One of the biggest draws of Playa del Carmen is how easy it is to get around. Within a 10–15-minute walking radius of the centro area, you can walk to the beach, explore hundreds of restaurants, cafes, shops, and grocery stores, and fully enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this coastal city. It’s part of what makes Playa such a friendly place too. When out and about on foot or bike, it’s common to run into neighbors and friends who stop and say hello.
Whether you prefer walking, biking, or hopping into a taxi or colectivo, Playa del Carmen offers convenient and accessible transportation right outside your door. This guide gives you all the information you need to get around Playa and beyond–quickly and easily.
How to Get Around Playa del Carmen
Walking in Playa del Carmen
Walking is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to get around Playa del Carmen, especially in the downtown area (centro). The streets are relatively safe and equipped with sidewalks and bike lanes, allowing you to explore local attractions, shopping districts, and eateries easily. Stroll along Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida), a pedestrian-only street buzzing with energy and offering plenty to see and do.
Safety Tip: While walking during the day and evening is generally safe, it’s best to take a taxi if you’re out after midnight, especially if you’re alone or in a less busy area.
Biking in Playa del Carmen
Biking is a fantastic option for getting around Playa del Carmen. It’s eco-friendly, fast, and fun. Many residents and visitors use bikes to commute to the beach, markets, or work. If you are here long-term, purchasing a bike is a great option. However, there are many great options for short-term rentals and bike shares.
Bike Rentals
Playa del Carmen has several options for renting bikes, including:
- Mexigo Bike Rentals: Offers everything you need, including scooters and children’s bike seats.
- Playa Bike Rentals: Reliable bikes with daily, weekly, and monthly rates.
Biciplaya Bike Rentals
If you’re looking for a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore Playa del Carmen, Biciplaya is an excellent option. This bike-sharing program allows you to rent bikes from various stations around the city, making it easy to get to your destination while enjoying the fresh air and vibrant atmosphere.
The process is simple—download the app, choose your rental plan, and unlock a bike at any station. Biciplaya offers affordable rates for hourly, daily, or weekly use, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
Buying a Bike
If you plan to stay long-term, buying a bike is a great investment. For used bikes, you can find good options on Facebook Marketplace or in local buy-sell WhatsApp groups like this one.
While major stores like Mega and Walmart sell bikes, there are many local bike shops located on 30th Avenue, just north of Constituyentes Avenue. This area has about five bike shops offering beach cruisers, mountain bikes, and road bikes. Prices range from 1,000–7,000 pesos, depending on your negotiation skills.
Important Tips
- Secure your bike with a high-quality lock, like a Kryptonite lock, as bike theft can be an issue.
- Always use designated bike lanes or stick to less busy streets.
Scooter Rentals in Playa del Carmen
Renting a scooter is an exciting and practical way to get around Playa del Carmen. Scooters allow you to zip through traffic, explore less crowded neighborhoods, and find parking easily. They’re perfect for solo travelers or couples looking for a bit of adventure. Scooters can pose more risk, so be sure to purchase health insurance, wear a helmet and avoid areas with low visibility, especially at night.
Where to Rent Scooters
Several local businesses offer scooter rentals in Playa del Carmen:
- Mexigo Scooters: Located near the downtown area, they offer affordable daily or weekly rental rates.
- Adventure Rentals Playa: Known for their well-maintained scooters and great customer service.
- Scooter Adventures: A popular option with flexible rental terms and helmet inclusions.
Rental Costs
- Daily Rates: 400–700 pesos, depending on the model and rental duration.
- Weekly Rates: Discounts are often available for longer-term rentals.
Taxis in Playa del Carmen
Taxis are abundant in Playa del Carmen and provide a convenient way to get around especially if you have longer distances or want to avoid the heat or rainy weather. For a comprehensive list of taxi options check out this blog. For trips within the city center, expect to pay around 50–100 pesos.
Taxi Stands (Sitios)
These are located at convenient spots like the ADO bus station or outside major hotels. Taxis from these stands charge a small surcharge, typically around 5 pesos more than street taxis.
Radio Taxi App: A Convenient Option
While there’s no Uber in Playa del Carmen, the Radio Taxi PDC app is an excellent alternative for easy and reliable rides. The app allows you to:
- Calculate fares based on your pickup and drop-off locations.
- Book a ride and receive driver and vehicle details.
- View ride history and payments for added convenience.
Colectivos
Colectivos are shared vans that are an affordable way to travel within Playa del Carmen or to nearby towns.
Within Playa del Carmen
- Routes: Look for colectivos going north or south on 30th Avenue. Popular stops include Plaza de las Américas and neighborhoods beyond the highway. It’s very easy to hop on and off, just let the driver know by waiving the colectivo down or yelling “bajo” when you want to get off.
- Fares: Usually 5-10 pesos within the city. Make sure to have the exact change.
- Main Terminal: Located in front of Chedraui on C 1 Sur next to the McDonald’s, where you can also catch colectivos to Tulum, Puerto Aventuras, or Cancún.
Tips for Riding Colectivos
- Avoid bringing large bags or suitcases, as space is limited.
- Confirm your destination with the driver before boarding.
- Be sure to bring exact change in pesos!
Playa Express
If you’re traveling between Playa del Carmen and Cancún, Playa Express is a comfortable and reliable option. These larger vans are more spacious than standard colectivos and run frequently throughout the day. A one-way trip from Playa to Carmen to Cancun is 55 pesos.
Terminal Location: Catch Playa Express at 20th Avenue and 2nd Street.
ADO Buses
The ADO bus system is the most comfortable and reliable option for longer trips, connecting Playa del Carmen to cities like Tulum, Cancún, Mérida, and the Cancún Airport. With room to store luggage underneath, you can bring everything you need. Then sit back, watch a movie and enjoy the air conditioning and reclining seats. The ADO also is a great option for traveling to the airport as it stops at all terminals. Fares are 250 pesos one-way.
Main Terminals
- Fifth Avenue and Juárez Avenue: Near the ferry terminal.
- 20th Avenue and 12th Street: In the heart of downtown Playa.
Affordable tickets can be purchased online, on the ADO app, at kiosks, or directly at the terminal.
Car Rentals in Playa del Carmen
Renting a car offers freedom to explore beyond Playa del Carmen at your own pace. The cost can vary widely depending on a host of factors such as type of car, rental duration, time of year and company. During off-peak season prices can range from $30 to $40 USD for a basic economy car. In high season it can range from $40 to $60 USD. For a complete guide to car rentals, visit this blog.
Tips for Car Rentals
- Book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Inspect the car for damages and take photos before leaving the lot.
- Pay attention to parquímetros in Playa del Carmen, as parking meters are enforced in certain areas.
Travel with Purpose: Support Local Students Through KKIS
Playa del Carmen is a compact and accessible city that’s easy to navigate on foot, by bike, or with public transport. Whether you’re enjoying the affordability of a colectivo, cruising the city with a Biciplaya, or hopping on a Playa Express van for a quick trip to Cancún, there’s no shortage of options for getting where you need to go.
As you explore Playa del Carmen’s vibrant streets and embrace the charm of local transportation like colectivos, consider giving back to the community that makes this city so special. KKIS (Keeping Kids in School) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping local students stay in school by providing financial assistance and educational opportunities.
By supporting KKIS, you can make a lasting impact on the lives of students in the Riviera Maya, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. Learn more about KKIS, or donate today to make a difference.