Hello all. I am scheduled to arrive in Cancun at 9PM on Sunday for a short 5 day trip. I'm trying to decide if I should schedule the ADO bus to Playa Del Carmen that night or the next morning. I was thinking I could take the 10:15 bus which would arrive in PDC around 11:20. My hostel is about 3 blocks from the bus station so I think I could easily walk there at that time. I have a black pack and a small rolling suitcase. I am a solo female traveler and would like your opinion on if this is wise or if I should book a night in Cancun and take the 8AM bus the next morning. Also, do you think I will be able to make that bus time? I won't have to collect bags but I will have to go through immigration and customs. The next bus isn't until 11PM. Thank you in advance for your input.

I really don.t see any problems here, either with the time or the fact that you are a solo female traveller.
The ADO bus is right a t the airport terminal, as you exit keep to your right until you see the buses, a good walk, One bus leaves for Cancun the other for Playa every hour on the hour and every half hour in high season. Buy your ticket at the small kiosk next to the bus, cost is appr. 150 pesos. It will take the better part of an hour to get to the Playa terminal including the one stop in Puerto Morelos which is about 2 to 3 minutes. Once in Playa you can ask for directions or take a taxi.
Advice your hostel as to your approximate time of arrival. Do you know the hostel address. Playa is a very safe destination, just use the same precautions you would if back home.

I think you should stay the night in Cancun so that you're not so rushed. Also its better to travel during the day. If youre not in to much of a hurry, my wife and I went to Cancun last summer and it was a beautiful place which is worth experiencing while youre down there. We went on a Catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres from Cancun which I would highly recommend if you can spare an extra day in Cancun. You could also travel later in the afternoon back to your hostel if its not to late. Its at least worth checking out https://excursionbook.com/excursions...ujeres-mexico/ There's also a lot of great tours of the Mayan Ruins from Rivera Maya "I think that's what the city is called." When it comes to getting a shuttle we found a couple on http://www.supershuttle.com/locations/cancuncun and also ran into some taxi's while walking around which we took as well. Im not sure what your budget is but there's also some bike rental and scooter rentals places. You can even rent some used cars for about 20 per day which is too bad. No matter what you decided I hope you have a great time, I know we sure did.

I've never been to Cancun or Playa del Carmen but have spent a lot of time solo in Puerto Vallarta on the other side.

Personally I would not be comfortable arriving a new place in Mexico (you have never been to Cancun right?) and taking a bus around at that time of night, not arriving until near midnight at my place to stay, alone and with luggage in tow. Just seems a bit iffy to me.

sincerely, suze

As Rohelio stated, the bus is quite easy to get to from the airport.
Things are well marked and there are plenty of tourists and activity in both places. Unless your plane is delayed you shouldn't have a problem catching the bus to PDC.
Enjoy!

You could book a private transfer instead of a bus? YOu can pick the time and they aren't that expensive there, and the time you get out won't matter, they'll wait for you. I mean book one that is a group and you may end up being about the only passenger, I was the last time I did that in Cancun. It's pretty busy in that area between the bus station and where you are going in PDC, though. It is pretty bustling in PDC at that time of night.

I know budget may be an issue, and the the bus will be cheapest. I used Olympus Tours a couple years ago, they only charge $23 one-way for a group van (and they promise only two stops). As I said, I got one to myself. But then you don't have to worry about missing a bus, and they will take you to your hostel, at least as close as they can get. I'd rather do that than stay in Cancun for a night which I would kind of regard as a waste of time and money since you just want to get to PDC.