Cancun, Cozumel or Tulum: which airport for Playa del Carmen
Three airports serve Playa del Carmen. For most groups Cancun is the answer; Cozumel and Tulum fit particular trips.
The three airports side by side
| Airport | To Playa del Carmen | Airlines | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancun (CUN) | About 43 min by road, 33 mi (Google Maps) | Most US and Canada carriers: American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, Frontier, Sun Country, Air Canada, WestJet | Most groups: the most flights and the simplest transfer |
| Cozumel (CZM) | Taxi to the downtown pier, about 45 min ferry, then a 20 min walk | Few nonstops: American from Dallas and United from Houston year-round, others seasonal | Groups who want to start on Cozumel, or who find a good fare |
| Tulum (TQO) | About 1 h 40 min by road, 66 mi (OSRM routing) | 10 airlines and 13 destinations in winter 2026-27 (Riviera Maya News) | Groups also spending time in Tulum |
Sources: Google Maps (2026-10-10); OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap (2026-10-11); Wikipedia airport pages and Riviera Maya News (accessed 2026-10-11).
Cancun (CUN)
The biggest choice of flights from the US, Canada and Mexico, and the shortest ride: about 43 minutes and 33 miles on Highway 307. A group of up to 10 fits one van; the ADO bus is the budget option, about MXN 270 per person one way.
Cozumel (CZM)
Cozumel is an island, so every arrival there still needs the ferry to reach Playa.
Flying into Cozumel means a short taxi to the downtown passenger pier, the ferry across to Playa del Carmen, then a 20 minute walk or a short taxi to Calle 28. The crossing takes about 45 minutes. Three operators run it; check their timetables on the day, because they change without notice.
| Operator | Fare as published | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Xcaret Xailing | $16 one way per adult, $12 for children 5 to 11 | Arrive 30 minutes before departure. |
| Winjet | MXN 335 one way, tourist rate | Timetable on winjet.mx. |
| Ultramar | Fare not published on the page we read | One bag per ticket, up to 55 lb. |
A car rented on Cozumel stays on the island. If the group needs a car, rent it in Playa after the ferry.
Sources: xcaret.com, winjet.mx and ultramarferry.com, read 2026-10-11.
Tulum (TQO)
Tulum's airport is about 1 hour 40 minutes and 66 miles from Playa by road. It suits groups who are also spending nights in Tulum. We have no published price for a van from Tulum airport; ask for a quote before you book.
Getting from the airport with a group
| Option | Price as published | For a group of 6 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private van, Mayaway Transfers | About $100 each way plus tip, per van of up to 10 | About $100 each way, about $17 a person (ESTIMATED) | The owner's own driver. Book on WhatsApp with your flight number. |
| Other private vans | From $69 one way per van on two operators' own sites | Depends on the van size | Ask for the vehicle size and luggage room. |
| ADO bus | About MXN 270 per person one way, varies by date | About MXN 1,620 each way | About 1 h 15 min; ADO says allow 1 h 30 min to 1 h 50 min. |
| Airport taxi | No official fare table is published | Agree the fare first | Use the official airport counter. |
| Rental car | About $35 to $60 a day for an economy car, about $90 to $150 for a 12-seat van, with liability insurance (ESTIMATED) | One 12-seat van for the stay | Mexico requires liability insurance; it is sold at the counter. |
Questions
Which airport should we fly into for Playa del Carmen?
For most groups, Cancun (CUN): it has the most flights and Playa is about 43 minutes away by road. Cozumel needs the ferry, and Tulum is about 1 hour 40 minutes by road.
How much does it cost to get from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen?
The ADO bus is about MXN 270 per person one way. The owner's driver, Mayaway Transfers, charges about $100 each way plus tip for a van of up to 10. No official taxi fare is published, so agree the fare first.
How much is the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen?
Xcaret Xailing lists $16 one way per adult and $12 for children 5 to 11; Winjet lists MXN 335 one way at the tourist rate. The crossing takes about 45 minutes.
How far is Tulum airport from Playa del Carmen?
About 1 hour 40 minutes and 66 miles by road (OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap, 2026-10-11).