AmyKW

I am flying into Cancun and have to get from the airport to Playa del Carmen. Has anyone done this? Is it safe? Is it easy to find? Is there a better way to get there? This is my first tine traveling alone to Mexico (but will be my fifth tone to Playa...but every other trip was Apple Vacations and I took the provided shuttle). Just a little nervous.....

hopefulist

My husband and I did that in June. We took a free shuttle from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2, purchased our ADO bus ticket from the little outside kiosk, and rode from there to Playa del Carmen (106 pesos each). We were heading to Tulúm so bought our connecting ticket at the bus station in Playa. The bus was a big comfortable, air conditioned bus and we had a safe and uneventful trip. We're planning to do that in reverse after Christmas this year.

AmyKW

Thanks for the info! Where was the shuttle? Is that after you go through customs and outside?

hopefulist

Yes - I can't remember exactly where it was along the front of the terminal but there was a sign of some sort and a full sized bus; I think they run every 20-30 minutes.

jette

ADO runs every hour or so during the day. No buses after 5 PM or so. Cost is 106 pesos (@$10) one way and drops off right in downtown Playa. I use it every time I'm in Playa unless my arrival or departure is too early or late. It's easy, cheap, safe, comfortable and reliable. Usually I walk from the station on 5th to what ever my hotel of choice is as I usually stay someplace cheap right in town.

Don't worry doing this solo, I generally also travel solo and use ADO all the time both back and forth to the airport as well as to Tulum.

For my return trip, I usually stop by the station a day or two in advance and buy my ticket then.

When are you going? I'll be back in March and maybe January.

jette

Forgot to mention, most US to Cun flights land at terminal 3. In that case the ADO is right outside the door and to the right. No need to take the shuttle.

colokid

Yes, no need to take the shuttle. Out the door and to the right. Large bus with ADO on the side. One route to Cancun and one route to Playa. Buy tickets inside at the counter or at the bus itself. Luggage is stored underneath. I take this bus all the time by myself. Very safe and convenient. It may stop quickly in Puerto Morelos on the way down if someone needs to get on or off. Don't let the other folks outside tell you the bus doesn't exist, is running very late, etc. because they are just trying to get you to take their service instead. Stand on the sidewalk just past the Coconuts bar and you will see the buses come and go. It's red and white.

condu

I was sent these two sites on TA in answer to my question: Does the ADO bus run after 5PM from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen? BTW, yes, it does.

Both are worth bookmarking.

tinyurl.com/7m3r6

ado.com.mx

AmyKW

Thanks everyone for the info! I have a question about the bus location...right past the Coconuts bar where they have all the buses lined up - that's where I would usually get on my shuttle (thru Apple Vacations). Is this the same spot for the public bus, or is that different?

AmyKW

And Jette - I will be going this weekend, arriving Friday morning!

jette

Hi Amy, yes the ADO is pretty much next to Coconuts. You would probably have to be blind to miss the big red and white buses with ADO on the side. There are usually a few more folks with luggage waiting to board. You'll find it with no problem. Ticket sellers are right there at the bus and generally approace you when you walk up. The worst part, and it's not all that bad, is the gauntlet of sales people you need to dodge just before you get outside. I just keep my eyes peeled on the door and keep walking.

Have a great time!! I'm jealous, I'm not back till March.

plumboy

I'm glad to see this current thread. We'll be there in March and planning on taking ADO to Playa from the airport.

Can I ask about the security of the luggage underneath? I don't really see it as an issue anywhere online, so I think it's fine, but just wondering if we can rest assured that the bags we put underneath won't walk away? I don't mean to sound nervous or paranoid, but I know that kind of thing can happen elsewhere (anywhere really).

What are experienced people's thoughts on this? Any special tips? Or do we just put the luggage underneath, board the bus, and relax?

I guess I'm asking because I think I've seen on another posting or two that people should watch and make sure their bags are put in the storage, but is this really an issue? Thanks.

AmyKW

I just want to clarify...I can get on the bus from terminal 3, and on my return will they drop me off at terminal 3? I hear a lot of terminal 3 and terminal 2 talk

AmyKW

Condu - great links! ...that's also one of the reasons I'm asking about the terminal 2 vs 3 thing...that looks line a long walk

colokid

On the way back to the airport you will most likely be dropped at terminal 2 and then need to take the shuttle to three. On the way down to Playa you will leave from Terminal 3 and possibly stop at Terminal 2. Sometimes but very infrequently the bus driver will drop off both at 2 and 3 but it is infrequent.
The luggage issue is not a real issue. If you're worried just sit on the bus closest to the doors for the luggage compartment and watch.
The walk between 2 and 3 is not really something you want to do unless it's an emergency. No sidewalk and quite long.
Purchase your ticket from the ADO person on the sidewalk, they wear identifying uniforms. There will be a lot of people who want to sell you transport and sometimes I can get a better deal on a van that's about to leave but I usually end up with the bus.
Just a note of interest....on the return to Playa you can catch the bus either at the terminal on 5th Avenue and Juarez or at the Terminal on 20th Avenue around 14th street. That one is closer to my house so I use that terminal. It's only good for the way back to the airport though. You can also buy your tickets at either terminal.
For your return trip to the airport I would highly recommend you purchase your ticket a day or two in advance. During high season, the bus can be full on the way back.

AmyKW

Thanks Colokid! On the way home if I'm dropped off at terminal 2, is it easy to find the shuttle to terminal 3?

plumboy

Thanks for the feedback about the luggage!

colokid

When dropped at terminal 2 on the way back...walk off the bus and down the sidewalk to the left (when facing the termnial). There are signs in english that read "shuttle to terminal 3". There's also a lighted sign on the pole that states when the next shuttle will be by. Free...tip for bags.