One of the best things about visiting Playa del Carmen is the city’s walkability. Restaurants, cafes, and pristine beaches are just a short distance from just about anywhere in Centro. But at some point, you’ll likely need to rely on a taxi to get to your destination or go outside the city center. Luckily, Playa offers an abundance of taxis that make it convenient to get around.
It’s important to note that on-demand ride-share services such as Uber are not available in Playa del Carmen, however, many private companies offer apps and instant messaging services to ensure you can easily schedule a taxi any time of the day or night.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to find a taxi service in Playa del Carmen, including how to hail a taxi, what it costs, and tips for a smooth ride.
Hailing a Taxi in Playa del Carmen
There are three main ways to catch a taxi in Playa del Carmen: flagging one down on the street, getting one from a designated taxi stand, or contacting a private taxi service via messaging apps.
- On the street: Simply raise your hand to hail a passing taxi. Taxis in Playa are always white with a dark teal colored stripe along the side. They also have their registered number on the doors. It can be useful to make a note of this number incase you leave a item inside the taxi or have a problem.
It’s best to choose a spot where the taxi can safely pull over without blocking traffic. Playa taxis comfortably fit 3-4 passengers. - At a taxi stand (sitio): These are located at convenient spots like near the ADO bus station and outside popular hotels. Taxis at stands charge slightly more due to a small surcharge, typically around 10 pesos above the street rate. But be aware that some drivers in these areas will use this as an excuse to make up their own prices – especially if you ‘look touristy’.
- Via WhatsApp or instant messenger: Many private taxi services and drivers offer the option to contact them directly through WhatsApp or other messaging apps. This can be a convenient way to arrange a pickup, especially if you’re staying at a hotel or Airbnb, or if you want to ensure a set price before the ride. You can usually find contact numbers online or ask locals for recommendations. This option offers a more personalized service and often ensures a faster, hassle-free ride.
Pro Tip: Avoid hailing taxis from busy tourist streets like 5th Avenue—especially at intersections—since they often charge more. Walk a block or two over to get a better deal.
Avoid getting taxis on 5th or 10th Ave, they are more likely to ask for an inflated price
Finding Private Drivers
Private drivers can be a great option if you need to take routine trips or have ongoing transportation needs. These drivers typically offer lower rates, especially for multiple trips or ongoing driving support. When it comes to finding private taxi drivers in Playa del Carmen, there are a few ways you can locate them:
- Local Facebook groups: There are many Playa del Carmen expat and tourist groups where members share recommendations for reliable private taxi drivers. You can join these groups and ask for referrals or browse previous posts.
- Hotel or Airbnb hosts: Your accommodation host or hotel concierge is often a great source for private taxi driver recommendations. They typically have trusted contacts they can connect you with.
- Word of mouth: If you’re out and about, asking locals or other travelers can be an easy way to find a private driver. Many drivers operate by word of mouth, so personal recommendations can be very helpful.
Taxi Costs: How Much Should You Pay?
Playa del Carmen taxi rates are not metered, but fares are based on a zone system. To avoid being overcharged, it’s important to know the fare for your trip beforehand. The rates are posted on zone charts that most drivers carry, and there’s even an app (Radio Taxi PDC) that lets you calculate fares. If you’re unsure, ask for the fare before you get in. Never agree to a ride before asking for the rate before you get in.
Here’s an example of approximate fares:
- Within Playa del Carmen: 40-50 pesos for short rides. These rates, however, can climb to 75 – 100 pesos in the high season (December – May) as the demand goes up.
- Trips outside of Playa: Depending on your destination, trips to nearby cenotes and adventure parks can range from 200 to 1,500 pesos.
When traveling outside Playa del Carmen, be sure to confirm the fare with the driver and have pesos on hand for the best rate. Pay in small bills and ideally have the right fare ready to avoid issues of not getting back the right change.
Pro Tip: Paying in U.S. dollars often results in a markup of 30-50%, so always carry pesos.
Radio Taxi App: A Convenient Way to Get Around
If you want more control over your taxi rides and to avoid haggling or surprises with fares, consider downloading the Radio Taxi PDC app. The app allows you to:
- Calculate the fare for your trip based on pickup and drop-off locations.
- Request a taxi through the app, making the process smoother and more efficient.
- Receive confirmation for pickup as well as the name of the driver and model of the car.
- View your ride history and payments.
It’s a great option for those who prefer a more streamlined experience and for tourists who might not be familiar with the fare system.
Taking a Taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
Taking a taxi directly from Cancun International Airport to Playa del Carmen is possible but typically more expensive than other transportation options. Airport taxis are subject to higher fixed rates due to licensing regulations. Expect to pay around 1,000-1,500 pesos for a one-way trip. It’s important to arrange your taxi through official channels at the airport to avoid unlicensed drivers.
For most travelers, booking a private transfer in advance or taking the ADO bus is a more affordable and convenient option. Private transfers offer door-to-door service, and ADO buses run regularly between the airport and Playa del Carmen at a fraction of the cost (around 240 pesos).
Pro Tip: Pre-booking a private transfer online can often be cheaper and ensures a smoother pickup experience.
Taking a Taxi to Tulum
Traveling to Tulum by taxi is a popular choice for those wanting to explore the nearby beaches, Mayan ruins, or cenotes. A taxi from Playa del Carmen to Tulum typically costs around 1000 – 1,500 pesos for a one-way trip, depending on your exact destination within Tulum. If you’re traveling to specific attractions like Tulum Ruins or Tulum Beach Zone, make sure to specify that to the driver.
For budget travelers, shared vans (colectivos) and the ADO bus are much more economical options for traveling between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. ADO buses cost about 200-250 pesos one way, and colectivos charge around 50-80 pesos.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit Tulum and return to Playa the same day, it’s worth negotiating a round-trip fare with your taxi driver for a possible discount.
Airport Taxis: Getting to and from Cancun Airport
It’s possible to take a taxi to or from Cancun Airport, but as mentioned earlier, it’s not the most economical option. Fares from Playa del Carmen to the airport can be negotiated, while taxis from the airport to Playa have a high fixed rate due to licensing requirements.
For airport transportation, private transfers or the ADO bus service may be better options. Private transfers are more comfortable, and they offer direct service at reasonable rates.
Tips for a Smooth Taxi Experience
- Tipping: Tipping isn’t expected in Playa del Carmen, but rounding up the fare by 5 – 10 pesos is appreciated. If a driver helps with luggage or provides exceptional service, a tip of 10-20 pesos is polite.
- Safety precautions: It’s advisable to avoid sitting in the front seat unless necessary. Single travelers should avoid getting into a taxi with other passengers already inside, and avoid allowing the driver to pick up additional riders. (something that can happen in the more local areas of town, over the highway)
- Speaking Spanish: While many taxi drivers speak basic English, especially those at stands, learning a few key Spanish phrases can help. It’s also a good idea to have your destination’s address written down or saved on your phone for reference.
Taxis will always be white with a teal stripe (taxis from other towns will have alternative color stripes, but are not allowed to pick up outside of their area)
Traveling Outside Playa del Carmen
If you’re heading to other destinations along the Riviera Maya, taxis can take you, but it may be expensive. For example:
- To Cancun: A taxi to Cancun costs around 1,0o0 pesos.
- To the Cancun Hotel Zone: Around 1,500 pesos.
- To Tulum: 1,000 – 1,500 pesos.
Alternatively, you can take shared vans (colectivos) or the ADO bus, which offers affordable and convenient options for traveling between Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
Pro Tip: If you’re staying at a hotel outside Playa del Carmen, get a card with the hotel’s address at check-in to show the taxi driver when you’re ready to return.
Are you Taxi-Ready?
Taxis in Playa del Carmen are plentiful, easy to find, and reasonably priced as long as you know what to expect. Whether you find yourself needing to get around Playa del Carmen or take an excursion, there are many options for private drivers, hailing taxis on the street, and using apps to find reliable and affordable options. While tipping isn’t required, rounding up and treating drivers respectfully goes a long way. Whether you’re going for a quick ride across town, traveling to a resort along the Riviera Maya, or heading to Tulum or Cancun, taxis are a great option for getting around.
Hail a Ride, Lift Up a Student’s Future
Getting a taxi in Playa del Carmen is one of the easiest ways to get around. Whether you’re heading to a beach, a restaurant, or back to your hotel, there’s always a driver ready to take you where you need to go. It’s quick, convenient, and gets you where you need to be.
But not every journey in Playa del Carmen is so simple. Many students here face tough barriers to reaching their destination—graduating high school. Between the costs of admission, uniforms, and school supplies, their path can feel more like a long roadblock than a smooth ride.
But you can help drive them toward success. For less than the price of your average taxi fare (just $2 USD per day), you could keep a student in school. That’s like skipping one quick ride to make sure a young mind stays on track for a brighter future.
So, next time you’re hailing a cab to your next adventure, consider giving a student a lift toward theirs. With your donation to KKIS, you can make sure they don’t miss out on the opportunities waiting for them.
Reach out today to find out how you can donate or volunteer. Because getting a student to their destination—graduation—feels even better than arriving at yours!