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen: https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/ado-bus-schedule-from-cancun-airport-to-playa-del-carmen/ If you are looking on how to get from the Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen see our guide here where we talk about taking the ADO bus or a private transfer: https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/how-to-get-from-cancun-airport-to-playa-del-carmen/ If you need anything else just let us know. We love helping people with directions and logistics.
Did you ever hear from ADO on this? I also have an emotional support dog that travels in a small carrier on my lap. I will be travelling from the airport to Playa Del Carmen
Hi
Im looking to gdt the bus from playa del carmen go mahahusl
Can you tell me the times it leaves and shich bus ststion i need
Thanks
You should go to either ADO Bus station and ask if they have a direct bus to Mahahual now. You might need to take a bus to the town of Limon and get a colectivo from there. It is about another hour on this colectivo. It is not the most convinent but Mahahual is out of the way. You will be rewarded with a nice beach and diving if you go.
Thanks for all the great info on busses. We did a trip around the Yucatan including Playa Del Carmen. We loved seeing the countryside and back roads. The buses were very comfortable and affordable. One tip we had was to make sure you buy your tickets the day before. Sometimes they get full.
we are two senior citizens form the US and plan to bus it to Belize on the night express. Anyone know the cost? what about comfort? Any comments are appreciated Jim & Maureen W.
Hello Jim and Maureen
The ADO bus from Playa Del Carmen to Belize leaves at 11:40pm at night and takes 6 hours and 45 minutes to arrive. It is 600 pesos one way. The busses are the ADO regular bus and they are comfortable. If you did not want a late night trip you could take one of the frequent busses from Playa Del Carmen to Bacalar and nice stay by the lake and then go from there to Belize, but we know this is slower and but it is an option if you don’t want to be waken up in the night as your cross the boarder. We hope you have a great trip.
Hello I live in Mexico and did not know about where the busses were and I found your website in English. THank you for all you do for the tourism of my country. I know it can be hard for people to travel to a place they don’t speak the language and figure out how to get places. I am sure many people like your guide.
Greetings from Ohio! We are looking to go to Chichen Itza by bus but are thinking of renting a car. What do you think is better for a family of four?
Hello Ted
Taking the bus compared to renting a car for visiting Chichen Itza will depend on several things. You can rent a car for about 700 pesos a day but you have to account for 500 pesos of gas round trip and tolls. The tolls can add up depending on what way you go. For a family of four and your kids are younger, it can be similar in price. One thing you have to take into consideration is where are you going to eat. There are a few basic place in Chichen Itza. If you have a car you can stop along the road. Also you need to think about how comfortable driving in a foreign country.
Which station do you leave from for the direct bus from Playa Del Carmen to Mahahual? It leaves at 8:10 am? Thank you
Hello Michele
The ADO website just says Playa Del Carmen station which usually is the Juarez Avenue Station. Also the Juarez Avenue ADO bus station usually serves the coast. So our bet is that station but it would be good to ask in the ADO bus Station to make sure.
What is the current time the ADO bus leaves from Playa Del Carmen to Holbox and what station? Thanks
Hello Kirt
The bus schedule does change from time to time so I am glad you checked with us. It leaves at 9:15 in the morning once a day from Playa Del Carmen and leaves from the ADO bus station on Juarez Avenue and 5th Avenue. We hope you have a great time in Holbox.
Hi,
What do you think of this plan?:
We’ll be staying at Playa del Carmen (PDC). We’ll take an ADO bus to Tulum, then a taxi to visit Grand Cenote and another to see the “Ven a la luz” sculpture at Ahau Hotel. We’ll get back to the bus station in taxi and get a colectivo to Cenote Cristalino and finally another to return to PDC. I prefer to get to Grand Cenote first thing in the morning. Are Mayab buses a better option to come back from Tulum? Where do I get them? If there are better options to organize this road trip, please let me know. It will be our first time in Mexico. There is a tour option available but it will double the cost. Thanks for your help.
Hello
Mayab is not a good option because they are 3rd class and stop a lot. Taking taxis around will be your only option but they are expensive in Tulum. With these trips it could cost $80 USD. So renting a car for the day can be good so you are more relaxed and can get around cheaper. Here is one good option for a car for the day. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/playa-del-carmen-car-rental/
Do you have first class buses that provide a round trip to chitchen itza?
Hello
Thank you for contacting us at EverythingPlayaDelCarmen.com We are not the ADO Bus website but we can answer your questions because much of the information is in Spanish only. The ADO Bus Company does not have first class busses from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza. This is a regular ADO bus and makes local stops on the way. It takes 3 hours and 50 minutes. The price is about 295 pesos each way. Since the round trip is near $30USD we do recommend a tour. You will also get to stop at a town or cenote also on a tour. Tour prices range from about $40-100 USD We have some listed on our article on Chichen Itza. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/why-does-everyone-want-to-go-to-chichen-itza/ Your other option is to rent a car. Just note that tolls, gas, parking and car rental add up and do not make it very economical for just a couple of people
Thanks for this guide. I was looking for information on the busses and your site was the first to come up and was the most helpful.
I see a some ADO buses at the Plaza Las Americas mall in Playa Del Carmen. Is this a new ADO Bus Stop?
Hello Jina
ADO Bus does use the Mall for some new routes. However this is not anything that tourist would be taking. The other two ADO Bus Stations service all the cities that people want to go to. Only if you live near to the mall would these limited routes be helpful.
I am looking at ADO’s website and want to book some tickets but it is not allowing me to. How can I book bus tickets?
Hello. Unfortunately Ado’s website is not that tourist friendly and credit cards not from Mexico are usually declined. You will need to book your bus tickets when here. Not to worry though, most busses do not get sold out more then a day or two in advance. Just purchase them as soon as you can when you arrive in the Riviera Maya.
How far is it from the Ado bus station to Pure Mareazul Hotel?
There are two ADO station so the distance will be a little different. Pure Mareazul Hotel is about a 10 minute taxi ride and often cost about 90-120 pesos. Of course it is best to ask before getting in. Pure Mareazul Hotel is on the north end of Playa Del Carmen and out of the center.
I just want to make sure that I can get a bus from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum from the Juarez Avenue bus station.
This is correct, busses leave from the Juarez Avenue Ado Bus station Tulum.
You are my aspiration, I want to provide this helpful of information on my website. I know how hard it is especially with changing bus schedules and other information.
My flight (Southwest) arrives 11PM in Cancun Airport. I plan to take the ADO bus to PDC. Do you think I would have any problems catching the 11:50PM bus? I am sure I will have some check-in baggage.
Here is the normal disembarkation process and time in Cancun Airport. Most flights do arrive on time at that hour. It takes about 15 minutes to get off the plane and to the luggage belt. Then about 10 minutes to get your bags. This will take you to 11:25pm. Then there is immigration. This can take 10 minutes if there is just your plane arriving or 30 minutes if there is a line. So if it is the fastest it will take you to 11:35pm. Nest you have customs. Sometimes they do not scan your bag and you just exit the airport, turning in your customs form. Best case this will take 6 minutes to walk through and out to the bus. This means that in a best case scenario you will get out of the airport at 11:41pm and get to buy your ticket.
Of course you might arrive at terminal 2, which is usually for domestic but sometimes international flights can arrive here. The walk to the bus will take you about 5 minutes because it is at the far right hand side as you exit. This would make it 11:46pm. This will be very tight to catch the bus. Here are the options in our Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen guide. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/how-to-get-from-cancun-airport-to-playa-del-carmen/ Sometimes it is just easier to book the Private transfer and have a ride waiting for you. Maybe even if you meet someone on your flight going to Playa you can get them to pay for part of it. It usually is better then a taxi to Playa Del Carmen.
If you do arrive early and think you can make it, be sure the taxi drivers do not tell you that the last bus already left. We have heard of them saying this when it is not true.
We hope you have a good trip and an easy transfer from the Cancun Airport.
Great website, and thanks for making your comments section the ‘bus information section’. I am staying at Mayan Palace. I plan to go to chichen Itza overnight. I am aware ADOtends to leave PDC around 8:00 a.m. And that the website schedules can change.
Questions – which ADO station would I catch the Chichen Itza bus from? Can I buy the ticket the same morning?
Second questions are about collectivos. Are there published or set prices for where you get on and off? For example, I may want to take the colectivo to PDC from Mayan Palace or to Puerto Morelos. I am no good at bartering or knowing if the price is right. Any tips? Thanks.
Hello Maria
The ADO website says the bus leaves from the Juarez Avenue bus station. Usually when the schedule says Playa Del Carmen alternative, it is the bus station on 20th Avenue. But, it is best to arrive early and buy your ticket and make sure. The stations are fairly close so it is easy to take a taxi or walk for 13 minutes to the other one. You should be available to buy it the same day but that means getting to the station early. There is only one bus a day so if you can, by it ahead of time.
The colectivos do have a price chart. Sometimes with destinations in between they charge a little more but the over cost is less that $3USD one way. So a minor charge is nothing. Be sure to use pesos. Drivers do not need to take dollars but we have seen some accept them, but it is at whatever rate they decide. It is more polite and correct to use pesos.
There are no stops that are official except the end points. You just wave them down. The Mayan Palace will be easy to get one and get off at. You can also see our article on colectivos for more details. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/how-to-take-the-colectivos-to-tulum-or-cancun/
Thanks Mr. Yucatan. I have caught up on the colectivos articles as well as some of the other great articles.
WARNING: LUGGAGE STORAGE AT ADO BUS TERMINALS IS NOT SAFE OR SECURE
i paid them 100 mxn to “look after” my suitcase yesterday only to have my passport and bank card stolen
they have no cameras, and din not even offer an apology or refund.
Thank you Kris for your message. We will try to talk to ADO and recommend they install cameras. We are sorry to hear this happened to you. Can you let us know what ADO station this was?
I need to go from Playa Del Carmen to Merida. What do I do please?
There are many busses that go from Playa Del Carmen to Merida. You can just go to either bus station and buy a ticket. You can also check on ADO’s website for the schedules. We hope you have a nice trip. It is a fast a smooth transfer between the cities.
I like what you guys are usually up too. You cover Playa del Carmen in a unique way. Thanks for all the tips and articles.
Hi
I am going from Puerto Morelos to PDC. Which station will I arrive at?
Appreciate it.
Hello Elizabeth
You will arrive at the Juarez Avenue station. Make sure you are on the right side of the highway to catch your bus in Puerto Morelos.
HELP ME PLEASE
To the lost and found of the Ado bus station at Playa del Carmen. Please, can you help? On December 1st, 2016 on the 5:05 bus from Playa del Carmen to Terminal 2 at the Cancun airport. Unfortunately, I left my backpack on the bus, or in the luggage hold. My seat was 17. Please if you have this let me know and I will send you the money and direct where to send the backpack. It is filled with my artwork on postcards and precious drawings from my children. It also contains very important personal papers. My mobile phone which you may text or call is America +1 323 537 9210. PLEASE HELP ME. IT WAS THE 5:05 DEPARTING FROM THE FERRY STATION at Playa Del Carmen to the Airport.
Hello Nancy
We are very sorry to hear you have lost your backpack. We will forward this to the correct department at ADO. We are only a website that has this information on busses for tourist. We would like to help but even if we could, we do not know what your back pack looks like or have any reason to give for letting ADO have a strangers bag. We hope they contact you and have your bag. You can also try to contact ADO directly to ask them.
Can you tell me if the ADO bus will allow my 20 lb dog with me in the cab from Cancun airport to PDC? I won’t go with them if they want to put her under with the luggage. Thanks in advance
We doubt they will allow your dog with you unless he is a seeing eye dog. Your best bet is to book a private transfer from the Cancun Airport but make sure you ask them about dogs.
Hi All,
A similar incident has happend with me. I forgot a case with camera on-board ADO bus from PDC 5th avenue to cancun airport on 16th December ( around 4:45 PM ) . I have tried multiple times calling bus station but except a pre-recorded spanish message, no one really talkes.
This camera had all our trip pictures and pictures from so many other trips . I don’t know, what to do here .
PLEASE HELP . PLEASE ! , my phone is +1-6106182132
We are sorry you left your camera on the bus and that ADO does not have a good customer service to return or answer calls. If we ever get a chance to talk to ADO we will address your issues. Thank you for letting us know. If we find out anything we will send you a message.
Hello! thanks so much for all the helpful information. i am staying in cozumel, but plan to ferry over to catch a bus or colectivo to see the tulum ruins. since i’ll be in cozumel and you can’t order ADO tix online, i can’t really get ADO tickets in advance of my trip. do they typically sell out? i’m thinking if we can’t get an ADO bus ticket we can just grab a colectivo, assuming those are close to the bus station?
You should be able to get an ADO bus since they leave about every 30 minutes from the ADO Station on 5th Avenue and Juarez. The colectivos leave from 2nd street between 15th and 20th Avenue if you choose to go that route.
Thanks for the bus guide. It was super helpful because we were trying to figure out the details of our trip. The ADO site is not that helpful.
We had been told it would be safe to leave luggage for a weekend trip we would like to take without it at the ADO station lockers in PDC-I don’t know, sounds kinda scary to me.
Hello Lily
There are lockers at the ADO Bus Stations. However if you read the comments here, some people have had their bags opened while in storage. So if you do, don’t leave anything in the bags of value. There are not really any other places to leave bags in Playa Del Carmen unless you can arrange something with where you are staying. It probably would have a better chance of being ok at a hotel.
Hello,
Do you know how to get to Grand hyatt Playa Del Carmen from the PDC bus station? I will take a ADO bus from Cancun airport. Also what type of transportation will be avialable from Grand hyatt to Xcaret?
Thanks.
To get from the ADO bus station you would need to take a taxi. There is no other public transportation to the Hyatt hotel or near to there. To Xcaret you can take a taxi, buy transportation with your ticket, or make your way to second street to the colectivos and take colectivos to the highway stop and get the free shuttle into Xcaret park. Those are your best options.
Hi, I would appreciate ideas on travelling from Cancun Airport to Tulum (Dreams Hotel) I believe the ADO bus travels to Playa Del carmen and I then have to change?……Please advise on time and cost of the journey
Hello Alan
You would have to take the ADO bus to Playa Del Carmen and then take a taxi since the ADO bus does not make stops between Playa and Tulum. This would be expensive and it is better if you just take a private transfer from the airport. The transfer company we recommend is here in this article. They will only take you and will take you directly to your hotel. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/how-to-get-from-cancun-airport-to-playa-del-carmen/
The other ADO bus option and then a taxi not only will take you longer but also cost more or about the same.
Hi
Awesome site. we wish to travel from Playa to Orange walk town during the day. Is there an early morning bus to Chetumal where I can get a bus to OWT. I know I have to switch stations in Chetumal and hope we can make an afternoon bus into Belize.
Cheers Gary
Also can you recommend a hotel near the Terminal Ado
Hello Gary
The ADO only has service from Playa Del Carmen to Belize city where you can get a bus to Orange Walk. There are two busses a day that take 7 hours. The best option would be leaving Playa at 11:40pm and arriving in Belize city in the morning. There are other smaller bus connections but the main way does not give you many option.
I thought I seen on the ADO site that there is a bus at 720 830 and 930am that goes to Chetumal. I was hoping to then catch a bus from there to Orange Walk so we could avoid the overnight bus as well as traveling all the way to Belize city only to have to come back to Orange walk. Is this possible.
Cheers Gary
Are you looking to leave from Playa Del Carmen? There are much more busses to Chetumal that you can take. It takes about 4:30 minutes to get there. There is a bus at 6:20, 7:20 , 8:30 and 9:20 from there you can work you way across the boarder. ADO has no service to Belize except the direct to Belize City. We have no information on the boarder crossing busses and transport to Orange Groce since that is a little out of our jurisdiction.
Yup the early bus to Chetumal will work well as then I can get another one into Orange walk, just need to change bus stations.
Thank you
Gary
Hi! I’m arriving in Cancun this Friday around 11:00am and needing to get a bus to Limones. From what I understand, I will need to take the ADO bus from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen, then Playa to Limones. Which there I’ll have friends pick me up and drive to Mahahual. Does that sound accurate?
Hello Brooke. This is a good plan. The town of Limones is just before the turn to Mahahual. Just make sure the ADO schedule from Playa Del Carmen to Limones to line up the transfers and meeting your friends.
I am traveling from Cancun Airport to Tulum next month. The ADO web site (I do not speak Spanish fluently) will allow me to book a ticket from the Aiport to Tulum for $228. I cannot tell if this is a direct bus, or if it involves transferring in PDC. Can you advise? It departs at 10:35am and takes about 2.5 hours. If there is a transfer, how will I know what time it is?
I appreciate your help!
Most likely you are using a foreign credit card to try to book and the ADO website usually does not accept them for whatever reason. The ADO bus to Playa Del Carmen takes 1 hour and it takes one hour to get from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum. So the bus will arrive in Playa and you will most likely have a 25 minute layover. The bus will depart from the same station so you only need to wait there. We wish you a great trip here.
Thank you – but no, I had not even got to the stage of booking or having to enter a credit card, just searching for trips. It doesn’t indicate anywhere that there is a transfer. It just says departing Cancun Airport, arriving in Tulum 2.5 hours later, so it looks like a direct trip.
Another question for you – since I can’t book online with a Canadian credit card, is there another way to purchase in advance? Or do I just have to try my luck at the airport bus stop?
Most everyone books when here. If you are coming from the airport, you never know what time you will actually get out of the terminal and they tickets are timed, so it is best to buy when you arrive anyways. The bus does not take 2.5 hours to make the trip from the Airport to Tulum so it must stop in Playa, not really requiring a transfer but might require you to wait on the bus or move to a bus next to it. So it is not really that big of deal. If the bus drove straight from the airport to Tulum it would be about 2 hours 10 minutes.
We plan to purchase 2 bicycles in Playa and transport them to Puerto Aventuras. We have heard you can do this on the Mayob buses which let you off on the highway by PA. Can you tell us which bus terminal in Playa to catch the Mayob bus to PA? Gracias.
Hello Janet
You can catch the Mayab busses in the 5th Avenue Terminal. We hope you are able to get your bikes to Puerto Aventuras this way.
This site is very helpful. I was hoping you could help me with a question. I am traveling from Merida to the CanCun airport. The ADO site lists the Fiesta Americana in Merida as a pickup location. Do you know the address and can I purchase my ticket there as well? Thank you.
Hello Pamela
The ADO bus station in Merida that is located at the Fiesta Americana is located behind the Fiesta Americana Hotel. This is a small station and you can buy your ticket there. The ADO station is on Avenida Colon and Calle 60.
I have heard that ADO bus station in PDC sells admission tickets to Xcaret and then provides free transportation from PDC to Xcaret after buying tickets there. Is that correct? If so, what other attractions does ADO sell tickets for and then provide transportation there?
We have only seen and ADO ad for going to Rio Secreto but we cannot confirm that transportation is free with ticket purchase. We will say that if you purchase Xcaret tickets 21 days in advance you get the largest discount.
Fabulous website! I was able to purchase tickets online through aq site called Clickbus – and even purchased one for my 66 year old husband at a senior discount (half price). Having them printed out and ready to go, with seat assignments is awesome.
This is a great suggestion. We had not heard of this website but we are going to look into it more. Thank you.
Can you take the ADO from Playa del Carmen to Xel-Ha? If yes, how much would it cost?
We have already bought our trickets to Xel-Ha.
Yes, there are four busses a day that go there all before 11am. The prices range but are basically 50-60 pesos each way and it takes one hour 5 minutes.
Hello! I am planning a trip to Bacalar on March 2 and would like to travel during the day. I will be leaving from Playa Del Carmen. Can you please help me with some bus info? Also, I will return on March 6 and would like to travel during the day. Price? Thanks so much…
Hello Eva
Thank you for writing to us at our website. We have information on the bus to Bacalar and prices here: https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/amazing-bacalar-the-lake-of-seven-colors/ We hope you have a great time there!
We will be arriving from Cozumel off the ferry. Which ADO bus station should we use to go to Copa? We want the fastest way because we are on a strict time limit?
You would get off the ferry and get go to the ADO station at Juarez and 5th. There is only one bus a day so make sure you plan your arrival accordingly. The ADO also leaves late from Coba so you also want to take that into account as well. See our transportation options and tips here: https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/feel-like-indiana-jones-and-visit-coba-ruins/
Hola
Attention Public Relations
Owning a Condo across from Ado on 20th I have two complaints. First the bar at the turn around at exit is loud, iritating and never stops, wakes the neighbourhood up constantly. Please tell me why it is even has to be , what purpose does it serve?????Also the loud speaker for announcing trips is also so loud you can hear it a kilometer away Please lower the volume we as people are not deaf.
Thank you for your time
Hello D. Kirkland
Thank you for your comments to our website. We are however not ADO. To express your comments, it would be best if you send them to ADO directly. Thank you.
I am diving in Cozumel in early March. I am planning on taking a ferry to Playa del Carmen from Cozumel and taking a bus to Merida from the ADO station on 5th and spending 4 days there. I do not want to travel with all my dive gear. Will the ADO luggage storage hold my dive gear bag for 4 days ? What is the daily rate ?
Hello Gautam
Both ADO bus stations have storage. The last time we checked it was either per hour or per day. The day rate is 100 pesos. Just note not to leave anything like cell phones, passports or other valuables there. We have gotten reports of theft.
Thank you Mr. Yucatan !
Hello, I would like to take the bus from Playa to the ferry at Islma Mujeres. Is there a station close by I could get off at? Thank-you
Hello Shawna
You would need to take a bus to Cancun and then get off at the ADO station there (this is the main bus station in Cancun. From there you can take the small vans or a taxi to the ferry for Isla Mujeres. It is about 8 8 minute ride.
Hello.
Me and a friend are coming staying at riviera maya this summer, and instead of going on tours, we thought we’d look at local things. We will get the bus to playa del, but just asking if there are any destinations you’d recommend that we can get to by bus from playa del. we are 22, into photography, food, drink, shopping. Thank you
Hello
That is great you are going to explore on your own. Taking the bus to Tulum is easy and you can rent bikes. If you go to Valladolid you can have a great time taking photos. We have an article on what is good to see there that might be helpful. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/valladolid-colonial-town-with-everything-we-like-part-1/ There are more places but not sure if you want to do overnights. Our article on tours and places to go has an interactive map that you can use to find places you might want to go by bus.
Hello,
How much would it cost for the taxi to go from the ADO station to the Grand Hyatt PDC?
Thanks,
Hello Richard
From the bus station to any place in downtown is 30 pesos. Into the Grand Hyatt is more. However taxi drivers often charge more then the chart price. We would expect 60/90 pesos if you ask them before getting in.
Hello ,
is it possible to buy water taxi tickets directly from the ADO bus station in Playa del Carmen ? We would like to plan one part of our trip that will include PdC – Tulum – Chetumal – San Pedro – Caye Caulker. I have heard that it is possible to buy both ADO and boat tickets in Tulum , but those blogs were few years old , so any updated information would help us a lot 🙂 Reason I ask this is because we would prefer to buy these boat tickets directly in Mexico rather than from the water taxi website , because they have two now and both are really chaotic , one has the booking section broken , the another has only a contact form that they havent responded to. Thanks and keep up the great work , your website already helped us a lot with so many valuable informations 🙂
Hello Peter
We do not think that you can buy the tickets in ADO for the Belize water boats. You could be able to buy them with a travel agency. There are several in Playa on Constituyentes Avenue. One is on the north side between 10th Avenue and 15th Avenue. You might start there.
We are arriving in playa del Carmen April 4 and then need to find transportation to Catalonia Privelege Maroma what is available and approx cost. Then in a week we need to go back to Cancun airport. What transportation is available direct to airport.
Hello Crystal
Since there are no busses that go from the airport to your hotel you will need to take a private transfer. We recommend one company that all of our readers have enjoyed. They offer some of the best rates and good service. You can find a link to them in this article where you can check prices and book. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/transfers-from-cancun-airport-to-playa-del-carmen/ We hope you have a great vacation here and smooth transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Hope you can help. We want to take the First Class ADO Bus from Chetumal to Playa Del Carmen. We rode it a couple weeks ago. We are moving our “stuff” in 6 duffle bags and 2 carry ons. Is there a limit to how many checked bags under the bus one can have? We found a transfer service in Corazol, Belize for a hefty price. Would rather do the bus. Thanks.
Kathy
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Hello Kathy
Technically we think there is a maximum but you can pay for extra baggage. It should be a lot cheaper to do on the bus and we would recommend it. We wish ADO had better online service and a chat, but they do not.
Hi, I just looked at the ado link you provided and the price from Cancun to PDC is listed as “$178
“. This gives me the impression it’s dollars, and if so, you are claiming it’s $9. Could you please help clarify? Many thanks
Hello Ika
The Mexican peso sign is $ and so is the USD dollar. So usually we put $9 USD if it is dollars. We try to keep is separate but it can get confusing. We hope you can see now that the bus is cheap and easy.
We are planning to bring our two little dogs with us on our next trip to Playa Del Carmen. We like to take the ADO from th airport and are wondering if they allow our little dogs on the bus?
We don’t think there is any written policy but can be up to the discretion of the driver. Most people take transfers. There is one private transfer that will take pets for free as long as they are in carriers. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/pet-transportation-cancun-airport/ This is $60 one way and will take you to your hotel. If you are two people on the bus it will be about $20 plus a taxi to where you are going. Most taxis in Playa do not allow dogs. So that might be a problem even if you get on the bus. This transfer is just a sure deal in our opinion.
Hello, I will be doing an internship with GVI for 8 weeks and hope to swim with the whale sharks in Isla Holbox. Is there a bus that runs from Playa Del Carmen to Holbox? If so can you tell me the times of departure, how long the trip takes and price of ticket? Does the price include ferry from the land to the island? Are reservations required?
Thank you.
Hello John
We have most of that info in our Holbox guide here: https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/the-most-laid-back-island-holbox/
The ferry ticket is separate and it is good to book the day before since there is only one bus a day.
Hi,
Are there quite a few buses leaving Playa Del Carmen going to Tulum and back daily. Do you stop at the Ruins or in the Town. Thanks
Hello
There is about one bus an hour going to Tulum. Some stop at Tulum ruins and some only go to the center of town to the bus station. It is good to check the schedule for the Tulum ruins stop. You can also take the colectivos between Playa and Tulum which leave from 2nd St. These are small shared vans that are a little faster but not as much space. These vans leave every 10 minutes or so and all of them will stop at Tulum ruins if you ask.
Hi,
First of all I love your website, thanks for all the information!we are 4adult ladies and a 2year old girl.. could you tell me please what is the best option for us to arrive to playa del carmen, suites corazon from cancun airport? suites corazon is 10mins walk from the ADO juarez stop, so we are happy with that…but I wonder how much would cost to go by a private bus…
Also
We have tickets to xelha. Collectivos with a child is okay?
Is there any collectivo stops around our hotel?
Or better from the ADO bus stop?? How much is it aprox and how much a private bus would cost us again? 4of us sharing…but we want to save as much as we can on transport.
We have a ticket to xcaret too..
And would like to go to tulum too.
Thanks for your time!
Hello Monika
The best way to get to your hotel from the Cancun Airport is going to be a private transfer. Here is a link to the best company. The cost is $70 one way or 120 round trip. This will be very easy for the six of you and very affordable. It would be door to door.
You can walk to the colectivos on 2nd street and take them to Tulum, Xel Ha and Xcaret. Xcaret is the closest to get off at and from the highway there is a short walk and a free shuttle to the entrance. For Xel Ha and Tulum you could take the ADO bus. With everyone going there may not be space in many vans for you and you might have to split up or wait a whiel for one.
Hello and thanks for the information. My family will be leaving a bus station in playa del carmen for trip to Chetumal(flying into Cozumel) Would a bus be the best option versus a collectivo or something else? Which station should we go to in Playa del carmen to buy our tickets? Also, our destination is actually about 45 minutes north of Chetumal. Any advice on how to get to that area? Thanks again!
Hello
If you are flying into Cozumel and then taking the ferry to Playa and then getting a bus ticket it would be best to go to the one on Juarez and 5th Avenue. When buying your ticket confirm if it leaves from that station or the other one. It sounds like you might be going to Bacalar? That is about 45 minutes north of Chetumal. Even if not it might be better to go there and then get a colectivo to where you need to go. It would save transport all the way to Chetumal and then turning around and going back another 45 minutes. If you are going to Bacalar, see our guide here: https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/amazing-bacalar-the-lake-of-seven-colors/ Just so you know, there is not a lot of public transportation in that area so expect it to take some time transferring and getting to where you need to go especially if it is more remote. ADO busses only stop at designated stops.
To provide a bit of detail regarding taking the ADO to Belize city from Playa del Carmen.
Exciting the ferry with lots of luggage is no problem since young men with tricycle taxis are right there where you reclaim your bags. I was charged 50 pesos for a ride for me and my 4 bags to the terminal on 5 and Juarez.
Unfortunately, this is NOT the correct terminal for the Belize bus. I purchased the ticket at the main terminal, then caught a taxi to the alternative terminal on 20. I was charged 90 pesos for the trip.
The ado left on time (1140) crossed the border at about 5am and arrived in Belize city at 7 local time. ( q too and rest of Mexico and Belize are on different time zones)
Thanks for this great site.
We are going from Playa Del Carmen to Isla Mujeres. Does the 5th Ave. bus go directly to the ADO terminal in Cancun? If not, which ADO bus do we need to take? Thank you.
Hello Cindy
Yes the buses leave from the Terminal Juarez to Cancun. From there you can take a taxi of a mini bus to Puerto Juarez which is the ferry terminal location to Isla Mujeres. Have fun!
Hi Mr Yucatan! Your site is very very helpful! Congratulations!
I have some doubts that I couldn't see an answer anywhere.
I intend to take colectivo or ADO bus in PDC to go to Tulum ruins, Xcaret and La Isla Shopping Mall (in Cancun).
Where I take the bus/colectivo back to PDC from these places?
1) Xcaret: in front of the park entrance?
2) Tulum Ruins: where? I need to go to the downtown?
3.a) La Isla Shopping Mall: in front of the Mall? What bus? R1?
3.b) The colectivos to Cancun (Playa Express etc) go to Hotel Zone in Cancun? Passes in front of La Isla Mall?
Xcaret can be reached by the colectivos along the highway and a connecting Xcaret free shuttle will take you to the park. There is limited ADO busses that leave from Playa to Xcaret
All colectivos that go to Cancun will only go to downtown. You will need a taxi or the public bus from the ADO bus station to the hotel zone and get off there. It will take about 25 minutes on the bus depending on traffic.
Hi, I got a bus from tulum to playa last night. It was supposed to leave at 8:20. It said mayab on the ticket but I remember it not being ADO or this. Anyway, I think I left a small silver make up bag on it. I can’t find any lost property numbers, any help to would be great!
Hello Sarah
According to their website you need to go to the terminal you arrived at and report it. We have not heard of much being found though on busses. Best of luck.
I was reading through some of your content on this site and this website is really instructive! Keep on putting up more articles on Playa and the Riviera Maya. Coming in May.
We are thinking of spending the last couple of days of our trip in Holbox,so will need transportation to Cancun airport. Canada Transfer is quoting $193US so looking for something else. ADO shows 306 pesos but don’t fully understand Spanish. It looks like bus leaves at 1:45, but I don’t see arrival time. I’m assuming 3-4 hour which make it late for many flight back to the US. Can you clarify travel time . Also do you have any Idea what at taxi for 4 people may cost. Any other sugestions?
Thanks
Hello George
We have a little more on transportation options from Holbox in our article here: https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/the-most-laid-back-island-holbox/
There is a ADO bus to Playa that comes back in the afternoon to Playa and then you would need transportation to the Airport. It is easier though if you book a transfer direct from Holbox to the Airport. There are taxis that will be there at the dock to take people to Cancun but we do not have the current prices. It is similar to the transfer vans. You can also check with Holbox Express. So you do have several options and you can figure out what one you want when you are there.
The ADO bus company does have a once a day bus but it is very slow and not a very happy option. It would be almost two more hours then a transfer.
hi
can you use the ADO buses to get to Tulum for the day? also can you see the ruins and not be part of a tour.
could you please let me know.
gracias,
mariangela
Hello
You can use the ADO bus to visit Tulum town and ruins. There are many busses a day so it is possible to go in the morning and come back later. See our complete guide here for visiting the ruins. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/visiting-tulum-ruins-our-everything-to-know-guide/
Hi, I am planning to get the bus from Playa del Carmen to Belize city. Firstly do you know which station it departs from in PDC? Secondly I will only be able to purchase tickets that evening (land in Cancun at 6pm and come to PDC to drop off some bags); are there set times you can buy tickets from the station? And is the bus likely to get full? If this is likely I’d rather get a taxi back to Cancun and take it from there… Thanks in advance for your help!
Hello Laura
This should leave from the bus station on 20th Avenue. Sometimes these change so just check. We looked at the seating one week from now and all seats were available. This gives you an idea of the booking, so not likely to be sold out. You can buy tickets at all hours so that is not an issue. If it is for some reason it is better to stay in Playa and get the next bus. It would save two hours of transit and taxi fare. But that is up to you. We hope this helps.
do you have the ADO bus schedule from Playa del Carmen to chetumal
if I read the ADO Mexican schedule correctly there are several a day
starting with 6:20am and 7:40am I would like to confirm those which would put me in town to catch the
3pm boat to Belize City
Hello Mike
There is about one bus every hour departing from Playa Del Carmen to Chetumal. It takes about 4:40 minutes for the journey and each bus has a slightly different time it takes. The 7:20 would put you there about 12 noon. This might be good so you have time to eat something and go through the international customs for the ferry. The next bus after this is 8:30am.
Hello, I am trying to book a bus from Mahahual to Playa Del Carmen on the 29th December 2017 and then from Playa Del Carmen to Cancun on the 30th December 2017 but the website says there are no ADO buses from Mahaual to Playa Del Carmen. It seems to only have some for the next couple of days and then nothing. Will new times be added? Thanks
We see there is no busses scheduled for this time. We do not believe more will be added. There are colectivo vans that make the trip to the 307 Highway where you can connect with busses going north to Tulum and/or Playa Del Carmen. There are always local options, it just might take a little planning. Also note that the ADO website does not usually take foreign credit cards so you might need to book here your tickets. Usualy a day or two in advance is fine and they will not be sold out.
Hello, does the bus from Playa del Caremen to Belize city stops at the border and you can obtain visa on the border? What is necesesary to prepare for Belize visa? thank you
Hello Helen
We have not done this crossing but as with any international crossing the bus stops and usually all passengers get off and present ID’s and pass through customs. Depending on your citizenship and visa requirements it is easy to cross. Most citizens just get their tourist stamp there.
How late and often do the buses go South from PDC? Will be staying at a resort 45 minutes from PDC. The collectivos only run until 10:30 PM I’ve read. Will the bus let us out on the highway in front of our resort?
TY! Gracias!
ADO busses do not let people out. The colectivos run late but you should consider a taxi as your best late night option.
Hello.
Are you able to tell me what time the overnight bus from Belize City arrives in Playa del Carmen?
Thank you.
Hello Kate
Sorry we cannot we tried consulting the ADO bus site but it would not allow us to pull up the schedule. We tried several days but it is not helpful. We think you will just need to go in person and ask. We would go to the station to ask but we are not available in the next few days to go by. We know how frustrating it is to find information and unfortunately ADO’s website and customer service is not the best.
Hello again Kate. We had a chance to check with ADO and the bus leaved from Belize City around 5pm and arrives early morning in Playa. We hope this gives you some idea of the schedule.
Is there a colectivo from Playa to Tulsayab?
Where is the colectivo terminal in Playa?
If you are referring to the neighborhood just north of Tulum, yes the colectivos pass there on the highway. You would need to walk from there. Here is our article on colectivos. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/how-to-take-the-colectivos-to-tulum-or-cancun/
I want to go to Mahahual from Playa del Carmen, does the ADO go that far? How much is it and what times does it leave from Playa Del Carmen?
The ADO website is not showing it as available. This does not mean it is not running. Often the website is not offing the best info. It is from our experience this route is not the most popular and has been on and off over the years. You will need to go check at the station to ask about it. If it is not available then the next best thing is take a local bus to Limones and get a colectivo to Mahahual.
Just need basic info as of Dec.17/2017:
What is the current price of both a one way and a return trip on the ADO bus from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen?
The current price is 184-190 pesos depending on the time.
Buen dia. I will be staying in Tulum. My flight leaves at 8:00am on Sunday January 7. I want to be at Cancun airport at 6:00am. Which bus company do I take? Mayab at 02:46? This bus arrives at Cancun terminal at 05:40 then I take Riviera bus to airport and arrive at 06:30. This is too late, no? Is there a bus at 01:00? 01:30? 02:00?
There is a bus from Tulum to Playa Del Carmen at 3:45am that arrives at about 4:30am and then you can take an airport bus at 4:40 or the next one at 5:30. This would put you at the airport at either 5:55 or 6:45. Since it is so close and you need to get a bus it would be good to buy the ticket in advance but you might miss the 4:40 bus. Really a transfer is the best option so you don’t have to worry or stay in Playa the night before you go.
Hi I’ve been trying to book a ticket from Playa Del Carmen to Mahahual for Sunday 12/31 and I know that there is an ADO bus that runs three times a day from that route, but everytime I search it on the ADO website it doesn’t show up. Has that bus been discontinued or do I just have to wait till I get there to get the ticket? Do you know of any other way to pre-purchase the ticket before I arrive in Mexico?
We had someone ask us the other day and we could not find it online as well. In addition to finding it often non Mexican credit cards don’t work. It will be best to get here and figure out transportation. This bus route changes often.
Hello, Great site you have!
We are two that will be traveling from Puerto Morelos to Vallidolid. I have received information saying takethe ADO bus from the Cancun bus station, and also someone said take the ADO bus from Playa del Carmen. Can you please confirm what the best option is? Also, if the bus to Vallidolid would be at risk of filling up on a Saturday afternoon, requiring us to buy tickets in advance – and if so what are the options/locations to buy them. Gracias,
Hello Tracy
The truth is both people are correct because you have to go north or south to get to Valladolid and then inland. The best way though with a slight advantage is going to Cancun. The bus from Cancun to Valladolid is 30 minutes shorter and often a little cheaper. We hope this helps you. We also have a guide and video to Valladolid here. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/valladolid-colonial-town-with-everything-we-like-part-1/
Great infos thank you!
I am going from Playa to Tulum in a few days, my friend lands at 1pm in Cancun and I have agreed to meet her at the bus station in Playa to go to Tulum as I am already here.
However, I don’t want to book bus tickets in advance in case her flight is delayed for any reason, do you think we will have trouble getting seats from Playa to Tulum on Saturday afternoon? Many thanks in advance.
Hello Ali
There is not much of a worry to get tikets when she arrives. There are busses often so even if you have to wait a little, you can visit the park right by the bus station and step out to see the ocean before hopping on another bus.
I know the ADO website does not accept international credit cards. I reserved seats on-line with the option of paying at the station 2 hours before departure. Can I use a US credit card at the station?
Yes the ADO station does accept US cards. Just as a tip when traveling make sure you tell your credit card company that you are traveling so they do not block it for fraud filtering.
We are traveling from playa Del Carmen to Holbox with 4 adults and 3 children. Do we need to make reservations with the ADO bus. When do the buses leave.
Hello Linda
The bus leaves at 9:25am and is 260 pesos. Since you have a larger group we recommend booking at least two days in advance. We have gone the morning of and it was booked. There is only one bus a day.
If we stay at a hotel in playacar (Maybe the riu playacar) is there a bus to playa del carmen?
Thanks for your help. I can’t seem to find the answer online.
There are no busses that run in Playacar to the downtown. Your only options are a taxi or walking. It is about a 25 minute walk but there are sidewalks that are nice to walk on.
Will be traveling from Playa Del Carmen to Mahahual March 6, 2018, for 1 day so will need round trip, 7 people, just wondering if someone has information on the current schedules and prices since the ADO sight does not show anything except the airport info… Hoping they still have the early morning bus going both ways. Usually not an issue when only my husband & I traveling, but with 5 others it changes the situation a little.. thanks in advance for any help/information anyone can offer.
Hello Phyllis
We wonder why ADO has no schedule online and this route is often none existent or intermittent. Since you do have a group you might just as well hire a driver. This local van charter service is a good one to check out. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/charter-transportation-playa-del-carmen/
Hi! Congrats on your website. I’m using it constantly. Quick question: do we absolutely have to reserve/purchase our ADO bus ticket online or can we just arrive at the terminal, buy the ticket and jump on?
Is there anywhere to find out the schedule for Mayab buses from Playa del Carmen to Limones? We don’t want to wait until after 6 p.m. to catch the ADO bus to Mahahual (it arrives so late). (Taking Mayab to Limones and a taxi the rest of the way seems to be a better option). Thanks!
The only place is at the ADO station. There are no Mayab bus schedules online. We wish there were. It would make travel easier but, hey, why would a transportation company want to be more user friendly anyways? (insert sarcasm here)
Hello, we have a group of 15 friends who will be travelling from the Sandos Playacar hotel to Cancun on March 4th to run the Cancun Marathon. The race starts at 6:45am in Cancun. Can you tell me if buses run directly past, or from the hotel, and if they run that early in the morning? I’m guessing we’d have to take a 5:15am bus to make it to Cancun in time?
Thank you
There are no busses in Playacar. You would need to take a taxi to the bus station and then when you arrive in Cancun you need to take another taxi to the starting area. The best option is book a transport for your group. Here is one local company that is good to work with. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/charter-transportation-playa-del-carmen/
Hola! Es seguro dejar las maletas en la estacion de la 5 Avenida? Cuanto cuesta?
Muchisimas gracias!
El precio depende del tamaño de la bolsa. Puede ser entre 6/14 pesos por hora. Solo es seguro para cosas básicas. No dejes cosas valiosas en la bolsa. Los lectores se han quejado de esto.
Hello,
Can you tell me the cheapest way to get to Hotel Akumal Caribe from Playa Del Carmen. I am a senior traveling alone so I don’t want to have to walk to far on any busy highways.
Thanks.
You can take Mayab busses from the Juarez station and get off at Akumal then take a local taxi to the hotel. Mayab busses do not run as frequent and are more local. ADO busses do not stop in Akumal so that is not an option. You can also take the colectivos from 2nd street to Akumal and take a taxi from the highway. If you have luggage though this is not a good option since they are for people hopping on and off and there is no bag storage.
Hello There!! I am wondering what would be the best way to get from Playa Del Carmen to the Hotel Emporio Cancun, Thank you
Hello Brian
Since ADO does not go to the Hotel Zone a private transfer is best. This option is better than a taxi with a fixed price. We reccomend this company here: https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/private-hotel-zone-transfers-cancun/
Hello,
We will be taking the ferry to Cozumel and need to store our luggage. We only need to store our luggage for the day. What are the hours for the luggage storage at the ADO station near the Ferry?
The luggage storage area is open all day. It should be noted that you should not leave valuables in the bags. We have heard from readers about things missing from bags.
Hello, I am trying to find out if there is an ADO Bus that goes from Tulum to Coba but on the ADO website it does not give me any results. Want to go from PDC to Coba ruins and was planning on taking collectivo (or bus) to Tulum and then transfer.
Any advice?
Thanks,
There is one ADO bus a day from the ADO bus station at 10:11am. There are other local busses like Mayab which there are no schedules online. There are no colectivos that go between Tulum and Coba but sometimes you can also get a colectivo taxi (shared taxi) back to Tulum.
First, thank you for all of the amazing advice I’ve found on your site! I’ve read a ton of different articles with a wealth of information. We are staying in PDC for a mo th and are getting the most bang for our buck with your advice.
My question: Do you know if ADO or the Colectivo stops at (or near) the entrance at Xcaret or is a taxi needed to get to the entrance? Thank you for your help!
Hello Cari
Thanks so much for reading the website. There is a few ADO busses that directly go to Xcaret but you have to follow their schedule. Alternatively you can take the colectivo and then get off and walk under the road on a sidewalk. There is a free Xcaret shuttle to the park. It is pretty easy either way.
How do I go about renting a bus for private transportation from chetumal to cancun?
Hello Tyler
How many people do you need to transport? We can think of two options for you. ADO does not really rent busses but you might be able to book a complete one if you have enough people.
Hi there!
I am travelling from Australia to Mexico next week.
Firstly, will there be an ADO bus from Cancun airport to playa del carmen? If so do you know how far this would leave me from Panama Jack Resort, Playa del Carmen?
Secondly, is there any way that you can send me a timetable or roster of different destinations that the ADO bus goes to?? 🙂 I’m interested especially in visiting Tulum and Akumal! How much would this roughly cost?
Thankyou so much,
Nat
Your bus uestuons are answered here: https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/how-to-get-from-cancun-airport-to-playa-del-carmen/ Panama Jack is about a 16 minute walk up 5th Avenue. It can be hot with a bag or you might like it. A taxi from the bus will be about 70 pesos.
Hello, I would like to travel from Tulum to Orange Walk in Belize. I heard that ADO is running on that way but I can not make a booking online for it. I found on ADO’s site that there is a bus from Tulum to Belize City which probably stops in Orange Walk also, but for return, even if I search from Belize city to Tulum I cannot find any bus. Must be booked only in the station? If yes, is it possible to buy a round trip from Tulum bus station or I have to buy for return a ticket from Orange Walk station only?
Hello
We don’t think ADO stops in Orange Walk. It is a direct bus to Belize City. A better option for you is to take the bus from Tulum to Chetumal and then look for a more local bus option to cross the boarder. Chetumal is the last big town in Mexico and a good place to change busses.
I am SO glad I found your site! We are going from Playacar to Xel HA this Friday and I was curious if you knew the schedule to and from the 5th ave station to Xel HA and roughly what the price is?
The ADO bus ranges in cost from 58-94 pesos each way and leaves at 8:31, 9:51 and 10:51
Hello, first of all I love this website, thank you for all this informations. Just a few more Questions. Is there a bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum? Where is the bus station in Tulum? How much is it? And the same questions for a bus from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza Ruins. Thank you!
Hello Janina
Thank you for reading our website. The answer to your questions are: The bus station at 5th Ave and Juarez has busses to Tulum about every half hour. Some only stop at Tulum ruins and some also go into town. Make sure you buy the correct ticket. The ride takes about one hour. There are also busses that go to Chichen Itza. There is one per day at 8am. If you buy this ticket in advance you often can save half the price. There is not the complete details for this online, like how long it takes and what route it goes. It most likely is the same bus that goes to Valladolid and then goes to Chichen Itza. One alternative is go to Valladolid and stop, enjoy the town to break up your journey and then get a local bus or colectivo there. There are more connections to get to Chichen Itza from Valladolid since it is about 30 minutes away.
ADO vs Playa Express which is faster? If you take Playa Express to Cancun. Where do you take Playa Express to Playa de Carmen.
Hello Robert
Playa Express is faster but not if you are more in the center of Playa and need to get to 2nd street to get the van. Also if you have luggage the ADO bus is better. ADO will not let you off along the way but Playa Express will.
Hi! How much is the Colectivo from Playa Del Carmen to Grand Mayan Vidanta resort along Hwy 307?
Thx!
It is about 35 pesos. Here is more about taking the colectivos. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/how-to-take-the-colectivos-to-tulum-or-cancun/
This site is the only helpful updated information I have been able to find, thank you very much! I’m wondering if there is an ADO bus from Playa to Limones? If so, how often a day?
Hello Janice. We get that question often and we don’t know why ADO does not put their schedule to Mahahual online. Do you only want to go to Limones or to Mahahual? Since the exact time changes, it is best to at the hotel in Mahahual or if you are only going to Limones to ask in ADO. Sorry we don’t have the current and ever changing info on that bus route from Playa.
Hi- I am looking to travel from PDC to Bacalar and back but I would be taking a night bus back to PDC the same day. I will be traveling with my 11 year old daughter and my only concern is safety from the bus station back to my hotel at the Grand Princess, at night. Should I feel safe/unsafe doing this? About how much would a taxi charge at night to take me to my hotel? Thank you.
Hi- I am looking to travel from PDC to Bacalar and back but I would be taking a night bus back to PDC the same day. I will be traveling with my 11 year old daughter and my only concern is safety from the bus station back to my hotel at the Grand Princess, at night. Should I feel safe doing this? About how much would a taxi charge at night to take me to my hotel? Thank you.
It is fairly safe to do. Most people do not take a day trip to Bacalar because most of the day you are on the bus. About 8 hours in transportation time. A taxi from the bus station to your hotel will be around 300 pesos although the bus station taxis love to see what they can get.
Hello! I hope I am lucky enough to get an answer from you this evening – I truly wish I was better prepared for our trip. We are staying at iberostar beach and are trying to get to the Jungle Place by 10:30 in the morning (Saturday). We were going to take a taxi to playa del carmen and then take ADO to Chemuyil. The online booking does not show Chemuyil as a destination. It does show Xel-Ha which is close,but when I tried to enter the date (March 30) it just kept showing today (Friday, March 29). Do you know if 1) the bus runs on Saturday? and 2) Does it go to Chemuyil? If so how early do we need to be in PDC to get to Chemuyil for 10 am?
Ado does not go to Chemuyil. There is a very local bus that goes there called Mayab. We are not sure where you are trying to go? jungle place? What is this?
Hello
I would like to ask if there is any bus stop near Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort. We would like to go to Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Thank you
Hello Agata
There are no ADO bus stops near this hotel. The only options are a taxi or the colectivos that run on the highway. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/how-to-take-the-colectivos-to-tulum-or-cancun/
Had to leave for the airport from Playa Del Carmen at 3:00 am on Monday April 15 2019. The bus fare was 218 pesos, I paid the cashier, an older lady, 500 pesos and should have gotten back 282 pesos but she gave me back 218 pesos. I tried to show her she was wrong but she kept saying her exchange rate was 16%. I told her I paid in pesos there is no exchange rate. She continued to play me as a fool thinking I couldn’t speak the language. I finally said, fine I know you ripped me of about 82 pesos, I hope your boss knows you steal from tourist but probably not because you still work here. in Spanish and she just looked at me. Then I walked away. ADO should know the have thieves in the cash box not only to protect their interests but their reputation. Reputation is important because it means business. Just saying. I would advise to have correct pesos when buying your ticket and don’t use cash from your home country.
Thank you Michelle for relating your experience here.
We are palnning to go by bus from Playa del carmen to Chichen itza in July. Is it possible to go by bus from ADO and can i buy a ticket online?
It is possible by ADO but it does take 3 hours and 49 minutes. See our article here for more information https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/playa-del-carmen-to-chichen-itza/ It is cheaper if you can buy it in advance but often foreign credit cards don’t work on the ADO website. You might have to buy it when you arrive here. Usually it is no problem to get a seat two days or more in advance.
We want to travel to Merida and back from Playa del Carmen. Are there regular buses and approx how much would it be?
Hi am leaving from belize traveling to playa Del Carmen I wanted to know where will my bus stop the terminal on 5th ave or the one on 20th ave
You should be arriving at the bus station on 20th Avenue.
Hello If I want to go Mayakoba,(Jardines de Mayakoba) what transport do you recommend from ADO at Juares/20th
Thanks
Alvaro
Well, a taxi will take you directly there and enter the property. The only alternative is one of the colectivos going north on the highway. You will need to ask for that stop and they might not know it since it is not common for people to go there. Then you will get off and have to walk into the property.
Wonderful website. Thank you so much. We have visited PdC resorts 4 times now, and can’t think of a better place to spend time. Or nicer people to spend it with.
Best dentistry I have ever experienced, and the savings on a few small things paid for my last resort vacation (including air fare!)
We are planning on using ADO, taxis and collectivos (and/or Mayab busses) exclusively on our next trip. For ADO, the sentence above says, “From Playa Del Carmen to Cancun to Tulum the bus cost about $4USD each way.” Does that mean “…to Cancun OR to Tulum”? Same distance N or S from PdC.
How about PdC to Coba?
Hello. We changed that sentence to say Cancun or Tulum is about $4 from Playa Del Carmen. On the ADO website, which has a link in the article, you can find current prices and schedules to Coba. There is limited service to Coba and often you need to take a bus to Tulum and transfer to a bus to Coba.
we are getting into Cancun at 7:04 am Jan 5 2020 and was wondering if the ADO buses are going that early
we are going to Playa Del Carmen to the Ferry?
Hello Kaen
There is a bus around 8:15 (it depends on the terminal) but that is the first bus. By the time you clear customs you should be able to get a bus.
I need to go from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujueres. It looks like I can take an ADO bus to Cancun city and not the airport and then taxi to the PUerto Juarez ferry terminal but it’s not clear what the schedule is to Cancun city and whether I should go to the 5th Av or 12th/20th station. The ADO website only shows luggage service when leaving from 12th/20th but the busbud app only shows service from 5th Av.
The ADO bus service between Cancun and Playa is about every 30 minutes, so it is easy to get between the two. In Cancun, from the bus station it is a short taxi ride of about 12 minutes. If you have luggage, a taxi is the best way to go. There are three ferries piers that take people to Isla Mujeres. The main one is Puerto Juarez. This is where you should ask to go. The other two are a car ferry and the other is in the hotel Zone and more expensive. There are colectivo vans also near the bus station to Puerto Juarez which are cheaper, but more crowded and not good for luggage.
I want to get off at playa on 20th st, coming from the airport. I do see the note that it only stops at the 5th Can I get on another bus to go back towards 20th St. from ADO? Or should I take a taxi? It’s not that far but I have luggage.
There is no bus service that connects the two bus stations. The only option is a taxi. It will not cost a lot and there is a price chart on the sidewalk. It is only the downtown area of Playa that you are traveling. It should be noted that the taxis charge extra from the taxi stands and often try to charge more. If you are going in zone one it should be around 50 pesos. Check with the driver before getting in.
I will be taking the bus from cancun airport to hilton all inclusive playa del carmen. How do I get from the. bus stop to the hotel.
There are taxis outside of the bus station that can take you the rest of the way. It is a little too far to walk.
Hello I wan to take a bus tomorrow morning from Playa to Tulum and then back. How do I find the schedule? Do I have to reserve ahead of time?
http://www.ADO.com.mx is the website of ADO and you can check schedule there.
Hello, just wondering if the ADO station on 20th is safe at night (looking to take an overnight bus to Chetumal, leaving around 1-2 a.m. from the station) for a solo female traveler. Thank you in advance for your reply!
Yes, the station is centrally located and there are always people there. It is also the bus station for all the people visiting Coco Bongo nighclub, so it stays busy until 3 am. There is bag storage but often things get opened at that station.
Good to know, thank you!
Thank you for this post! It was very helpful! I was quoted $70 USD from the airport to my hotel from a private transportation company. I paid less than $20 usd using Ado and a taxi. The ADO bus was very clean and on time. I will use ado again and will recommend it to others traveling to the area.
Thanks for telling us an others about your experience. Ado is pretty easy to take form the airport. It just depends on where you are going and how far your hotel is from the bus station.
What is the best way to go from 5th avenue in Playa to Catalonia Playa Maroma resort? And how much would it cost?
You really only have a taxi as an option. There are posted prices for the resorts at the taxi stands. If you wanted to do a round trip you can book one of the private transfer companies like this one. They not only do airport runs but point to point. When you do book a round trip you get about 20% off. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/cancun-private-transfers/
Staying at ocean riviera paradise, Wanting to go to isla mujeres could you provide the best way for us via bus and times plesse
Well it will be a bit complicated. ADO buses do not make stops along the highway. The cheapest way is go to the highway and catch a colectivo for Cancun. Then at the bus station take a van to Puerto Juarez for the ferry to Isla Mujeres. If you have a group or more than three people, you might not even get in one colectivo because they often leave very full from Playa Del Carmen. The other option is booking a transfer from your hotel to the ferry. If you book a round trip you get a discount. Here is one company that is recommended for this. These transfers and not just to and from the airport. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/airport-transfer-cancun/
Hi, I have a few questions regarding long-distance travel on buses around Mexico. Can I take an ADO bus to Veracruz from Cancun? What are the bus services like during the Christmas season? is it best for me to purchase tickets online, or as I’m travelling with children, will it be best to do so at one of the stations?
Thank you
Hello and thank you for your questions about bus travel here in Mexico. ADO does have service to Veracruz. It takes about 21 hours and is about 2000 pesos for an adult. You can fly for that amount as well or for a little more. Viva aerobus and Volaris are two low-cost airlines in Mexico. The schedules we looked at were almost sold out or only 1/4 full. ?Odd. Christmas time is a very busy travel time in Mexico. If you want exact dates, I would buy tickets for flights or bus now. It is fine to buy online because they allow you to buy both adult and children’s tickets. You will need to travel with your passports! There are checkpoints and all foreigners need their ID at all times.
Hello.. Thank you for all the wonderful information on your site. We are travelling to Playa Del Carmen in a couple of weeks with our 8 year old. We are not renting a car and would be relying on public transportation. We are renting an AirBnb and have a few options.. A few near 15th Avenue and Calle 6
and a few near 5th Avenue and Calle 42/Calle 50
We plan on doing day trips to Xcarat, Rio Secret, Thulum , conzumel etc.
Can you please recommend which one is quieter and has good transportation to these places. I have gathered that the 2nd option is more peaceful but am not sure about the ADO buses or the taxis/collectivos.
Hello and thank you for your question. A lot of transportation like the colectivos and ADO bus stations are on the south end. So, the first Airbnb option is closer to many transportation. We however prefer the upper end of Playa because it is newer and has more things, we are interested in. We will also say you have a lot to fit into your vacation. We hope you are coming for more than a week.
Which terminal in playa del carmen to leave from for most direct route to corozal belize
The bus to Corazal leaves from the ADO bus station on 20th Avenue. It takes about 6 hours and 20 minutes to get to your destination. The ADO website has the schedules and terminals.
Hello! Do you know if the Ado bus will be going from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport in March? It’s not possible to find any tickets or info online. Available connections are till end of February only
Hello John
This is normal here. Often the bus line does not have the schedule up for later. They might also see how the Tren Maya affects rides and reschedule things.
Hi, I am comming from Puerto Aventuras QRoo in a Collectivo to the 5th Station Terminal, for The Mayab Bus Sevices, to The Central the Abastos in Cancùn.
What is the most cheap transportation from Cancún stop to The Central Abastos at The enter of Cancùn?
On this address https://maps.app.goo.gl/T8L7oiWiNt765qun8
Right after The Airport.
All info will be helpfull & gratefull, since I am bringing 6 boxes for OverSeas Shipping.
For one, if you have six boxes with you, you cannot take the Mayab or the colectivos. They are not mean to be used as luggage movers. You technically can take the Mayab local bus to Cancun and get off near there. You will have to cross a 6 lane highway. How you expect to carry the packages with you, is going to be something else. The best is a private transfer services like the ones at the airport.
Do you have any information about how to use the buses that locals use?
We are staying north of the tourist area and some of the locations we need to
go to are a loooooooooong walk! I have read that there are buses running in the northern section–even found a map However, I could not read any of it!! Appreciate any help you can give me! Thanks from Canada.
Hello
We are not sure what “north: of the tourist area is, it can be up the 307 Highway where you have very little options. Colectivos might be the only option for you. Or are you referring to the other side of the highway? Our article on public buses might help. We will say that for public transportation it is not very user friendly. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/playa-del-carmen-public-transportation/