Best Ways: How to Get from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza? Chichen Itza is the best tourist attraction in Mexico, so don’t miss it on your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary.
Chichen Itza is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting to Chichen Itza may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are several ways to get there. You can easily get to Chichen Itza by bus, taxi, rental car, or private shuttle.
In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza, such as the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and how much a bus ticket or taxi will cost.
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Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza Distance
The distance between Chichen Itza and Playa del Carmen is about 185 km, which is 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.
Scroll down for more information about which transport is the best for you, how long the journey takes, and how much a taxi or bus ticket will cost.
Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza by Car
One of the best ways to get to Chichen Itza is by car. Once you arrive in Playa del Carmen, you can easily rent a car at the town center or pick up your pre-booked car.
Car rental will cost around 30-35 USD per day with full coverage. Book your car in advance to get the best price! Check car rental prices and availability HERE.
During our travels, we always use Discover Cars for car rentals. Because they always offer the best deals and provide free cancellation 48 hours before your reservation.
Is it Safe to Drive from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza?
Yes, driving is generally safe in most tourist areas of Mexico, such as the Riviera Maya. The roads from Playa del Carmen to the Mayan Ruins are well-maintained.
We did a 14-day Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary by rental car and enjoyed exploring the sights at our own pace. We have a complete guide to safe car rental in Mexico, which includes how to avoid Mexican scams and some Yucatan Peninsula driving tips.
Recommended post → How to Renting a Car in Mexico
Driving from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza
Driving time between Playa del Carmen and Chichen Itza is usually 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
The quickest way to get from Playa del Carmen to the ancient Mayan Ruins is to take two toll roads (305D and 180D highways), which cost 350 MXN (20 USD) each way. They don’t accept credit cards or dollars, so make sure you bring enough Mexican pesos!
If you want to save money, take the toll-free detour, which takes 3.5 hours. Take the 307 highway to Tulum, then head towards Valladolid, and continue on the 180 highway to Chichen Itza.
There are no ATMs and few petrol stations between Playa del Carmen and the highway. If you arrive by car, there are plenty of parking spaces around Chichen Itza, and parking costs 80 MXN (4.50 USD) for the day.
Read our → Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza
TIP
To learn more about the mysterious Chichen Itza, hire a guide or join a guided walking tour.
Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza by Taxi, Private Transfer
One of the easiest and fastest ways to get to Chichen Itza is by taxi. The journey takes 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
A taxi cost from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza starts from 120 USD, depending on the number of passengers, time of day, etc. If you are not traveling alone, the price is affordable.
Before you get in the taxi, be sure to agree on a price with the driver. The taxi drivers do not accept card payments, so you should bring local money!
Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to Chichen Itza starting from 223 USD, and 3 pax are allowed.
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Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza by ADO Bus
The cheapest way to get to Chichen Itza is by ADO bus, which allows one 21 kg bag + one handbag/small backpack per passenger. ADO is the largest and most popular bus company in Mexico. The Mexican ADO buses are safe, air-conditioned, comfortable, and cheap.
The travel time is approximately 3 hours 10 minutes, depending on traffic, and the bus tickets start from 34 USD.
The bus departs once a day at 08:17 from ADO Terminal Turistica Playa Del Carmen to the ADO bus station, close to the Mayan Ruins. Once you arrive, you can take a short walk or taxi ride to the entrance of Chichen Itza.
Book a self-guided tour with audio narration and map, or join a Chichen Itza guided walking tour.
After visiting the Mayan Ruins, take a bus to Valladolid and spend 2-3 days exploring this charming colonial town. The journey takes just 40-50 minutes, and bus tickets start from 7 USD.
Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza Tour
Are you looking for the best Chichen Itza day trips from Playa del Carmen? You can easily join group tours from Playa del Carmen to visit the famous Mayan Ruins, Cenote Saamal, and Valladolid.
The tour price includes roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, a certified bilingual guide, a buffet meal, and entrance fees.
Book your best Chichen Itza tours via Viator or GetYourGuide.
Chichen Itza Private Tour
The private tour starts with a short guided tour of the beautiful colonial town of Valladolid, followed by a stop at Cenote Chichikan for a refreshing swim. Afterward, enjoy a typical buffet lunch and tequila tasting, explore the famous archaeological site, and learn more about why this pre-Columbian city was important to the Mayan civilization.
Check the tour prices and availability HERE.
Alternatively, book this top-rated tour, which includes a visit to Chichen Itza, 1 cenote of your choice (Cenote Oxman, Cenote Suytun, or Cenote Chukum), and Valladolid.
TIP
The Chichen Itza complex area is quite large, and you will have to walk a lot. So wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
Where to Stay near Chichen Itza
Most people take a day trip to Chichen Itza. But for the best experience, stay in Valladolid, a perfect base for visiting the Mayan Ruins. These are our accommodation recommendations.
Best hotels in Playa del Carmen
- Luxury: The Reef 28 – Adults Only
- Mid-Range: Antera Hotel & Residences or Hotel Colibri Beach
- Budget: Apart Hotel Casaejido
Best hotels in Valladolid
- Luxury: Oriundo Luxury Nature Villas
- Mid-Range: Hotel Waye or Meson del Marques
- Budget: Hotel Casa Bamboo
More Travel Guides about Mexico
- 2 Weeks in Mexico: Ultimate Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary
- How to Renting a Car in Cancun, Mexico
- 10 Best Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula
- The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza, Mexico
- How to Visit Yellow City of Izamal, Mexico
- 14 Best Tulum Instagram Spots
- Valladolid Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days
- 7 Best Things to Do in Bacalar, Mexico
We hope our post on how to get from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza will help you plan your next trip to Mexico. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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