FLYING TO MEXICO

To get to Playa del Carmen, you will fly into the Cancun International Airport (CUN).  There are many airline carriers that service direct flights into Cancun some of which include, American, Delta, Jetblue, United, Aeromexico. Duration of nonstop flight from NYC is 4 hours and from Miami is 1 hour 45 minutes.  Cancun and Playa del Carmen fall within the US eastern standard time zone in February. After landing in Cancun (CUN), you will first clear immigration and then collect your luggage for customs and possible inspection.

FROM CANCUN TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN

As you exit into the terminal, avoid offers for transportation inside the airport as well as the people standing by the door when exiting the airport.  If you prepaid for transportation, find the employees of the company you hired- look for logo on their shirt. 

Playa del Carmen is 35 km south of the Cancun airport, which is about a 40 minute ride.  Travel options include private vans which can be set up prior to arrival, private and shared vans upon arrival, Taxi, ADO Bus, or car rental.  If you did not make prepaid reservations, paying in pesos will often get you a better rate. There is an ATM prior to exiting the airport.

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION: Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen (reservations required)
You can set up transportation prior to your arrival.  Prices start around $60USD one way for a vehicle, so this is the BEST OPTION if you are arriving as two or more. Our travel coordinator, Claudia Carvajal with Viajes Mayaluum will arrange the most cost efficient options for guests based on grouping similar flight arrival times up to 2 weeks prior to wedding date. STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION. The company's representative greets passengers upon exiting the airport, often holding a sign with the company name or your name on it, and takes you directly to your transport.  You may also book private transportation on your own with the following companies at least 24 hrs. in advance:
USA transfers:  http://www.usa-transfers.com
Cancun Express:  http://www.cancun-express.com
Canada Transfers: http://www.canadatransfers.com

SHARED VAN: Cancun Airport To Playa del Carmen (no reservations required)
Exit the terminal and veer right, look for an employee with a transportation logo (such as super shuttle) on their shirt organizing a direct ride to Playa Del Carmen and buy a ticket right at the shuttle van for around $25USD per person, no reservations needed.  The vans continuously circulate, but be aware that there can be long wait times (~30mins).  For returning to the airport consider a taxi, as it's quick and the rates for a taxi from Playa del Carmen to Cancun airport are about $30USD for the trip.

TAXI: Cancun Airport To Playa del Carmen (no reservations required)
Vouchers for taxis rides are on sale inside the main terminal.  Taxis are private rides (quoted prices vary from $60-$90USD). Also be aware that there can be long wait times (~30-60 minutes on a busy day).  Returning from Playa to the Cancun airport in a taxi is less than the trip upon arrival (~$30USD).
 

ADO BUS: Cancun Airport To Playa del Carmen    http://ado.com.mx/ado/index.jsp
This is the most economical way (146 pesos per person, <$10USD) is to take the air-conditioned ADO Bus.  Luggage can be stored underneath and they run almost every 30 minutes. It’s a very nice and easy ride that takes you right to the Playa bus station located on 5th Ave and Juarez.  It's then possible to reach near-by 5th Avenue and beach hotels on foot. If needed, many taxis line up around the bus station, and for a few dollars can take you to your hotel.
- From Terminal 3: Walk out of the airport and veer right towards the large buses.  Look for employees wearing an ADO logo on their shirt. Tickets may be purchased from a booth outside the terminal. Last bus leaves at 10:45 p.m.
- From Terminal 2: Walk 3 minutes outside to get to Terminal 3
 

RENTAL CARS:
BEST OPTION if you plan to explore the areas around Playa del Carmen (Mayan Ruins, Tulum, Cenotes). Rentals from the airport are inexpensive, and we found it very easy to drive on the roads and navigate around the Riviera Maya.  Most known companies have rental agencies:  Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, and Alamo. We had a good experience with Alamo with no issues, and had a large 4 door Toyota for less than $10USD a day.  Found it on www.kayak.com.  Many car companies have branches in Playa del Carmen so rentals can be made there as well.  There are many parking garages in Playa del Carmen where you can leave your car for <$10USD a day.  Your hotel will likely have a valet service but will park it in the same garages and may charge you more.

If you are going to rent a car, be sure to fully understand how insurance works in Mexico. The best thing to do is contact your own car insurance company or credit card company to ask whether you have rental car insurance and whether that insurance will cover you driving a car rented in Mexico.  Liability insurance, which is required in Mexico, will be sold to you whether you ask for it or not.  The cost is minimal, and most quoted prices include both tax and insurance.  We declined all additional insurance options (because our credit card covered everything). And due to the exchange rate, it is less expensive if you don’t take the prepaid gas option and instead fill the gas tank yourself (gas station located at the airport prior to airport exit). Be aware that they will put a hold on your credit card of approximately 15,000 pesos (approx. 1,500 US dollars), this is standard procedure and they'll credit your account upon the return of the car.

GETTING AROUND PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Once you get to downtown Playa, it's easy to get around everywhere by walking.  If needed, taxis are readily available & reasonably priced. If you require wheelchair assistance, please let us know.

WEATHER

Playa del Carmen has a warm, tropical climate. In February, temperatures fluctuate throughout the day, with highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s, so keep that in mind while packing!