Distance 264 km (165.0 miles) | |
Price range US$40-US$412 | |
Ride Duration Range 4h-6h 30m | |
Earliest Departure 06:47 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest bus: 4h
Cheapest bus: US$40
From the historic museums and sophisticated art galleries to the unforgettable street food and hipster digital nomad culture, it’s easy to see why Merida has captured the hearts of international visitors.
Located on the Yucatan peninsula (and capital of the state), Merida is a place you’ll want to soak up for as long as possible.
But don’t get too comfortable. Treat yourself to a slice of coastal culture and Caribbean tranquility with a stop in Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen is a famous beach town on the Yucatan Peninsula. However, the colonial buildings have been replaced by golden sands, palm trees, and azure waters.
The distance from Merida to Playa del Carmen is 182 miles (293 km), and the journey takes approximately two to five hours. The most common way to reach these crystal waters is by bus, but there is the option of a flight as well.
If you’re ready to experience every highlight on this peninsula, you’re in the right place. Scroll down, and you’ll be an expert on this journey in minutes!
Playa del Carmen is well-known for its laidback beach culture. But what can you actually do while in this relaxed town?
Here are some of the best things to do and see in Playa del Carmen:
Visit Xcaret Park. This natural waterpark, situated 15 minutes south, has mystical rock formations, underground rivers, and vivid blue waters. There’s even a coral reef aquarium and butterfly pavilion! Not a moment of boredom here.
Go beach hopping. You can’t go to Playa del Carmen without making the most of the fantastic coastline. Powder fine sands, thick green vegetation, and the Caribbean Sea. What more could you ask for? Top beaches include Parque Funadores Playacar and Punta Esmerelda.
Discover all the cenotes. Cenotes are underground caves and sinkholes filled with translucent swimmable water. These are all over the peninsula, but Katun Chi and Garden of Eden are a few mind-blowing ones near Playa del Carmen.
Try some new watersports. Scuba diving, SUP, kayaking — you name it — and it’ll be available here.
Get your party on. Playa del Carmen isn’t a daytime-only destination. Things get lively as the sun goes down! Dance the night away at Coco Bongo, or show off your salsa moves at Zenzi.
Can’t get enough? Keep planning with the 21 best things to do in Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen and Cancun are always compared since they are only 31 miles (51 km) apart.
Both offer world-class beach town experiences, but the key difference is their overall vibe. For example, Cancun is better for a polished, resort-style vacation. In contrast, Playa del Carmen is smaller, more relaxed, and even hippy-ish in some areas.
No matter which you choose, you’re in for a treat! And if you have enough time, why not both?
You can get from Merida to Playa del Carmen by bus or flight. Here’s what you need to know.
Buses are the most popular way to get to Playa del Carmen, starting at $37 per person. However, some rides can cost up to $59 per person, depending on your chosen service.
The average travel time sits between 4.5 and 5.5 hours.
Most buses depart from ADO Tame, ADO Altabrisa, Merida Unica Bus Station, or ADO Terminal Alterna Paseo 60.
You’ll arrive in Playa del Carmen Alterna. Note where this station is located and how far from your hotel to make life easier for your future self!
Most buses have a good range of amenities, including ample luggage storage, A/C, WCs, TVs, and some even have WiFi.
Flights from Merida to Playa del Carmen are faster, taking around 2 hours and 20 minutes.
The average price per person starts at $102.
This flight departs from Merida Airport (MID) and arrives at Cancun Airport (CUN).
Like most flights, these include A/C and WC access. Food and drink service isn’t guaranteed onboard, so make sure you grab a snack before you fly.
The journey from Merida to Playa del Carmen heads east across Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Most buses follow 180 Highway, which is extremely safe and often traveled by tourists. You’ll pass by the Parque Estatal Langunas de Yalahau, cenotes, and rural towns.
However, views from the buses are usually limited. So, don’t worry if you need some shut-eye between exciting adventures!
Overall, this is a safe ride for travelers of all ages, genders, and nationalities. In popular destinations in Mexico, bus station staff usually have basic English skills, so don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
Traveling by plane? The flight from Merida to Playa del Carmen also takes you east across the Yucatan Peninsula, giving you views of the iconic coastline, green space, and towns between the two cities.
The best time to travel there is from November to May.
In truth, Playa del Carmen experien ces temperatures of 80 to 87°F (27 to 31°C) all year round. However, the weather is drier from November to May, making it the perfect time to beach hop, catch some rays, and enjoy the tropical vibes.
From June to October, you can expect anywhere from 6.6 to 13.7 inches (170 to 350 mm) of rain per month. So, there are some dry days, but you might have to miss out on some sunbathing time if a storm rolls in.
The sea temperature in Playa del Carmen is around 82 to 86°F (28 to 30°C) all year, with the warmest month being August. No ice baths here, baby!
If you have ample time after Playa del Carmen, consider a quick trip to Cancun. Cancun is another world-famous beach town just north of Playa del Carmen. Here, you can schmooze at fancy beach clubs, work on your tan, and party throughout the night.
Playa del Carmen to Cancun takes one hour by bus, making it a great stop for a quick day trip.
Although you may be starting your holiday on your own, you`ll likely end up spending your entire holiday with others.
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Although the world is experiencing an unprecedented shutdown, there’s no reason why we can’t still dream about our next family destination.
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